Last weekend was a wild one for college football, as we witnessed a number of shocking upsets that will have enormous impacts on the CFP. While week six brought us some amazing games, there surprisingly wasn’t a single matchup between two ranked teams. That changes this week as we’ll be treated to three big-time ranked matchups with massive playoff implications.

5. No. 4 Penn State (5-0) at USC (3-2)

Thanks to conference realignment, the Nittany Lions will have to travel across the country to face off against the Trojans in a critical Big 10 showdown. We’ve seen this long-distance travel become an issue for some teams this year, including USC. Then-No. 10 Michigan lost to unranked Washington after traveling more than 2,300 miles to Seattle. Then-No. 11 USC, lost to Minnesota after traveling more than 1,900 miles to Minneapolis. Miami nearly lost after traveling to Berkley, CA last weekend. Although I give Penn State the edge on paper, I think their travel will be a factor in this game. USC’s offense also showed they can put up points on great defenses like Michigan. If their pass rush can throw Allar off his rhythm, I can see them pulling off the upset.

Prediction: USC 27, Penn State 24

4. No. 18 Kansas State (4-1) at Colorado (4-1)

As long as Shadeur Sanders and Travis Hunter are on the field, the Colorado Buffaloes remain must-see TV. And this time, they get a great matchup as No. 18. KSU comes to town in a crucial Big 12 game for both teams. The Buffaloes are actually living up to the hype (so far) this year, and have already matched their win total from last season. With more talent in the trenches, we’ll see if they’re physical enough to match up with a KSU squad coming off a 9-win season the year before. Colorado will go as far as this offensive line allows them to. If Sanders has time to throw, this great group of receivers will do the rest.

Prediction: Colorado 38, KSU 24

3. No. 9 Ole Miss (4-1) at No. 13 LSU (4-1)

The two one-loss SEC teams can probably afford one more loss before their playoff chances start to get much worse. It’s usually a high-scoring affair when these two meet, and I’m expecting nothing different this weekend. Last season, these two teams exploded for 103 total points, with Ole Miss winning 55-49. Ole Miss boasts one of the top offenses in the country; however, their past two games have been quite uncharacteristic. The Rebels rely on the deep ball more than most teams and haven’t been able to convert them against Kentucky and South Carolina. They’ll have a chance to redeem themselves against LSU, who has one of the worst pass defenses in the SEC. The Tigers will also have many chances to score behind their massive offensive line, but they will face another excellent pass rush like they did against South Carolina. I think this will be Lane Kiffin’s signature win this season as they look to strengthen their resume for the CFP.

Prediction: Ole Miss 41, LSU 38

2. No. 1 Texas (5-0) at No. 18 Oklahoma (4-1)

The Red River Rivalry is finally back, this time as an SEC matchup. While Texas looked more than ready to make the jump to this conference, Oklahoma still seems like they’re one or two steps behind. But that doesn’t really matter when these teams face off. Last season we saw Dillon Gabriel score a walk-off touchdown to win the game for the Sooners. But just weeks later they ended up missing the playoff while Texas found themselves in the semifinal game. Star quarterback Quinn Ewers should be ready to go for Texas, but you have to wonder how short his leash will be with a guy like Arch Manning behind him. Meanwhile, the Sooners turned to freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. at quarterback. Hawkins threw just 15 passes two weeks ago against Auburn, and seven of them were screens. Coming off of a bye week, Sooner fans will have to hope to see more out of him in the passing game if they want a chance to win this weekend.

Prediction: Texas 31, Oklahoma 21

1. No. 2 Ohio State (5-0) at No. 3 Oregon (5-0)

This is a game I’ve waited all offseason for. If you’re like me, you knew from the jump that this matchup was going to be a top-five battle between the two best teams in the Big 10. Both of these teams are so strong at nearly every position group, its hard to say who has the overall edge. But one thing that stands out is Oregon’s run defense vs. Ohio State’s elite rushing attack. Oregon is a team that gave up nearly 200 rushing yards to Ashton Jeanty in week two and let Oregon State rush for 131 yards in week three. Since then, they’ve improved a good amount against UCLA and Michigan State. Overall, Oregon hasn’t played up to their usual offensive standard this year, while Ohio State hasn’t really faced a good football team yet. I think Quinshon Judkins will have a big day on the ground for the Buckeyes, but it won’t be enough. Oregon’s pass protection will hold up long enough for the veteran Dillon Gabriel to make throws and pull out a gutsy win.

Prediction: Oregon 27, Ohio State 21

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