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(#23)Kentucky at (#8)Auburn
Noon, SEC Network
Thanks to the scheduling chaos thus far, this looks to be just the second game between ranked opponents of the 2020 season. Kentucky will hope for an upset to remain ranked, and it’s certainly a solid possibility when you consider the two Auburns - the one that makes a surprise deep national championship run, or the one that flounders its way to the Outback Bowl.
Prediction: Auburn-27, Kentucky-24
(#24) Louisville at (#21)Pitt
Noon, ACC Network
Ok, so the rankings may be a farce but it’s nice to see those numbers next to the team’s names for any noon kickoff. Although it would be preferred if one of those teams wasn’t Pitt. The Panthers might have the best defense in the ACC outside of Clemson, but will face its first major test against the efficient Louisville offense, who still put up 34 points against Miami last week despite the loss. It should be a fascinating match-up whenever the Cardinals have the ball.
Prediction: Louisville-23, Pitt-21
(#22)Army at (#14)Cincinnati
3:30 p.m., ESPN
Hey, another game between ranked opponents instead of watching Austin Peay yet again! Cincinnati is a legitimate Darkhorse playoff team, and will look to make a statement against its first ranked opponent (The Bearcats will also meet #17 Memphis and #13 UCF later in the year). Army has crushed its first two opponents, Louisiana-Monroe and Middle Tennessee, by a combined score of 79-7 and will be prepared to give the Bearcats all they can handle.
Prediction: Cincinatti-31, Army-26
(#16)Tennessee at South Carolina
7:30 p.m., ESPN
Recent history tells us that there are a number of things that can go wrong for the Vols any time they find themselves ranked this high early in the season. Expect hilarity to ensue once again with Tennessee finding a way to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
Prediction: South Carolina-23, Tennessee-17
NC State at (#20)Virginia Tech
8 p.m., ACC Network
You won’t be able to see the Nittany Lions plays in Blacksburg as was originally planned, but this should be an entertaining game under the lights. The Wolfpack pulled out a shootout victory against Wake Forest last weekend, and will look to keep that momentum going against a potentially rusty Hokies team that will be playing its first game of the season.
Prediction: NC State-31, Virginia Tech-24