I’m hoping many of you reading this will be spending your Saturday tailgaiting and walking around Happy Valley, as this week’s schedule doesn’t have much to offer outside of the big White Out game. For those watching from home, it might not be a bad idea to get a jump start on raking leaves as we have a blockbuster schedule for next week that will be among the very best of the regular season. Either way, here’s what to watch during week eight:
(#4)Ohio State at Northwestern
8:30 p.m., BTN (Friday)
Northwestern is off to a terrible 1-4 start and probably has little chance in this game. However, the Buckeyes are prone to that one utterly baffling loss each season. Maybe this could be the one, considering they will be out of whack with a Friday night game on the road? Perhaps Northwestern can make it interesting heading into the half, but it’s hard to imagine them going toe-to-toe with this Ohio State team.
Prediction: Ohio State-45, Northwestern-13
(#3)Clemson at Louisville
Noon, ABC
Louisville has performed much, much better than expected under first-year head coach, and former App State coach, Scott Satterfield. The Cardinals are coming off an upset victory against #19 Wake Forest, and the offense has seemed to really hit its stride. However, they may still be a few years out from taking down a team of Clemson’s caliber. Louisville will also be without starting quarterback Jawon Pass. Maybe the new guy will catch Clemson off guard? Probably not, but no one saw them nearly losing to North Carolina either.
Prediction: Clemson-42, Louisville-28
Temple at (#19)SMU
3:30 p.m., ESPN2
Not a game many had circled on their calendars early in the season, but this could turn out to be a fantastic game. Temple is 5-1 with two victories against ranked opponents, and will look to take down one more. SMU is unbeaten and flying high thanks to a prolific offense that has scored at least 37 points in each game, with an average of 44.1 per contest. Temple has been relying on a stingy defense, and the battle of conflicting styles should be fascinating to watch unfold.
Prediction: Temple-31, SMU-28
(#14)Boise State at BYU
10:15 p.m., ESPN2
Hey, you’ll need something to watch following the Penn State-Michigan game until the adrenaline leaves your body and you’re ready for a peaceful night of sleep with visions of KJ Hamler racing towards the end zone. Boise State has remained undefeated by finding a way to win, whether it be a shootout, defensive slugfest, or something in-between. BYU is only 2-4, but they’re a different beast in Provo and will be ready to give the Broncos their absolute best shot.
Prediction: Boise State-34, BYU-28