Moose’s Top 5 Games of the Week 4

We are officially in the thick of the college football season. The conference schedules are kicking off, leaves are changing colors, and everyone has already buried your team or crowned them national champions. There’s a long season in front of us and a lot of these narratives can and will change. Remember what the haters are saying, but do not etch it in stone (Mahatma Gandhi or Mother Teresa said this I think). 

Also, I am adding an additional section to each week’s games to include the Squad Blitz tip of the game – if you haven’t already, please download the SquadBlitz app and put the “Walk-On Redshirts” as your referral! 

Brief Recap of Last Week

1. 17 Texas Tech at 16 Utah

Texas Tech will be entering Utah with one of the most balanced offensive attacks – top 3 in scoring offense, top 3 in passing offense, and top 25 in rushing offense. Utah is more of a one-trick pony, but don’t get it twisted, that “trick” feeds families. Utah is going to commit to the run, and they will bring the hammer over and over and over again. I think due to the Red Raiders’ ability to be balanced, they come out of Utah with the victory. 

Texas Tech 34 Utah 30

Texas Tech +2.5

Over 57.5

Squad Blitz Start ’Em– Texas Tech’s rushing offense. I think Utah will be keying in on the pass and that will open up big play opportunities for the Red Raider rushing attack.

Squad Blitz Sit ’Em – Stay away from both defenses in this game, but if you should stay away from one more, it should be Utah’s. 

 

 

2. 22 Auburn at 11 Oklahoma

Jackson Arnold returns to Norman, Oklahoma, only this time he will be donning the Auburn orange and blue. Oklahoma and QB John Mateer have seemingly unlocked the missing piece in the Oklahoma team under the tutelage of Brent Venables – a viable offense. Look for Auburn to win on some big plays, but for Oklahoma’s balanced offense to give them the victory. 

Oklahoma 30 Auburn 20

Oklahoma -6.5

Over 48.5

Squad Blitz Start ’Em – Oklahoma’s rushing attack as I think they’ll rely on Mateer’s legs to bring them out of 3rd and long and in the goal line.

Squad Blitz Sit ’Em – Auburn’s passing offense should be avoided like the Black Plague against formidable defenses.

 

3. 9 Illinois at 19 Indiana

Despite being ranked 10 spots higher in the AP poll, Illinois will be going on the road as 5.5-point dogs to Curt Cignetti’s Hoosiers. Illinois has established a hard-nosed, old-school style of football under Head Coach Bret Bielema, but the passing game is what has set this team apart this year. Look for Luke Altmeyer and WR Hank Beatty to be the difference makers in what, I think, will be one of the best games of the day – the People’s Gameday game. 

Illinois 27 Indiana 20

Illinois +5.5

Under 52.5

Squad Blitz Start ’Em – Illinois’ passing offense will look to exploit a reloaded Indiana defense.

Squad Blitz Sit ’Em – Indiana’s rushing offense against a tough Illini rush defense.

 

4. Syracuse at Clemson

Clemson’s offense has been, arguably, the biggest disappointment in all of college football. The pieces are there, the opportunities are there, but they just can’t seem to get out of their own way. Syracuse comes into Tiger Town with a lackluster record so far (barely beating UConn, beating Toothpaste (Colgate), and losing to Tennessee). I need to stay away from Clemson, but just like “the one that got away,” they keep bringing me back. I swear if they let me down this week, I’ll let them go…maybe.

Clemson 42 Syracuse 21

Clemson -17.5

Over 55.5

Squad Blitz Start ’Em– Clemson’s rushing offense against a bottom 100 rush defense in Syracuse.

Squad Blitz Sit ’Em– Syracuse’s defense…. IF you believe that this is the week that Clemson gets right.

 

5. 21 Michigan at Nebraska

Michigan is a good football team; however, the offense is scary – not in a good way. Yes, they have freshman QB Bryce Underwood, who has talent oozing off him like the beaten path of a hundred snails, but he’s not quite ready to put the Wolverines over the top. On the other sideline, Matt Rhule is entering his third year and the Rhule year three magic seems to be real again (Temple, Baylor) as his Cornhuskers are building some momentum. Can Dylan Raiola overcome a stout Michigan defense? I think so.

Nebraska 24 Michigan 16

Nebraska +2.5

Under 45.5

Squad Blitz Start ’Em– Michigan’s defense against a mistake prone Nebraska offense could get you some big points in a bind.

Squad Blitz Sit ’Em– Michigan’s pass offense…not because of Bryce Underwood, but because of the weapons around him.