College Football Week 7 Preview: Score Predictions for Must-See Games Including Oregon vs. Ohio State

Week 7 of 2024 college football season marks the second Saturday of action in the month of October, which means the top matchups are all about conference play. A huge showdown in the Big Ten is on tap with Ohio State taking on Oregon, while a pair of key games in the SEC in Ole Miss-LSU and Oklahoma-Texas in Dallas highlight the top matchups in Week 7.

In the Group of 5 conferences, another intriguing week of games is on tap. UNLV plays at Utah State on Friday night, with Boise State-Hawaii, Miami (Ohio)-Eastern Michigan, Memphis-South Florida, and Northern Illinois-Bowling Green atop the list of must-see matchups on Saturday.

Athlon Sports previews and predicts all of the top matchups and must-see games for Week 7:

Disagree with our picks and predictions? Sound off in the comments below.

• See also: College Football Picks: Expert Predictions for Every Game in Week 7

College Football Week 7 previews and score predictions: the five biggest games of the week

1. Oregon vs. Ohio State (-3)

Steven Lassan: Not only could this game be a potential preview of the Big Ten title matchup, but this contest should play a key role in shaping the Heisman race and the CFB Playoff field this season. Ohio State has cruised to a 5-0 start behind the steady play of transfer quarterback Will Howard, along with a prolific ground game and one of the best defenses in college football. However, a trip to Autzen Stadium is a significant step up in competition for coach Ryan Day's team. After a slow start to the '24 season, Oregon seems to be improving with each game. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel is among the top Heisman contenders , and the offense doesn't lack for weapons at running back or receiver. Improvement along the offensive line was crucial for the Ducks to turn things around after a slow start, but Ohio State's standout defensive front will test just how far this unit has progressed. Avoiding costly mistakes will be a priority for both Howard and Gabriel, but this game should come down to whichever team is stronger in the trenches.
Prediction: Ohio State 31, Oregon 27

Dan Lyons: This game was circled as a potential Big Ten championship preview during the preseason, and with the Buckeyes and Ducks ranked at Nos. 2 and 3 entering Saturday’s game in Eugene, the hype has been validated. There are plenty of questions about both teams, however. Ohio State has faced just one team above No. 75 in ESPN’s SP+ (No. 29 Iowa), while Oregon was deeply shaky to start the season, with tight wins against Iowa and Boise State in their first two games. After surrendering seven sacks through those first two weeks, the Ducks have kept quarterback Dillon Gabriel upright for three consecutive games. The offensive line will face its biggest challenge of the season on Saturday, in a Buckeyes defense that has 17 sacks on the year led by the duo of J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer up front. Ohio State quarterback Will Howard passed his first big test, completing 21-of-25 passes for 209 yards and scoring five total touchdowns against Iowa’s defense in Week 6. He may find himself in more of a shootout against Gabriel and Oregon, but the Buckeyes should have the talent to land this huge road win, and put themselves firmly in the Big Ten’s driver seat.
Prediction: Ohio State 29, Oregon 24

2. LSU vs. Ole Miss (-3.5)

Lassan: Ole Miss hasn't won in Baton Rouge since 2008, so despite being a small favorite, this will be a huge hurdle for coach Lane Kiffin's team to clear. The Rebels have a couple of key injuries on the defensive front and with receiver Tre Harris that are worth monitoring prior to kickoff. The timing of this matchup certainly favors LSU. The Tigers are coming off an off week, while this is Ole Miss' seventh game of the '24 season. The extra time to prepare should help LSU continue to find the right answers or tweaks to a defense allowing 5.9 yards a snap this year. The Tigers need to do a better job against the pass, especially with quarterback Jaxson Dart and a deep group of playmakers coming to Baton Rouge on Saturday night. The offensive line has been the biggest weakness for Ole Miss, but this isn't a vintage LSU defensive front. On the other side of the ball, the Rebels bring one of the SEC's top defenses to Saturday night's showdown. Led by Walter Nolen and Jared Ivey, the line has generated 24 sacks in six games, setting up a battle in the trenches with LSU's standout offensive line. If quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has time to throw, he should be able to make plays against an Ole Miss secondary that has yet to play a passing game of LSU's caliber so far this fall. In a game that could feature plenty of points, a slight edge goes to the team with the better defense.
Prediction: Ole Miss 34, LSU 31

Lyons: Two of the SEC’s most explosive offenses will look to put a huge win on their résumés in Baton Rouge on Saturday — and avoid a second loss. Ole Miss has been the more complete team so far, with the nation’s leading passer in Jaxson Dart, an explosive run game, and a defense that is first in the nation in sacks with 24. The Rebels defensive line against the Tigers’ offensive line should be one of the great trench battles of the season. LSU, with potential No. 1 pick Will Campbell and fellow NFL Draft prospect Emery Jones anchoring the offensive line, has allowed just two sacks this season. Ole Miss should have a sizable advantage on the other side of the ball, with LSU ranked just No. 66 in total defense this season. The injury to Rebels wide receiver Tre Harris looms large. The nation’s leading receiver (885 yards) is questionable to play. Dart has numerous other weapons, with receivers Antwane Wells, Cayden Lee, Jordan Watkins and tight end Caden Prieskorn all over 190 yards on the season, but Harris’ absence would be a major blow for the Rebs on the road.
Prediction: Ole Miss 31, LSU 28

3. Colorado vs. Kansas State (-4)

Lassan: This crucial Big 12 showdown features an intriguing matchup of strengths. Led by quarterback Shedeur Sanders and receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter, Colorado's passing attack ranks second in the Big 12 (326.0 yards a game). However, Kansas State's defense is holding teams to 19.6 points a game. The Wildcats also have the right offensive style to win this game, as quarterback Avery Johnson and running backs DJ Giddens and Dylan Edwards headline a rushing attack averaging 252.2 yards a contest. Between a standout defense and a front capable of getting to the quarterback, along with an offense likely to churn out long drives by using the ground attack, K-State has the right formula to win in Boulder. However, if the Buffaloes are able to pull off the upset, coach Deion Sanders' team would be 3-0 in Big 12 play and in prime position to contend for the conference title.
Prediction: Kansas State 34, Colorado 27

Lyons: If Colorado wants to be taken seriously in the wide open Big 12 race, it has a prime opportunity at home against one of the conference’s favorite, Kansas State. The Buffaloes have looked much stronger in recent weeks as the team has made some progress in balancing its offense with the run game. It is still far from a strength for Deion Sanders’ offense, and Kansas State should be able to take it away, with a run defense similar to the Nebraska unit that held the Buffaloes to nine points. Colorado’s defense is improved, but the Wildcats offense features a dynamic rushing attack with running back DJ Giddens, Colorado transfer Dylan Edwards and quarterback Avery Johnson all averaging at least 6.9 yards per carry. KSU held Arizona’s offense, with its impressive passing attack, to just seven points earlier in the season. Colorado has a similar offensive makeup.
Prediction: Kansas State 31, Colorado 21

4. Oklahoma vs. Texas (-14.5, in Dallas)

Lassan: Texas is a heavy favorite for this annual matchup, but the Red River Rivalry should bring out the best in Oklahoma. Also, the Sooners should benefit from the extra time to prepare, especially with freshman quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. settled into the role after a clutch performance at Auburn a few weeks ago. For Oklahoma to pull off a massive upset, coach Brent Venables' team needs his defense to control the line of scrimmage and generate a couple of takeaways to give his struggling offense a few short fields. In addition to Hawkins making his second start, the Sooners still have major issues along the line of scrimmage and with injuries at receiver. That's a lot to overcome against a Texas team that boasts one of the nation's top offenses, along with a defense holding teams to seven points a game this year. Quarterback Quinn Ewers is expected to return to the starting lineup for Texas after missing the team's last two games due to an oblique injury. Ewers may have some early rust in his return, but a standout offensive line and receiving corps should help the junior eventually get on track.
Prediction: Texas 34, Oklahoma 20

Lyons: As fans of the Sooners and Longhorns know all too well, anything can happen in the Red River Rivalry, even if the matchup seems very lopsided in a given year. That is the case this fall, as the Longhorns are two-touchdown favorites and look like the SEC’s best team early on. Quinn Ewers is slated to return to the Texas lineup, though the team impressed with Arch Manning under center. He’ll be motivated to show out against Oklahoma in his return, especially after 2023, when Oklahoma was the only team to beat Texas in the regular season. Freshman Michael Hawkins Jr., a Dallas native, will make the start for Oklahoma after taking over for the struggling Jackson Arnold. He’s shown impressive poise for a first-year player, and has been more efficient than Arnold. If Oklahoma had a healthy set of offensive weapons, this game would look much different. The Sooners have a slew of injured wide receivers, including standouts Nic Anderson and Deion Burks, which is going to make it very difficult to test Texas vertically. OU has also struggled up front, surrendering 14 sacks through five games. Brent Venables’ defense has impressed, and should keep the Sooners in this one for a while, but ultimately Texas has a big edge here.
Prediction: Texas 31, Oklahoma 19

5. USC vs. Penn State (-4)

Lassan: In addition to being a fantastic uniform matchup, there's a ton at stake for Saturday's showdown in the Coliseum. Penn State moved to 5-0 after last week's win over UCLA, but coach James Franklin's team has yet to play a complete game. After struggling against Bowling Green, the Nittany Lions' defense has limited their last three opponents to just 18 combined points. The hire of Andy Kotelnicki has paid big-time dividends already for the offense, but this matchup against an improving USC defense is a huge test for quarterback Drew Allar and the dynamic backfield of Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton. The Trojans had issues matching up in the trenches in losses to Minnesota and Michigan and will be tested once again on Saturday. Additionally, turnovers (nine lost so far in '24) have been a real problem for coach Lincoln Riley's squad. Look both offenses to land a couple of big plays, but Penn State is better in the trenches and has the edge on defense. That's enough to leave Los Angeles with a close win.
Prediction: Penn State 31, USC 24

Lyons: The Trojans have had impressive moments this season, but the Big Ten grind has been a struggle. Lincoln Riley’s team is now 1-2 in conference, with losses on the road at Michigan and Minnesota, two teams that lead with defense. Penn State’s is ahead of both the Wolverines and Golden Gophers, and the offense is significantly better than those two Big Ten programs. The Nittany Lions offense hasn’t faced much adversity yet this year, but it has taken a significant step forward from last year’s team, which struggled to generate much explosiveness. Quarterback Drew Allar still isn’t taking huge shots down field, but he’s averaging a robust 10.7 yards per attempt. The running back combination of Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen is one of the best in college football. Singleton missed last week’s game against UCLA, but was back at practice this week. USC should be a tougher out at the Coliseum, but Penn State should be too much for the Trojans.
Prediction: Penn State 28, USC 23

• See also: Heisman Trophy Rankings: Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty Challenging for Top Spot

College Football Week 7: the next tier of Power 4 games

Arizona State vs. Utah (-4.5)

Lassan: Utah quarterback Cam Rising's status is a question mark once again. It's hard to get a good read on this game considering the uncertainty of Rising, but the Utes have the defensive front (107.2 rushing yards a game allowed) to slow Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo. The Sun Devils are one of the most-improved teams in the nation, but Utah has won four in a row in this series, with each victory coming by 14 points or more. If Rising doesn't play, an Arizona State upset wouldn't be a surprise.
Prediction: Utah 27, Arizona State 24

Lyons: Utah quarterback Cam Rising is reportedly nearing a return to the starting lineup, after being sidelined with a hand injury from the Utes’ Sept. 7 win over Baylor. When he returns, the Utes should have the most complete team in the Big 12. Rising may have some rust to shake off after a lengthy absence, but he’ll have help on the other side of the ball, as Utah’s defense will present a major challenge to Cam Skattebo and the Sun Devils’ dynamic rushing attack.
Prediction: Utah 26, Arizona State 21

Alabama vs. South Carolina (+21)

Lassan: With both teams coming off a loss, there should be some urgency in Tuscaloosa. Can the Gamecocks replicate Vanderbilt's formula of controlling the time of possession, physical football in the run game, and letting quarterback LaNorris Sellers make a few plays through the air? Alabama's defense has struggled mightily the last six quarters, allowing 67 points in that span. South Carolina's defense and pass rush is good enough to keep this one close. However, the Crimson Tide rebound from last week's disappointment thanks to a better effort on defense, and a few big plays by quarterback Jalen Milroe.
Prediction: Alabama 34, South Carolina 13

Lyons: Alabama has a get-right opportunity against the up-and-down Gamecocks. South Carolina’s rugged defensive front could should give Kalen DeBoer’s offense some trouble, but the Gamecocks will have trouble keeping quarterback LaNorris Sellers upright. No FBS program has allowed more sacks than the 22 that South Carolina has given up.
Prediction: Alabama 31, South Carolina 14

Iowa vs. Washington (+3)

Lassan: A trip to Iowa City is a tough spot for Washington after last week's win over Michigan. Also, the Huskies' rush defense has allowed over 170 yards in each of the last two contests, giving Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson a chance to rebound after being limited to 86 yards versus Ohio State. Quarterback Will Rogers against the Hawkeyes' standout defense should be an entertaining battle too. The letdown factor is in play here for Washington.
Prediction: Iowa 24, Washington 20

Lyons: It’s easy to draw a line from the Michigan team that Washington just beat to the Iowa squad that it will play this weekend. Both teams have top defenses and struggling, run-first offenses. Iowa hasn’t gotten great quarterback play, but (former Michigan transfer) Cade McNamara has been more effective than any of the QBs that the Wolverines have rolled out. Washington is also hitting the road once again, and struggled at yet another run-first Big Ten team a few weeks ago, when it lost at Rutgers 21-19. Hawkeyes running back Kaleb Johnson may be the best running back in the country not named Ashton Jeanty.
Prediction: Iowa 20, Washington 17

Rutgers vs. Wisconsin (+2.5)

Lassan: Did Wisconsin turn a corner under coach Luke Fickell with last week's 52-6 win over Purdue? Or did the Badgers just beat a struggling Boilermakers' squad? The guess here is the latter, as Wisconsin's rush defense (136.8 yards a game allowed) could struggle to contain Rutgers' running back Kyle Monangai.
Prediction: Rutgers 24, Wisconsin 20

Lyons: These two Big Ten programs mirror each other statistically. Wisconsin is rated 80th in offense and 19th in defense per ESPN’s SP+. Rutgers is 81st and 20th. The Badgers have a more balanced offense, while Rutgers leans on running back Kyle Monangai, who has 667 yards and six touchdowns on the year. Wisconsin is coming off of its best performance of the year against struggling Purdue, but Rutgers is a very tough out at home.
Prediction: Rutgers 27, Wisconsin 18

Tennessee vs. Florida (+15)

Lassan: Florida has won six out of the last seven against Tennessee. And after last week's loss in Fayetteville, anxiety is running high in Knoxville with the rival Gators coming to town. Tennessee's defensive front will be a handful for Florida's offensive line, and running back Dylan Sampson should find plenty of running room with the Gators giving up 172.6 rushing yards a game. Expect Tennessee's offense and quarterback Nico Iamaleava to rebound at home, but the Gators cover the spread.
Prediction: Tennessee 31, Florida 20

Lyons: This Vols-Gators rivalry game has a bit more juice after last week, when Tennessee lost its first game in an upset to Arkansas and Florida took down UCF. The Razorbacks gave the Gators a blueprint to slowing down the Vols’ high-octane offense, limiting Nico Iamaleava to a pedestrian 5.4 yards per attempt last week. Tennessee can lean on Dylan Sampson, one of the SEC’s top running backs, against a Gators run defense allowing over 172 yards per game on the ground.
Prediction: Tennessee 29, Florida 23

North Carolina vs. Georgia Tech (-4)

Lassan: The Yellow Jackets have won five out of the last six against the Tar Heels and is favored on the road this Saturday. North Carolina's struggling defense (28.7 points a game and 5.8 yards a snap allowed) faces an uphill battle trying to slow Georgia Tech's offense (31.5 points per contest) behind quarterback Haynes King. The Yellow Jackets are holding teams to 87.5 rushing yards a contest, which is crucial with North Carolina's standout running back Omarion Hampton up next.
Prediction: Georgia Tech 34, North Carolina 27

Lyons: North Carolina has been vulnerable to dual-threat quarterbacks during its three-game losing streak. James Madison’s Alonza Barnett III accounted for 487 yards and seven total touchdowns in its 70-point drubbing of the Tar Heels, while Pitt’s Eli Holstein had 457 yards and four scores. Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King — 1,807 total yards, 13 combined touchdowns — should be very excited for the trip to Chapel Hill.
Prediction: Georgia Tech 35, North Carolina 27

Notre Dame vs. Stanford (+23)

Lassan: Injuries are adding up for Notre Dame, but a favorable schedule the rest of the way allows coach Marcus Freeman's squad to have an inside track at a spot for the CFB Playoff. Stanford is slowly improving under second-year coach Troy Taylor, but the Fighting Irish have won four of the last five in this series.
Prediction: Notre Dame 34, Stanford 13

Lyons: Notre Dame had a week off after taking down Notre Dame in Week 5, a tight win in which the Fighting Irish were outgained 437 yards to 283. They still have plenty of kinks to work out, especially on offense, but should face an overmatched opponent on Saturday. Stanford is making its third trip east in four weeks, and the grind of the ACC schedule has started to show, with back to back blowout losses at Clemson and vs. Virginia Tech. Ashton Daniels is expected back at quarterback for Stanford, which is good news after backup Justin Lamson struggled against the Hokies, but Notre Dame has the best defense the Cardinal has faced thus far.
Prediction: Notre Dame 30, Stanford 13

BYU vs. Arizona (+4)

Lassan: This game marks the first time Arizona and BYU have played as Big 12 opponents. It's also the Wildcats' first trip to Provo since 2007. This matchup features a battle of strengths, as the Cougars' defense ranks third in the Big 12 in points allowed (15.8) facing off against Arizona's high-powered offense behind quarterback Noah Fifita and receiver Tetairoa McMillan. BYU is tough to beat in Provo, especially if coach Kalani Sitake's squad can get its pass rush going (10 sacks in '24) and continue to get steady play from quarterback Jake Retzlaff to go with a solid ground game.
Prediction: BYU 27, Arizona 24

Lyons: BYU (5-0) is one of the surprises of this young college football season, and will look to prevent Arizona from landing a second win over a ranked team from Utah this year. The Cougars’ last opponent, Baylor, was the first team to find passing success against them. Only three receivers have had more than 52 yards in a game against BYU — all were Baylor Bears. Arizona may have the best passing attack that BYU has faced this year, but it is almost entirely focused on Tetairoa McMillan, who has been limited in multiple games this year. The Cougars are very strong against the run, and if Kalani Sitake’s defense can keep McMillan in check, BYU will have a great chance to move to 6-0 for the first time since 2020.
Prediction: BYU 27, Arizona 21

Pitt vs. California (+3.5)

Lassan: The Calgorithm meets the Steel City. Pitt is a win away from 6-0, with transfers in quarterback Eli Holstein and running back Desmond Reid fueling the fast start. California gave Miami all it could handle last week, but a long trip to Pennsylvania is a tough matchup. Also, the Golden Bears will have trouble containing Reid, Holstein, and the much-improved Pitt offense.
Prediction: Pitt 34, California 24

Lyons: Pitt is in pursuit of a 6-0 start for the first time since 1982, against a pesky Cal team that lost its last two games to Florida State and Miami by a combined six points. Pitt is 23rd nationally in plays per game at 73.8, up significantly from a year ago after the hire of new offensive coordinator Kade Bell and addition of quarterback Eli Holstein. That is tough news for a Golden Bears team that will be traveling across the country, and has run out of steam the last two weeks. Cal is -25 in the fourth quarter of its two recent losses.
Prediction: Pitt 32, Cal 23

Virginia vs. Louisville (-7.5)

Lassan: Virginia is quietly 4-1 and showing signs of progress under third-year coach Tony Elliott. Louisville has dropped back-to-back games (Notre Dame and SMU) to quality opponents, but coach Jeff Brohm's squad needs this one with Miami looming next week. Tyler Shough versus Anthony Colandrea should be an entertaining quarterback battle, with turnovers and a few key stops on defense likely to decide this one.
Prediction: Louisville 31, Virginia 24

Lyons: Virginia is off to its best start under Tony Elliott, but the Hoos have some significant vulnerabilities that Louisville can exploit. Virginia has been vulnerable to the pass, allowing over 266 yards per game. Louisville senior quarterback Tyler Shough has put up big numbers this season, with 1,443 yards, 13 touchdowns and just two interceptions on the season. Injuries are starting to pile up for the Cardinals, but they have the talent edge to get back in the win column in Charlottesville.
Prediction: Louisville 32, Virginia 21

Fresno State vs. Washington State (-3.5)

Lassan: Future Pac-12 rivals meet for a matchup that could feature plenty of points (over/under at 60.5). Washington State quarterback John Mateer (376.4 total yards a game) ranks second nationally in total offense, but Fresno State shouldn't have much trouble moving the ball behind its signal-caller (Mikey Keene) with the Cougars giving up 32.4 points a game.
Prediction: Washington State 34, Fresno State 31

Lyons: Fresno State was barreled over by an explosive UNLV offense last time out. The Wazzu attack, led by dual-threat quarterback John Mateer, bares a resemblance to the Rebels. Mateer is not the most accurate QB, but has averaged 9.3 yards per attempt, with 13 touchdowns and five interceptions. He is also the team’s leading rusher with 453 yards and five scores. Fresno allowed UNLV’s Hajj-Malik Williams to account for 301 yards and four total touchdowns. They should see a heavy dose of Mateer, as Washington State looks to move to 5-1.
Prediction: Washington State 38, Fresno State 28

Kentucky vs. Vanderbilt (+13.5)

Lassan : Can the Commodores keep the magic going in Lexington? With quarterback Diego Pavia at the controls and locked in, anything is possible here for Vanderbilt. Kentucky's offense has scored only 38 points in three SEC games this year and needs quarterback Brock Vandagriff to take a step forward in his development in a favorable matchup. The Commodores are prone to a letdown here, and Kentucky's defensive front eventually takes control in the second half.
Prediction: Kentucky 27, Vanderbilt 20

Lyons: Vanderbilt scored arguably the biggest win in program history last week, taking down No. 1 Alabama. Now, the trick is to keep the momentum rolling in a trip to Kentucky. The Wildcats have one of the SEC’s most stingy defenses, which has given fits to Georgia and Ole Miss already this season. This is a tough team to face for any program looking to ride momentum.
Prediction: Kentucky 24, Vanderbilt 19

West Virginia vs. Iowa State (-3)

Lassan: Considering how tight the Big 12 title picture is likely to be in November, this battle between a pair of 2-0 teams in conference play might loom large for positioning later this season. West Virginia is riding high after crushing Oklahoma State 38-14 behind 389 rushing yards in Stillwater last Saturday. Despite dealing with a handful of injuries, Iowa State's defense is still holding teams to 10 points a game and 4.2 yards a carry. However, the Mountaineers' ground game will be tough to hold in check. Homefield advantage seems to matter a ton in these swing Big 12 contests, but I'll take the Cyclones in a close one.
Prediction: Iowa State 27, West Virginia 26

Lyons: Iowa is known for its defense, but Iowa State’s unit under ninth-year defensive coordinator Jon Heacock has built a similarly impressive unit in Ames. The Cyclones are 13th in defensive SP+, helping the team jump out to one of the nation’s best turnover margin at +7. West Virginia is down at -3. The Mountaineers can compete with the Cyclones if they’re safe with the football, but if they allow the Iowa State defense to flip the game with takeaways, it could be a long day in Morgantown.
Prediction: Iowa State 28, West Virginia 24

Wake Forest vs. Clemson (-20.5)

Lassan: Since losing to Georgia (34-3) in the opener, Clemson has won each of its last four games by at least 16 points a contest. Quarterback Cade Klubnik (1,219 yards and 14 touchdowns) is quietly showing signs of progress in coordinator Garrett Riley's second year. Wake Forest has had some heartbreak with two of its three losses coming by three points or less. However, the Demon Deacons are struggling too much on defense (31 points a game allowed) to pull off the upset.
Prediction: Clemson 38, Wake Forest 17

Lyons: Clemson has climbed back into the ACC title race, and is on a collision course for a championship game meeting with Miami. Wake Forest did well to pick up a win at NC STate last week, but has been giving up points in bunches this season. The 30 points surrendered to the Wolfpack is the lowest number of any of the Demon Deacons’ FBS opponents so far this season.
Prediction: Clemson 43, Wake Forest 18

• See also: College Football Group of 5 Coaches Poll: Week 6

Top Group of 5 games of College Football Week 7

South Florida vs. Memphis (-7)

Lassan: This matchup was projected as one of the must-see games in the AAC for 2024, and even with South Florida's slow start (2-3), this contest looms large for positioning in the conference. With the location change to Orlando after Hurricane Milton, along with some uncertainty surrounding South Florida quarterback Byrum Brown, this matchup has a few x-factors that are hard to evaluate prior to kickoff. Quarterback Seth Henigan and the Memphis' high-powered offense enters Saturday averaging just over 33 points a game, which is a tough matchup for the Bulls' struggling defense (6.4 yards per play allowed in '24).
Prediction: Memphis 34, South Florida 24

Lyons: The game against two of the AAC’s preseason favorites will now be played on Saturday, delayed from Friday night due to Hurricane Milton. Both the Tigers and Bulls are seeking their first conference wins. USF hopes to have quarterback Byrum Brown back from injury for Saturday, but he won’t help a defense that has hemorrhaged points in recent games vs. Miami and Tulane.
Prediction: Memphis 38, South Florida 24

Utah State vs. UNLV (-18.5)

Lassan: UNLV fell short in overtime against Syracuse last week, but coach Barry Odom's team should rebound this week. Utah State is 1-4 behind interim coach Nate Dreiling, and a struggling defense allowing 41.4 points a contest is a bad matchup for the Rebels' high-powered attack (44.4 points a game and eighth nationally in rushing offense).
Prediction: UNLV 45, Utah State 20

Lyons: The Rebels took their first loss last week against Syracuse, but are still firmly in the mix to win the Mountain West and compete for a College Football Playoff bid. Hajj-Malik Williams and the offense should have plenty of opportunity to put up points against an Aggies defense ranked 133rd out of 134 FBS teams by SP+.
Prediction: UNLV 48, Utah State 28

Eastern Michigan vs. Miami (Ohio) (-2.5)

Lassan: The RedHawks usually improve as the season goes along and find their rhythm once MAC play hits. Don't expect a ton of points in this one, but I think coach Chuck Martin's squad finds a way to win another close contest in conference action.
Prediction: Miami (Ohio) 24, Eastern Michigan 20

Lyons: A year after winning the MAC, the Redhawks have limped out to a 1-4 record against a difficult early schedule. Eastern Michigan should be the second easiest team they’ve played so far, along with UMass (which Miami beat 23-20), but the rugged Eagles are no walkover, especially at home where they are 3-0.
Prediction: Eastern Michigan 23, Miami (Ohio) 17

Colorado State vs. San José State (-1)

Lassan: San José State is quietly off to an impressive 4-1 start under new coach Ken Niumatalolo, while Colorado State hopes to make a run in Mountain West play over the second half of ’24. This game features two of the top Group of 5 receivers in the nation in San Jose State’s Nick Nash and Colorado State’s Tory Horton.
Prediction: Colorado State 31, San José State 30

Lyons: Colorado State was supposed to have one of the Mountain West’s most explosive offenses entering the year. The Rams have sputtered out of the gate this season, while San José State has put up significant points under new coach Ken Niumatalolo, with wide receiver Nick Nash second in the FBS in receiving.
Prediction: San José State 35, Colorado State 31

Bowling Green vs. Northern Illinois (+3)

Lassan: Bowling Green tight end Harold Fannin (46 catches for 676 yards) is one of the nation's most underrated players. The Huskies own the MAC's top rushing attack (230.8 yards a game) and should find plenty of running room against a Falcons' defense ranked ninth in the conference against the run. This is a crucial matchup for positioning among two MAC title contenders.
Prediction: Bowling Green 27, Northern Illinois 24

Lyons: The Falcons and Huskies are two of the most unpredictable teams in the MAC this season. NIU scored one of the season’s great wins, winning at Notre Dame, while Bowling Green took Penn State and Texas A&M to the wire in consecutive weeks. The teams have also dropped games to Buffalo and Old Dominion, respectively. Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. has emerged as one of the top weapons in the MAC with four consecutive games of at least 135 yards, including those against the two Top 25 opponents. He can be a gamebreaker now that BGSU is settling into conference play.
Prediction: Bowling Green 27, Northern Illinois 24

Louisiana vs. Appalachian State (+10.5)

Lassan: Appalachian State ranks at the bottom of the Sun Belt in points allowed and rush defense. That's not great news for the Mountaineers with the Ragin' Cajuns' ground game (189.4 yards a game) up next. Louisiana ranks third in the Sun Belt in scoring defense and is a tough matchup for Appalachian State quarterback Joey Aguilar.
Prediction: Louisiana 37, Appalachian State 27

Lyons: Appalachian State has been a disappointment in the Sun Belt this season, allowing 100 points in its last two games to South Alabama and Marshall. Now it takes on Louisiana, a team with the second-highest rated Group of 5 offense in SP+, behind only Boise State. The Ragin’ Cajuns have rushed for 5.5 yards per carry, and could do real damage to a Mountaineers defense that allowed two South Alabama to run for 100+ yards in their last game.
Prediction: Louisiana 38, Appalachian State 23

Hawai’i vs. Boise State (-20.5)

Lassan: I t's a late kickoff (11 p.m. ET), but Ashton Jeanty's run at the Heisman Trophy is worth staying up for. Hawai'i quarterback Brayden Schager should be able to land a few big plays against the Broncos' secondary (No. 83 in pass defense success rate), which will keep Jeanty into the game into the second half.
Prediction: Boise State 45, Hawai'i 24

Lyons: The Rainbow Warriors may be able to put some point up against a Broncos defense that has allowed plenty of points this season. It won’t matter if Ashton Jeanty and the Boise State offense puts another game away by halftime. The Heisman candidate has 1,031 yards and 16 touchdowns in just five games (and he hasn’t played a snap in the second half in two of those).
Prediction: Boise State 48, Hawai’i 32

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