Paul's Picks 2026 Week 11
Welcome Back!
I returned to my disappointing ways this past week. That makes 5 weeks in a row of substandard results. I finished at 40-23 for a winning percentage of 63.5%. Overall, I am 509-176, or 74.3%, a drop of 1.1% from the week before. There is no way I was going to sustain 80% for the year, but now it'll be difficult to get back above 75% this year. I was hoping I had a big enough cushion built up, but I've lost 8.3% off my percentage in just 4 weeks. There are 68 games in total this week, 5 more than last week. By and large, conference contests are the majority of the games this week, which makes picking a winner that much more difficult (as I have demonstrated...). But I'm off to a great start: 5-1 so far. Let's hope that continues!
There are some good games this weekend, so... on with the picks!
Thursday, November 12
Memphis @ USF- The Tigers lead the series 10-4, winning the last 5 since 2019, but the Bulls own a victory in the 2008 Saint Petersburg Bowl. Memphis is 7-2/4-1 with their loss at Tulane. USF is 6-3/2-3, dropping a decision last week at ECU, but they are 4-1 at home. However, the Tigers have won the last 5 played in Tampa, and are 5-1 there overall. Memphis wins.
Louisiana @ ULM- The Ragin' Cajuns have a 35-26 lead in this series with a win in 2011 vacated as they've won 15 of the last 18, including the last 3, and have won 9 of the last 10 played in Monroe, though the Warhawks last win, in 2022, came in Malone Stadium. ULM has been playing better as of late, as they've won 2 of 3 after starting the season 0-6, but that just makes them 2-7/2-3, and they are still winless at home. UL is 6-3/3-2, but both SBC losses were on the road. The Cajuns win big.
Friday, November 13
FSU @ Pittsburgh- The Panthers lead the series 7-5, but they have split the last 4 contests (since 2013) with each team going 2-0 at the other team's home field. FSU is 4-5/2-4 and just 1-3 on the road with the win at Boston College last week. Pitt is 6-3/3-3 and were idle last week after breaking their 3-game midseason slide with a win over Georgia Tech. That slide included a loss at BC, as the Panthers have had trouble scoring since losing their starting QB. The Seminoles need to win 2 of their remaining 3 games to get back to a bowl for the 1st time since 2023, but I'm not optimistic. Panthers win.
Illinois @ UCLA- This series is tied at 6 wins apiece, with the Bruins winning 4 of the last 5 (since 1984). The Fighting Illini have victories in their 1st and most recent matchups, in the 1947 Rose Bowl and in the 2011 Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl, but UCLA has their own bowl wins: in 1984 Rose Bowl and the 1991 Sun Bowl. Illinois is 6-3/4-2, winners of 4 in a row, and they are 2-1 away from Champaign with the loss at Ohio State. The Bruins are 9-0/6-0 with a chance to make the last Big Ten CG and the CFP, but they need to win this one and get past USC in 2 weeks as well. I actually think the Illini will give the Bruins all they can handle, but UCLA will pull away in the end, maybe even getting their 9th double-digit win in 10 games.
Houston @ Colorado- The Buffaloes got a win in the 1971 Bluebonnet Bowl, but the Cougars got revenge with a 36-20 win last season. Since both of those games were in Houston, this will be the 1st time they play in Boulder. UH is 7-2/4-2, but both losses have come on the road, at Texas Tech and at Utah (by a combined 10 points). CU is 3-6/1-5 and 1-2 at home in the Big 12. The Cougars maul the Buffs.
Saturday, November 14
Duke @ Miami, Fl- The Hurricanes have a commanding 16-5 lead in this series, winning 3 of the last 4, including 53-31 in their last meeting in 2024, but the series is tied over their last 6 meetings *since 2018). The Blue Devils have also won 2 of the last 3 played in Miami Gardens. Duke is 7-2/4-2, winning their last 3, but I bet they are really regretting losing that game at Ga Tech in early October. They've outscored their last 2 opponents 88-5, but have Clemson and Wake Forest after this one. Miami suffered their 1st loss of the season last week at Notre Dame, so the Canes could be in for a letdown after the emotional failed comeback. I wouldn't be surprised by a Blue Devil win, but Miami will pull it out in the end.
Northwestern @ Ohio State- This is one of the more lopsided rivalries in college football as the Buckeyes lead 66-14-1, as they've won the last 11 consecutive contests (since 2005), 35 of the last 36 (since 1972), and 40 of the last 42 (since 1964). The Wildcats are 6-3/3-3 but have lost 2 in a row after a 6-1 start. In addition, they haven't won in Columbus since 1971 under former HC Alex Agase. OSU is 6-3/4-2, also losing their last 2, and they haven't lost 3 straight since 2011 under interim HC Luke Fickell, which was also the last time the Bucks lost more than 2 Big Ten games in a season (finished 3-5 that year). Both teams had been playing well before both their offenses and defenses imploded, so this is a true tossup in my mind. The Cats pull the upset.
Wake Forest @ SMU- The Mustangs have a 3-1 lead in this brief series, but those 3 wins were in 1949, 1972, and 1975. The Demon Deacons won 13-12 last season and need a win this season to strengthen their chances at a rematch with Miami in the ACC CG. WF is 8-1/5-1 and 4-0 away from Winston-Salem. SMU is 7-2/5-2 with both losses on the road, so they are 6-0 at home. This is one of the better games this weekend, and the Ponies can take over 2nd place in the ACC with a victory, but I think the Demon Deacons are the better team. WF wins a close one.
Cincinnati @ Iowa State- The Cyclones have won 2 of 3 in the series, but the Bearcats won 38-30 last year. UC is 5-4/2-4 and 0-3 on the road to extend their road losing streak to 5 games, as they have lost their last 2, and 4 of their last 5. ISU is 4-5/2-4, losing 3 of their last 4, but are 2-1 in the Big 12 in Jack Trice Stadium. Bearcats win on the road to break the streak.
Auburn @ Mississippi State- The Tigers have a huge 66-29-2 lead in this series, though one of those 29 losses has been vacated. The Bulldogs have won 2 of the last 3, and the series is tied 6-6 over the last 12 meetings (since 2012). The War Eagles are 5-4/3-4, losing 2 of their last 3, but are 2-2 away from Jordan-Hare Stadium. MSU is 4-5/2-5 as a promising season has been derailed following an injury by their starting QB, leading to 5 straight losses. Make it 6, as the Plainsmen win on the road again.
Syracuse @ NC State- The Wolfpack are 13-4 in this series, but the Orange have won the last 2, in 2022 and 2024. NCSU is 4-5/2-4, losing 3 of their last 4, but are 2-1 at home against ACC competition. Syracuse is 4-5/2-5, winning 2 of their last 3, but just 1-2 on the road in the ACC. The Orange have played a bevy of close games, as 2 wins are in OT and a 3rd was by just 3 points, while 4 of their 5 losses have been by 8 points or less. Syracuse wins.
Wisconsin @ Maryland- The Badgers lead the series 4-1, but the Terrapins pulled off the victory last season by a score of 27-10. UW is 6-3/4-2 and 1-3 away from Camp Randall Stadium, but have won 2 of their last 3 overall. Maryland is 3-6/1-5 but just had a win over Purdue, their 1st in the Big Ten since that Wisconsin win last year. The Terps are 0-3 at home against FBS foes. Badgers win.
James Madison @ UConn- The Huskies won the first meeting in 1993, but the Dukes have won the last 5 with the last won being 44-6 in 2023. JMU is 8-2, with a win last week ending a 2-game skid. UConn is just 4-5 under 1st year HC Jason Candle (previously at Toledo), losing their last 2, and are 2-3 at home. The Dukes tame the Huskies.
Georgia Tech @ Clemson- The Yellow Jackets have a sizable 52-36-2 lead in this series, but one of those wins has been vacated (2009). The Tigers have won 9 of the last 10, since 2015, that was broken by GT's 24-21 win last year at Grant Field, now called Bobby Dodd Stadium. The Jackets haven't won in Clemson since 2008, and it doesn't look likely to happen this year as they have been just awful on both offense and defense, losing their last 3 games by at least 22 points each. CU wins big.
Nebraska @ Rutgers- The Cornhuskers are 7-0 in the series, winning the 1st matchup in 1920, and the 6 between 2014 and 2024. However, the last 3 wins have been by a combined 15 points. The Huskers are 5-4/2-4 but on a 4-game losing streak. The Scarlet Knights are perhaps the worst P4 conference team at 2-7/1-5 as they are 0-4 at home against FBS teams. NU wins easily.
Alabama @ Vanderbilt- Speaking of lopsided series, the Crimson Tide lead this one 63-20-4, with 2 of those wins vacated (2006 & 2007) and one of Vandy's wins a Bama forfeit ((1993). The Tide have lost to the Commodores just 4 times since 1960- 1969 in Nashville, 1984 in Tuscaloosa, the 1993 forfeit, and 40-35 in 2024 in Nashville. But these are not the Dores of the last 2 years. The Tide rolls.
East Carolina @ Charlotte- The 49ers actually lead this series 2-1, but the Pirates won 48-22 last year. This in-state rivalry has the chance to grow into something if they can continue to play ever year. ECU wins big.
UAB @ Temple- Back in 2023, the Blazers defeated the Owls34-24. That remains their only meeting until this one. UAB is 5-4/3-2 with 4 wins in their last 6 games, but 0-4 on the road. Temple is just 2-7/1-5, losers of 4 in a row, and 0-4 at home against FBS competition. Blazers burn the Owls.
Arkansas State @ Coastal Carolina- This series is tied, with the Red Wolves winning the 1st 3 (2017-2019) and the Chanticleers winning the last 3 (2020-2023). ASU is 4-5/2-3, winning 2 of their last 3, but are coming off a loss to ULM at home. CCU is 3-6/2-3, have lost 2 of their last 3, and are 0-4 at home vs FBS opposition. The Red Wolves win.
Kansas State @ TCU- The Wildcats lead the series 11-8, winning 6 of the last 7, including a win in the 2022 Big 12 Championship Game and 41-28 last year. The Horned Frogs are a disappointing 4-5/2-4 as the problem seems to be mainly offense; the defense has held 7 of 9 opponents to 21 points or less. KSU is 4-5/1-5, losing their last 3 and 5 of their last 6, as they have allowed at least 24 points in each of their last 6 games. The Frogs take down the Cats, who are 0-3 on the road coming into this game.
Tulane @ Rice- The Owls have a 20-17-1 margin over the Green Wave, winning 8 of the last 13 (since 1996), but Tulane has won the last 2, in 2023 and 2024. The Green Wave are 4-5/2-3, but have alternated wins and losses all season- if that keeps up, this should be a win. Rice is 1-8/0-5 with no FBS wins, but a real chance to get one here, as they have 3 losses by 7 points or less, and Tulane just lost by 50 points to Tulsa. But I just can't pull the trigger. The Green Wave washes over the Owls.
Kennesaw State @ Sam Houston- The Bearkats are 3-0 in this series, including a win in the 2017 FCS Playoffs. This will be the 3rd time playing in Huntsville, as they've only played in Kennesaw once, in 2024. KSU is 3-6/2-3, but they've won their last 2 games. SHS is 1-8/0-5, with no FBS wins. Owls win a 3rd in a row, and their 1st in the series.
Tennessee @ Texas A&M- The Volunteers are 3-2 against the Aggies, which include wins in the 1957 (3-0) and 2005 (38-7) Cotton Bowls, and 20-13 in 2023 in Knoxville. TAMU has wins in 2016 in College Station and 2020 in Knoxville. The Vols are 7-2/4-2 and still in the chase for an SEC CG berth. The Aggies are a disappointing 4-5/1-5, having lost their last 2, but are 4-1 at home. The Vols win, probably the 1st of 2 losses to "UT" for the Aggies.
New Mexico State @ Missouri State- The first meeting between these 2 was last year, when the Bears defeated the Aggies 24-17 in OT in Las Cruces. NMSU will be looking to return the favor. Both teams are 3-6/2-3. Flip a coin. Aggies win a close one.
FIU @ Delaware- The Blue Hens routed the Panthers 38-16 last year in Miami, so like NMSU above, FIU will try to return the favor in Newark. Both teams are 4-5/2-3, with Delaware winning 2 of their last 3 and FIU losing 3 of 4, but coming off a win over Mo State. Another coin flip. Blue Hens win.
Missouri @ Georgia- The Bulldogs have won 10 in a row as they lead the series 12-1, with all games played since 2012, except for UGA's victory in the 1960 Orange Bowl (1959 season). The only win for the Tigers did come in Athens, in 2013. Mizzou is 6-3/3-3 and must win out to have any chance at the SEC CG and/or the CFP, but they've lost 2 of their last 3. The Dawgs are 8-1/6-1 and just moved back into the #1 position, so their task is to avoid what happened the last time: a home loss (to Auburn). UGA wins.
USC @ Indiana- Both teams were idle last week, but the Men of Troy will be looking to run their record against the Hoosiers to 5-0, including a win in the 1968 Rose Bowl following the 1967 season, which until HC Cignetti arrived in Indianapolis, had been the high water mark for the Hoosiers. USC arrives into town winning 3 of their last 4 with their loss in that span the last time they traveled to the Midwest, 24-7 at Wisconsin. Indiana is on a modest 2-game winning streak, but both wins were in OT. In fact, each of their last 4 games have been decided by 7 points or less. I'm going with my gut here and picking the Trojans to pull the upset and put the Big Ten race in chaos with multiple teams tied for 2nd place.
Baylor @ BYU- The Cougars lead the series 3-2, as the teams split winning at home in the 80s, and BYU winning the most recent 2 of the 3 played this decade. The Bears are 6-3/4-2, winning their last 2, and are 2-1 in true away games (loss to Auburn in Atlanta). BYU is 7-2/4-2 and 5-0 at home, but they've lost 2 of their last 3, at UCF and at Utah. This is a huge game for the Cougars, and they could have a letdown after their emotional loss to Utah last week. This is my Upset Special! Bears win.
Boston College @ Notre Dame- The Fighting Irish lead this series 19-9 with a win in 2012 vacated as they've won the last 10 on the field. The Irish also have a win in the 1983 Liberty Bowl. The Eagles have improved this year, having doubled last year's win total already at 4-5, but their chances of making it to a bowl depends on beating Syracuse at home and either the Irish or Miami on the road. Good luck with that, Eagles! Notre Dame is ripe for an upset after they held on to beat the Hurricanes, but I'm nt sure BC is a team that can pull it off. The Irish win.
Michigan @ Oregon- Each team has 3 wins in this series, with the Wolverines winning in 1948, 1960, and 1973, and the Ducks grabbing their wins in 2003, 2007, and 2024. However, this will be only the 2nd time they will meet in Eugene, as all the other contests were in Ann Arbor. UM is a mess right now, as they have lost 2 of their last 3, scoring just 6 points in each of those losses. This will be only their 3rd road game of the year. UO was a mess earlier in the season when they lost 2 out of 3, but they seem to have fixed things with wins in their last 2 contests over Northwestern and at Ohio State. The Quack Attack is Back! Ducks win.
Arizona State @ UCF- The Sun Devils are 2-0 against the Knights, nabbing victories in 2002 and 2024, both in Tempe, so this is the 1st time they will play in Orlando. ASU is 5-4/3-3 and is another team that has alternated wins and losses since the beginning of the season, which puts them on schedule for a loss this week (if the pattern continues). UCF is also 5-4/3-3, winning 2 of their last 3, but this is ASU's best chance at bowl eligibility. Sun Devils win.
California @ Virginia- The Cavaliers defeated the Golden Bears 31-21 last year in Berkeley in their only prior meeting, so this is the return visit. Cal is 3-6/2-4, 1-3 vs FBS competition at home, and has lost each of their last 3 games. UVA is 4-5/2-4, stumbling to 3 straight losses, and are 0-4 away from Scott Stadium. This is a match made in Heaven! Hoos win.
FAU @ Tulsa- The Owls lead the series 4-1, including 40-21 last year, but the series is tied 1-1 in Tulsa. Both teams scored 60 points last week, so expect a lot of fireworks. FAU is 6-3/3-2, winning 2 of their last 3, but are only 1-4 on the road (0-2 in the American Conference). The Golden Hurricane are 5-4/2-3, also winning 2 of their last 3, and are only 2-2 at home, losing their last 2 to UNT in OT and to Army by 3. These are quality teams that were both 4-8 last season. The Owls survive the Hurricane.
Nevada @ Northern Illinois- These teams have played twice before, with the Huskies winning in Reno in 1993 and the Wolf Pack winning in DeKalb in 1995. Both games were high scoring affairs decided by 4 points each. Nevada is 3-6/2-3 and needing just one more win to exceed last year's total, but they've lost 2 in a row and are 1-3 on the road. NIU is the only winless team in FBS at 0-9/0-5 with only 2 FBS losses by less than 18 points, but both of those came in the last 2 weeks, so maybe some progress is being made. The Wolf Pack win.
Georgia Southern @ Georgia State- This series is tied at 6-6 with the Eagles winning the last 3. The teams play for the hashtag SouthernNotState or StateNotSouthern, which gives the winner the right to be called GSU. The Eagles are 5-4/4-1 and need wins to stay ahead of JMU, but they have a tough remaining schedule, starting with this one, but they've won their last 2 road games and their last 3 overall. The Panthers are 5-4/2-3, winning at App State last week to stop a 3-game midseason slide, and are 2-1 at home vs FBS foes. These teams also play for the Commissioner's Cup, which this year will go to the Eagles.
Jacksonville State @ WKU- The Hilltoppers lead this series 5-4, including a win in the 2003 FCS Playoffs, but the Gamecocks have won the last 2, including in the 2024 CUSA Championship Game. JSU is 7-2/5-0 with 6 straight wins. WKU is 3-6/2-3 with 2 straight losses. The Toppers are capable of winning this, but they won't. Jax State wins big.
Middle Tennessee @ Liberty- The Blue Raiders won the 1st meeting in 1982, but the Flames have won the 3 played since 2021. MTSU is 5-4/3-2 with a chance to reach a bowl for the 1st time under HC Derek Mason, as one more win would equal the combined totals of wins from the last 2 seasons. LU is 8-1/5-0 with an 8-game winning streak after their opening loss at James Madison, with all of their FBS wins by at least 16 points (their closest win was by 1 over an FCS team). Flames burn the Raiders.
Fresno State @ Texas State- The Bulldogs and Bobcats will be meeting for the first time on the gridiron. FS is 5-4/2-3, losing 3 of their last 4, as they are 2-3 on the road. TSU is 5-4/3-2 and has won 3 of their last 4, and is 4-1 at home. Bobcats win.
Ole Miss @ Oklahoma- The Rebels have won all 3 matchups with the Sooners- in the 1999 Independence Bowl, in 2024 in Oxford, and 34-26 last year in Norman. Ole Miss is 6-3/4-3 and 2-2 away from Oxford, but have lost 2 of their last 3 overall. OU is 5-4/3-3 and is yet another team that has alternated wins and losses, with this week scheduled for a loss. They are also just 2-2 at home. With both teams virtually eliminated from the CFP (and SEC CG), they are now only playing for pride and a bowl bid. Rebels win.
Washington @ Michigan State- The Spartans won the initial contest, 27-11 in 1969, but the Huskies have won the next 4, between 1970 and 2023, including in the 1997 Aloha Bowl. UW is 5-4/2-4 and 2-1 on the road, and they have won 2 of their last 3, though they are coming off a home loss to Penn State at home. MSU is 3-6/1-5 but are coming off a big win over rival Michigan. I doubt the Spartans can repeat that feat. UDub wins.
Kansas @ West Virginia- The Mountaineers hold an 11-3 edge in this series, but the Jayhawks have won 2 of the last 3, including one of those in Morgantown. KU is 3-6/1-5, losing 4 of their last 5, but 3 of their 5 Big 12 losses have been by 7 points or less, including their last 2 by a combined 7 points. WVU is 5-4/2-4, winning 2 of their last 3, as they have one of the best offense- and one of the worst defenses- in all of FBS. The Mountaineer offense has scored at least 24 points in every game, and has scored 31+ in 7 games, but the defense has allowed at 41+ points in 5 contests, 4 of those losses. The Jayhawks can win this, but I'm not sure they have the offensive firepower to keep up. WVU wins.
Southern Miss @ La Tech- The Golden Eagles have doubled up the Bulldogs to lead the series 36-18, but LT has won 3 of the last 4, including 30-20 last season. USM is 3-6/2-3, winning 2 of their last 3, but are just 1-3 on the road. La Tech is 7-2/5-0 and needs just 1 win to secure a spot in the SBC CG, as they are rolling with a 6-game winning streak, and are 4-0 at home. Bulldogs win.
Oregon State @ Boise State- The Beavers lead this series 6-5, including a win in the 2013 Hawaii Bowl, but the Broncos have won 4 of the last 6 (since 2006), and are 4-1 on the blue turf in Albertsons Stadium. OSU is 5-4/3-2 as losses in their last 2 games have derailed a once promising season. BSU is 8-1/5-0 and the favorite to make the CFP from the G6 conferences. In addition, the Broncos have won 22 of the last 23 games played at home. Boise State wins.
App State @ Marshall- The Mountaineers have a 17-11 lead in the series, but haven't won in Huntington since 1995, losing 4 in a row in Joan C. Edwards Stadium. The Thundering Herd also own a win in the 1987 Division I-AA Playoffs (Semifinals). Both teams are 5-4/2-3 with App State 2-2 on the road and Marshall 3-1 at home. Despite that, I'm going with ASU to win.
Florida @ Kentucky- The Gators once won 31 straight contests in this rivalry, and lead 54-22 (UK win in 2021 has been vacated), but the Wildcats have won 4 of the last 5, including the last 3 in Lexington. UF is 5-4/3-4, losing their last 2, and are 2-2 away from The Swamp. The Cats are 7-2/5-2 but were routed last week at Tennessee. However, they are 4-1 at Kroger Field. This should be a tough, hard-fought battle, but UK pulls out the win at home.
Louisville @ North Carolina- The Cardinals lead this series 5-3, but they haven't played since 2017. UL is 3-2 in games played in Chapel Hill. Louisville is 6-3/5-2 and on a 4-game winning streak, though they are just 2-2 away from home. The Tar Hills are 5-4/2-3, losing 2 of their last 3, and are 0-3 at home vs FBS teams. The Cardinals win big.
Minnesota @ Penn State- The Nittany Lions lead this series 11-6, winning the last 2 and 7 of the last 9, but the Golden Gophers have won 2 of the last 3 played in Minneapolis. Minnesota is 5-4/3-3 but on a 2-game skid, and are 4-2 at home. PSU is 5-4/2-4, but have won twice in a row after losing 4 straight. The Lions are 3-2 at home. Penn State wins.
San Jose State @ Air Force- The Falcons lead the series 6-3, but it's 2-2 since 2020, with the Spartans winning the last time they played at Falcon Stadium. SJSU is 5-5/3-3, losing 2 of their last 3, but are 3-2 on the road. The AFA is 7-2/3-2, winning their last 2, and are 4-1 at home. Falcons win.
Troy @ South Alabama- The Trojans lead 10-4, winning 7 of the last 8, but the Jaguars won the last time they played in Mobile. Both teams are 4-5/2-3 with Troy 1-3 on the road (with a win at JMU!), and SA 3-1 at home. Neither team has played well lately, with the Trojans losing 3 of 4 and the Jaguars dropping 3 consecutive games. Flip a coin. SA wins at home.
Utah @ Arizona- This is the very definition of a trap game for Utah. The Utes lead this series 26-21-2, including a win in the 1994 Freedom Bowl, but the Wildcats have won the last 2. Utah is 9-0/6-0 and is one of only 2 undefeated teams left in FBS. In fact, they have won 15 consecutive games. Arizona is 7-2/4-2 with both losses on the road to BYU and to Texas Tech. This could be the game they get over the hump. Or not. The Utes win a close one.
Texas @ LSU- The Longhorns hold a narrow 9-8 lead in the series, but the Tigers have won 3 of the last 5 (since 1953), including the most recent one played in Baton Rouge. The teams split their 2 Cotton Bowl appearances, with LSU winning in 1963 and UT winning in 2003. The Horns are 7-2/4-2 and winners of 3 consecutive after a brief 2-game slide, and are 2-1 away from home. The Bayou Bengals are 6-3/3-3 but were just routed by Alabama at home as they are 5-1 in Death Valley. Texas wins.
Purdue @ Iowa- The Boilermakers lead this series (surprisingly) 50-41-3, and have won 4 of the last 7 (surprisingly) since 2017, but the Hawkeyes have won the last 2. However, the teams are 2-2 in Iowa City since 2017. PU is 3-6/2-4, losing their last 3 after a brief 2-game win streak, but are just 1-2 on the road. Iowa is 7-2/4-2, winning their last 2 and are 4-1 at home. Hawkeyes win big.
Stanford @ Virginia Tech- The Cardinal pounded the Hokies 40-12 in the 2011 Orange Bowl (2010 season), but VT got revenge with a 31-7 win in 2024 in Stanford. Stanford is 4-5/2-4, winning 2 of their last 3, and they were idle last week, but are 0-4 on the road. Va Tech is 6-3/3-3, winning 2 of their last 3 as well, and are 3-1 at home. Hokies win big.
UNLV @ New Mexico- The Rebels lead this series 15-13, winning 3 of the last 4, but the Lobos won 40-35 last year in Las Vegas. However, UNM hasn't defeated UNLV in Albuquerque since 2011, losing 4 straight in University Stadium. The Rebels are 5-4/3-2, losing 2 of their last 3, and are 2-2 on the road. The Lobos are 8-1/5-0 with a chance to make the CFP as their only loss is by 8 at Oklahoma. UNM wins.
South Carolina @ Arkansas- The Razorbacks lead the series 14-10, winning the last contest in Fayetteville in 2022, but the Gamecocks have won 3 of the last 4 (since 2012). SC is 6-3/4-3 and a resurgent 4-0 since a loss to Kentucky on Oct 3, and they are 2-1 on the road. The Hogs are3-6/1-5, losers of 2 in a row, and a miserable 0-3 in the SEC at home, extending their SEC home losing streak to 10 games. Gamecocks win.
North Texas @ UTSA- The Roadrunners were embarrassed by FAU last week in a 60-29 loss, so they will be looking to regain some face in a big matchup with the Mean Green. UTSA leads this series 8-6, including a win in the 2022 CUSA Championship Game, but UNT won 55-17 last year in Denton. However, the Mean Green hasn't won in San Antonio since 2018, which is their only win in the Alamodome. The Mean Green is 7-2/5-0 with an outside shot at the CFP, as they have won 6 consecutive games. The Roadrunners are 7-2/4-1 and 4-0 at home. It's possible that this could be the matchup in the American Coference Championship Game in 3 weeks, especially if UTSA wins. But can they bounce back from last week's loss? UNT wins a close one.
Texas Tech @ Oklahoma State- The Red Raiders hold a slim 25-24 lead in this series, winning the last 2, but the Cowboys have won 12 of the last 16 (since 2009). TTU is 8-1/5-1 with an upset loss at Cincinnati, so they will be looking to avoid another one here. OSU is 6-3/4-2 and 4-0 at home, but they've alternated wins and losses the last 4 weeks. The Red Raiders win.
Utah State @ San Diego State- The Aztecs lead the series 13-5, including a win in the 1948 Aztec Bowl, but the Aggies have won the last 3, and 4 of the last 5 (since 2019), including in the 2021 Mountain West Championship Game. USU is 4-5/3-2, winning their last 2, but they are 0-4 on the road. SDSU is also 4-5/3-2, winning 2 of their last 3, but are 4-1 at home. Aztecs win.
Wyoming @ UTEP- The Cowboys have a commanding 26-6-1 lead in this series, winning 9 of the last 10 (the other was a 28-28 tie in 1991), but they last played in 1995. Surprising Wyoming is 6-3/5-1 after winning their last 4, but only 1-3 away from War Memorial Stadium in Laramie. UTEP is 1-8/0-5 with no FBS wins. The Cowboys round up the Miners for a big win.
Colorado State @ Washington State- the Rams pulled off a 48-45 win in the 2013 New Mexico Bowl, but the Cougars have victories in the next 3 contests from 2022-2025, all by at least 17 points. CSU is 3-6/1-4, but have allowed at least 31 points in each of their last 7 games, and 49+ in 5 of those. WSU is just 1-8/0-5 with no FBS wins as they've been held to 16 points or less 5 times. Seems like the ultimate case or the resistible force meeting the moveable object. I'm going out on a limb and picking Wazzu to get their 1st FBS win of the season.
North Dakota State @ Hawaii- The Bison are 7-2/4-2 in their 1st season at the FBS level, but they'r only 2-2 over the last 4 games, with both losses on the road. The Rainbow Warriors are 3-6/2-4, and while they are usually tough at home, are only 1-3 on The Island. NDSU takes down UH in this 1st ever meeting.
Until next time, may you and your loved ones be blessed!
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