College Football Week 7 Predictions: USC/ND, Wash/Ore, Oregon St/UCLA, Memphis/Tulane and much more

College Football Week 7 Predictions

Week 6 was a drama-filled Saturday with the standouts being Oklahoma, Georgia, Alabama, LSU, and Louisville. (And we can’t forget some downright awful coaching decisions)  Week 7 gives us another 4 ranked versus ranked matchups and yet another slate of under the radar games along with underdogs looking for an upset or at least to go against the spread.

Marquee Matchups

#7 Washington vs. #8 Oregon: This PAC-12 marquee matchup is a proving ground for both teams due to their weaker schedules coming off a bye. The Huskies almost dropped one to a scrappy Arizona team while earlier in the season the Ducks had a scare against Texas Tech but have steam-rolled their last 3 opponents. The defenses will be put to the ultimate test on Saturday which favors Oregon on paper. The key question will be how much improvement has Washington made in their secondary? We know QB Michael Penix Jr. can sling it all around the yard but an efficient rushing attack may be needed to keep the opposing offense on the sidelines. Oregon averages 227 rushing yards per game equating to pounding the rock opening up big plays down field. Another item is Bo Nix on the road which can be night and day compared to him playing at home. 50-50’s tend to come down to turnovers, home-field advantage, and QB’s.

The Pick: Washington -3 and over the 67 total points.  

#10 USC vs. #21 Notre Dame: Not all that long ago this was a game to mark on the College Football calendar but with the Irish losing twice and a lackluster outing by USC not much hype remains. Notre Dame would be best served by establishing the run to stay out of 3rd and long and to set up the play-action. The Trojans defense is horrible but still capable of applying pressure on obvious passing downs. The best unit on either side is the USC offense as it continues to pile up the points. If the Trojans start slow like last week they will get beat but something tells me they’ll be ready to play on the road. To be honest ND burned me last week and almost got me the week before. The Trojans will run blitz similar to what Louisville did last week to contain the Irish run game.

The Pick: USC +2.5

Under The Radar

#15 Oregon State vs. #18 UCLA: These PAC-12 foes will meet on Saturday needing a victory to hang around in the race given each have a 1 loss in conference play. On offense these teams are very balance rushing 200+ yards per game with UCLA stuffing the run to the tune of 31 yards less than the Beavers who only allow 96 which is still very good. Turnovers and redzone defense will be a key along with time of possession obviously. Not much separates the two so this College Football podcaster will side with the home crowd, a more experienced QB, and ball control.

The Pick: Oregon State -3.5 also under to 54 point total. 

#12 North Carolina vs. #23 Miami: Mario Cristobal lost the game to GT at the end no doubt about it but QB Tyler Van Dyke had his worst outing thus far in 2023. All the while Tarheels QB Drake Maye is starting to hit his stride. The toughest unknown item here is the mindset of losing a shocker to Georgia Tech on the road and if the Hurricanes can shake it off. Look for Miami to ground and pound then eventually go deep over the top of the UNC’s secondary. This College Football junkie has that feeling whichever team has the ball last will win whether it’s victory formation or a late FG.

The Pick: UNC -3.5

Saturday Upset Special

Memphis as a +4.5 home dog pulls off the upset over visiting Tulane.

Hardcore Barnburners

#19 Tennessee vs. Texas A&M: The Aggies will try to stop the run to force Vols QB Joe Milton to make accurate throws. Tennessee got beat up pretty bad versus Kentucky and need a win badly to get re-established. A&M can’t afford another loss and Tennessee looking to make a statement equals a good old fashion barnburner.

The Pick: Texas A&M +3

#24 Kentucky vs. Missouri: The Wildcats got their butts kicked by what was a sleeping giant in Georgia last week while Mizzou let one slip out of their hands to LSU. The Tigers have more experience but do they have the confidence now to close out tight games? Missouri also has better QB/WR combo which may be just enough. Kentucky needs to get back to their bread and butter which is running the ball and playing stout defense. This has the makings of a game still on the table late in the 4th so keep an eye out hardcores.

The Pick: Missouri -2.5

Against The Spread

Iowa +10 versus Wisconsin

Wyoming +10.5 versus Air Force

Cal +13.5 versus Utah if no Cam Rising

PODCAST LINK: tobtr.com/12276257

Quick Hits Recap

-Oklahoma QB Dillon Gabriel accumulated nearly 400 total yards on offense coming thru in the clutch in the Sooners dramatic 34-30 win over Texas.

-Louisville RB Jawhar Jordan had 21 carries for 143 yards and 2 TD’s in the Cardinals impressive win 33-20 over Notre Dame.

-Alabama’s young signal caller Jalen Monroe took a large step in the right directions throwing for 321 yards and 3 TD’s in a 26-20 win over Texas A&M.

-LSU QB Jayden Daniels exploded for 3 passing TD’s and 130 rushing yards with a touchdown in a comeback win over Missouri 49-39.

-The Kansas Jayhawks ran the ball for 399 yards and 5 touchdowns in their 51-22 victory over Central Florida.

-Credit goes to Georgia Tech for having the balls to throw a 44-yard game-ending TD instead of playing for overtime. Also, what the hell was Mario Cristobal thinking running the ball in that scenario?

Written by Chris Carlson Host of The College Ball Show Podcast available at blogtalkradio.com/ropeadoperadio &

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