15 Other Notable Games

Because unranked teams matter, too!

Toledo at Northern Illinois
I'll admit to knowing next to nothing about either of these teams except both had shots at SEC teams and both lost pretty big. At least Northern Illinois' loss came on the road though, so I'll pick them.
My Call: Northern Illinois 33, Toledo 31

East Carolina at Cincinnati
Second straight loss for East Carolina. Gunner Kiel outduels Shane Carden in a game where I wouldn't be surprised if 60 minutes proved to not be enough.
My Call: Cincinnati 44, East Carolina 41

California at USC
Although the Trojans can have all sorts of issues closing out games towards the end if they're close, I don't see that being too big an issue here. USC doesn't have a fantastic offense, but they'll put up some big points against that Cal defense and although Jared Goff could get some nice numbers of his own, he can't do it alone.
My Call: USC 41, California 27

Iowa at Illinois
Embarrassing loss for the Hawkeyes on the road against the Golden Gophers. Kirk Ferentz will fix some of what ailed his club in that game and it'll be enough to bounce back against the Illini.
My Call: Iowa 28, Illinois 24

Oklahoma at Texas Tech
With or without starting QB Travor Knight, I don't see this game being a huge issue for the Sooners. They can use their running game and relatively strong defense to pound their way to victory.
My Call: Oklahoma 35, Texas Tech 20

Indiana at Rutgers
Bowl eligibility comes for Rutgers with this win.
My Call: Rutgers 27, Indiana 17

Temple at Penn State
Thanks to a NCAA ruling, the Penn State football program is eligible for a return to postseason play this year. They become eligible with a home win over Temple, but it's close.
My Call: Penn State 20, Temple 17

South Carolina at Florida
Gonna go against smart thinking here and pick South Carolina. Why, you ask? Well, Steve Spurrier coached at Florida for many years and has had an extra week to get his club ready to go for this one. Give a great coach some extra incentive and it can lead to a small surprise.
My Call: South Carolina 34, Florida 30

Pittsburgh at North Carolina
No idea. I basically have to throw a dart here and hope for the best. Pitt running back James Connor will very likely tear apart UNC's poor defense, but I think UNC will have the answer in a close win.
My Call: North Carolina 32, Pittsburgh 28

Nevada at Air Force
Homefield advantage makes this pick for me.
My Call: Air Force 37, Nevada 31

Wake Forest at North Carolina State
Does another team wrap up bowl eligibility this week? You bet. NC State gets it done.
My Call: North Carolina State 30, Wake Forest 16

Georgia Southern at Navy
This game could be the one that quietly ends up being one of the better ones in college football this coming weekend but will get no coverage since all ESPN really cares about is the teams still in the hunt for the playoff. Gonna roll with Georgia Southern. They won at Florida last year, only lost by 4 on the road to Georgia Tech and only by a point to NC STate this year.
My Call: Georgia Southern 45, Navy 42

Kentucky at Tennessee
Big game for both teams here as Kentucky becomes bowl eligible with a win and for Tennessee, they'd have to like their chances at bowl eligibility if they can win this game as a home game with Vanderbilt remains on the schedule (along with a road game at Missouri). If Kentucky doesn't get it done here, they'll have to do it at Louisville. That gives them incentive, but I like the Vols. They're the more talented club here and at home.
My Call: Tennessee 26, Kentucky 16

Texas at Oklahoma State
With trips to Waco and Norman on tap after this game, this amounts to essentially a must win for Oklahoma State if they want to make a bowl game. Texas is in the same sort of situation as their last game of the season is at home against TCU. They could make that game a bit tricky for the Horned Frogs, but I don't like their chances. I'll take the Pokes at home and have no confidence whatsoever in the pick.
My Call: Oklahoma State 17, Texas 16

San Diego State at Boise State
That blue turf and the Broncos team will prove too much for San Diego State.
My Call: Boise State 30, San Diego State 13