2 Georgia Bulldogs (3-0) at 4 Alabama Crimson Tide (3-0)

Saturday, 9/28, 7:30 PM, ABC

This is the game of the year—the two kings of college football, Georgia and Alabama, face off in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Georgia showed their weaknesses during their last game against Kentucky, only beating the Wildcats 13-12. They clearly have some offensive issues but their dominant defense continues to be consistent every week like it has been for the last 3 years. Alabama, on the other hand, have not had any offensive problems this season, with their star QB Jalen Milroe accounting for 14 touchdowns in 3 games. This will be a battle for sure, but I’m not sure Georgia can keep up with Alabama’s explosive offense.

Prediction: Georgia 24 Alabama 31

15 Louisville Cardinals (3-0) at 16 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (3-1) 

Saturday, 9/28, 3:30 PM, Peacock

After Notre Dame’s embarrassing 16-14 loss at home to Northern Illinois, it seems like they’ve rebounded, as they’ve outscored their last 2 opponents 94-10. Louisville’s offense has been off the charts to start the season, averaging 47 points per game despite their weak opponents. However, Notre Dame’s defense isn’t a force to be reckoned with, so I expect this game to be a lower scoring affair. Notre Dame needs to keep their offense rolling, or they are going to deal with another loss at home, therefore ending their playoff hopes. 

Prediction: Louisville 17 Notre Dame 27

19 Illinois Illini (4-0) at 9 Penn State Nittany Lions (3-0)

Saturday, 9/28, 7:30 PM, NBC

After Illinois’ overtime thriller win at Nebraska last Friday, they have to go to another dangerous environment in Penn State’s Happy Valley in the primetime slot. The defense of the Illini have been the force winning them games, as they had five sacks and forced an interception against Nebraska. After years of disappointing offensive play, Penn State seems to finally find their offensive groove—with the 9th ranked team scoring 124 points in 3 games. It is highly unlikely that the Nittany Lions will drop their primetime match-up against the Illini, but anything can happen in college football. 

Prediction: Illinois 13 Penn State 28

20 Oklahoma State Cowboys (3-1) at 23 Kansas State Wildcats (3-1)

Saturday, 9/28, 12:00 PM, ESPN

The two Big 12 teams have something in common: they both lost games last week to teams from Utah (Utah and BYU). This game is even more important due to their disappointing results last week, and these teams have to win this game to keep their playoff hopes alive. Kansas State QB Avery Johnson had a bad performance last week, throwing two interceptions during the Wildcats’ 38-9 loss at BYU. Oklahoma State’s Ollie Gordon could be the difference in this game, as they must run the ball more than last week if they want to win. Kansas State has the home field advantage in this game, which may determine the winner in this Big 12 battle.

Prediction: Oklahoma State 22 Kansas State 28

Washington State Cougars (4-0) at 25 Boise State Broncos (2-1)

Saturday, 9/28, 10:00 PM, FOX

If you are staying up late Saturday night, this is a must-watch game. Two high-scoring offenses in the Pacific region of America always results in a football classic. Washington State had exactly that last Friday, with a 54-52 win over San Jose State in one of the best college football games of the decade. Boise State has Heisman-hopeful running back Ashton Jeanty who will tear apart the Cougars defense. There will likely be little defense played in this matchup, which will result in pure entertainment. 

Prediction: Washington State 34 Boise State 35

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

Colorado Buffaloes (3-1) at UCF Knights (3-0)

Saturday, 9/28, 3:30 PM, FOX

Last week, Colorado completed an insane comeback against Baylor, including a 43 yard Hail Mary by QB Sheduer Sanders to force overtime where they won 38-31. UCF had a similar game against TCU, completing an 18 point comeback with star running back RJ Harvey having 180 rushing yards in a crucial win over the Horned Frogs. These two teams matchup really well against each other, and this will make for a competitive and entertaining game.

Prediction: Colorado 27 UCF 30

3 Ohio State Buckeyes (3-0) at Michigan State Spartans (4-0) 

Saturday, 9/28, 7:00 PM, Peacock

This will be Ohio State’s first challenge of the season, going to East Lansing to face a decent Spartans team. Michigan State lost a nail-biter at Boston College last week due to QB Adrian Chiles’ inconsistent play, which he must remain consistent if Michigan State wants to stand a chance against the Buckeyes. Ohio State’s roster is one of the best in college football, with running backs Quinshon Judkins and Treveyon Henderson combining for 543 rushing yards in 3 games. This game may be a blowout, but Ohio State hasn’t played a team as good as Michigan State so far. 

Prediction: Ohio State 35 Michigan State 17