- Five games between ranked opponents: For the first time this season, there are five matchups between top-25 teams.
- Ole Miss–Georgia: The Rebels and Bulldogs meet in the biggest game of Week 8 as two teams ranked in the top 10 right now.
- Get PFF+ 25% off: Use promo code PFFCFB25 to get 25% off your PFF+ annual subscription.
Estimated Reading Time: 36 minutes
Week 7 of the college football season was very eventful, with eight ranked teams going down — including two in the top 10. Week 8 could be even bigger, as we have five games between ranked opponents for the first time all season.
Here are the storylines to know, matchups to watch on both sides of the ball and predictions for the 12 biggest games in Week 8.
Louisville Cardinals at No. 2 Miami (FL) Hurricanes (Friday, 7 PM ET on ESPN)
Storyline to know: One of Miami’s most difficult games remaining in the regular season
Miami has looked like one of the best teams in the country through its first five games, sporting a perfect 5-0 record with impressive wins over Notre Dame, USF, Florida State and Florida.
Louisville is one the best of the seven teams remaining on the Hurricanes’ schedule. While the Cardinals aren’t ranked, they’re 4-1 to start their 2025 campaign with their only blemish coming at the hands of No. 18 Virginia in overtime. Louisville is currently a top-25 team in PFF’s power rankings.
Matchup to watch when Louisville has the ball (Dalton): Louisville’s offensive line vs. Miami’s defensive line
Blocking Miami’s outstanding defensive line is the first priority in attempting to beat the Hurricanes this season. Led by superstar edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr., Miami ranks third in the nation in PFF pass-rush grade and pressure rate. The Hurricanes also lead the FBS in pass-rush win rate by a wide margin.
That could be a problem for a Louisville team that sits just 104th in PFF pass-blocking grade. That further creates an issue for quarterback Miller Moss, who has recorded a paltry 35.0 PFF passing grade under pressure this season. Moss generally doesn’t improvise outside the pocket, so there needs to be an increased emphasis on him getting rid of the football quickly in order for the Cardinals to consistently make positive plays.
Matchup to watch when Miami has the ball (Max): Miami’s offensive line against Louisville‘s defensive line
This promises to be one of the best trench matchups all season. Miami’s overall dominance this season is mostly attributed to its ability to maul teams both along the offensive line and defensive line. The Hurricanes’ 79.9 offensive line grade is fourth among all units in the country this season, and they’re one of four teams in the nation to place inside the top-15 of both PFF pass-blocking grade (eighth) and PFF run-blocking grade (12th). Carson Beck has taken advantage of those clean pockets, placing 21st in the FBS with a 77.2% completion rate when kept clean.
Meanwhile, Louisville has the third-highest-graded defensive line in the country (91.0), trailing only Texas Tech and Miami. The Cardinals boast the second-best pressure rate in America (46.8%) and only allow one rushing yard before contact per attempt (18th). Both edge defender Clev Lubin (fourth) and interior defender Rene Konga (eighth) are among the 10 highest-graded players in the country at their respective positions.
Predictions
Max: Miami 31, Louisville 20
Louisville’s defensive line and weaponry on offense could give Miami some issues, but the Hurricanes ultimately win this game with their defensive line dominating like it has all season.
Dalton: Miami 28, Louisville 13
Miami’s dominance in the trenches continues, while Carson Beck’s quick release allows him to work around the Cardinals’ excellent pass rush.
No. 10 LSU Tigers at No. 17 Vanderbilt Commodores (12 PM ET on ABC)
Storyline to know: The loser of this game may have no wiggle room left to make the College Football Playoff
Both LSU and Vanderbilt are 5-1 to start 2025. While both still have very difficult games left on their respective schedules, the winner of this game could still feasibly lose another contest and still make the College Football Playoff. The loser, meanwhile, would essentially need to run the table to get into the 12-team field.
Matchup to watch when LSU has the ball (Max): Can LSU find its run game once again?
LSU’s offense has been too reliant on star quarterback Garrett Nussmeier for most of this season. The Tigers throw the ball on 58.9% of their plays, the 13th-highest rate in the Power Four. That’s mainly because LSU has the fifth-worst PFF rushing grade (70.4) and the sixth-worst PFF run-blocking grade (50.9) in that same group.
But, the Tigers put together their best rushing performance of the season in their win this past week over South Carolina. LSU ran for a season-high 165 yards in the victory, with 143 yards coming after contact. Caden Durham led the way with 70 yards, but true sophomore Ju’Juan Johnson tallied a career-high 65 yards, averaging 13 yards per carry.
Vanderbilt’s run defense has been pretty average this year, placing 53rd in yards per attempt allowed (4.5). Three of those yards come after contact, which is 70th in the FBS. LSU needs to exploit that just enough so that the Commodores can’t just sit back in zone coverage all day and dare Nussmeier to beat them.
Matchup to watch when Vanderbilt has the ball (Dalton): Vanderbilt’s run game vs. LSU’s linebackers
While Diego Pavia has improved as a passer this season, the foundation of Vanderbilt’s offense is its dynamic run game that often leaves defenses searching for the football. The Commodores lead the nation in yards before contact per carry and rank 15th in explosive run rate. They are also first in yards per carry on runs between the tackles.
That rushing attack presents a challenge to an LSU defense that allows 5.1 yards per carry between the tackles, 88th in the FBS. The players that get stressed the most by Vanderbilt’s ground game are linebackers. The Tigers’ linebacker unit ranks just 98th in PFF run-defense grade this season. If LSU can’t find a way to slow down the Commodores on the ground, the Tigers will be in serious danger of losing the possession battle in this game.
Predictions
Max: LSU 27, Vanderbilt 24
Diego Pavia struggles to get much going against LSU’s elite secondary, while the Tigers’ offense plays just enough complementary football to escape Nashville with a close victory.
Dalton: Vanderbilt 24, LSU 20
LSU’s offensive vulnerability catches up to it again, as Vanderbilt finds enough traction in its run game to secure a massive home victory.
No. 12 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Duke Blue Devils (12 PM ET on ESPN)
Storyline to know: A game that could be pivotal in deciding who plays in the ACC Championship Game
Saturday’s matchup between Georgia Tech and Duke lines up two of the five remaining ACC teams who are undefeated in conference play. The Yellow Jackets are a perfect 6-0 on their season and, if they win this game, may finish the year undefeated in conference play — which would put them with at least an 11-1 record. That could pretty much lock up a playoff spot for Georgia Tech, no matter what happens in the ACC title game.
The Blue Devils are 4-2, but their two losses came out of conference to Illinois and Tulane. Duke has every opportunity to make it to Charlotte in December as well with a win.
Matchup to watch when Georgia Tech has the ball (Max): Has Duke’s secondary turned a corner?
The Blue Devils entered 2025 with one of PFF’s top-10 secondaries in college football, thanks to stars like cornerback Chandler Rivers and safety Terry Moore returning. But with Moore still recovering from a torn ACL, Duke’s secondary struggled immensely to start the season. From Weeks 1 through 4, the Blue Devils’ 43.0 team PFF coverage grade was dead last in the FBS.
Duke has turned it around in its last two games against Syracuse and California, though. Since Week 5, the Blue Devils’ 85.6 coverage grade is third in the Power Four and eighth in the entire nation. It must be pointed out that the Orange were forced to rely on backup quarterback Rickie Collins in that game.
This week will prove if Duke’s secondary truly improved. Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King possesses an 82% adjusted completion rate this season, which trails only Ohio State’s Julian Sayin among FBS quarterbacks. The Yellow Jackets also have talented receivers like Isiah Canion, Eric Rivers and Malik Rutherford that may be able to separate against the Blue Devils’ man-heavy defense.
Matchup to watch when Duke has the ball (Dalton): Nate Sheppard vs. Georgia Tech’s run defense
While quarterback Darian Mensah has played outstanding football for the majority of this season, a major catalyst for the Blue Devils’ three-game win streak has been the emergence of their run game. That element has balanced out their offense and allowed Mensah to go from averaging 46 dropbacks per game in the first three weeks to averaging 32 dropbacks per contest in their three most recent showdowns.
The emergence of true freshman running back Nate Sheppard has been the biggest reason for Duke’s success on the ground. Sheppard has earned an PFF 86.0 rushing grade, which ranks 14th among qualified running backs. He’s also generated 19 missed tackles forced and 16 explosive runs across just 56 carries. Sheppard’s excellent speed and ability to break tackles are a serious threat to a Georgia Tech outfit that ranks just 93rd in PFF run-defense grade.
Predictions
Max: Georgia Tech 35, Duke 34
Both quarterbacks should find success in this game against two inconsistent secondaries. In a game that could turn into a shootout, the Yellow Jackets survive and continue their undefeated season.
Dalton: Duke 31, Georgia Tech 28
Duke’s newfound offensive balance carries it to a high-scoring win.
Washington Huskies at Michigan Wolverines (12 PM ET on FOX)
Storyline to know: What could end up being a playoff elimination game for both programs
Neither Washington nor Michigan is ranked right now (the Huskies are in PFF’s top 25), but this game still holds huge playoff implications for both programs.
Washington boasts a 5-1 record this season, with its only loss coming to top-ranked Ohio State. A defeat for the Huskies wouldn’t outright kill their playoff hopes, but it would make them extremely unlikely considering Washington still has teams like Illinois and Oregon left on its schedule. Since Michigan has already lost twice this season to Oklahoma and USC, it essentially cannot afford another loss if the Wolverines want to make the playoff.
This rematch of the 2023 National Championship Game could essentially be a playoff eliminator for whoever loses.
Matchup to watch when Washington has the ball (Max): Can the Wolverines contain Demond Williams Jr.?
Demond Williams Jr. has been one of the most electric quarterbacks in college football this season. The true sophomore’s 89.5 PFF grade is seventh among all quarterbacks in the nation, while his 74.1% completion rate is third. He’s tallied seven big-time throws and no turnover-worthy plays so far, and his 473 rushing yards trail only Taylen Green among Power Four signal-callers. At 5-foot-11, his game is reminiscent of Kyler Murray’s, as he loves to scramble outside of the pocket and make a play with his legs.
Michigan wields the fifth-best PFF run-defense grade in college football (92.7), though the Wolverines have had some issues with mobile quarterbacks this season. Oklahoma’s John Mateer ran for 75 yards and two touchdowns in the win over Michigan, while Central Michigan’s Angel Flores tacked on 71 rushing yards as well.
Michigan’s ability to keep Williams and star running back Jonah Coleman in check will be pivotal in its chances to win this game.
Matchup to watch when Michigan has the ball (Dalton): Will Justice Haynes play, and can Washington keep up its momentum in run defense?
The status of star Michigan running back Justice Haynes is unclear regarding playing against Washington this week. He’s been the best player on offense for the Wolverines with a 7.4 yards-per-carry mark and an 86.4 PFF rushing grade, which rank among the top 15 running backs in the nation. Michigan’s backfield takes a major hit if Haynes is unable to suit up due to injury.
Regardless of who is starting at running back for Michigan, stopping the run will be paramount to the Huskies’ success. After a rocky first couple of weeks, Washington has made improvements to its run defense. Since Week 3, the Huskies rank 31st in PFF run-defense grade while placing among the top 15 teams in yards per carry allowed and explosive run rate allowed. If that trend continues, and they prevent Michigan from controlling time of possession, the Huskies will have a real chance to pull off a road upset.
Predictions
Max: Michigan 27, Washington 24
The Wolverines run all over the Huskies’ below-average run defense, while Michigan’s defense is able to contain Williams just enough to pull out the home victory.
Dalton: Washington 27, Michigan 23
If the Huskies can get off to a better start than their past two games, they can ride Demond Williams Jr.’s dual-threat ability to a win.
No. 14 Oklahoma Sooners at South Carolina Gamecocks (12:45 PM ET on SEC Network)
Storyline to know: Can Oklahoma bounce back from its loss to Texas?
Oklahoma suffered its first loss of the 2025 season this past weekend, losing 23-6 in the Red River Rivalry to archrival Texas. The Sooners thus dropped from No. 6 in the AP Poll all the way down to No. 14 and are staring down the barrel at one of the most daunting schedules remaining in college football.
The second half of Oklahoma’s season includes five games against top-20 opponents in No. 5 Ole Miss, No. 6 Alabama, No. 10 LSU, No. 11 Tennessee and No. 16 Missouri. The only opponent the Sooners have remaining that isn’t ranked is this week’s showdown at a South Carolina team which is looking to get back on track after losing three of its last four games. If Oklahoma loses once again this week, it may need to win all five of those ranked games to make the College Football Playoff.
Matchup to watch when Oklahoma has the ball (Max): Is John Mateer truly ready to play?
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer had surgery on his throwing hand after injuring his right thumb in Oklahoma’s win over Auburn. Though he was initially given a recovery timeline of a month, the redshirt junior miraculously returned just 17 days later against Texas.
To say that Mateer struggled would be an understatement. He posted just a 31.1 PFF passing grade against the Longhorns, the worst of his career. Mateer threw three interceptions and totaled four turnover-worthy plays in the loss, with no touchdowns or big-time throws. He emphasized after the game that he was physically ready to play against Texas, but not mentally.
Mateer will need to bounce back this week against a South Carolina defense that should present an easier challenge than Texas. The Gamecocks are just 100th in team PFF coverage grade this season and 54th in team PFF pass-rush grade.
Matchup to watch when South Carolina has the ball (Dalton): South Carolina’s offensive line vs. Oklahoma’s defensive line
South Carolina’s offense has struggled to find consistent footing through its first six games. A big reason for that is that the Gamecocks’ offensive line has yet to create consistent space up front. That unit ranks just 109th in PFF grade and 124th in pressure rate allowed. South Carolina’s offensive line has also struggled in the run game, placing 116th in PFF run-blocking grade.
Oklahoma counters with an outstanding defensive line, led by star edge rusher R Mason Thomas and defensive tackle David Stone. That unit slots 20th in the nation in PFF grade with a relatively equal balance in production against the run and pass. LaNorris Sellers can create explosive plays on his own, but those opportunities will be few and far between if the Gamecocks’ offensive line doesn’t step up its game.
Predictions
Max: Oklahoma 27, South Carolina 17
The Sooners’ defense shuts down Sellers and the Gamecocks’ offense, while Mateer shakes off enough rust for Oklahoma to bounce back with a road victory.
Dalton: South Carolina 20, Oklahoma 17
These two teams are very similarly put together with offenses that are tough to trust. South Carolina needs to find some momentum, and can do so if John Mateer struggles like he did last week.
No. 5 Ole Miss Rebels at No. 9 Georgia Bulldogs (3:30 PM ET on ABC)
Storyline to know: Can Georgia get revenge in the biggest game of the weekend?
Ninth-ranked Georgia will host ESPN’s College GameDay as No. 5 Ole Miss comes to town in the only matchup between top-10 teams this weekend. The Bulldogs have won 34 of the 48 all-time meetings between the two programs but are looking to avenge last season’s 28-10 loss, when Georgia was ranked No. 3 at the time and Ole Miss was No. 16.
This game also pits two of Nick Saban’s assistants against each other. In 2014 and 2015, Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin was Saban’s offensive coordinator at Alabama, while Georgia head coach Kirby Smart was his defensive coordinator.
Matchup to watch when Ole Miss has the ball (Max): Lane Kiffin and Trinidad Chambliss against Kirby Smart’s struggling pass defense
While Georgia’s defense has been phenomenal against the run this year (third-best PFF run-defense grade), the Bulldogs have had serious issues defending opposing passing games. Georgia’s 0.095 EPA per pass figure is just 99th in America, as the Bulldogs rank just 68th in PFF coverage grade and have the fifth-lowest pressure rate in the Power Four. Even those numbers are buoyed by games against Marshall, Austin Peay, Kentucky and Auburn. Against legitimate passing attacks in Tennessee and Alabama, Georgia recorded just a 54.2 PFF coverage grade and a 57.1 PFF pass-rush grade.
That could be an issue against a talented Ole Miss passing attack, headlined by quarterback Trinidad Chambliss. His 80.8 PFF passing grade is 25th among FBS quarterbacks this season, while the Rebels hold the 16th-best team PFF receiving grade in the nation (78.2). Importantly, Chambliss is coming off a season-low 54.2 PFF passing grade against Washington State, as he committed his first two turnover-worthy plays of the season.
Matchup to watch when Georgia has the ball (Dalton): How long can Georgia continue its ultra-conservative passing approach?
Georgia has a clear identity six games into the season — play elite defense, stay on schedule with the run game and don’t take chances through the air. That conservative style has gotten the Bulldogs this far, but it’s fair to wonder how long they can sustain such an approach in matchups like this.
Gunner Stockton ranks just 77th among qualified passers in PFF passing grade on balls thrown at least 10 air yards. His 6.8-yard average depth of targets is the 12th-lowest mark among that same group, and he’s thrown the second-most screen passes in the FBS. While he showed he can make some vertical throws in the Bulldogs’ win over Tennessee, Stockton could still face challenges if Ole Miss gets an early lead.
Predictions
This game could come down to the wire, as both quarterbacks could find success against these defenses. I’ll trust Kirby Smart to win at home though and avenge last season’s loss.
Dalton: Georgia 24, Ole Miss 17
Georgia is the better team in the trenches, which carries it to another relatively low-scoring win.
UNLV Rebels at Boise State Broncos (3:30 PM ET on FS1)
Storyline to know: The biggest game of the year in the Mountain West Conference
Boise State and UNLV have met in the last two Mountain West Championship Games, with the Broncos winning both titles. They could be on a collision course to clash once again this year, as Boise State (-150) and UNLV (+425) have the best odds to win the conference, according to DraftKings Sportsbook. The next-closest team is San Diego State at +700.
While it seems likely that the Group of Five representative in the College Football Playoff will come from the American Conference, UNLV should not be counted out of that race, as the Rebels currently sport a perfect 6-0 record. A win at Boise State would go a long way in showing that they’re a contender to make the 12-team field this year.
Matchup to watch when UNLV has the ball (Max): How will Boise State handle UNLV’s electric backfield?
UNLV’s run game has been one of the most difficult to stop in college football this season. The Rebels’ 4.4 rushing yards after contact per carry is second to only USC. Running back Jai’Den Thomas boasts a 90.6 PFF rushing grade this season, second to only Ahmad Hardy among FBS running backs. On top of that, Anthony Colandrea is ninth among all quarterbacks with 256 rushing yards after contact. A majority of his carries are by design as well, as UNLV loves to run the read option to confuse defenses.
As a team, Boise State is 94th in both PFF run-defense grade (74.4) and yards per attempt allowed (5.1) this season. The Broncos have allowed quarterbacks to run for at least 70 yards on them in three of their six games this year. They’ll need to be assignment-sound this week, or they risk the Rebels running all over them.
Matchup to watch when Boise State has the ball (Dalton): Boise State’s run game vs. UNLV’s struggling run defense
As it has been in many recent seasons, Boise State’s success is predicated on its dominant ground game. They no longer have Ashton Jeanty, but the Broncos still rank among the top 35 teams in PFF rushing grade and PFF run-blocking grade. Sire Gaines and Dylan Riley give the team two viable options, as each has collected a PFF rushing grade above 80.0.
UNLV has found a way to win high-scoring games in spite of its porous run defense. The Rebels rank 109th in PFF run-defense grade so far this season. They also place among the bottom seven teams in the FBS in yards per carry allowed and explosive run rate allowed. Stopping the run, particularly between the tackles, will be of the utmost priority for UNLV in this game.
Predictions
Max: Boise State 34, UNLV 27
Both teams will look to rely on their run games against two vulnerable run defenses. Boise State ultimately wins out at home and spoils UNLV’s undefeated season, though the Rebels may get a chance for revenge in December.
Dalton: Boise State 41, UNLV 34
Boise State has been able to put up a ton of points on its unranked opponents. UNLV’s run defense allows the Broncos an opportunity to dominate on the ground and control possession. The Rebels suffer their first loss of the season.
No. 7 Texas Tech Red Raiders at Arizona State Sun Devils (4 PM ET on FOX)
Storyline to know: The Big 12 favorite this year against the reigning champs
Texas Tech has been easily the best team in the Big 12 this season. The Red Raiders are ranked seventh in the latest AP Poll, eight spots higher than anyone else in the conference. Texas Tech also has -175 odds to win the Big 12, according to DraftKings Sportsbook. The only school who has shorter odds to win its conference is Miami (FL) (-180).
The Red Raiders go on the road to take on last year’s Big 12 champion, Arizona State. The Sun Devils have just a 4-2 record this year and are coming off a 42-10 loss to Utah. It should be noted that star quarterback Sam Leavitt missed that game and is questionable to play this week. Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton is also day-to-day after hurting his right leg this past week against Kansas.
Matchup to watch when Texas Tech has the ball (Dalton): Texas Tech’s rushing attack vs. Arizona State’s run defense
Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton is currently listed as questionable on the Red Raiders’ injury report. While that does put the team’s passing production into question in this matchup, Texas Tech could still find plenty of success on the ground, as it did last week against Kansas.
So far this season, Texas Tech ranks fifth in the FBS in PFF rushing grade and 35th in PFF run-blocking grade. Running backs J’Koby Williams and Cameron Dickey both hold 80.0-plus PFF rushing grades this season. Furthermore, the Red Raiders’ run game could be even more lethal if backup Will Hammond plays, as he is a better rushing threat than Morton. When Hammond has been on the field this season, Texas Tech has averaged 7.5 yards per carry with Hammond on the field compared to 5.3 yards per carry with Morton under center.
Matchup to watch when Arizona State has the ball (Max): Will Sam Leavitt be able to go?
If Arizona State wants any chance at upsetting Texas Tech, it needs star quarterback Sam Leavitt to be available. He missed this past weekend’s loss to Utah, and the Sun Devils could only compile 10 points offensively. His backup, Jeff Sims, completed just 47.4% of his passes in the rain with just a 55.1 PFF passing grade. It’s hard to say the elements were the only thing holding him back, though, as he’s never even registered a 60.0 PFF passing grade in any of his five prior seasons. Leavitt was taking first-team reps in practice this week, so he may be ready to go.
Even if Leavitt is back, how close he is to 100% will also be a major question mark. He was seen wearing a boot on his right foot in the loss to Utah, and he’ll need his elite mobility against this Texas Tech defense. The Red Raiders lead the nation with a 92.2 team PFF pass-rush grade and 96.4 PFF run-defense grade this season while pacing the Power Four with a 92.9 PFF coverage grade. Meanwhile, Leavitt’s 84.4 PFF rushing grade against pressure is second among FBS quarterbacks this season. If he’s unable to scramble in this game, that’s a major advantage for what’s already one of the best defenses in the country.
Predictions
Max: Texas Tech 34, Arizona State 17
Even if Leavitt plays, it’s unknown how effective his mobility will be. The Red Raiders’ defense continues to show why it’s one of the elite units in the sport with another dominant showing against the Sun Devils.
Dalton: Texas Tech 31, Arizona State 20
Sam Leavitt certainly gives the Sun Devils their best chance to win, but Texas Tech’s defense and ability to dominate on the ground carries the team to another Big 12 victory.
No. 11 Tennessee Volunteers at No. 6 Alabama Crimson Tide (7:30 PM ET on ABC)
Storyline to know: Alabama looking for its fourth top-20 victory in as many weeks
After starting off its season with a loss to Florida State, Alabama has been on a scorching hot streak since then. The Crimson Tide have won their last five games, including their last three over No. 5 Georgia, No. 16 Vanderbilt and No. 14 Missouri.
Alabama has a chance to earn its fourth ranked victory in as many weeks this weekend against No. 11 Tennessee.
Matchup to watch when Tennessee has the ball (Dalton): Tennessee’s offensive line vs. Alabama’s pass rush
Tennessee’s pass protection has been outstanding this season, as the Volunteers rank 10th in the nation in PFF pass-blocking grade. That has led to a plethora of clean pockets for Joey Aguilar, who has produced at a high level in clean pockets. Aguilar’s 91.8 clean-pocket PFF passing grade is the fifth-best in the nation — fittingly one spot behind his opponent in this game, Ty Simpson.
Aguilar could have that advantage again this week against an Alabama team that has struggled to disrupt passers in the pocket. The Crimson Tide rank just 114th in PFF pass-rushing grade this season. Their 36.6% pass-rush win rate also sits in 72nd place. Aguilar could have another big day if Alabama doesn’t find a way to disrupt his rhythm.
Matchup to watch when Alabama has the ball (Max): Alabama’s offensive line against Tennessee’s pass rush
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson is currently second in odds (+380) to win the Heisman Trophy on DraftKings Sportsbook, largely due to how lethal he is from a clean pocket. His 92.9 PFF grade when kept clean is third among FBS quarterbacks, as he’s thrown 15 touchdown passes compared to just one interception in such situations. Alabama’s offensive line has been very good at granting the redshirt junior those clean pockets, as it slots 26th in team PFF pass-blocking grade (76.0).
That offensive line will be tested this week against Tennessee. Four different defensive linemen have at least four sacks for the Volunteers this season, and both Joshua Josephs and Tyre West are among the top 15 Power Four edge defenders in PFF pass-rush grade. Tennessee currently owns the ninth-best pass-rush grade in all of college football. For reference, Missouri is sixth in that same metric, and the Crimson Tide recorded their lowest PFF pass-blocking grade of the season against the Tigers this past week (56.6).
Predictions
This game could be a duel between both quarterbacks. Ultimately, I trust Ty Simpson to edge Joey Aguilar out at home and deliver Alabama’s fourth-straight top-20 victory.
Dalton: Alabama 42, Tennessee 35
Simpson has become as reliable as any quarterback in the nation, and he carries the Crimson Tide to a high-scoring win.
No. 20 USC Trojans at No. 13 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (7:30 PM ET on NBC)
Storyline to know: A game with massive playoff implications for both programs
Saturday night’s game between USC and Notre Dame isn’t just the next chapter in a legendary rivalry. It’s also a matchup with huge playoff ramifications for both teams.
After losing its first two games to Miami (FL) and Texas A&M, Notre Dame has claimed its last four contests in convincing fashion. But, one more loss essentially kills any chances that the Fighting Irish have of returning to the College Football Playoff. Considering the Trojans are the only currently-ranked team left on Notre Dame’s schedule, a win on Saturday night would set the Fighting Irish up beautifully for the rest of the season.
USC has a bit more breathing room, as it sports a 5-1 record with a close loss to Illinois and a win over Michigan in its last two games. But, the Trojans still have No. 25 Nebraska and eighth-ranked Oregon remaining. Winning on Saturday night would still mean that USC could likely afford to lose one of those two games.
Matchup to watch when USC has the ball (Max): How will Notre Dame handle Makai Lemon?
Makai Lemon has been the best receiver in college football this season. His 92.6 PFF receiving grade is two points higher than any other FBS wideout, and he leads the Power Four with 682 receiving yards. His 332 yards after the catch and 15 forced missed tackles are each second in the nation as well. Only 39% of his snaps have come out wide this year, as he wins a majority of the time from the slot.
Notre Dame has the best cornerback in the country in Leonard Moore, who leads the Power Four with a 90.3 PFF coverage grade. But, Moore mostly plays on the outside, where he’ll already have his hands full with Ja’Kobi Lane — USC’s other star receiver. The Fighting Irish have had much more issues with their slot coverage this season. Their starting slot corner, DeVonta Smith, has only played in three games in 2025 due to a right calf injury, and he’s questionable for this Saturday. Dallas Golden and Karson Hobbs have been filling in for him, and each have produced sub-55.0 PFF coverage grades this season.
If Smith is once again out this week, Lemon could have a field day against Notre Dame.
Matchup to watch when Notre Dame has the ball (Dalton): Notre Dame’s pass catchers vs. USC’s struggling secondary
While Notre Dame is known to have an elite rushing attack, its quarterback — CJ Carr — and an excellent group of pass-catchers have been dominating through the air. Carr ranks 11th among qualified quarterbacks with an 84.7 PFF passing grade through six games. Led by wide receivers Jordan Faison and Malachi Fields as well as tight end Eli Raridon, the Fighting Irish place fourth in the nation with an 85.9 PFF receiving grade.
USC’s defense has struggled to contain opponents in the passing game, particularly when it has faced worthy opponents. Across the past three games, the Trojans have earned a 51.3 PFF coverage grade as a team. Their cornerbacks rank among the bottom 10 teams in the nation in coverage grade, which could create a big advantage for Notre Dame’s passing game.
Predictions
Max: Notre Dame 34, USC 31
Jayden Maiava and Makai Lemon give it their best efforts in a shootout, but Notre Dame’s balanced offense wins the game at home and keeps the Fighting Irish’s playoff hopes alive.
Dalton: Notre Dame 41, USC 34
This game is fairly likely to be a shootout, but Notre Dame’s defense can be trusted a bit more than USC’s — and the Irish make enough stops to escape with a win.
No. 16 Missouri Tigers at Auburn Tigers (7:45 PM ET on SEC Network)
Storyline to know: How do both teams respond to heartbreaking losses?
Both Missouri and Auburn suffered devastating defeats this past weekend. Mizzou endured its first loss of the season against eighth-ranked Alabama, falling 27-24 at home. Meanwhile, Auburn blew a 10-point lead to rival Georgia and ultimately lost 20-10 at home in a game where a few controversial calls went in the Bulldogs’ favor. It was Auburn’s third straight loss of the season — and with pressure mounting on head coach Hugh Freeze, the Tigers need a big victory in the worst way this week.
Matchup to watch when Missouri has the ball (Dalton): Can Beau Pribula snap out of his cold spell against Auburn’s vulnerable secondary?
Missouri quarterback Beau Pribula got off to a hot start this season, registering an outstanding 93.3 PFF passing grade in his first two games. Unfortunately, that hot start has faded, as he’s recorded a middling 58.8 PFF passing grade since. He’s also produced just one big time throw and five turnover-worthy plays in that stretch.
Missouri generally wants to limit Pribula’s exposure to obvious passing situations, but he will need to make a handful of big throws to win this game. Luckily, he’ll be facing an Auburn unit that has produced the third-worst PFF coverage grade in the nation this season. More specifically, Auburn’s 92.6 PFF run-defense grade ranks fifth in the FBS, which could lead to Pribula’s arm being the difference in the result of this game.
Matchup to watch when Auburn has the ball (Max): Auburn’s run game against Missouri’s run defense
Jackson Arnold failed to live up to the five-star hype he had coming out of high school last year at Oklahoma with just a 57.7 PFF passing grade. But, he had a pretty good excuse considering the Sooners’ supporting cast on offense was a disaster last season, with a boatload of injuries along their offensive line and in the receiving corps. There was still plenty of excitement when he transferred to Auburn, which gave him one of the nation’s most talented receiving corps and offensive lines to work with.
Yet, he’s failed to live up to expectations once again, as his 56.5 PFF passing grade is 133rd among FBS quarterbacks. Arnold has accrued two big-time throws and seven turnover-worthy plays. He’s only notched a 60.0 PFF passing grade twice this season, and that was in the Tigers’ two wins over Group of Five opponents in Ball State and South Alabama.
Auburn’s only way to have an efficient offense right now is by relying on its ground game, which is the lone path Arnold is contributing much to this offense. The Tigers average 0.127 EPA per run, which stands 23rd in the FBS. It is worth mentioning that senior running back Damari Alston, one of Auburn’s captains, has been dismissed for failing to meet the expectations of the program.
Missouri’s 92.9 PFF run-defense grade is fourth in the nation right now. The school one spot ahead of the Tigers, Georgia, held Auburn to just 40 yards in the entire second — half largely due to the Bulldogs slowing down the Tigers’ run game. If Mizzou does the same thing, Auburn is in a lot of trouble.
Predictions
This game could come down to who runs the football better against two outstanding run defenses. I’ll give the advantage to the current Doak Walker Award favorite, Ahmad Hardy, to get it done.
Dalton: Missouri 20, Auburn 17
Two teams with outstanding run defenses and inconsistent quarterbacks could produce a low-scoring game. Missouri has been able to lean into its strengths more often this season, which allows the Tigers to pick up the road victory in this matchup.
No. 23 Utah Utes at No. 15 BYU Cougars (8 PM ET on FOX)
Storyline to know: One of the biggest Holy Wars ever
Utah and BYU are bitter enemies who have met 97 times in a rivalry known as the “Holy War.” While bragging rights alone make this game must-see TV, this Saturday’s matchup is the biggest game in a long time between these two programs.
It’s the first time in 16 years that both the Utes and Cougars enter this game ranked in the top 25. This showdown also could establish who the real top contender to Texas Tech is in the Big 12. BYU (6-0) is the only other undefeated team in the conference, while Utah (5-1) has the second-best odds to win the Big 12 (+600), according to DraftKings Sportsbook.
Matchup to watch when Utah has the ball (Dalton): Can BYU apply any pressure to Devon Dampier?
Utah’s elite offensive line is generally given its credit due to dominance in the run game. However, the group’s efforts in pass protection should not go unnoticed, as the Utes rank third in the nation in PFF pass-blocking grade. Quarterback Devon Dampier has only been sacked three times through the team’s first six games of this campaign.
That elite pass protection could pose a serious issue for a BYU defense that has recorded a 55.8 PFF pass-rush grade and produced just three sacks in its past three games. Linebacker Jack Kelly, who may or may not play this week, is the only Cougar with more than 10 pressures this season. Dampier is dangerous when given a plethora of time in the pocket. He could have ample opportunity to make plays in this game behind his excellent offensive line.
Matchup to watch when BYU has the ball (Max): BYU’s offensive line against Utah’s defensive line
The Holy War will be won in the trenches on both sides of the ball. BYU’s offense is centered around its ability to run the football. The Cougars run the ball at the second-highest rate in the Power Four this season (56.9%). Running back LJ Martin is fifth in the nation with 448 yards after contact, and BYU ranks ninth in team PFF run-blocking grade (74.7).
That could be an issue for Utah, as the Utes are the seventh-worst in the Power Four in terms of yards after contact per attempt allowed (3.4). Where the Utes have won defensively is with their pass rush. Utah currently fields the third-best pressure rate in all of college football at 45.7%. However, the Cougars have been very strong in pass protection as well, placing 21st in pressure rate allowed (25.7%).
If the Utes do get home on true freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier, they should have a huge advantage. His 47.6 PFF passing grade under pressure this season is only 88th in the FBS, and he’s facing a Utah defense that runs the highest rate of man coverage (59.2%) in all of college football. Bachmeier must be prepared to make tight-window throws under duress in this game.
Predictions
This version of the Holy War should live up to the hype and then some. In what should be a battle in the trenches, Utah comes out on top at home and escapes by the slimmest of margins.
This is going to be an extremely physical game between two teams that emphasize their respective run games. Dampier’s ability to make plays around BYU’s below-average pass rush is the difference in a Utes win.
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