Review of Week 6

Underdogs: 5-1

Florida State (L)

Iowa (W)

USC (W)

Kentucky (W)

Houston (W)

North Carolina (W)

Friday

Florida State at Louisville

Score: 20 - 44

• Game Summary: Florida State had a fast start. Ran the ball very well. Went up 14-0 with maybe the catch of the year via Danzy. It looked like there was no stopping them. The defensive line got a lot of pressure. Drove down the field and were about to make it 21-0 before all hell broke loose. On fourth and goal from the ride hash with 3 yards to go, they were stopped. Just when you think the game was about to be sealed is when the momentum changed. That stopped led to a 97 yard touchdown run by Isaac Brown next play. I could feel the electricity that play created and how every fan in there felt believe once again. From there it was an all Louisville show. Florida State was able to hold their ground to keep it tied at half 14-14 before the blood bath of the second half that occurred. Louisville was able to produce four touchdowns while Florida State was only able to produce one before time hit zero. At the end of the game all you could think to yourself is if the Louisville you saw against Ole Miss is back.

• My Predicton: I thought this would be the game where Florida State would have the most eyes they've had on them since the Alabama loss and redeem themselves. This was my first underdog game of the weekend. I've seen the recent improvement by the Seminoles and how the offense has been putting together good drives while the defense has been getting stops and putting them in no need to play from behind. I lost faith in Louisville after a couple losses, but not this has given me back that faith I originally had in them.

20 Iowa at Washington

Score: 41 - 24

• Game Summary: From the start, Iowa ran down the field. Drive after drive. Washington’s defense looked impressive last week so I was very surprised the run defense didn't make it back with them from LA. So much for Iowa having a back up quarterback because he looked better than Hank Brown and the back shoulder throws made an appearance as well. Iowa dominated the first half heading into halftime 27-3. Washington's line was one problem that led to poor offense, but the quarterback play was at fault too. Jedd Fisch saw that problem before benching Williams Jr. for Brown. The second half was no different for Iowa, but the Huskies offense seemed to improve and was able to put some points on the board before time reached zero.

• My Prediction: I was in person for this game so it was a great first time experience being in Seattle. The stadium was beautiful and I was very surprised to see how many people made the trip to see their Hawkeyes play. An amazing atmosphere and loved how no matter where you sat in the stadium you always felt like you had a great view of the game from both sides of the field. I loved Iowa in this one. I was shocked to find them as three point underdogs. This was the second underdog game of the weekend. I felt like it was a little disrespectful after the fight they put up the week prior to Ohio State. The offense was everything I thought it would be and the defense showed everyone what Hawkeye fans see week in and week out. I was very impressed and underestimated the pass game they have.

Iowa State at 8 BYU

Score: 10 - 24

• Game Summary: This game was more of a defensive game. To some that might be boring, but to the eye of a football fan it is just a different type of enjoyment. There's beauty in all facets of a football game and there was plenty in this one that was played in Provo, Utah. BYU did most of the scoring in the first half heading into halftime at 14-3. A big part of that is because of the solid defense they played Friday night. BYU has not been on center stage at all this year, but their defense has played every game like they've been on one and Friday wasn't any different. Though the offense had struggled last week in Fort Worth, they seemed to find their mojo in this one. Though they might not be the most exciting team to watch doesn't mean they aren't one of the best teams in the nation. The second half was no different. Iowa State was able to find there was in the endzone one time all night after putting up forty-five points on West Virginia last week. BYU played sound football while producing some offensive plays to secure a win in a dominant fashion before the clock hit zero.

• My Prediction: I was 100% confident that the Cougars were going to pull a win. Now I didn't expect them to dominate on the defensive side the way they did. After watching Iowa State put 45 points on West Virginia I had thoughts of this game being a shootout, and maybe BYU's first test. I also had thoughts that they might be looking ahead a week since they have Notre Dame coming into Provo on the 17th. BYU really impressed me defensively, but still believe they need some work with the offense.

Saturday

19 USC at Penn State

Score: 31 - 23

• Game Summary: In life there are many things that are annual events. Holidays, celebrations, and conventions are a few that come to mind. In Happy Valley, Pennsylvania there is one that happens in Beaver Stadium every year. This is known as the White Out Game. A game that produces a quality moment in the college football season that is at the center of attention for that week's slate. A game where it gives every college football fan (including me) a reason to argue our way into changing the minds of others to believe that college football is the greatest sport on earth. The crowd being all white and an atmosphere that is so loud that makes every visitor year in and year out having trouble with hearing and communication. Just one of the many things you can only find in college football. With USC having trouble on the East Coast since Riley taking over, it's been at the center of talking points whenever USC hits the road. This game would be a game that Riley silenced his haters. USC started off hot driving down the field and showing that this crowd was not going to affect them at all. Penn State answered back with Becht finding a wide open tight end to the left side of the field and walking into the end zone. Both teams kept trading punches and entered halftime tied at 17. This game had an entertaining first half and the second half did not disappoint at all. Penn State made a field goal to put it 20-17 lead, but that would be the last time they had the lead. All it took was for the Trojans to get the ball back before driving down the field as King Miller found the endzone to put the Trojans up 24-20 on a 13 yard touchdown run. Penn State would answer back with a field goal, but it wasn't very long before USC found their way in the endzone again to put the lead to eight points. In moments like this, USC has had trouble with defensive stops and all, but that is not what happened Saturday night in Beaver Stadium. USC's defense made adjustments and punts and a fourth down stop that would secure the victory.

• My Prediction: I might be biased because I'm a USC fan, but I had 100% confidence that they would win this game. This was the third underdog game of the weekend. I was very surprised to find them as an underdog due to the poor performances that Penn State has had the two weeks prior to this game. They've also found trouble producing offense which they surprisingly were able to. The USC defense struggled a little, but was proud to see the defense come in clutch when needed and get some of the stops they did. The offense did not disappoint and loved to see Trent Mosley comeback and never skip a beat.

1 Texas vs Oklahoma

Score: 24 - 27

• Game Summary: To some this is just a game. To others this is the game. Those people are the fans of Oklahoma and Texas. This is every Texas and Oklahoma kid's dream when they grow up playing football. The opportunity one day to play in the Cotton Bowl for their team as they take part in the Red River Rivalry. This game takes place in the middle of the Texas State Fair and offers a unique experience of fun, football, and the state fair. This was a game for the decades and one that will be on every player's mind when they look back on their career in college. It was a pretty slow game to start. Defense was at front and center. Both struggled on offense, but Arch Manning was able to produce two touchdown throws and head into half 17-7 as Oklahoma's lone touchdown was off a blocked punt. As halftime came around, you can see all the fans wearing burnt orange celebrating while fans wearing red stressed not seeing a clear picture of how the Sooners could come out with a victory. That would change before you know it. In a game like this, emotions are at the front of everyone's mind as they are adrenaline filled to bring the golden hat back home. This isn't just any golden hat, but a 10-galloon cowboy hat that was first introduced in 1941. Texas was able to hold their ground in the third, but when the fourth came so did the Oklahoma Sooners. With everyone thinking that Oklahoma has no offense, they surprised them all with a drive down the field and finding the endzone on a 2 yard touchdown run from Lloyd Avant. Following the drive, Texas made a mistake that would cost them the game. As Arch Manning rolled out to his right, he did something that every quarterback is warned not to do. He threw across his body and before you knew it Peyton Bowen was running in the endzone for a 42 yard pick six. With Oklahoma having the lead, Manning took the Longhorns down the field and tied it at 24. With less than a minute, Arch Manning found himself throwing his second interception of the fourth quarter. With less than 20 seconds left, Oklahoma found a way to get into field goal range. As time ran out, Oklahoma kicked a 47 yard game winner to knock off the undefeated, number one ranked Texas Longhorns.

• My Prediction: I was sold on Texas all week. I think Texas had every opportunity to win this game. With mistakes like a blocked punt and multiple turnovers, they left the door open for the Oklahoma Sooners to fight themselves back into the game. I was impressed by the Texas defense for the most part. Though they did a good job, the offense seemed very inconsistent. The line looked horrific in the second half and felt like Arch Manning was running for his life for most of it. I didn't find anything good from the Oklahoma offense, but that defense came clutch when they needed to.

2 Georgia at 6 Alabama

Score: 20 - 17

• Game Summary: This game took place in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Bryant-Denny Stadium and Nick Saban field is where it took place. Primetime game that had the whole country's attention when it came to who would be the next number one. With Alabama's high power offense and Georgia's well rounded defense, everyone had questions on how this game was going to go. It definitely didn't go the way I expected it to go. From the gecko, Georgia came out guns blazing. They took the lead and had the lead for most of the game. Alabama had a great run defense, but when you're playing against a quarterback like Gunner Stockton; you need to have a good pass defense as well. Gunner Stockton dished out some impressive throws and great plays that gave Georgia the early lead 10-0 in the second quarter. This wouldn't last long before Alabama answered back with a 22 yard pass from Kelon Russell and 1 yard touchdown run as time expired before the half to head up in half 14-10 on the Bulldogs. Whatever Kirby told his team in that locker room at half, I wish I was there to hear it. If you thought Georgia brought the intensity in the first half then you had to see the second half. With Georgia getting the ball back, Gunner Stockton found himself doing Gunner Stockton things. Georgia drove down and took the lead before Alabama tied it at 17 heading into the fourth quarter. Now this game was won in the fourth quarter. With 5:19 left in the fourth quarter, Georgia found themselves taking the lead again with a 23 yard field goal to put them up 20-17. With those five minutes left, Georgia's defense found a way to get two stops and hold out to a victory and win a game as an underdog.

• My Prediction: This is an embarrassing one to admit, but I had Alabama. I rarely bet against Georgia, but I had questions about their secondary and it just felt like no one would ever be able to stop that high power offense operated by Kelon Russell. Was I wrong. It was an incredible game to watch. I was more than impressed with the Georgia defense. I was honestly speechless after watching the game. The incredible growth they continue to make and how Kirby Smart consistently has top tier defenses year in and year out. It is truly a special thing to watch. My favorite part of the game was watching Georgia be Georgia when they ran down the field to set themselves up for the game winning field goal. I think Alabama did well, but one of the touchdowns was from a good field situation after an interception and really didn't see much from the offense like I thought I would. Defense traveled and it showed that defense wins championships.

7 Indiana at Nebraska

Score: 20 - 17

• Game Summary: Lincoln, Nebraska Saturday morning is where almost every Nebraskan was at. 415 consecutive sell outs. An NCAA record. This game would only be more reason for people to continue that streak. The defending national champions made their way to Lincoln, Nebraska Saturday morning to continue their streak of 27 against unranked opponents. This was not just any unranked opponent, but the best team that Matt Rhule has had as Nebraska's head coach. The Cornhuskers came out swinging and didn't stop for as long as they could. Nebraska marched down the field as quarterback Anothony Colandrea checked down to drag routes and made some magic happen outside the pocket to put themselves up 3-0. Indiana did as they usually do and drove down the field to tie it up at 3 with a 42 yard field goal. Nebraska then punched back, driving back down the field before Nyziah Hunter took it for 10 yards and made it a 10-3 Nebraska lead heading into halftime. This was a very hardfought game and the second half only got better. The Cornhuskers came for a fight allowing only one field goal in the third entering the fourth quarter with a 10-6 lead. This is when fireworks went off. Colandrea took it to the house for 39 yards with 12:01 left to play, leaving everyone in the stadium wondering if the upset was really going to happen. Just before you know it Josh Hoover hits Nick Marsh on a slant that goes for 75 yards and Indiana is back in the game down 17-13. Following the next drive, Hoover connected with Marsh on a fourth down for a 44 yard touchdown pass to gain the lead of 20-17 with 7:13 left in the game. Indiana's defense might not have come to the game prepared, but they made the stops when they needed it the most before getting a fourth down stop and securing yet another win to extend that winning streak against unranked opponents.

• My Predictions: I was honestly shocked by the performance of Nebraska. They definitely were a lot better than the team I thought they were. I was also surprised by the impact the wind had on the game. Indiana had many times where they looked to make a play but that wind took the ball away from the receiver or defensive back. As soon as the fourth quarter came and the wind was not a problem they were able to get back on track and take advantage of it. I loved seeing the fight between both teams. It's hard to ever rule out Indiana especially after a performance like this. I had Indiana winning huge, but still a win is a win.

10 LSU at Kentucky

Score: 34 - 35 (OT)

• Game Summary: All week there was talk of upset brewing in Lexington, but little did anyone know that this game would be to the level of entertaining it was. Kentucky has been nothing of remarkable to watch this season. Their wins might not be pretty, but we don't care about how pretty someone's victory is. All we care about is a win and whatever it takes to get that win is not a factor. They had Kentcuky at +14.5 underdog and everyone doubted them. I wouldn't say everyone, but you could read about my opinion in my predictions section. For every time LSU scored, Kentucky had an answer for them. LSU kicked a field goal to go up 3, but Kentucky answered with a 77 yard run before finishing in the endzone for a 3 yard touchdown run by Baxter. LSU then answered with a 22 yard touchdown pass before Kentucky answered with a 55 yard punt return for a touchdown. This game was a fight all game as Kentucky punched it in with time running out into halftime with a quarterback sneak to make it 21-17 lead. The second half didn't fail to entertain and headline an impressive week of college football. LSU was the lone team to score in the third quarter as Kentucky headed into the fourth quarter leading 21-20. Both teams threw punches with Kentucky making just two of the four field goals forcing it into overtime. LSU got the ball first and quickly scored a touchdown and PAT before handing the ball back over to Kentucky. Kentucky found the endzone as well, but went the route of a two-point conversion. With LSU taking a timeout before Kentucky took one themselves, the two-point conversion was had. It was a remarkable play call by head coach Will Stein to show tight formations the two previous set ups before spreading everyone out and causing some confusion to that LSU defense. As you watch Kentucky quarterback Minchey run up the middle with no one within five yards to stop him and watch the fans rush the field for one of the biggest upsets in Kentucky Football history.

• My Predictions: I called this game on my YouTube channel and believed that the Wildcats were going to be able to get it done. I loved watching every part of this game. I was really impressed with how Will Stein called this game and kept running the ball throughout the whole game. The run game got you to this point and he didn't run away from it. The quarterback Minchey seems to continue to keep impressing me and gets better every week. I really think Baxter doesn't get talked about enough and will be considered for Heisman talk if he continues the production he's had up to this point in the season. The defense also showed another adaption of whatever was thrown their way and this team has a grit that is scary and something every coach searches for.

21 UCLA at 13 Oregon

Score: 17 - 15

• Game Summary: Eugene, Oregon is a beautiful sight. Autzen Stadium is one of the most legendary and feared stadiums that comes first to people's minds when they think about an away game and all the trouble that comes with playing on the road. This game was nothing what some expected, but the turnovers take the headline for it. With a combination of 10 turnovers and Oregon committing 7 of those; the picture was ugly, but every football game can't be a team's best. In fact, this game was the worst game played by both teams this year so far. With UCLA being 10 point underdogs, there were still thoughts that maybe this Oregon team could be with two losses by the end of this game. The results and game played did not disappoint. UCLA got the ball first and bullied their way down the field to go up 3-0 before fumbling on their next drive giving Oregon the ball on the 1 yard line. Sadly, this would be Oregon's only touchdown till the fourth quarter as they took a 6 point lead before UCLA found a way to score another touchdown and take the ball over three times in the first half to lead 10-6. If you thought that was an ugly game played by Oregon then you would have been disgusted to have them play in the second half. Oregon committed another two turnovers in the third quarter and a 10-6 game going into the fourth quarter was every bit of this nail bitter we hoped for. UCLA answered early in the quarter with a 9 yard touchdown pass to Knight by backup quarter Dieffenbach to put the Bruins up 17-6. The crowd was exceptionally quiet and you could feel the loss of hope every duck fan felt as they continued to watch the game go on. Like any football game, mood swings occur. Oregon finds it in themselves to drive down the field and get on the board with a field goal to make it a 17-9 game and a one possession game to some. This comes after Lanning decides to bench Raiola for Thomas. You could feel the life of the stadium was alive and the momentum took a full swing. Oregon got a quick three and out before having a 44 yard touchdown pass to close the game to 17-15. The idea that you run the ball on a two point conversion has always been something that made me scratch my head and wonder. Well this was the play call and lets just say this is the play that won the UCLA Bruins the game as they stuffed the middle and stopped the Ducks from tying the game up.

• My Predictions: I was very uncertain of this game. I did not think there was a team I was in confident in. I would love to say that I picked the Bruins, but I had a little belief that these Ducks might make a change for the better after the big victory in LA two weeks ago. I was very surprised by the amount of turnovers that Oregon committed which is the reason Oregon found themselves going to their third string in the fourth quarter. The defense played sound football and didn't allow much to really go past them. The offense giving them the ball on the 1 yard line didn't help, but they fought hard and it showed how coach Bob Chesney has made some drastic changes since coming in this offseason.

South Carolina at 16 Florida

Score: 38 - 19

• Game Summary: Gainsville, Florida had another sold out Saturday this weekend. After the historic win they had against Ole Miss and in the dominant fashion they did, why wouldn't any Gator fan not want to watch their team in person. Well, they got the beating returned last week in Columbia, Missouri and looked for this week as a way to reboot and get back on track. This was also a test for if South Carolina could get a win over any opponent in the conference as they've struggled this season with that problem. This game started quick for the Gators as quarterback Philo threw a 59 yard touchdown pass to teammate Bailey Stockton to put themselves up to an early 7-0. This looked like it was about to be a bloodbath for the South Carolina Gamecocks, but it was the opposite of that. South Carolina answered back before the quarter ended with a 15 yard touchdown catch from Nyck Harbor before outscoring Florida in the second quarter to head into halftime with a lead of 17-10 on the road. The first half didn't look pretty for the Gators outside of that first drive and it only got uglier as the time got closer to zero. Coming out of halftime, Florida found their way to drive down the field and kick a field goal to put it at a 17-13. Just when every fan in the Swamp got hope, it would then be taken from them and never return for the rest of the game. South Carolina answered three consecutive touchdowns of their own before Florida found themselves in the endzone. Florida really struggled in all facets and the score of 38-19 did not put to picture the beating that really happened on that field.

• My Predicitions: I felt like this was going to be an opportunity for the Gators to get back on track especially after that whooping they were handed from the Missouri Tigers. South Carolina tends to start quick, but they've struggled maintaining that type of play throughout the whole game. This really shocked me how Florida looked this bad and they lost the game in all facets of the game. I thought maybe the road game was the main factor for two weeks ago, but coach Sumrall needs to find what will fix this team and needs to fast because they have a schedule that doesn't allow a team time to figure out their problems.

22 Houston at Kansas State

Score: 35 - 16

• Game Summary: There was a game this weekend in Manhattan, Kansas that had the attention of the Big 12 Conference. The idea that this game plays a vital role in the conference play still shocks me. Houston has had big expectations and even more when they showed that they could hang with the big boys after a tight loss in Lubbock, Texas on a Friday night game earlier in the season. This wasn’t really a game at all. The whole first half was just Kansas State trying to hold on for their life and Houston showing their dominance as they entered halftime 21-3. Connor Weigman played phenomenal and it carried into the second half. I wish I could say the same with Avery Johnson, but it was all Weigman in this game. Houston found the endzone three times before the Wildcats found it once and had a lead of 35-9 heading into the fourth quarter. Kansas State had no answers for anything Houston cooked up on the offense and the play by their offense couldn't keep. Avery Johnson had no time and some of his poor decision making and turnovers was a clear picture for the fans on who was the better team out there on the field.

• My Predictions: I had Houston as my pick from the moment I saw this matchup. This was underdog number five for me. Just because a Sportsbook doesn't think they aren't going to win doesn't mean I agree with it. I've watched Houston play a lot more than most of the country (including these people who talk college football for a living) and knew this was going to be a layup. I thought this game was going to come down to quarterback play and it did. The overall performance was greater, but my initial thought was the better quarterback would win the game.

North Carolina at 25 Pitt

Score: 21 - 17

• Game Summary: Bill Belichick has had all eyes on him since the season open win against TCU in Ireland. Since then a lot of ups and downs have gone North Carolina's way, but they have shown some steady improvement. Two losses coming to Clemson and Notre Dame. Now their next challenger would be Pitt Panthers with an undefeated record and a game a week prior that came down to the wire. It seemed like both teams were battle tested and an exciting matchup was about to place Saturday morning. It wasn't necessarily exciting, but I thought it was a very good game. Pitt started hot with a 10 point lead in the second before North Carolina found there was to cut down the lead to 3 before heading into overtime. You could see after that first touchdown, the Tarheel defense made adjustments and kept their team in the game. They kept that resilience and limited the Panthers to just one more touchdown in the second half. As Pitt took a 17-14 lead early in the fourth quarter, little thought of maybe a shootout was about to occur with the way their offenses were playing. North Carolina answered the very next play for a 75 yard touchdown catch by Shamar Easter to put the Tarheels up 21-17. From there, Belichick did what he does best and coached his team to a shut out performance and got some essential stops including a fourth down stop that would allow North Carolina secure the win and move into Week 7 with a 3-2 record.

• My Predictions: I was sold on North Carolina the whole time and them being underdogs just gave me more reason to include them in my picks. This was the sixth and finally underdog of my weekend. So much for the Sportsbook for calling teams to lose because it doesn't stop me from pulling the trigger and calling the upset. I was really impressed with how North Carolina continues to improve and play sound football. I picked them because I've watched them every week so far and was really impressed with their performance against Notre Dame the week prior. For Notre Dame being the team everyone says, how could the Tarheels be underdogs while giving the Fighting Irish the hardest fight they've had up to that point in the season. Pitt having a backup quarterback played a role, but just really loved the team that is developing in Chapel Hill. It reminds me a lot of what teams in New England looked like, played, and were built.

Wake Forest at NC State

Score: 38 - 14

• Game Summary: Raleigh, North Carolina was a busy place Saturday as the Wake Forest Deacons made their way into town. This game had a lot of hype because of the impressive last couple of performances quarter CJ Bailey has been having. The thought of Wake Forest going on the road had people thinking upset alert. I would like to say I don't associate with these people and am glad I chose correctly for this game. Wake Forest just came off a dominant performance where they demolished Stanford with a victory greater than 50 points. This game had the attention of everyone in that stadium for the first half. CJ Bailey fumbled leading the Wake Forest offense into scoring position to go up 7 early in the first quarter. NC State answered back with two touchdowns before Wake Forest cut down the lead to four with a field goal heading into half. This game had a great defensive game written all over it until it was. The second half was the total opposite of that first half, and it doesn’t surprise me one bit. Sometimes it takes teams time to get into their groove when they are on the road. Wake Forest's offense kicked it into gear and won the third quarter in a fashion of 21-0 and didn’t look back. The offense looked like the offense I've seen weeks prior and added another touchdown in the fourth to make it four in the second half and win the second half 28-0 and win in a dominant fashion.

• My Predictions: Wake Forest is a team that seems not to be getting the recognition they deserve simply because of their brand. It is easy to say things, but I 100 percent believe if they were my USC Trojans then they would be ranked higher as well be talked about every week. I was confident from the second I saw this picked due to the victory I watched them get over Louisville. They put up a good fight against Miami and have shown that they can play with the big boys. I don't know how much it will take for them to be in talks with others, but this is a scary team that no one wants on their schedule at the moment.

Virginia Tech at Cal

Score: 20 - 25

• Game Summary: It was a sunny afternoon in Berkeley with the Cal Golden Bears looking for a win to build some momentum on. The offense has looked terrible in the recent weeks and maybe the back up quarterback could be that changed. Virginia Tech started this game as they have every game so far. They started fast and with a lead. Before you know it, Cal answers back with a touchdown of their own. Virginia Tech eventually found their way back in the endzone and gave Cal the ball with 1:15 left in the half. Cal found a way to drive it all the way into the redzone before kicking a field goal and cutting down the lead to 14-10. Cal came out swinging in the second half and it felt like Virigina Tech had no answers for them. Cal was picking apart that defense and actually threw the ball. The krypton of the offense was actually in the works and it was showing what magic it could do for them. With seven minutes left in the game, Virginia Tech found a way to reach the endzone to take the lead 20-19 after failing a two point conversion. Just when you think the game is over, Cal makes it a game. With just under three minutes left in the game, Cal finds their way in the red zone throwing the ball. Prior to the touchdown, Virigina Tech was called on three straight plays of PI. 18 seconds wasn't enough time for the Hokies to make a comeback and found themselves in a two game losing streak.

• My Predictions: I was super confident in what Virginia Tech had at their disposable compared to Cal. Cal had been the opposite of impressive up to this point in the season. I was really high on them to start the season and they've done nothing but disappoint. I really thought with the quarterback, running back, and receivers 2 and 3 out; that they'd be in shambles but man was I wrong. It looked like I was right in the first half, but that's why there's two halves to a football game. I was really surprised to see the pass game Cal had and how inconsistent the Virginia Tech run game was.

NDSU vs UNLV

Score: 7 - 13

• Game Summary: This game had the hype that a primetime game would have. Though the seats might not have been filled, the attention of America was paying attention to it. The first game for North Dakota State where people might think they lose as an FBS member now. The idea that this team could just move up to the FBS level and be dominant was a question on everyone's mind prior to this season. This would be the biggest test yet for the Bison. The game was slow overall, but it started off with a bang when Andre Porter intercepted the ball and took it to the house for 23 yards to put the Rebels up 7-0. From there it was slow. North Dakota State found difficulty winning the line of scrimmage on both sides. The Bison found the endzone with a 21 yard pass to Chris Kiel to tie it up at 7. Both teams fought tough till halftime to keep it tied. With such a slow game that was played, thoughts of North Dakota State victory grew bigger and bigger. UNLV was able to outscore the Bison in the second half 6-0 and get a victory. With multiple fourth down stops, the Rebel's defense won the game and sent the Bison home with their first FBS defeat in the history books.

• My Predictions: I thought North Dakota State was going to dominate this game. I could see the momentum was in favor of UNLV especially after the victory against Cal last week. I knew the starting running back would be out, but I didn’t think they would skip a beat on the run game. I was really disappointed to see them lose the line of the scrimmage on both sides. Even with the struggles and all, they could've won the game if they never would've thrown that pick six to give UNLV a free touchdown. This will definitely be a learning game and my confidence will continue to be there with the Bison. This being a road game definitely played a role, but I still love everything North Dakota State has shown this year.

Minnesota vs Purdue

Score: 13 - 41

• Game Summary: This game was a defining late night sleeper. The media attention and idea of Purdue putting a fight up seemed very little when being talked about during the week. Minnesota coming off a big win vs Michigan and seeing if they can continue to produce good results while Purdue just came off a big road win against Illinois. This game was set to be a big one with no real idea of how big it could be. Purdue started off hot with a 10 point lead heading into the second quarter. Minnesota seemed lost and frankly had poor tackling. This did not change one bit in the second quarter. Purdue managed to keep Minnesota to 3 points in the first half while adding another 10 points to head into halftime with a 20-3 lead. The amount of energy and loudness would only continue to grow. The first half did not look pretty at all and questions about the offense were going through everybody's head. Purdue continued where they left off by putting a touchdown on the board first. The Minnesota defense was holding on for dear life as every play seemed like it was on the verge of becoming a big one. Minnesota's offense took a step in the right direction as they kicked a field goal and scored a touchdown to cut the lead down to 14 heading into the fourth quarter. Not much hope, but little hope was with Minnesota. The players had life and belief that they could make a comeback. That didn't last long after Purdue produced two touchdown runs to secure the win with a 28 point victory.

• My Predictions: This game was all Minnesota in my mind. The idea that Purdue would even stand a chance was crazy in my mind. I loved how close the lines were and thought Vegas was giving me a layup with this one. Well, Vegas knew something I didn't. I picked this game as my, "What the Fish Game of the Week." Purdue outrushed Minnesota 305 to 27 yards. It was so hard to watch Minnesota get run on especially when you think of Minnesota as a tough and physical defense. The defense couldn't tackle for their lives and the quarterback of Purdue made them look silly. I was very impressed by the quarterback of Purdue and how he made plays outside the pocket, inside the pocket, and scrambled for the first down multiple times. The defense did well too and will be overlooked, but without a doubt the defense won me over Saturday night.