College soccer Week 9: Picks and previews

N.C. State has endured two losses in its final three video games however returns from an off week nonetheless ranked within the Top 25. The last push probably will not be simple with out injured quarterback Devin Leary, contemplating the Wolfpack have totaled 48 factors within the final three video games. Not to say, N.C. State has dropped 5 in a row versus Virginia Tech. However, the Hokies have been outscored 139-63 throughout their present four-game shedding streak.

Prediction: North Carolina State (-13 1/2)

If there’s a concern for the Utes, it is that they allowed 42 factors in every of the final two video games whereas splitting the season collection with UCLA and USC. Meanwhile, Washington State simply totaled 24 factors in back-to-back highway losses to the Trojans and Oregon State, nevertheless it’s averaging 32.8 factors whereas going 3-1 at house. Utah has gained the final three conferences on this collection — all got here at house. However, the Cougars gained the newest matchup in Pullman in 2018.

Prediction: Utah (-7)

This is simply the second ranked staff Ohio State will face in 2022. The Buckeyes sit fifth within the nation, permitting 14.9 factors. Meanwhile, Penn State is giving up 18.9 per contest total and 48 complete whereas going 4-0 at house. Of course, the Nittany Lions haven’t seen an offense the caliber of Ohio State, and that features the Michigan group that beat them 41-17. The Buckeyes have gained 5 straight within the collection since they had been ranked No. 2 and fell 24-21 at Happy Valley in 2016.

Prediction: Ohio State (-16)

The final time TCU went 8-0 was 2015, and it beat West Virginia for the eighth victory. Since that triumph, nevertheless, the Horned Frogs are 1-5 in opposition to the Mountaineers. TCU has additionally been outscored 105-26 throughout its three-game shedding streak at West Virginia. Then once more, the Mountaineers have allowed 88 factors and 408 dashing yards of their final two video games this month. Meanwhile, TCU’s Kendre Miller has averaged 124.6 dashing yards and scored eight of his 10 touchdowns on the bottom within the final 5 contests.

Prediction: West Virginia (+7 1/2)

Syracuse has misplaced 4 straight in opposition to the Irish by a mean margin of twenty-two.5 factors. But, they enter this newest installment of the collection as the higher staff and are internet hosting the competition for the primary time since 2003 — which Syracuse gained 38-12. Not to say, the Orange practically knocked off Clemson on the highway final week. Notre Dame will host Clemson subsequent week and will use some momentum getting into that matchup. The Irish have totaled 38 factors in splitting its two video games in opposition to ranked groups — Ohio State and BYU — this season.

Prediction: Notre Dame (+2 1/2)

The revival of Bo Nix (1,809 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, three interceptions; 382 dashing yards, eight dashing TDs) will get loads of pub at Oregon, however how about Minnesota switch operating again Bucky Irving? The sophomore has rushed for 523 yards and averaged 7.1 per carry through the Ducks’ six-game profitable streak. Cal permits a serviceable 117.4 dashing yards per recreation, nevertheless it’s additionally dropped three in a row, largely as a result of the Golden Bears have totaled 43 factors within the final three contests.

Prediction: Oregon (-17 1/2)

It’s “Cocktail Party” time, and the Bulldogs have gained 4 of the final 5 installments of this rivalry. Both groups have had two weeks to organize for this annual soccer enjoyable fest. That does not bode effectively for the Gators, who may be ready to the hilt, however Georgia — outscoring opponents 292-64 — is simply too good at this second to be upset. Especially in a recreation that’s simple to get pumped as much as play. This might be simply the second time this season that Florida has performed a recreation outdoors The Swamp.

Prediction: Georgia (-22 1/2)

After injuring his knee early in Kansas State’s 38-28 loss at TCU final weekend, quarterback Adrian Martinez (907 passing yards, 565 dashing yards) is thought of a game-time choice for this one . However, veteran backup Will Howard (13-for-20, 225 yards, two touchdowns, one interception; one dashing TD vs. TCU) held his personal in reduction and appears able to main this staff. Regardless, the Wildcats, who’ve misplaced three straight within the collection, should cease Oklahoma State’s Spencer Sanders (2,030 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, 4 interceptions; 352 dashing yards, eight dashing TDs).

Prediction: Kansas State -1 1/2

For pure leisure functions, if this yr’s matchup between the Demon Deacons and Cardinals is as thrilling as final yr, followers are in for one more deal with. Wake wanted a subject objective with 22 seconds remaining in regulation to win 37-34 at house. Two of the ACC’s greatest quarterbacks had been every worthy of reward in that contest, with Wake’s Sam Hartman throwing for 324 yards with two touchdowns, an interception and dashing 35 occasions with a rating. Meanwhile, Louisville star Malik Cunningham totaled 309 via the air and 46 on the bottom, and 4 total touchdowns. The Cardinals are banged up however 3-1 at house within the collection since 2014.

Prediction: Wake Forest (-3 1/2)

For these not conscious, Illinois ranks No. 1 within the nation in scoring protection (common 8.9 factors allowed) and common scrimmage yards allowed (221.1), and boasts the nation’s prime rusher in Chase Brown (1,059 dashing yards) getting into this week’s motion. Also, the Big Ten West is there to lose for the Illini, whose five-game profitable streak is their longest since a six-game run in 2011. They’ll even be searching for a 3rd consecutive victory over Nebraska, which is 2-2 since firing Scot Frost. The Cornhuskers have misplaced 19 straight in opposition to Top 25 groups.

Prediction: Illinois (-8)

Tulane and Cincinnati are the lone undefeated groups in American Athletic Conference play, however Central Florida is true behind and gained its final three house video games by a mean margin of 32 factors. The Bearcats, in the meantime, are undefeated since opening with that seven-point loss at Arkansas. However, they’ve gained the final two — in opposition to USF and SMU — by a mixed six factors. So, Cincinnati, which has gained three straight on this collection, is aware of how one can win tight video games, and this may very well be one other one.

Prediction: Cincinnati (-1)

One ought to really feel good for South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler, who, whereas placing up pedestrian numbers (1,466 passing yards, 5 touchdowns, eight interceptions), is as soon as once more enjoying for a ranked staff. The Gamecocks have gained 4 in a row, due to a protection that is allowed a mean of 17.0 factors through the profitable streak. Missouri has gained three straight on this collection however dropped 5 consecutive highway contests and 14 of the final 17 away from house courting to the beginning of the 2019 season.

Prediction: South Carolina (-4)

USC has had two weeks to regroup and relaxation up from that wild one-point loss at then-No. 20 Utah. This is one other highway check for the Trojans, however Arizona has misplaced two in a row, allowed 49 factors in three of its final 4 video games, and dropped 9 straight on this collection, courting to a 39-36 house victory in 2012. This all units up for a doubtlessly large evening from USC Heisman Trophy candidate Caleb Williams (1,971 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, one interception; 235 dashing yards, three dashing TDs).

Prediction: USC (-15)

According to The Athletic , that is the primary time since 1951 that these rivals are each ranked for his or her matchup. Plus, Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (2,093 passing yards, 18 yards, one interception; 315 dashing yards, three dashing TDs) is a critical Heisman Trophy contender, and Jalin Hyatt has caught 13 passes for 381 yards and 7 TDs within the final two video games. Meanwhile, Kentucky is permitting simply 16.4 factors and is 2-1 in opposition to Top 25 groups this season. And the Wildcats gained the newest assembly in Knoxville, 34-7, in 2020.

Prediction: Kentucky (+12 1/2)

The Wolverines are three-touchdown favorites in opposition to their in-state rival, however they’ve additionally misplaced the final two conferences. In truth, the Spartans have gained 5 of the final seven performed on the Big House. Now, Michigan is rolling and has gained 12 consecutive regular-season contests since falling 37-33 at Michigan State a yr in the past. Meanwhile, the Spartans ought to have some momentum after ending their four-game skid with the double-overtime win in opposition to Wisconsin from two weeks in the past. Even with that triumph and historical past on its aspect, Michigan State nonetheless faces a tall order in upsetting the Wolverines once more.

Prediction: Michigan State (+22 1/2)

Ole Miss must bounce again from that 25-point loss at LSU, and a go to to disjointed Texas A&M would possibly present the best alternative to get it carried out. The Rebels gained final yr’s assembly, and these Aggies seem in disarray whereas amid a three-game shedding streak, coping with numerous personnel points and questioning if Jimbo Fisher actually is the appropriate man for the job. Then once more, once we least count on it, Texas A&M would possibly lastly come to play and present a little bit delight to drag off this delicate upset.

Prediction: Texas A&M (+2 1/2)

It’s North Carolina that sits prime of the ACC Coastal Division, not Pittsburgh. The Tar Heels have gained three in a row, however the final two — at Miami, Fla., and Duke — by three factors every. Though Pitt has dropped two of its final three after scoring 10 factors at Louisville final week, we nonetheless count on this one to be shut. And doubtlessly excessive scoring. Two of the ACC’s greatest might be on show in Carolina quarterback Drake Maye, who ranks among the many nationwide leaders in passing yards (2,283), touchdowns (24) and passer ranking (184.8). And Panthers operating again Israel Abanikanda is fourth within the nation with 959 yards and a 137.0 common per contest.

Prediction: North Carolina (-3)

UCLA has an opportunity to point out its mettle whereas making an attempt to rebound from that tough 15-point loss at Oregon final weekend. And the Bruins get to take action at house, the place they’ve gained seven in a row courting to final season. That mentioned, UCLA has no motive to sleep on Stanford, which adopted a three-game shedding streak by profitable at Notre Dame and versus Arizona State — by a complete of three factors. The Cardinal additionally allowed 14 factors in every of these contests, so that is the problem for a UCLA squad averaging 39.9 factors.

Prediction: Stanford (+16 1/2)

Is disappointing the suitable time period to explain the standing of each groups? Sure, Auburn was not anticipated to be a serious participant inside the SEC this season, nevertheless it’s in peril of shedding 4 straight video games for a second consecutive season, in addition to three video games at house. Now, the Tigers have gained six in a row over Arkansas, which is seeking to keep away from a fourth consecutive SEC defeat. The Razorbacks, a Top 25 staple earlier this season, misplaced their final two league video games — versus Alabama and Mississippi State — by 23 factors every.

Prediction: Auburn (+3 1/2)

The Sooners halted a three-game skid with their 52-42 win over Kansas on Oct. 15 however are giving up 48.8 factors per recreation in convention play. Iowa State, in the meantime, has totaled simply 65 factors whereas off to its worst league begin since going 0-6 in 2016. However, the Cyclones are yielding simply 15.1 factors per contest — they usually gained 37-30 when the groups final met in Ames through the 2020 season. Dating to final season, Oklahoma has misplaced three straight Big 12 highway video games for the primary time since dropping 4 in a row spanning the 2009 and ’10 campaigns.

Prediction: Oklahoma (-1)

It’s a matchup of groups proper in the midst of the Big 12 standings. For Baylor, that is not the place it was anticipated to be. It has not helped that the Bears are 1-2 on the highway this season. They’ve additionally misplaced 10 in a row at Texas Tech, courting to a 21-15 victory there in 1990. On the flip aspect, the Red Raiders are 4-0 this season at house, the place they’ve already knocked off then-ranked groups in Houston and Texas.

Prediction: Texas Tech (-2 1/2)

This matchup options two of the three groups tied for the lead within the West Division of the Mountain West. Each staff enters searching for a 3rd consecutive victory. The Aztecs have allowed 21 factors in back-to-back wins over Hawaii and Nevada after giving up 35 in a loss at Boise State. However, they’re averaging simply 19.1 factors on the season. Meanwhile, Fresno has yielded simply 19 factors in beating San Jose State and New Mexico over the previous two weeks. The Bulldogs have gained three of the final 4 versus SDSU.

Prediction: San Diego State (+8 1/2)