Frogs O’ War Staff Picks: College Football Week 7

Big 12

UCF Knights at Cincinnati Bearcats – Sat. Oct. 11, 11:00 AM, FS1

Anthony: Sorsby, Satterfield, and the Bearcats are getting a lot of love this week after a nice 2-0 start to league play including a ranked win over ISU. However, the hype as a conference title favorite seems overblown. Cincinnati takes the old AAC rivalry contest, but the Knights keep it close and cover the 10.5-point spread.

Austin: The Bearcats are quietly 4-1 after back-to-back impressive victories against the Kansas Jayhawks and the Iowa State Cyclones. Cincinnati continues its winning streak, knocking off UCF in front of their home crowd.
Caleb: Now that the real games have started, UCF has followed their 3 game win streak with two losses and they’re en route to a .500 record this weekend. Cincy has has rocked 4 reputable wins after losing in Arrowhead to start, make it 5 as the Sorsby Heisman Campaign continues.
Drew: I thought Cincinnati would be a solid team coming into this season with Brendan Sorsby returning at quarterback but I did not think they were going to pull off the upset last week. The Bearcats continue to roll and beat UCF at home.
Russ: Could Cincinnati be the surprise team of the conference this season? It sure looks like it right now. Bearcats roll for a home win over the Golden Knights.

Houston Cougars at Oklahoma State Cowboys – Sat. Oct. 11, 11:00 AM, TNT/HBO MAX

Anthony: Is this the spot the Pokes play spoiler, At home in perhaps its most winnable game? No. With UH QB Conner Weigman noted as “probable” to play on Saturday, the Cougars skate to an easy bounce back win.
Austin: Houston wins handily. Oklahoma State’s offense can’t move the ball, and its defense—particularly the secondary—has been a disaster in recent weeks.
Caleb: Houston is in a bounce back position here and OK State is down to their 3rd string QB as the post-Gundy spiral continues. I can’t see this team competing until Hauss Hejny comes back, whereas Connor Weigman will be back from missing the 2nd half against Tech. Expect the Cougars to wash last week’s loss out by conquering the Pokes.
Drew: Houston is a solid team despite the disappointing game against Texas Tech last week. Oklahoma State on the other hand is a mess. I have the Cougars winning on the road.
Russ: Oklahoma State and West Virginia are firmly the two worst teams in the conference right now. I don’t see that changing any time soon. Houston wins in Stillwater.

Iowa State Cyclones at Colorado Buffaloes – Sat. Oct. 11,

2:30 PM, ESPN

Anthony: Another Big 12 bounce back spot, as the Cyclones get off the mat despite the injury report lengthening. As Coach Prime continues to deal with difficult health concerns off the field, his team is slowly dying on the field. Buffs likely would’ve taken down TCU last week if not for the turnover numbers. ISU gets the win in Boulder.
Austin: Colorado has, for the most part, been keeping up with its opponent from week to week, even holding a 14-0 lead over the Horned Frogs last weekend. But, as usual, the Buffaloes can’t seem to muster a win. Iowa State gets the victory on the road.
Caleb: Two teams that are begging for a Bye week reset. Iowa State was playing with fire on the road against Arkansas State so their road numbers look soft, especially after dropping last week’s match against Cincy. However, the team is 16-4 in their last 2o games so I expect their bounce back to be more powerful than 2-4 Colorado’s. Cyclones get back on track.
Drew: Iowa State’s defense had a rough day this past Saturday against a mobile quarterback in Brendan Sorsby who rushed for over 60 yards and a touchdown. They have to go on the road again this week and face another capable running quarterback in Kaidon Salter who has struggled at times this season but is capable of making plays with his legs. I have Colorado pulling off the upset here as Iowa State’s defense fails to bounce back.
Russ: Iowa State is facing its first real adversity this season, as injuries are mounting and the Cyclones fell on their face at Cincinnati. But I think Rocco Becht outplays Kaidon Salter and ISU responds here.

Kansas Jayhawks at Texas Tech Red Raiders – Sat. Oct. 11, 6:30 PM, FOX

Anthony: TTU has climbed into the top 10 and is already presumed to be Big 12 champs. This is a dangerous lookahead spot with the massive showdown with ASU looming next week. Even if their head isn’t 100% in it, Red Raiders take the home win and continue atop the league.
Austin: Kansas can certainly light up the scoreboard, but so can Texas Tech. The Red Raiders have scored 34 or more points in every game this season, and in both games the Jayhawks have allowed at least 34, they’ve lost. Texas Tech hits that mark again and beats Kansas.
Caleb: Kansas has played to the level of their last two opponents in Cincy and UCF but this Tech team has shown to be a cut above the rest of the Big 12. Night games in Lubbock are not very welcoming to visitors so I expect Tech to roll here.
Drew: This game should be very fun with two high powered offenses but Texas Tech has been the best team in the Big 12 this season and I can’t see Kansas pulling off the upset on the road. Red Raiders by 10.
Russ: I expect this game to be a high-scoring battle, but the Red Raiders have a bit more firepower than the Jayhawks. I think both quarterbacks shine in this matchup, with Texas Tech emerging victorious.

BYU Cougars at Arizona Wildcats – Sat. Oct. 11, 7:00 PM, ESPN2

Anthony: Feels like the Bear Bachmeier undersells story has to hit midnight eventually, and a road lookahead spot with the Holy War on deck, this is a dangerous game. BYU is just too good to fail here and handle business in Tucson.
Austin: Upset time! The 18th-ranked BYU Cougars have looked good, but not great. Arizona, on the other hand, is flying under the radar at 4-1 following a forgettable 2024 season. The Wildcats earn their second marquee win of the season.
Caleb: I’m not sure how Arizona managed to schedule 5 of their first 6 games at home but this is the last home game before traveling for 4 of their last 6, I expect them to bring their A-game and catch the Cougars looking ahead at Utah. BYU hasn’t had to defend a passing attack this strong just yet and I think Fifita gets them on their heels early.
Drew: BYU has played steady, solid football so far in 2025 but I think they stumble here on the road against the Wildcats. Noah Fifita looks like he has bounced back from a tough 2024 season and I think he leads the Wildcats to a win over BYU.
Russ: Could this be Noah Fifita’s statement game this season? Potentially, but I really like BYU’s defense and I think the Cougars escape with a win.

Arizona State Sun Devils at Utah Utes – Sat. Oct. 11, 9:15 PM, ESPN

Anthony: ASU is not as good as its record – while impressive to get the last-minute wins over TCU & Baylor, the Devils haven’t seen the power on the lines that the Utes will have on display. Add in the late night atmosphere in Rice-Eccles and this becomes an Utah blowout.
Austin: This game is one of those toss-ups that it’s nearly impossible to choose. Arizona State hasn’t looked dominant like expected, but that wasn’t the case a season ago either, routinely winning close games. This one comes down to the wire, but the more experienced Sun Devils get the win on the road.
Caleb: Utah has played well in their blowout victories but crumbled under the only pressure that Tech put them under a few weeks ago. I think the bye after a strong bounce-back serves as a deflating emotional factor in comparison to ASU’s relax and refocus after a tight win over our beloved Frogs. Sun Devils win it in SLC.
Drew: I think Arizona State has fully righted the ship after a disappointing upset on the road at Mississippi State earlier in the year. Jordyn Tyson will likely be the first receiver taken in this year’s NFL draft and the defense has been excellent, not allowing over 24 points all season. I think the Sun Devils pick up a big road win here.
Russ: A fantastic matchup in Salt Lake City as the Utah defense will be tasked with slowing down Raleek Brown, Sam Leavitt and Jordan Tyson. I think the Utes do just enough to earn the victory.

Top National Games

South Florida Bulls at North Texas Mean Green – Fri. Oct. 10, 6:30 PM, ESPN2

Anthony: Denton is about to be rocking! Mean Green make a statement under the national spotlight earning the huge win in the G5 Playoff race, downing the ranked Bulls.
Austin: Don’t look now, but North Texas is favored in this one despite South Florida’s superior résumé. The Mean Green face their first real test of the season and get it done in front of a home crowd.
Caleb: UNT has its first opportunity against a ranked team at home this year so I expect this to be their Super Bowl, especially coming off of a bye. USF has played well in their last two games, but both were at home. Their last road game was a dismantling against Miami, I think we see some of those characteristics re-emerge in Denton. The Mean Green win it.
Drew: UNT quarterback Drew Mestemaker is one of the best stories in college football this season and he has the Mean Green playing in their biggest football game in recent memory. I think North Texas picks up a win and becomes the favorite to earn the G5 bid to the college football playoffs.
Russ: South Florida is far more battle tested than North Texas. Although both teams can put up points in a hurry, I think the Bulls hang on for the road win.

Ohio State Buckeyes at Illinois Illini – Sat. Oct. 11, 11:00 AM, FOX

Anthony: It’s going to take approximately 25 injuries for me to find any reason to pick against OSU this season. Buckeyes cruise to an easy ranked win, and will continue to do so en route to consecutive National Titles
Austin: The Buckeyes win. Illinois has looked good, yet the Illini have an almost unbelievable 53-point loss to Indiana. If Illinois hadn’t gotten beaten that badly, this game would probably feel a lot closer.
Caleb: OSU has not given up double digit points a single time this season, Illinois is completely outmatched. The Illini have given up an average of 40 points in their last 3 games, I expect Sayin to pick them apart while Caleb Downs slows their roll. Buckeyes win.
Drew: Ohio State has been dominant this season, especially on the defensive side of the ball with Caleb Downs and Arvell Reese causing plenty of issues for opposing offenses. I have the Buckeyes by two touchdowns in this one.
Russ: I’d love nothing more than for Illinois to win this one, but I have to think with my brain and not my heart. Ohio State takes this one.

Alabama Crimson Tide at Missouri Tigers – Sat. Oct. 11, 11:00 AM, ABC

Anthony: Winner of this game is just about locked into the CFP. Bama is better at every position and will thoroughly dominate this game. While there’s potential for the Tide to deliver another field storming for an opposing fan base, Ty Simpson and crew send the Mizzou faithful home sad instead.
Austin: There’s something that tells me Alabama isn’t a powerhouse. Maybe it’s the loss to Florida State or the narrow victory over both Georgia and Vanderbilt (yes, it was 30-14, but the game was much closer). Still, the Crimson Tide are talented enough to knock off the Tigers… their win streak just won’t last much longer.
Caleb: Bama is playing their 3rd straight ranked matchup with another on the horizon next week, while Mizzou plays their 6th straight home game with a week of rest to prep. Mizzou has not had to break form while Mama has had it’s ups and downs already. I think Beau Pribula vaults his name into Heisman conversations as the Tigers win this one.
Drew: This game will be a big test of the Alabama run defense with Ahmad Hardy at running back and Beau Pribula at quarterback both being threats on the ground for Missouri. Florida State was able to rush for over 200 yards earlier this season and knock off the tide and I think Missouri does the same thing this week and picks up an upset win.
Russ: Ty Simpson and the Alabama offense are starting to click. Between Isaiah Horton, Ryan Williams and Germie Bernard, the Crimson Tide have weapons and I think they beat the Tigers on the road.

Indiana Hoosiers at Oregon Ducks – Sat. Oct. 11, 2:30 PM, CBS

Anthony: While that win at Penn State is now looking less impressive, Oregon is an elite team with an elite home atmosphere and no amount of Cignetti magic will give the Hoosiers this game. Ducks by a bunch.
Austin: Such a weird conference matchup. Indiana vs. Oregon? These teams have faced off only three times before. The Ducks move to 6-0 with a resounding defeat against the Hoosiers.
Caleb: Similar to my stance on ASU, I think the huge emotional win before the bye week sharpens Oregon’s focus coming into this matchup. Indiana is playing their second straight on the road and the first one in Iowa was sticky. I’ll take Dante Moore to win this battle of Heisman Hopeful’s against Fernando Mendoza.
Drew: This should be a very fun game between arguably the two best quarterbacks in college football this season in Dante Moore and Fernando Mendoza. Indiana has looked dominant at times this season, but I think Oregon has the more talented roster overall and I have the Ducks picking up a top ten win in this one.
Russ: Dante Moore is starting to look like a Heisman candidate and the Ducks showed their worth with a huge win at Penn State. Oregon wins at home and makes its case as a national title contender.

Oklahoma Sooners vs. Texas Longhorns – Sat. Oct. 11, 2:30 PM, ABC

Anthony: This is the game that Arch Manning becomes ARCH MANNING (for real this time). Venables has built a defensive beast in Norman, but the Sarkisian and the Longhorns solve it, painting the Cotton Bowl burnt orange again.
Austin: If Texas were the team that had to cross the Red River, they might sink into it. The Longhorns are a sinking ship, and even without John Mateer, the Oklahoma Sooners get the victory.
Caleb: Texas’ results this year have been illogical, how does a team this good on paper suck so bad? The Red River Shootout brings the best out of each of these teams and even with Mateer, I think Texas has the superior roster. I’m not sure you want him rippin’ it 30+ times 2 weeks removed from surgery, and you certainly don’t want him running into the teeth of this Texas front. Either route leads to a Longhorn victory.
Drew: Oklahoma’s defense has been very good this season and Texas struggled mightily against a solid Florida defense last week. Even with John Mateer missing the game with an injury, I still have the Sooners taking this one.
Russ: The Arch Manning hype has come crashing down after a bad loss at Florida, where he was outplayed by D.J. Lagway. Oklahoma is surging and the Sooners will roll in this one.

Michigan Wolverines at USC Trojans – Sat. Oct. 11, 6:30 PM, NBC

Anthony: While I love the skill pieces the Trojans will deploy, but even if those weapons do get past a stout Michigan defense, the USC D will do nothing to slow the Wolverines’ attack. Michigan secures the major road win.
Austin: There doesn’t seem to be much optimism surrounding Lincoln Riley or USC. However, the Trojans fending off the Wolverines and securing the win surely turns some heads. USC wins by a touchdown.
Caleb: Lincoln Riley ran away from OU so he didn’t have to build his roster for elite defenses in the SEC. Michigan is built like the exact team Riley was avoiding and of course, his team doesn’t match up with them very well. Long-developing, downfield passing concepts don’t work against fronts this strong even if you’re playing at home. Give me the Wolverines in a low scoring affair.
Drew: The quarterback-receiver duo of Jayden Maiva and Makai Lemon has been one of the most fun to watch in college football this season and gives USC the ability to score points in bunches. I think USC’s passing offense outpaces Michigan and the Trojans come away with a win.
Russ: Not sure if it’s technically an upset, but since the Trojans are favored at home, I’m going to take Michigan here. I like the Wolverine defense to slow down Lincoln Riley’s offense here.