(#9)Vanderbilt at (#20)Texas
Noon, ABC
Can Vandy go on the road and deliver a knockout punch to the nation’s preseason #1 team? That question pretty much sums up how much college football has changed in
a short few years. Diego Pavia will once again attempt to work his magic in a game where points may be hard to come by – especially if Arch Manning isn’t able to suit up for the ‘Horns. Prediction: Vanderbilt-20, Texas-14
Navy at North Texas
Noon, ESPN2
These teams may not be on your radar despite having a combined 14-1 record. It should also be an entertaining quarterback duel, which is weird to say considering that Navy is one of the teams involved. Mean Green quarterback Drew Mestemaker is one of the nation’s most compelling stories as he is having a phenomenal redshirt freshman season despite not starting a single game in high school. Two good teams fighting for a playoff spot – what else could you ask for to kick off November?
Prediction: North Texas-34, Navy-28
(#13)Texas Tech at Kansas State
3:30 p.m., FOX
I’ll say it – the 3:30 p.m. timeslot for week 10 is the worst timeslot of the season thus far. The Wildcats seem to have found something after a rough start to the season, and it may just continue against the team that everyone that was prepared to coast to a Big XII title. If not, it might be a good time for a nap.
Prediction: Texas Tech-31, Kansas State-24
(#18)Oklahoma at (#14)Tennessee
7:30 p.m., ABC
It’s a playoff elimination game under the bright lights of Neyland Stadium. John Mateer has looked nothing like the version of himself that was receiving Heisman buzz since returning from his hand injury. He also isn’t get much from a Sooners offensive line that can’t do much of anything. Like Vandy-Texas, this could be another defensive battle with points at a premium.
Prediction: Tennessee-16, Oklahoma-14
(#17) Cincinnati at (#24)Utah
10:15 p.m., ESPN
Cinncy’s Brendan Sorsby has transformed into one of the nation’s best quarterbacks this fall. Now he will meet a major test in one of college football’s toughest environments. You may want that nap during the 3:30 games to stay up for this one.
Prediction: Cincinnati-33, Utah-30
