This week’s CFB slate is loaded with matchups with CFP implications. Top teams will meet with incredible transfer talent displayed and lots on the line. TPR looks at the ranked matchups of the week below. (Lines via Caesars Sportsbook)
No.7 Penn State @ No.3 Ohio State (-5) 12:00 ET
College Gameday heads to the game of the week in Columbus for a top ten BIG10 matchup, Sophomore QB Drew Allar leads the Nittany Lions into the Shoe playing great football. In his first season as the starter, Allar has thrown for 1,254 and 12 touchdowns to start the season, with no interceptions.
Kyle McCord and the Buckeyes have been torching opponents. Top prospect Marvin Harrison Jr. has 604 yards and five touchdowns to start the year and is set to be a top 3 pick in this year’s draft. Both defenses will be the toughest either offense has faced, so look for a low scoring game with a very tight finish.
No.17 Tennessee @ No.11 Alabama (-9.5) 3:30 ET
The rivalry between the Vols and the Tide this season is a very different feel from last. With two high flying offenses losing their quarterbacks, both teams have struggled to find a rhythm on the offensive end to start 2023. The defenses for both teams have been majorly improved with each allowing under 20 points a game.
The Tide defense added Georgia linebacker Trezmen Walker and UAB DB Jaylen Key and they have made major contributions to Saban’s defense. Tennessee added Gabe JeudyLally to a secondary that allowed 455 yards to Bryce Young last season. With Young being gone and Milroe struggling to start the season, the Vols defense can keep them in the game.
No.16 Duke @ No.4 Florida State (-14.5) 7:30 ET
Riley Leonard leads the Blue Devils into Tallahassee for a primetime showdown. Jordan Travis and the Noles are flying high with a 6-0 start and Keon Coleman surging up the rankings and putting the nation on notice. The Michigan State transfer has hauled in 418 yards and seven touchdowns in just six games.
Duke will hope to slow down FSU’s passing attack with the help of two transfer DBs. Myles Jones from Texas A&M and Al Blades Jr. from Miami. The Blue Devils defense has been incredible to start the season and will need to be at their best Saturday night.
No.14 Utah @ No.18 USC (-7) 8:00 ET
Utah comes into a rematch of last season’s Pac-12 title game with an offense that has been struggling mightily. The Utes have only scored over 30 twice this season, against Weber State and Cal. On the other hand, USC was firing on all cylinders before a roadblock at Notre Dame where star Caleb Williams threw three interceptions.
In a tightly contested Pac-12, a second loss would be crucial at this point in the season, putting a lot on the line Saturday night in the Colosseum. Look for Utah to attempt to control the ball, in hopes of keeping Williams and the offense on the sidelines.
