Fearless Rick & Coin Flip Week 9 College Football Picks

Week 8 Results: Rick: 3-11-1; Flip: 7-7-1
Cumulative: Rick: 55–55-3; Flip 55–55-3

Thursday, October 29

Florida Atlantic @ North Texas (-13.5, 77) 7:30 pm (ESPN) - Wins over Tulsa, Charlotte and Navy have the 5-2 Mean Green at 3-0 in the American conference, 1/2 game behind leading UTSA (4-0). The Owls of Florida Atlantic are 2-1 in conference play, 5-2 overall, though oddsmakers don’t give them much hope here.

There’s reason to believe that this is going to be a high-scoring affair, with the O/U set at 77 points. The idea that both defenses will be dead tired by the end of three quarters sets up an interesting proposition for the Owls to cover the nearly two-touchdown spread. They’ve scored 38 points or more in four of their five wins, and a 16-10 victory over FIU suggests hat they can play a little defense. In this topsy-turvy college season, taking high points has often resulted in a fatter wallet.

Coin Flip: Florida Atlantic

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Mean Green 45 Owls 38

Friday, October 30

Baylor @ UCF (-1.5, 47.5) 7:30 pm (ESPN) - Both teams share identical records, 2-2 in conference, 4-3 overall. Other than future bowl eligibility, there isn’t much riding on this meeting. The competition above them in the Big 12 is stiff.

Central Florida is coming off an epic, 39-31, OT victory over then-#2 BYU. Despite the obvious potential for a letdown, the Knights seem capable of a repeat win. Baylor has dropped their last two, 17-6 vs. TCU, and 25-24 at Kansas last week. The Bears’ offense, led by D.J. Lagway, doesn’t run the ball with much success, a liability the Knights can exploit.

Coin Flip: UCF

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Knights 28 Bears 17

Saturday, October 31

5 Notre Dame (-31, 56.5) @ Navy 12:00 pm (ABC) - It’s just not Navy’s year. The Middies are 2-5, their wins coming against Towson in the season opener and earlier this month over Tulsa, 1-3 in the American conference.

This certainly looks like a walkover game for the Irish. Notre Dame sunk the sailors last season, 49-10, and the change of venue shouldn’t matter much at all. Notre Dame is still smarting from their 28-24 loss at BYU two weeks back and aren’t likely to lose two straight, especially to a team that can’t throw efficiently.

Coin Flip: Notre Dame

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Fighting Irish 52 Midshipmen 10

22 Arizona @ 13 Texas Tech (-3, 54.5) 12:00 pm (ESPN) - Big time Big 12 meeting here with both teams having identical 6-1, 3-1 conference records. This is a showdown between two of the more prominent teams in the conference, each seeking a spot in the Big 12 championship and possibly the CFP.

While Arizona was winning its fifth straight, toppling Iowa State, 39-3, the Red Raiders were humbled by the Bearcats in Cincinnati, 37-24 their first loss of the season. Arizona’s only loss was a 28-17 defeat at BYU and they are uniquely equipped to handle this road test.

Coin Flip: Texas Tech

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Wildcats 31 Red Raiders 27

25 Wisconsin @ Iowa (-4, 36.5) 12:00 pm (FOX) - This is likely to be a competitive contest, especially since the Badgers have the upper hand in Big Ten Standings, at 3-1, while the Hawkeyes are even up at 2-2 after losing to Ohio State, 31-14, and Minnesota last week, 13-10. The Badgers are coming off a defensive gem, stopping USC, 24-7, and appear headed for better results. All of their remaining games are winnable, and they might be looking at playing for the Big Ten championship.

Iowa’s defense is as good as it gets, but the offense lacks chuck play ability. Look for the Badgers to stun the Hawkeyes on their home turf.

Coin Flip: Wisconsin

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Badgers 20 Hawkeyes 13

Auburn @ 12 Ole Miss (-13.5, 57.5) 12:45 pm (SECN) - Auburn had its day in the sun two weeks ago, winning at Georgia, 27-24. Last week, they met their match, as LSU came to town and dumped them, 38-17. Going on the road to Ole Miss is a daunting prospect, especially with the Rebels coming off a tough loss at Texas, but, in two road games, the Tigers were solid, losing at Tennessee, 24-14, before the Georgia win.

The Rebels are 4-0 at home, their last home win a convincing, 52-17, defeat of Vanderbilt earlier in October. Following that 34-27 loss at Texas, they should be able to regroup and tame the Tigers.

Coin Flip: Ole Miss

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Rebels 38 Tigers 19

17 Florida @ 3 Georgia (-11, 56) 3:30 pm (ABC) - Florida head coach Jon Sumrall hasn’t ruled out Aaron Philo for the “world’s biggest cocktail party” against arch-rival Georgia, but even if Tramell Jones gets the start, the Gators are likely to put up a good fight.

Last season, this annual meeting went the way of the Bulldogs, 24-20, and the Gators want to even the score this time around. Both teams have had an extra week to prepare. Georgia comes off a rare, 27-24 home loss to Auburn. Florida won by the same score at Texas two weeks back.

Coin Flip: Florida

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Gators 27 Bulldogs 26

Minnesota @ 4 Indiana (-21, 41.5) 3:30 pm (CBS) - The Golden Gophers have one of the toughest schedules following this game, having to meet up with UCLA, Penn State, Northwestern and Wisconsin down the stretch. A loss here would put them at 3-2 in the Big Ten and off the board as a conference championship participant. They Gophers will be geared for a top effort here.

The Hoosiers are proving that last season was no fluke. Their only loss was to Ohio State, and they may have won that game if not for a TD pass that was ruled OOB (it was). Last week’s hard-fought, 13-6, win at Michigan showed the Hoosiers can survive hostile crowds, but they’re back on home turf this week. Indiana is getting every team’s best shot, and they’re not likely to cover this fat spread.

Coin Flip: Minnesota

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Hoosiers 24 Golden Gophers 17

Arizona State @ 8 BYU (-16.5, 48) 3:30 pm (FOX) - The Cougars are still smarting from last week’s 39-31 OT loss at UCF, but face what looks to be a creampuff in the Sun Devils, losers to Baylor, 55-19; Texas A&M, 48-20; and Texas Tech, 53-25.

Unless there’s something seriously wrong with BYU, they should pile on the points at home and win convincingly.

Coin Flip: Arizona State

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Cougars 42 Sun Devils 14

1 Miami (-14, 52.5) @ North Carolina 7:30 pm (ABC) - One of just three undefeated teams (UCLA, Utah), the Hurricanes are rolling toward the ACC championship and a spot in the CFP.

While the Tar Heels are improved, especially on defense, they’re not quite up to Miami’s standards, but this 14-point line is appropriate for them. The three North Carolina losses have been by 8 at Clemson, 9 vs. Notre Dame, and last week, 31-30 to Syracuse. Maybe an upset looming, but surely, the Heels can keep this one close.

Coin Flip: Miami

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Hurricanes 30 Tar Heels 21

2 Ohio State (-6.5, 51.5) @ USC 7:30 pm (NBC) - This looks like a no-brainer with the Buckeyes favored by less than a touchdown, but the kicker is that QB Julian Sayin is out for the season and backups Luke Fahey or Tavern St. Clair (or both) will take over play-calling duties this week. That puts a serious dent in Jeremiah Smith’s Heisman hopes, but the bigger issue is winning football games and this one might be in doubt.

The Trojans are coming off a stunning, 24-7, loss at Wisconsin in which USC rushed for a combined -17 yards, which isn’t going to get it done against most college teams. With Sayin out, the Trojans may have a shot here and it’s worth taking a flyer that they can bounce back and tighten up the Big Ten race with a timely win.

Coin Flip: Ohio State

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Trojans 30 Buckeyes 27

Mississippi State @ 11 Texas (-21, 50) 7:30 pm (ESPN) - Texas has a reasonable chance of a blowout against the Bulldogs after upending Ole Miss last week and being rewarded with a second straight home game.

The Bulldogs will be without QB Kamario Taylor, who is out for the season with a toe injury requiring surgery. They’ve lost three straight and the only question is whether Texas QB Arch Manning can put together two solid games. It’s likely he and the Longhorns will paste the short-handed Bulldogs.

Coin Flip: Mississippi State

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Longhorns 35 Bulldogs 10

Fearless Rick & Coin Flip Week 8 College Football Picks

Week 7 Results: Rick: 7-8; Flip: 7-8
Cumulative: Rick: 52-44-2; Flip 48-48-2

Friday, October 23

Duke @ Virginia (-1.5, 48) 7:00 pm (ESPN) - Fairly inconsequential game in the ACC, though both teams will still be looking for wins in order to become bowl eligible. Duke won four straight, including its first conference game, a 35-7 romp of Stanford. Since then, they’ve dropped two straight in the ACC, 28-25 at Georgia Tech and 24-20 last week to North Carolina.

The Cavaliers are 2-2 in conference play and have not lost a home game. That trend should continue in what could become a defensive struggle.

Coin Flip: Virginia

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Cavaliers 23 Blue Devils 17

Air Force (-4.5, 45) @ Wyoming 9:00 pm (CW) - A solid clash in the Mountain West between teams that could conceivably vie of the conference title and possibly reach the CFP.

Both teams are 3-1 in the MWC, so this should be a bang-up affair. Wyoming hasn’t lost at home this season, and lost to the Falcons, 24-21, on the road last season. They’ve already matched their win total from last season, so they’re likely to return the favor.

Coin Flip: Air Force

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Cowboys 24 Falcons 21

Saturday, October 24

Pittsburgh @ 1 Miami (-21, 50.5) 12:00 pm (ESPN) - Could another #1 team lose top dog status again for a third straight week?

Probably not, but there’s a possible case that Pitt’s defense will keep this game close enough to make dog bettors happy. The Panthers were 5-0 until back-to-back losses to North Carolina (21-17) and at Boston College (27-21), after losing QB Mason Heintschel for the season. True freshman Corey Dailey will start for Pitt and if the Panthers can generate any offense at all, they may come close to a win.

Coin Flip: Miami

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Hurricanes 35 Panthers 20

6 Indiana (-7, 41.5) @ Michigan 12:00 pm (FOX) - The Hoosiers played Ohio State to a standstill last week, losing on the last play of the game on an out-of-bounds call on what looked like a sure TD.

Michigan’s season has gone south after consecutive losses to Iowa and Minnesota. Last week’s 21-18 win over Penn State was nothing to get excited over and the Hoosiers are likely to come back in a big way. They’re still 3-1 and in the hunt for the CFP. Michigan suffers from lack of consistency on offense.

Coin Flip: Indiana

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Hoosiers 30 Wolverines 16

8 Texas Tech (-10.5, 56.5) @ Cincinnati 12:00 pm (FS1) - The Bearcats have suffered back-to-back losses at Arizona, 34-7, and last week at West Virginia, 45-42, dropping then to 1-2 in the Big 12.

The Red Raiders are tied for first in the conference at 3-0, and, 6-0 overall with BYU and Utah, and their offense has stepped it up recently, whipping Arizona State, 53-25, last Saturday.

Coin Flip: Cincinnati

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Red Raiders 42 Bearcats 21

18 LSU (-7.5, 52) @ Auburn 12:00 pm (ABC) - After upending Georgia last week, 27-24, the Auburn Tigers face a tough task against LSU, which is tops in the SEC in both offense and defense.

A letdown is likely for Auburn, and LSU rebounded with a 31-0 win over Mississippi State last week after being upended at Kentucky, 35-34, two back. Can 4-2 Auburn do it again and maybe break into the Top 25? Taking points at home is often a good call in the wide open SEC.

Coin Flip: LSU

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Auburn Tigers 30 LSU Tigers 27

Michigan State @ 9 UCLA (-14, 44.5) 3:30 pm (CBS) - As strange as it may seem, the Bruins are tied for the lead in the Big Ten with Ohio State, but 4-0 in the conference. UCLA has the potential to rush for more than 200 yards against the Spartans, 0-4 in conference play.

The Spartans have lost five in a row, but the last two were close (38-37 to Illinois; 24-21 vs. Northwestern). Against UCLA’s stout defense, Michigan State will be fortunate to find the end zone more than once. The Bruins’ defense and solid run game should provide the difference.

Coin Flip: UCLA

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Bruins 27 Spartans 9

2 BYU (-6.5, 43.5) @ UCF 3:30 pm (FOX) - BYU gutted out a 28-24 win over Notre Dame last week, moving up seven spots in the polls, all the way to #2. The Cougars have an exciting, explosive offense and enough defense to stay in the game against almost any offense in the country.

UCF is 1-2 in Big 12 play, with losses to Houston and Oklahoma State. Their defense allows the most yards from scrimmage in the conference, which makes BYU’s offense drool over the prospects. The Knights will also be without regular QB Alonza Barnett III. Which the line here, as it may be moving.

Coin Flip: BYU

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Cougars 38 Knights 24

11 Tennessee @ South Carolina (-2.5, 50) 3:30 pm (ESPN) - Hard to see why South Carolina is favored after Tennessee put on a defensive clinic in last week’s 26-10 win over Alabama, a team that devoured the Gamecocks 49-18 three weeks back.

South Carolina is strutting after their October 10 win at Florida (38-19), but Tennessee should control both lines of scrimmage, the clock and the score.

Coin Flip: Tennessee

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Volunteers 27 Gamecocks 18

Texas A&M @ 13 Alabama (-14, 51) 3:30 pm (ABC) - At 1-3, the Aggies just hope to survive the SEC schedule without being embarrassed too often, though that has become a problem after losses to Kentucky (31-21), LSU (35-6), and Missouri (27-6).

Alabama came out of Tennessee a 26-10 loser, and needs to bounce back to keep conference and CFP hopes alive. A&M’s defense is shreddable, and their office prone to mistakes. May be a blowout for the Tide.

Coin Flip: Alabama

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Crimson Tide 42 Aggies 16

15 Iowa (-7, 40.5) @ Minnesota 3:30 pm (FS1) - The Golden Gophers are being mistaken for a quality football team. Their wins over Washington and Michigan - 27-24 and 20-14, respectively - came before being blow away at Purdue, 41-13.

Iowa has emerged as one of the powerhouses in the Big Ten. Their lone loss was a 31-14 setback to the Buckeyes and they are 2-0 on the road this season, so playing at Minnesota should not be a worry. Iowa holds a slight statistical advantage on offense and a much larger edge defensively, which will likely provide a solid winning margin.

Coin Flip: Iowa

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Hawkeyes 31 Golden Gophers 20

7 Ole Miss @ 19 Texas (-3, 53.5) 7:30 pm (ABC) - Ole Miss didn’t disappoint the home fans last week, thumping Missouri, 31-3, improving to 5-1 and 3-1 in the SEC. They should be up to the task at Austin, as the season seems to be slipping away for the Longhorns after two straight losses by identical 27-24 scores to Oklahoma and Florida.

A loss here probably eliminates Texas from CFP contention and Ole Miss has the combination of offense, defense, and a winning attitude to send the Longhorns to a third straight defeat. Texas QB Arch Manning has been woefully inconsistent and the Rebels will take full advantage.

Coin Flip: Texas

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Rebels 24 Longhorns 14

Vanderbilt @ 12 Kentucky (-10.5, 51.5) 7:30 pm (SECN) - Vandy has dropped to the bottom of the standings in the SEC at 0-4 and last week’s 31-21 loss to Arkansas may have damaged the Commodores’ confidence, though in the SEC, anything is possible.

At 6-1 and 4-1 in conference play, the Wildcats are seriously eyeing a shot at the SEC championship game and possibly the CFP. This game may turn some heads in different directions. None of Kentucky’s wins have been blowouts, and this one could be closer than anticipated.

Coin Flip: Vanderbilt

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Wildcats 31 Commodores 24

16 USC (-3, 50) @ Wisconsin 7:30 pm (NBC) - The Badgers are coming off a 17-7 loss at UCLA, just their second defeat of the season, while the Trojans notched a 31-23 win at Penn State last week.

Why the spread is so thin owes to the idea that USC still has holes in their defense and will be playing a second straight road game. The Badgers have a good enough defense to contain the USC offense and win at home.

Coin Flip: Wisconsin

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Badgers 26 Trojans 23

14 Houston @ 10 Utah (-6.5, 56.5) 10:15 pm (ESPN) - Houston’s only loss was at Texas Tech, one of three unbeaten teams in the Big 12 (BYU, Utah), so this is a big test for the Cougars after slipping by a stubborn Oklahoma State squad last week, 35-32.

These two are the highest-scoring teams in the Big 12. Houston clicks at 39.2 points per game, Utah, 40.2, but the difference is on defense, where the Utes have the edge and that may be the deciding factor, though holding back Connor Weigman and the Cougar offense will take some doing. Look for a close one.

Coin Flip: Utah

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Utes 31 Cougars 28

Fearless Rick & Coin Flip Week 7 College Football Picks

Week 6 Results: Rick: 8-5; Flip: 5-8
Cumulative: Rick: 45-36-2; Flip 41-40-2

Friday, October 16

Memphis (-7, 56) @ Tulane 7:30 pm (ESPN) - As conference play takes shape, the Memphis Tigers appear to be the class of this year’s version of the American with a 5-1 record and off to a 2-0 start in conference action.

Tulane is 0-1 in the American after last week’s 20-17 loss to Army. The Green Wave couldn’t stop the run, but hung in against the cadets. Tulane doesn’t appear to possess the offensive firepower to hang with the Tigers though both of their wins have come at home.

Coin Flip: Memphis

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Tigers 28 Green Wave 17

Washington @ Purdue (-3, 52.5) 8:00 pm (FOX) - The Boilermakers seem to have things going in the right direction, winning their second straight Big Ten game last week with a 41-13 stomping of Minnesota. 3-3 Purdue has an improving offense and adequate defense capable of defending home field against most conference opponents.

Washington got schooled by #20 Iowa last week, 41-24, and the Huskies are 0-3 in the Big Ten. The suffer from defensive lapses though the offense can create scoring opportunities. Long trip east looks like a tough sport for the Huskies.

Coin Flip: Purdue

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Boilermakers 38 Huskies 21

Saturday, October 17

4 Ohio State (-3, 51) @ 5 Indiana 12:00 pm (FOX) - Big Showdown in the Big Ten which may help determine CFP participants down the line. The Buckeyes have dominated in every contest except their 24-23 loss at Texas.

The main concern for the Hoosiers will be covering Ohio State’s Heisman favorite, Jeremiah Smith. After their close call last week at Nebraska, eventually pulling out a 20-17 win, lack of pressure up front may lead to open receivers downfield for the Buckeyes. While both teams are 3-0 in conference play, Ohio State appears to have advantages on both sides of the ball.

Coin Flip: Indiana

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Buckeyes 27 Hoosiers 17

Florida @ 7 Texas (-10.5, 52.5) 12:00 pm (ABC) - The Longhorns suffered a serious setback last week, losing 27-24 to Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry, and look to bounce back against a questionable foe in the Gators.

Florida has concerns on defense after losing two straight by big scores, 45-17 at Missouri, and, 38-19 versus South Carolina last week. This is a big test for both teams, but the Longhorns get to play at home and will be all out to erase last week’s disaster. Texas may not be the best team in the SEC, but they have the ability to shut down opponent offenses.

Coin Flip: Florida

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Longhorns 38 Gators 20

16 Mississippi State @ 22 LSU (-14, 58.5) 12:00 pm (ESPN) - Lane Kiffin is beginning to fin out just how tough it is to be head coach at LSU after being outplayed and out-coached at Kentucky last week, dropping the Tigers to 1-2 in conference play.

Notably, the 22nd-ranked Tigers are favored by two touchdowns against the Bulldogs, which are ranked #16, and are 2-1 in the SEC, their lose loss a 56-23 smackdown at Alabama, October 3rd. Given a week to recover, expect the Bulldogs to perform much better against a suspect LSU squad and possibly pull off a huge upset.

Coin Flip: LSU

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Bulldogs 26 Tigers 23

25 Northwestern (-7.5, 48) @ Michigan State 12:00 pm (Peacock) - The Spartans have lost four straight and are 0-3 in conference and face an uphill battle against the hard-hitting Wildcats, who played Indiana to a standstill in a 29-23 loss and upended Penn State, 34-13, two weeks back.

Northwestern’s QB, Aidan Chiles leads what’s becoming an explosive offense. The Spartans will be lucky to keep this from being blowout city.

Coin Flip: Michigan State

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Wildcats 41 Spartans 13

Auburn @ 1 Georgia (-21, 49.5) 3:30 pm (ESPN) - It might be a hard sell to take Auburn over the top-ranked Bulldogs, but the Tigers’ losses to Florida (44-39) and Tennessee (24-14) weren’t bad showings, the latest coming on the road as is this game.

Georgia comes off a hard-hitting 20-17 win at Alabama and are now 6-0 and the only undefeated team (4-0) in the SEC. They are likely to remain unbeaten, but Auburn brings its best every week and may catch the Bulldogs a bit flat.

Coin Flip: Georgia

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Bulldogs 30 Tigers 23

6 Alabama (-8.5, 52) @ 14 Tennessee 3:30 pm (ABC) - For fans of both the Crimson Tide and Volunteers, this one is huge, and has become a serious rivalry in recent years. Both teams have just one conference loss and a second defeat, especially for the Vols, might be reason enough to miss the CFP.

Tennessee’s only loss was a 20-17 defeat three weeks back at home against Texas, while Alabama lost by the same score last week at home to Georgia. Alabama’s offense got a flat tire against the heady Georgia defense and will be tested again by the Vols. The teams have split the last four meetings, each winning at home. Advantage, Tennssee

Coin Flip: Tennessee

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Volunteers 27 Crimson Tide 24

13 Missouri @ 9 Ole Miss (-6, 59) 3:30 pm (SECN) - Both teams have 2-1 records in the SEC and just one loss overall. Missouri’s lone defeat came nearly a month ago in a 31-24 defeat at Mississippi State. Ole Miss was throttled at Florida, 52-28, three weeks back. Since then the Tigers topped Florida, 45-17, and Texas A&M, 27-6, both wins at home.

Last week the Rebels trounced Vanderbilt, 52-17, in Nashville, a huge road showing that sets them up nicely for the visiting Mizzou. This is a game that could go either way and turnovers might well be difference. In that case, the Tigers can prevail, being better at possession than the Rebels.

Coin Flip: Ole Miss

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Tigers 32 Rebels 27

Arizona State @ 10 Texas Tech (-14, 48.5) 3:30 pm (FOX) - Texas Tech’s stingy defense (33 points in two Big 12 games, both wins,, 28-26 vs. Houston; 29-7 at Colorado) should be good enough for the Red Raiders to notch their sixth win without a loss and stamp themselves as true contenders for the Big 12 title and the CFP.

The Sun Devils are 3-2 overall and 1-1 in conference, beating Kansas, 24-17, but losing big to Baylor, 55-19. They also have a 48-20 loss at Texas A&M that exposed major flaws on defense. Could be blowout time.

Coin Flip: Texas Tech

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Red Raiders 38 Sun Devils 6

Florida State @ 3 Miami (-21, 55) 7:00 pm (ESPN) - It doesn’t get much tougher for the Seminoles than this trip to “The U” when the Hurricanes lead the ACC in both offense and defense.

The Florida State defense is allowing 410 yards per game. Only Louisville and Stanford are more generous to opposing offenses. Miami should win easily, the question being how easily.

Coin Flip: Miami

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Hurricanes 45 Seminoles 13

2 Notre Dame (-10, 46.5) @ 8 BYU 7:30 pm (ABC) - The Fighting Irish have moved to #2 in the polls due to a light schedule and losses by other top teams against heady opposition. This game marks one of the few big tests for Notre Dame, the others being Miami (11/7) and SMU (11/21), but BYU may e the best of the bunch.

The Cougars come into South Bend with a 5-0 record that includes convincing wins over Arizona, TCU and Iowa State, the Cougars topping the Cyclones, 24-10, last Friday, giving them an additional day of practice for this week. BYU can beat opponents from either side of the ball. Their defense is the best in the Big 12 and the offense averages 34.6 points per game, which, considering the level of opposition, measures up well against the Irish (44.0). Ten points just seems a bit much for Notre Dame to overcome against a high-quality opponent.

Coin Flip: Notre Dame

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Fighting Irish 23 Cougars 21

Wisconsin @ 12 UCLA (-2.5, 43.5) 7:30 pm (NBC) - The Bruins were impressive on defense in their 17-15 win at Oregon last week, but the lack of sustained offense remains a concern.

The Badgers are 2-0 in conference play with wins at Penn State (24-20) and home against Michigan State (31-3) on October 3. They’ve won four straight since an opening, 41-13, loss to Notre Dame, but the defense has solidified substantially and will likely limit UCLA scoring opportunities.In what may be one of the lowest-scoring games of the week, the Badgers appear to be on the rise.

Coin Flip: Wisconsin

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Badgers 24 Bruins 10

15 Kentucky @ Oklahoma (-7, 43.5) 7:30 pm (SECN) - Both of these squads are coming off big upsets from the prior week. The Sooners upended Texas, 27-24, while the Wildcats rode home field to a 35-34 overtime win over LSU. Kentucky is a surprising 5-1 with a 3-1 SEC mark, the lone loss against Alabama, 45-17, in a game they led at the break.

Don’t let the Texas win by the Sooners cloud judgement. They will almost certainly suffer a letdown after the big rivalry win. Despite being at home and having a solid defense, Kentucky’s offense is averaging 414 yards per game, while the Sooners are last in the conference, at 304.

Coin Flip: Kentucky

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Wildcats 26 Sooners 13

18 Oklahoma State @ 20 Houston (-4.5, 62.5) 7:30 pm (FOX) - About the only advantage in they Big 12 clash is Houston’s home field because the two teams are high-scoring (40 ppg for Houston; 38.2 for OK State). They’re also close on defense, with a slight edge again to the Cougars, 19.2 to 21.4 ppg.

Given how close this matchup might be, the question is whether 4.5 points is too much for Houston to overcome against a re-invigorated Cowboy squad. Best take the points and hope for an Old-West style shootout.

Coin Flip: Houston

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Cowboys 38 Cougars 35

Fearless Rick & Coin Flip Week 6 College Football Picks

Week 5 Results: Rick: 8-6; Flip: 7-7
Cumulative: Rick: 37-31-2; Flip 36-32-2

Friday, October 9

Florida State @ Louisville (-4, 60) 7:00 pm (ESPN) - This odd meeting between formerly-ranked Louisville and the rising Seminoles is certainly one to have consequences. Louisville may be in the midst of a monumental meltdown, having lost back-to-back games against Wake Forest (30-27) and at NC State (31-28).

On the flip side, visiting, 3-2, Florida State lost narrowly to SMU (27-24), were only beaten by Alabama by two TDs (not a disgrace) and are coming off a very convincing, 38-7, win against Virginia. The Seminoles have a rapidly-improving defense and an offense beginning to find its footing.

Coin Flip: Louisville

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Seminoles 34 Cardinals 20

20 Iowa @ Washington (-3, 41.5) 9:00 pm (FOX?) - Despite an 0-2 record in conference games, the Huskies’ losses weren’t by much: 27-24 to Minnesota, and 25-21 at USC, so they figure to be home favorites here in need of a win.

Since Iowa upended Michigan, 20-19, a couple of weeks ago, two things have happened of note. First, the Hawkeyes were dropped back on planet earth by the Buckeyes, who topped them, 31-14, in Iowa, and second, the Wolverines lost a second straight game, losing the Little Brown Jug at Minnesota, 20-14. Thus, Iowa’s win over Michigan may not account for as much as previously thought. This should be a whale of a game, however.

Coin Flip: Washington

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Huskies 23 Hawkeyes 20

Iowa State @ 8 BYU (-10, 47.5) 10:15 pm (ESPN) - There was some noise about Iowa State rebuilding after their 45-42 win over West Virginia last week, but seriously, the Mountaineers? 42 points? (No OT).

BYU has its sights set on the Big 12 championship and entry into the CFP. They are likely to dominate at home.

Coin Flip: Iowa State

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Cougars 42 Cyclones 16

Saturday, October 10

7 Indiana (-7.5, 51) @ Nebraska 12:00 pm (FOX) - Those still waiting for Matt Rhule’s turnaround of the Cornhuskers might think this is the year, as Nebraska has opened the season with a 5-0 mark, including wins over Michigan State and Maryland. Indiana is a different kind of Big 10 foe, however, one defending a national championship.

QB Anthony Colandrea has 13 TD passes and just two picks, so the Nebraska offense is fired up, but the Indiana defenders will be on the prowl after a 29-23 win over a determined Northwestern team and a 47-15 rout at pass-happy Rutgers.

With first place in the conference on the line, the Hoosiers should come up big.

Coin Flip: Indiana

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Hoosiers 34 Cornhuskers 20

Texas A&M @ Missouri (-3.5, 48.5) 12:00 pm (ABC) - The Aggies come to Missouri with a 3-2 record, but are just 1-2 in conference play, having lost to Kentucky (31-21) and LSU (35-6) before ripping Arkansas last week, 34-7. Despite the easy win, the overall inconsistent play of A&M QB Marcel Reed remains a concern.

After the way the Mezzo demolished Florida (45-17) last week, don’t be surprised to see this line move closer to -6 in favor of the Tigers.

Coin Flip: Missouri

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Tigers 31 Aggies 20

South Carolina @ 16 Florida (-14, 61.5) 12:45 pm (SECN) - OK, Florida had its 15 seconds of fame after trashing Ole Miss two weeks ago, but reality struck back with a huge, 45-17 loss at Missouri on October 3rd.

The Gamecocks may be 0-3 in the SEC, but whenever LaNorris Sellers is running the offense, they have a chance to score from anywhere on the field, which they did last week, losing narrowly to Kentucky, 35-34. Playing in the “Swamp” will be a real test for SC, but the SEC is full of upsets and incomplete narratives. Mark this one closer than imagined.

Coin Flip: Florida

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Gators 36 Gamecocks 30

1 Texas (-7.5, 40) @ Oklahoma 3:30 pm (ABC) - This rendition of the Red River Rivalry figures to go the Longhorns’ way, since the Sooners haven’t demonstrated much in the way of offensive consistency. Oklahoma was last seem two weeks ago being outclassed on every level by Georgia in a 41-13 spanking. An extra week to prepare and heal up might help, but it probably won’t be enough against the Texas defense.

The one concern for Texas is probably the play of Arch Manning, who has been less than a model of consistency. If Oklahoma can keep Texas receivers out of the end zone, they have a chance, but, Manning has been better this year than last in his judgement. Reminder, Texas won this rivalry, 23-6, last season.

Coin Flip: Texas

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Longhorns 27 Sooners 10

9 Ole Miss (-9.5, 58.5) @ Vanderbilt 3:30 pm (ESPN) - So far, Vandy is 0-2 against SEC foes, but they get home field for this tilt with the Rebels. Last week’s 38-14 loss at Georgia was as bad as it looked, the Bulldogs dominating.

The Rebels have had an additional week to rest up and prepare for this game after they were bounced at Florida, 52-28, but they have the talent and ability to come back strong and win this one going away.

Coin Flip: Vanderbilt

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Rebels 45 Commodores 17

21 UCLA @ 13 Oregon (-11.5, 59) 3:30 pm (CBS) - The Bruins may be the sneakiest 4-0 team on the board this week as they match up with the Ducks in Oregon. UCLA is 4-0, and all of their wins have been blowouts, so, there’s no doubting that the team has talent.

Thus far this season, Oregon has proven to be less than a CFP contender, barely squeaking by Boise State, 34-27, in their opener, losing to Oklahoma State in Week 2, and not really pounding USC, 41-27, two weeks ago. An extra week to prepare may not be enough agains the respect-seeking Bruins.

Coin Flip: UCLA

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Bruins 38 Ducks 24

22 Houston @ Kansas State (-2.5, 56.5) 3:30 pm (FOX) - Overall, the Big 12 is not loaded with CFP candidates, but Houston has to rank as one of them. The Cougars are 4-1, the lone loss aa 28-26 defeat at Texas Tech, a team with a fairly good defense.

Kansas State has played just four games, won three of them, but their 31-26 loss at Cincinnati doesn’t bode well for their prospects. Despite having home field, Houston should send a message to the rest of the conference.

Coin Flip: Kansas State

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Cougars 34 Wildcats 17

LSU (-9.5, 54.5) @ Kentucky 7:00 pm (ESPN) - It is possible for the 4-1 Tigers to be a bit overrated since their only loss was at Ole Miss in a huge payback effort by the Rebels. They’ve played twice since, hammering Texas A&M, 35-6, and trouncing McNeese last week, 63-14.

It’s also possible that Kentucky will defend home turf well. They are also 4-1, their loss to Alabama, 45-17, the only blemish on their record. They also won at A&M, 31-21, so the comparison is in their favor.

Coin Flip: LSU

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Wildcats 31 Tigers 28

2 Georgia @ 6 Alabama (-1.5, 55.5) 7:30 pm (ABC) - No doubt the biggest game of the week as both teams are unbeaten and the rivalry is one of the most intense in all of sports. These matchups of Bulldogs and Crimson Tide often go right down to the wire and this could be no different.

Slight edge to the Tide, who may not exactly roll, but may survive.

Coin Flip: Georgia

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Crimson Tide 38 Bulldogs 35

19 USC @ Penn State (-1.5, 55) 7:30 pm (NBC) - Is it possible for Penn State to lose three in a row? After being upset at home by Wisconsin and hammered at Northwestern, 34-13, last week, it certainly appears to be so, but is USC capable?

The Trojans are already 5-1, bouncing back from their 41-27 loss to Oregon with a 25-21 win against Washington, the travel across the country may be a detriment, but USC has plenty of offensive firepower and if the Nittany Lions can’t generate consistent offense, they’re going to get roughed up again. Lest one forgets, Penn State started out 3-0 a year ago before losing six straight.

Coin Flip: USC

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Trojans 31 Nittany Lions 26

Fearless Rick & Coin Flip Week 5 College Football Picks

Week 4 Results: Rick: 9-5; Flip: 8-6
Cumulative: Rick: 29-25-2; Flip 29-25-2

Friday, October 2

Pittsburgh @ Virginia Tech (-3, 54.5) 7:00 pm (ESPN) - Not quite the “Backyard Brawl” tradition between Pitt and West Virginia, this one does qualify as a solid meeting between two ACC perennial bowl teams with a healthy hatred of each other.

Both teams come in at 4-0, with the Panthers boasting a defense that has allowed just 34 points, including last week’s 59-0 walkthrough beating of Bucknell.

Coin Flip: Virginia Tech

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Panthers 27 Hokies 20

Penn State (-3, 45.5) @ Northwestern 8:00 pm (FOX) - Stunned at home last week by Wisconsin, 24-20, the Nittany Lions face another determined foe, this time on the road. The Wildcats nearly knocked off #5 Indiana last week in a 29-23 loss in which QB Aidan Chiles excelled and the Northwestern defense proved tough and ready.

Rocco Becht, the transfer QB from Iowa State, has been less than impressive for Penn State this season and the Wildcat defense may be hounding him all day in this contest. He threw his first interception of the season last week in the loss to Wisconsin, which proved costly. This one could go either way, but it figures to either be close or a house party.

Coin Flip: Northwestern

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Wildcats 27 Nittany Lions 20

Saturday, October 3

3 Notre Dame (-21, 48) @ North Carolina 12:00 pm (ESPN) - The Tar Heels weren’t supposed to win at Clemson in their first road game of the season, and they didn’t, but they put forth a solid effort in a 28-20 defeat. The Irish pose a tougher problem, of course, and while NC is improved this season, they’re still nowhere near elite.

4-0 Notre Dame has handled three Big Ten opponents - Wisconsin, Michigan State, and Purdue - by an average winning margin of 28 points. No reason to suspect they won’t do something similar at North Carolina.

Coin Flip: North Carolina

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Fighting Irish 42 Tar Hells 13

7 Alabama (-6, 60) @ 16 Mississippi State 12:00 pm (ABC) - So far, both of these 4-0 teams have met expectations, so this matchup appears to be one of the top games of the weekend.

What the Crimson Tide brings to the table is plenty of early season swagger, a talented offense led by QB Keelon Russell, who has already thrown for 1,129 yards and eight TDs, and one of the best secondaries in the country. While the Bulldogs are no slouches in the talent department, they are probably going to come up a little short, despite home field advantage because the Tide is rolling.

Coin Flip: Alabama

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Crimson Tide 38 Bulldogs 24

Boston College @ SMU (-21, 56.5) 12:00 pm (CW) - Tough to get a read on 2-2 BC. After losing their opener on the road at Cincinnati, 34-15, they won two straight before losing late to Virginia Tech last weekend in a driving rainstorm. They do appear to have a good enough defense to keep them in games.

The Mustangs are 3-1, their lone loss a 41-31 defeat at Louisville two weeks back. The offense is well-equipped, but they are lacking defensively, which may cause this game to be closer than expected.

Coin Flip: SMU

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Mustangs 31 Eagles 21

Vanderbilt @ 2 Georgia (-24.5, 52) 12:45 pm (SECN) - Last season, Vandy went 6-2 in the SEC, beat four ranked teams - South Carolina, LSU, Missouri, and Tennessee - and finished with a 34-27 loss to Iowa in the Reliaquest Bowl for 10-3 mark. Of course, much of their success was through QB Diego Pavia, now in the NFL.

Georgia was better in 2025, going 12-2, losing to Ole Miss in a CFP quarterfinal, 39-34, and, with Gunner Stockton back for another season at QB, they so far this year haven’t skipped a beat, but beating a pretty good Vanderbilt team by more than three TDs and a field goal is a huge ask. The Commodores are coming off a 21-15 loss at Auburn, while Georgia padded its 4-0 resume with a 41-13 win over Oklahoma.

Coin Flip: Vanderbilt

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Bulldogs 42 Commodores 20

5 Ohio State (-13.5, 45) @ 14 Iowa 3:30 pm (CBS) - Iowa’s upset win at Michigan last week was a huge boost for the Hawkeyes, a team on the cusp of breaking into the elite in college football for many years finally busted through. It wasn’t so much the 16-yard touchdown pass from Hank Brown to Reece Vander Zee on the final play of the game, but the concentrated effort on both sides of the ball, including the game-ending 91-yard drive by the Hawkeyes.

The Buckeyes should be prepared to face a solid defense and an entire team that intends to prove itself again. It’s still early in the season and anything can happen, and this happens to be a road game for Ohio State. Don’t be surprised if Iowa keeps Jeremiah Smith somewhat under wraps and makes this a close call.

Coin Flip: Iowa

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Buckeyes 24 Hawkeyes 17

8 Florida (-4.5, 57) @ 25 Missouri 3:30 pm (ABC) - The Gators looked every bit a contender in the SEC last week, Pounding Ole Miss, 52-28, but teams have to prove themselves every week in the SEC, and a visit to Missouri after a big, blowout win is no walk in the park.

The Mezzo come off a tough, 31-24 loss at Mississippi State and will need to regroup if they hope to avoid a second straight conference loss. They’re a solid bunch, but Florida seems to have everything moving in a positive direction.

Coin Flip: Florida

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Gators 37 Tigers 23

Auburn @ 17 Tennessee (-7, 53.5) 3:30 pm (ESPN) - The Vols get to play at home for a second straight week after dropping a tough one to Texas, 20-17, and it’s too early to tell if Tennessee is the real deal or another SEC also-ran. This one could go either way.

Auburn’s lone loss (3-1) was to Florida, 44-39, so it’s apparent thatchy can play with the big boys. Last week’s 21-15 win over Vanderbilt was a confidence builder. Auburn will test the Vols, and vice versa. Could come down to the wire in Knoxville.

Coin Flip: Tennessee

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Volunteers 31 Tigers 26

10 BYU (-6.5, 48.5) @ TCU 7:00 pm (ESPN) - This may be the easiest pick of the week. 2-2 TCU hasn’t shown much in the way of offense, though the defense is credible.

An inability to score points on BYU could haunt the Horned Frogs, as evidenced last season in a 44-13 defeat at Brigham Young. This one may be closer, but not by much. Right now, the Cougars are the choice to win the conference and head to the CFP. They’va also had an extra week to prepare. Watch out.

Coin Flip: TCU

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Cougars 42 Horned Frogs 13

4 Miami (-17, 48) @ Clemson 7:30 pm (ABC) - The only “close” game Miami has had thus far was their 33-20 win at Wake Forest. That result should not be dismissed, as the Demon Deacons came back to whip Louisville last week, 30-27.

While Clemson is clearly not the kind of powerhouse they used to be, they are 3-1, at home, and will be motivated against one of the top teams in the ACC. The result of this game may prove whether their 51-10 loss at LSU in the season opener was a fluke or a sign that the Tigers can’t compete at the higher levels. 4-0 Miami has firepower galore, a stingy defense, and national championship aspirations.

Coin Flip: Clemson

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Hurricanes 38 Tigers 13

12 Texas Tech (-13, 50.5) @ Colorado 7:30 pm (FOX) - The Big 12 appears to be one of the more unbalanced conferences in the country. BYU, Utah, and Texas Tech may very well dominate it, and the rest of the teams are just trying to measure up.

This appears to be a down year for the Buffaloes. After opening with a 14-13 win at Georgia Tech and a 52-21 win over Weber State, they’ve lost two straight, 41-7, at Northwestern, and, 23-13, last week at Baylor. It wasn’t playing on the road that Hurt Colorado’s chances, it was the competition and the Red Raiders are probably a step above what they’ve faced so far. Surprised the line isn’t 21 or higher.

Coin Flip: Texas Tech

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Red Raiders 35 Buffaloes 13

Washington @ 18 USC (-9.5, 57.5) 8:00 pm (NBC) - The Trojans got punked by Oregon last week as Nebraska transfer Dylan Raiola filled in for injured Dante Moore in a 41-27 Duck soup. Once again, USC’s porous defense was exposed and the poll voters have taken notice. A loss here would likely drop the off the Top 25.

Fortunately for the Trojans, the Huskies don’t possess the kind of offense that can produce the number of points likely to be needed for a win. On home turf, USC should bounce back though problems remain.

Coin Flip: Washington

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Trojans 38 Huskies 17

6 Indiana (-24.5, 57) @ Rutgers 8:00 pm (BTN) - That’s a mighty big spread for the Hoosiers to cover, but, Rutgers is 1-3 and hasn’t shown much ability on defense, so there’s the possibility that Indiana could just run up the score on the Scarlet Knights.

Indiana got a scare from Northwestern last week, eventually overcoming for a 29-23 win. This is their first road game of the season, and Rutgers, despite the 1-3 mark, has a reasonably good offense. This is one game to be avoided, but that juicy line is hard to resist.

Coin Flip: Indiana

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Hoosiers 38 Scarlet Knights 24