There are several marquee matchups in the top 25 this week. There is a big showdown in Georgia as the Bulldogs take on Notre Dame. The SEC is headlined by a matchup between the Aggies of Texas A&M, and the Auburn Tigers. This should be a pickup in competitive games as the conference play starts. I have listed my predictions below, and feel free to leave your picks in the comments.

Charlotte (2-1) vs 1 Clemson (3-0)- Clemson 56-14
Trevor Lawrence has yet to play a game this year without throwing an interception, but it hasn’t mattered as the Tigers have been dominant. This trend will continue against a overmatched opponent. I expect Lawrence to perform well, and running back Travis Etienne will have a big day on the ground. Clemson’s defense has been better than advertised, and will have their easiest test on the schedule in week four. Dabo Swinney’s team should roll to another victory, and set themselves up for another great season.

Southern Mississippi (2-1) vs 2 Alabama (3-0)- Alabama 52-21
Alabama was tested early against South Carolina, but their quarterback Tua Tagovailoa took over. He was sensational throwing for five touchdowns, and throwing for well over 300 yards. I expect him to continue to roll with his many weapons at receiver and dominate Southern Mississippi. The biggest question with the Crimson Tide is their inexperienced defense. They struggled at times against the Gamecocks, and have yet to face a truly elite offense. They should be fine against a mediocre Southern Miss squad, and will likely put the game away early in this one.

7 Notre Dame (2-0) vs 3 Georgia (3-0)- Georgia 35-21
This will be another prime time matchup with major college football implications. Notre Dame has a talented quarterback in Ian Book who can beat you with his arm or legs. Notre Dame’s defense has improved since week one, and their offensive line is always stout. They have yet to find a steady running back, but have some good playmakers Chase Claypool at receiver. I’m interested to see how they handle the Georgia offense, and deal with playing on the road. Georgia finally received a standout performance by QB Jake Fromm against Murray State. Fromm can solidify his place as a top QB prospect for the NFL with a solid showing against the Fighting Irish. They are likely to lean on running back D’Andre Swift who is having a great 2019, and Notre Dame struggled against the run against Louisville. Georgia has developing threats on the outside like George Pickens, and their defense will get their first real test in Ian Book. I expect the Bulldogs to win this game in front of their home fans. They are more dynamic on the offensive side of the ball, and have playmakers with big game experience. Their offensive line has to set the tone for the run game, and Fromm has to protect the football. Book will keep the Irish in the game, but Georgia just seems to be a more complete team.

4 LSU (3-0) vs Vanderbilt (0-2)- LSU 41-13
In a turn of events, LSU suddenly has a dominate offense and questionable defense. Joe Burrow continues to impress with his throwing ability, and found real consistency with receivers Justin Jefferson and Terrace Marshall Jr. Their running game is a work in progress, but Burrow has been so good that it hasn’t been needed. Their defense is very athletic, but showed some weakness in the secondary against Texas. However, they are taking on a clearly rebuilding Vanderbilt squad. QB Riley Neil has some promise, but has struggled without a solid running game behind him. Vandy’s defense has been very bad as well, but they did have a bye week to prepare for LSU. I don’t see that being a difference, and the Tigers should dominate from start to finish.

Miami (OH) (1-2) vs 6 Ohio State (3-0)- Ohio State 62-24
The Buckeyes are scary on offense especially in the run game. Running backs J.K. Dobbins and Master Teague have impressed dominating their opposition. QB Justin Fields continues to shine from week to week either throwing or running the ball. Chris Olave has become a top target for him, and the sophomore has shown versatility in special teams as well. Their defense is young, but has been playing at a high level the last few weeks. Miami (OH) just doesn’t have a good enough defense to stop the Buckeyes. They have struggled to compete against lesser competition, and Ohio State is motivated to keep the momentum rolling. Ryan Day’s team has been untested so far, and that should continue Saturday in a easy victory.

8 Auburn (3-0) vs 17 Texas A&M (2-1)- Texas A&M 27-23
Bo Nix has been up and down as the Auburn quarterback, but showed his big play ability against Oregon in week one. They have leaned on the run game behind JaTarvious Whitlow, and had some burst from Joey Gatewood and Shaun Shivers. Eli Stove continues to shine as the top wide receiver. Their defense is experienced, and showed their ability to rush the passer against Oregon. They dominated against a bad Kent State team last week, but will have a stiffer test against the Aggies. A&M was dominant after losing to Clemson against a bad Lamar team. Kellen Mond has promise at QB, but has had issues with his decision making ability. Mond is a good athlete, and has showed he has a strong arm as well as several big play receivers. Kendrick Rogers and Jhamon Ausbon have to show up in order to upset Auburn. Their defense is improved this year, and did well against a stout Clemson offense. I like the Aggies in this game, and they are very tough to beat on the road. Jimbo Fisher has turned the Aggies around quickly, and I feel they will have an answer for the run first Tigers.

Tennessee (1-2) vs 9 Florida (3-0)- Florida 30-16
Tennessee finally won a game after losing their first two contests. Their defense played well against a below average Chattanooga team. They will have the benefit of playing against an unproven backup quarterback for Florida. Tennessee’s offense has to play well, but will have a big test against the athletic Gators. I expect the Volunteers to lean heavily on the run game with Ty Chandler, and QB Jarrett Guarantano has to protect the football. Florida won an ugly game full of mistakes against Kentucky. However, they lost starting quarterback Felipe Franks, but backup QB Kyle Trask played well down the stretch. I expect them to focus on forcing turnovers with their defense, and lean on their running back Lamical Perine. Their offensive line has to improve their play, but the Gators should be talented enough to get by Tennessee. Their defense is much better, and will likely force the Volunteers into some tough spots.

10 Utah (3-0) vs USC (2-1)- Utah 26-19
Utah is a throwback team that leans on their talented defense, and doing just enough to get by offensively. Their offense took care of the football, but left points on the field against Idaho State. Tyler Huntley has improved his passing, and Zach Moss is still their do it all running back. They will have a legit road test against a solid USC team up next. The Trojans lost a heartbreaker against BYU, and are looking to pull of an upset. Kedon Slovis made some big time throws, but also had trouble protecting the football. This is a clear sign of a developing true freshman QB thrust into a starting role. They have found a run game behind Vavae Malepeai and Markese Stepp. Michael Pittman Jr. continues to show his big play ability, and a knack for getting in the end zone. Their defense is average at best, and struggled at limiting big plays against BYU. I expect USC to keep the game close, but Utah’s defense will put pressure on the young QB. They should lean on the run game, and will likely win a very close down to the wire game.

11 Michigan (2-0) vs 13 Wisconsin (2-0)- Wisconsin 24-21
Both teams have had a bye week to prepare for a pivotal matchup in the Big Ten. Michigan has looked shaky to start the season, while Wisconsin has dominated without surrendering a single point this season. QB Shea Patterson has all the tools, but has struggled to protect the football especially in the area of fumbles. Zach Charbonnet has been impressive on the ground, and Ronnie Bell stepped up at receiver against Army. Their defense struggled to stop the run against Army, but has shown an ability to force turnovers. Wisconsin has been too much for the competition to start, and has shown a potentially explosive offense. Jack Coan has been great to start the year at QB, and Heisman candidate running back Jonathan Taylor has shown why he is one of the best NCAA rushers of all time. Their offensive line is underrated, and their defense has been sensational to start the year. However, they have yet to face a team with the talent of Michigan and led by highly regarded coach Jim Harbaugh. I expect this to be a hard hitting game with each possession being vital. I am going to pick the Badgers in the matchup, I feel they will lean on Taylor, and get a boost from playing in front of their home fans. I just don’t trust Shea Patterson to lead his team against an overlooked Wisconsin squad.

Oklahoma State (3-0) vs 12 Texas (2-1)- Texas 38-28
Oklahoma State as usual has shown an explosive offense under Mike Gundy against lesser competition. New QB Spencer Saunders has been hit or miss so far, but Chuba Hubbard has been unstoppable at the running back position. Receiver Tylan Wallace is a major deep threat, and has shown an ability to make plays down the field. Their defense has improved each week, but hasn’t faced a high level offense like Texas. The Longhorns bounced back from a tough LSU loss, and dominated a very bad Rice team. Sam Ehlinger continues to play flawless, and has been the one consistent force for Texas. Running back Keontay Ingram played better after a tough game against LSU. Their receiving core is elite with Collin Johnson, Devin Duvernay, Brennan Eagles, and developing Jake Smith. The biggest question is their defense that was exposed by Joe Burrow. Their secondary is hit or miss, and has struggled defending the big plays. I expect Texas to win this game in a high scoring affair. They will be motivated to get revenge after being beat last year against the Cowboys. I just feel Ehlinger is going to carry his team to victory even if the defense struggles.

15 UCF (3-0) vs Pittsburgh (1-2)- UCF 31-17
UCF has been impressive to say the least to start 2019. QB Dillon Gabriel lit up Stanford through the air, and their running game is one of the best in college football. Greg McCrae and Adrian Killins Jr. are a dynamic duo that has been unstoppable on the ground. Their defense showed some vulnerabilities against Stanford, and will have a tough test on the road against Pitt. Pittsburgh’s record is misleading as they have played against two top 25 teams to start the year. Kenny Pickett has shown some promise at the QB position, and made some big throws in a close loss to Penn State. They have to improve their run game or else they will struggle to keep up with UCF. Their defense continues to improve, but will have their biggest test against UCF. I expect Pitt to keep this game close, but I just feel UCF is too deep on offense to lose on the road. They can beat you through the air or on the ground, and Pitt’s defense will have a hard time keeping them down the entire game.

16 Oregon (2-1) vs Stanford (1-2)- Oregon 28-21
Oregon has shown flashes of greatness on the offensive side of the ball. QB Justin Herbert is a future first round pick, and has the ability to make all the throws scouts break down. He has a big arm, and has shown an ability to consistently connect on deep passes. Johnny Johnson III and Jacob Breeland are speedy receivers who spread the field. Their running back depth is impressive with Travis Dye and CJ Verdell. Oregon’s defense has been solid all year, and showed their ability to force turnovers against Auburn. Stanford has had a rough start to 2019. They lost to USC with a backup quarterback, but still struggled against UCF with K.J. Costello returning. Costello is an experienced passer, who normally makes smart decisions through the air. However, he struggled badly against UCF, and his offensive line has been pedestrian to start the year. Stanford’s one success on offense has been running the ball, and that will have to lead the dance against Oregon. The biggest concern is their defense that has been lit up in back to back games. I expect Oregon to be in for a fight because Stanford plays well at home, and coach David Shaw has a history of pulling off upsets. However, I don’t see their defense having an answer for the high level Ducks offense.

UCLA (0-3) vs 19 Washington State (3-0)- Washington State 45-24
Chip Kelly’s team has been abysmal to start 2019, and the road gets even tougher against Washington State. Their defense has been torched this year, and was dominated against Oklahoma. Dorian Thompson-Robinson has struggled to protect the football, and the only success they’ve had is running the ball. Washington State on the other hand continues to flourish on offense behind coach Mike Leach. They are coming off a big road victory in Houston behind the arm of Anthony Gordon. Gordon has put up massive numbers with the Air Raid offense, and Brandon Arconado has become his favorite target. They have a solid back in Max Borghi who will likely get more looks against a bad UCLA run defense. Their defense is still a question mark, but should have opportunities against a turnover happy UCLA sqaud. The Cougars should start fast and pull away in the early going at home.

Air Force (2-0) vs 20 Boise State (2-0)- Boise State 31-28
Air Force pulled off a upset beating the streaking Colorado Buffaloes last Saturday. They are a dangerous team in the running game, and Kadin Remsberg has been impressive so far in 2019. Their defense is solid, and was able to make proven vet Steven Montez uncomfortable. The Falcons run the ball so efficiently, and generally control the clock on the ground. Boise State keeps rolling, and Hank Bachmeier improves with each passing week. Their running game has to improve to take pressure off the young QB. Their defense has been stout since a rough week one, but will have a big test against Air Force. These two always play closely contested games, and this will likely come down to the last possession. I will go with the Broncos as they are tough to beat at home. I expect their defense to be tougher test than Colorado, and they should be able to run the ball against a shaky Falcon run defense.

Old Dominion (1-1) vs 21 Virginia (3-0)- Virginia 38-14
Old Dominion has actually been respectable defensively, but has been too inconsistent on offense. QB Stone Smartt has been up and down, and they have leaned on Elijah Smart in the run game. However, they pulled off a major upset over Virginia Tech last year, and shouldn’t be overlooked by the Cavaliers. Virginia has been solid on defense this year, but struggled in pass coverage against Florida State’s James Blackman. They should have an easier time against a inconsistent Old Dominion offense. Their QB Bryce Perkins was solid in terms of completions last week, but turned the ball over multiple times. He has to improve his ability to protect the ball as the season progresses. I expect them to lean on their bell cow running back Wayne Taulapapa in this game. Virginia has a significant advantage in terms of talent, and will only lose if they overlook Old Dominion.

22 Washington (2-1) vs BYU (2-1)- Washington 29-26
Washington bounced back from a tough defeat against California last week. QB Jacob Eason returned to his previous form dominating the Hawaii defense. Eason has a big arm, and found consistent receivers in Hunter Bryant and Aaron Fuller. They have solid running backs in Salvon Ahmed and Sean McGrew as well. Their defense has been pretty stingy to this point, but will have a tough road test in Provo. BYU has won back to back overtime games, and pulled off the big upset of USC last week. Zach Wilson has shown his ability to beat the defense through the air or with his feet. They have a big time running back in Ty’Son Williams as well, and their defense has forced a lot of turnovers to start the year. However, their defense has shown a tendency to give up chunk plays that could hurt them against the Huskies. I like Washington to win this game because I feel Eason has found his groove at the QB position. Winning in Provo is never easy, and their defense has to show up in order to avoid an upset. I expect this to be a really close game, but Washington is better than USC in my opinion and will be a tougher test for BYU.

23 California (3-0) vs Ole Miss (2-1)- Ole Miss 30-23
The Golden Bears continue to win nail biter games just doing enough to survive. Their defense has been their saving grace, and has had to cover for their offense so far. Chase Garbers has been very inconsistent to start 2019, but their offense is built on running the ball. Tre Siggers and DeAndre Torrey carry the offense, and Cal has changed identities as an old school style of team. Their defense has been good, and will have to stay that way in order to win on the road against Ole Miss. The Rebels have won two straight after losing a close game to open the year against Memphis. Their offense has improved each week, and QB Matt Corral has been very consistent so far. He has leaned on receiver Elijah Moore, and has avoided turning the ball over as well. They also tend to be a run first team behind running backs Scottie Phillips, their every down back, and their big play back in Jerrion Ealy. Their pass defense has been shaky at times, but shouldn’t be tested much through the air against Cal. I like the Rebels in this matchup especially with Cal having to travel across the country. I expect a heavy running attack from both sides, but I trust Ole Miss more in the passing game. However, if Cal’s defense continues to impress they could win yet another closely contested matchup.

Colorado (2-1) vs 24 Arizona State (3-0)- Arizona State 27-24
Colorado went from upsetting Nebraska to being upset by Air Force. Their offense has fire power led by QB Steven Montez, and do it all playmaker Laviska Shenault Jr. Their defense has been really rough in all three games, and has been lit up on the ground in 2019. They need a better performance out of running back Jaren Mangham in order to beat ASU on the road. Herman Edwards has his defense playing at an elite level, and this was clear in their upset on the road against Michigan State. Arizona State has been dominant on defense, but their offense has been erratic to say the least. Jayden Daniels is a good athlete who is still developing into a consistent passer. So far, he has protected the football and has made plays in crunch time. Their running game has been a slow starter, and they need a better performance out of Eno Benjamin. I see the Sun Devils offense breaking through against a less than stellar Colorado defense. Their defense will have to bring their A game, because Colorado does have some big time playmakers. However, I see Arizona State riding the momentum of their road win over MSU to extend their undefeated record.

SMU (3-0) vs 25 TCU (2-0)- TCU 42-24
SMU has found their quarterback in the experience of Shane Buechele. He is coming off a stellar outing against North Texas, and connected multiple times with wide out James Proche in the winning effort. Their running attack has been impressive as well behind Xavier Jones coming off a three touchdown performance. Their defense has been really rough to start the year however. They have struggled to stop opposing offenses, and will have their biggest test against TCU. The Horned Frogs have been dominant, and will enter this game off a early bye week. Their defense has been really impressive, and were able to overwhelm Purdue in their last outing. Gary Patterson’s team has leaned heavily on the run game, and have put up massive numbers in their first two games. Darius Anderson and Sewo Olonilua ran all over Purdue, and solidified themselves as the heartbeat of this offense. They are still trying to find their quarterback going back and forth between Max Duggan and Alex Delton. However, I feel TCU will have a easy time running against SMU’s bad defense. I believe SMU will keep it close early  with their explosive offense, but eventually TCU will pull away. The Horned Frogs defense is much better than the previous opponents for the Mustangs.

Photo Credit: https://thespun.com/sec/georgia-bulldogs/dandre-swift-practice-injury-georgia