Farrell Forecast: Predicting Week 9's biggest games
The Farrell Forecast isn’t only about predicting where high school football players will end up in college, it’s also about picking the winners and losers from each college football weekend.
Last week I was back on the winning side of things at 7-4, bringing my streak of winning weeks back to four out of the last five.
Here’s my take on the Saturday games that interest me the most.
All times Eastern.
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No. 3 Clemson at No. 12 Florida State, 8:00 p.m., ABC
The rundown: The last hurdle for Clemson to a playoff berth? It could be depending on how the ACC Coastal shakes out. So will we see the Clemson from last season that made its run to the title game or the team that should have lost to NC State? I’m still betting on the former.
Prediction: Clemson 33, FSU 20
No. 7 Nebraska at No. 11 Wisconsin, 7:00 p.m., ESPN
The rundown: Nebraska’s biggest win has been over Northwestern while Wisconsin has been through some amazing battles. I’ll take the battle-tested Badgers here in a tight one.
Prediction: Wisconsin 24, Nebraska 17
No. 4 Washington at No. 17 Utah, 3:30 p.m., FS1
The rundown: Utah is a tough out, especially at home, and could be a threat to knock Washington out of the playoff picture. While it’s tough to go against the Utes at home, the Huskies are too deep and talented.
Prediction: Washington 30, Utah 20
No. 10 West Virginia at Oklahoma State, 12:00 p.m., FOX
The rundown: I’m not picking against West Virginia now as that defense appears to be for real. The Cowboys' offense can be potent and they are at home, but I’ll stick with West Virginia on the road against a dangerous offense after picking Texas Tech to beat the Mountaineers a couple weeks ago.
Prediction: West Virginia 31, Oklahoma State 28
No. 15 Auburn at Ole Miss, 7:15 p.m., SEC Network
The rundown: Auburn rolled over Arkansas with its running game and Ole Miss can’t seem to stop anyone on defense, so unless something crazy happens Auburn should take this one on the road.
Prediction: Auburn 37, Ole Miss 20
No. 2 Michigan at Michigan State, 12:00 p.m., ESPN
The rundown: Why is this interesting with Michigan favored by more than three touchdowns? Because it’s a rivalry game and it would make the Spartans' season to pull the upset. It would also make Jim Harbaugh very happy to roll one up on the Spartans, and that’s what happens.
Prediction: Michigan 49, Michigan State 10
No. 6 Ohio State vs. Northwestern, 3:30 p.m., ESPN
The rundown: The Buckeyes should be angry after losing to Penn State. But watch out for this much-improved Northwestern offense. I’m not betting against Ohio State here but this one could be closer than expected.
Prediction: Ohio State 30, Northwestern 24
No. 8 Baylor at Texas, 3:30 p.m., ABC
The rundown: I smell an upset here. Texas is at home, the line is low and Baylor hasn’t played anyone. Texas might give up a ton of points, but can Baylor stop the power running game? The Longhorns pull this one out.
Prediction: Texas 37, Baylor 33
No. 14 Florida vs. Georgia (in Jacksonville, Fla.), 3:30 p.m., CBS
The rundown: This should be a domination by the Florida defense against a young, talented yet immobile quarterback.
Prediction: Florida 24, Georgia 7
Miami at Notre Dame. 3:30 p.m., NBC
The rundown: Will the Notre Dame slide continue? Will the ‘Canes continue to fall apart? Something has to give here and it’s the Miami losing streak. The Irish have given up on the season.
Prediction: Miami 31, Notre Dame 20
No. 24 Penn State at Purdue, 12:00 p.m., ABC/ESPN2
The rundown: Penn State is coming off a major high and Purdue is playing with a bit more energy with an interim coach. However, there is no way the Nittany Lions fall on their face here.
Prediction: Penn State 24, Purdue 17
