College Football Weekend Rundown
The final week of college football's first month is upon us, and what a wild ride it's been! The season feels like it started just yesterday, and yet here we are, already knee-deep in September chaos. With bad weather creeping in thanks to Hurricane Helene, some games will see more waterlogged fans than cheerleaders with pom-poms. But let’s not forget the football – there’s plenty of that, and we’re about to dive into a weekend packed with action, upsets, and heartbreak.
Friday, Sept. 27:
Virginia Tech vs. Miami
Once upon a time, this game mattered for the ACC standings. Now? Miami's just trying to claw its way up while Virginia Tech looks lost like your roommate searching for their keys after a night out. Miami’s a 17-point favorite, which says more about the Hokies' season than the Hurricanes’ potential ACC dominance.
Washington vs. Rutgers
Yes, you read that right. Rutgers – the same Rutgers you probably forgot existed – is favored against Washington. The Scarlet Knights have a top-10 pass defense this season, but the catch? They haven’t faced a decent offense yet. Washington might actually make Rutgers remember why it's historically been a punchline. Or Rutgers keeps doing... whatever Rutgers is doing.
Saturday, Sept. 28:
Kentucky vs. Ole Miss
Ole Miss has been feasting on cupcakes for a month, and now they’re facing their first real challenge in Kentucky. Lane Kiffin’s squad is favored by 17.5 points, which sounds like a lot until you remember they’ve covered bigger spreads without breaking a sweat. Quarterback Jaxson Dart is eyeing the Heisman, and the Rebels are here to steamroll the Wildcats.
Maryland vs. Indiana
Indiana, now made up of spare parts from James Madison and a hodgepodge of Group of Five talent, is off to a 4-0 start. Will the fairytale continue? The Hoosiers are touchdown favorites against Maryland, but with Helene bringing the rain, this one could be a sloppy mess. Indiana might get a reality check or… continue their surprising rise to football relevance.
BYU vs. Baylor
Last week, BYU somehow pulled off a 38-6 win despite being outgained by 100 yards. Baylor, meanwhile, found a way to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. These teams are both coming off wacky results, and Baylor’s narrow home favorite status feels like a coin flip. Will Baylor stop the bleeding, or will BYU keep finding new and inventive ways to defy logic?
Oklahoma State vs. Kansas State
Ah, the Big 12, where inconsistency reigns supreme. Both Oklahoma State and Kansas State were supposed to challenge for the conference title. Now, one of these teams will be 0-2 in conference play, and the mood in the locker room will not be pretty. Get ready for some desperation football!
Western Kentucky vs. Boston College
Boston College has been on a rollercoaster, facing tough teams and coming off an emotional win last week. Western Kentucky, meanwhile, has new life thanks to quarterback Caden Veltkamp. If BC comes out sleepy, this could be the upset special of the week. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Colorado vs. UCF
Colorado isn’t exactly known for stopping the run, and UCF’s rushing attack is ranked No. 7 in the country. UCF’s pass defense is also shaky, which plays right into Colorado’s strength. So what’s the result when you have one team that can’t stop the run and another that can’t stop the pass? Probably lots of points and an annoyed defensive coordinator or two.
Fresno State vs. UNLV
UNLV’s quarterback Matt Sluka has officially checked out for the season, and the betting line swung wildly before settling in favor of UNLV. Sluka was electric but erratic, so maybe the Rebels are better off without him? Either way, Fresno State will look to take advantage of the chaos, while UNLV is left wondering if they’ve just lost their season or dodged a bullet.
Oklahoma vs. Auburn
The matchup with more existential dread than a philosophy student at 2 a.m. Oklahoma was demolished by Tennessee last week and now turns to freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. at quarterback. Auburn’s quarterback situation is even messier, with Hugh Freeze throwing both Payton Thorne and Hank Brown under the bus. It’s a disaster waiting to happen, so naturally, this game is a must-watch.
Georgia vs. Alabama
Here’s the main event: Georgia vs. Alabama, with the Tide as home underdogs for the first time since 2007. Georgia’s quarterback Carson Beck has been out of sync, and Alabama’s defense has been rock-solid, especially against slot receivers. Nick Saban’s got his underdog story brewing, and the Bulldogs are primed for a tough fight. Buckle up, because this one’s going to be a slugfest.
Illinois vs. Penn State
Illinois shocked Nebraska in overtime last week, and now they’re heading to Happy Valley to try and do it again against Penn State. The Nittany Lions are 17.5-point favorites, but apparently, 91% of bettors think Illinois can at least keep it close. Maybe they’ve got a point – or maybe people just really like betting against Penn State.
Ohio State vs. Michigan State
NBC, in its infinite wisdom, has shoved Ohio State behind a Peacock paywall. But let’s be honest – most of us aren’t tuning in to watch the Buckeyes play a glorified practice session. They’re 23.5-point favorites on the road, and we’re all waiting for them to flex their muscles and show us the dominant performance we know is coming. Maybe this is the week?
Florida State vs. SMU
Remember when this game was going to be great? Yeah, me neither. The Mustangs are favored by almost a touchdown, and neither team’s offense has lived up to preseason hype. If you’re a fan of defensive struggles and low-scoring affairs, this might be the underdog game of the week for you.
Washington State vs. Boise State
Late-night, West Coast, high-scoring chaos. The total’s set at 64.5, and both teams are bringing explosive offenses to the party. Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty has been shredding defenses all season, and Washington State is right there with them. If you love points, caffeine, and staying up past midnight, this is your game.
Oregon vs. UCLA
“Big Ten After Dark” doesn’t quite have the same ring to it, but here we are. Oregon’s favored by three touchdowns, and while this game will likely be a blowout, the familiarity of a lopsided Pac-12 game past midnight will bring some comfort.