About this episode
No. 24 Illinois Fighting Illini (+8.5) at No. 22 Nebraska Cornhuskers — Friday, 8 p.m., FOXIllinois has a nice upset over Kansas and plays great defense. Nebraska’s big win was a blowout of Colorado, but freshman QB Dylan Raiola has had it too easy so far. I expect a grind-it-out Big Ten game. I’ll take Illinois and the points.Brian’s Pick: Illinois +8.5Florida Gators (-6.5) at Mississippi State Bulldogs — Noon, ESPNThis has to be Billy Napier’s first win of the season, or he’s in real trouble. Mississippi State is dreadful, and they were quickly dominated by Toledo last week. If Florida doesn’t win this, it’s over for Napier.Brian’s Pick: Florida -6.5NC State Wolf Pack (+20.5) at No. 21 Clemson Tigers — Noon, ABCWith Grayson McCall out for NC State and true freshman CJ Bailey starting at Clemson, it’s a tough spot for the Wolf Pack. I don’t want to bet on a true freshman in this environment.Brian’s Pick: Clemson -20.5No. 11 USC Trojans (-5.5) at No. 18 Michigan Wolverines — 3:30 p.m., CBSMichigan being a 5.5-point underdog at home shows the lack of confidence in the defending champs. I’ve been down on Michigan, but this line feels bigger than expected. I think Michigan could pull off a surprise win.Brian’s Pick: Michigan +5.5UCLA Bruins (+24.5) at No. 16 LSU Tigers — 3:30 p.m., ABCUCLA has struggled to score, even against Hawaii. LSU has shown some vulnerabilities, but at home, in the Louisiana heat, they’ll be too much for UCLA to handle.Brian’s Pick: LSU -24.5Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (+10.5) at No. 19 Louisville Cardinals — 3:30 p.m., ESPN2Louisville has had an easy schedule so far, but I’m not sold on them. Georgia Tech’s physical run game should keep this one close.Brian’s Pick: Georgia Tech +10.5No. 12 Utah Utes (+1.5) at No. 14 Oklahoma State Cowboys — 4:00 p.m., FOXThe big question is Cam Rising’s health. If he’s not 100%, I’ll take Oklahoma State and their ground game at home.Brian’s Pick: Oklahoma State -1.5No. 8 Miami Hurricanes (-16.5) at USF Bulls — 7:00 p.m., ESPNUSF nearly upset Alabama a couple of weeks ago, and while they might make this interesting, their passing attack isn’t enough to overcome Miami.Brian’s Pick: Miami -16.5Cal Golden Bears (+2.5) at Florida State Seminoles — 7:00 p.m., ESPN2Cal’s defense, especially the linebackers, has been tough. Florida State continues to struggle to find offensive rhythm, and I’ll take Cal as the more consistent team.Brian’s Pick: Cal +2.5No. 6 Tennessee Volunteers (-7.5) at No. 15 Oklahoma Sooners — 7:30 p.m., ABCThis is the game of the day. Tennessee’s offense has been unstoppable with Nico at QB, but the key will be how t
