Ohio State will look to keep its season perfect this week as they’ll participate in their first top-25 matchup of the season. Their opponent, Michigan State possesses a solid defense, however, their offense has struggled to score.
Also in the Big Ten, upstart Iowa looks to stay perfect in conference play as they take on Michigan. Iowa is trying to reach the Big Ten Championship for the first time since 2015 when they were upset by Michigan State.
The biggest game of the week comes from the SEC. No. 7 Auburn and No. 10 Florida square off for what should be an instant classic. Auburn leads the series 43-38-2.
No. 25 Michigan State at No. 4 Ohio State
Although the Buckeyes haven’t played a ranked opponent until now, they have manhandled each of their five opponents. Michigan State’s defense has lived up to its reputation as the backbone of the Spartan football team, however, the offense ranks 60th in points scored. To win this game, Sparty can’t get into a shootout with OSU. They can prevent the shootout by stuffing the run with their No. 4 overall rushing defense and forcing OSU to throw. The Buckeyes are 56th in the nation in passing yards. The Spartan defense is certainly capable of playing with the Buckeyes, but they’ll inevitably tire out as the Michigan State offense fails to maintain long drives.
Prediction: Ohio State 34, Michigan State 19
No. 14 Iowa at No. 19 Michigan
Iowa is out to prove it’s the real deal. The Hawkeyes have yet to play a team with a winning record and struggled against their rival Iowa State. They’ll have to buckle down in the secondary as Michigan’s receivers are the best the Hawkeyes DBs will battle so far. The winner of the battle between Michigan’s receivers and Iowa’s DBs will decide the game. Michigan’s run game will be nonexistent against Iowa, and the Hawkeyes will find the endzone enough to win. The big question is: Can they stop the pass?
Prediction: Iowa 26, Michigan 21
No. 7 Auburn at No. 10 Florida
Auburn has lived up to every challenge that has been thrown at them. Their schedule doesn’t let up, and this week they’ll face a scrappy Gator team on the road. On paper, Auburn should cruise. They’re battle-tested, while Florida struggled with Miami and Kentucky. Their offense hasn’t been very good, and they’ve had many issues at quarterback. That’s all going to change, however, as the Gators defense will step up and carry the team, much like it did against LSU a season ago. A defensive touchdown will be the difference in this battle, as Auburn freshman quarterback Bo Nix will finally make a costly mistake.
Prediction: Florida 25, Auburn 23
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