Season record: 25-14-1
Last week: 3-2 (Georgia Tech +1.5, TCU -2.5, Clemson -9.5, Texas A&M/Arkansas over 61.5, UNLV +11.5)
It was another winning week, but the losses were really, really bad. Clemson lost outright and UNLV was not really close.
Let’s do better this week!
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Northwestern Wildcats (5-2) @ Nebraska Cornhuskers (5-2) | October 25 | 11:00 AM CT | Memorial Stadium
Line: Nebraska -7 | Total: 43.5
After an embarrassing loss in the opener to Tulane, Northwestern has bounced back. The Wildcats have now won four in a row. They have relied on their running game and defense, and both have produced. Against Big Ten opponents, Northwestern averages 182 rushing yards per game.
Running back Caleb Komolafe leads the way with 483 yards on the season.
Komolafe did leave the Purdue game last week, however, all indications are that he will be ready to go this week.
The Nebraska defense has struggled against the run. Last week, Minnesota ran for 186 yards in the Gophers’ 24-6 victory. The Cornhuskers also allowed 286 rushing yards against Michigan.
Meanwhile, the Nebraska offense has had struggles of their own. Last week, the Cornhuskers put up only 213 yards of offense against Minnesota.
Do not expect things to come easily against the Northwestern defense. The Wildcats rank 11th nationally in scoring defense, allowing only 15.1 points per game.
Northwestern +7 is the pick.
#11 BYU Cougars (7-0) @ Iowa State Cyclones (5-2) | October 25 | 2:30 PM CT | Jack Trice Stadium
Line: Iowa State -2.5 | Total: 48.5
The Iowa State defense has been gashed in recent weeks. Their past two opponents, Cincinnati and Colorado, had a combined average of 7.1 yards per play.
The Cyclones will take on BYU, who has a powerful rushing attack. The Cougars average 232.9 rushing yards per game, which is good for 10th in the country. Freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier has contributed in the running game with eight touchdowns on the season. Bachmeier is also a capable passer, averaging 8.3 yards per attempt.
Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht has displayed his dual threat ability as well. Becht has nine passing touchdowns as well as seven rushing touchdowns.
However, Becht will be squaring off against a tough BYU defense that allows only 293 yards per game.
Defense travels, right? Give me BYU +2.5.
#23 Illinois Illini (5-2) @ Washington Huskies | October 25 | 2:30 PM CT | Husky Stadium
Line: Washington -4.5 | Total: 53.5
Despite a rough outing against Michigan, Washington quarterback Demond Williams is having a nice season. Williams is averaging 9.7 yards per pass attempt, which is fourth in the country.
Williams should fare well against an Illinois defense that ranks 17th in the Big Ten, allowing 274.8 passing yards per game in conference play. In four Big Ten games, the Illini have allowed ten passing touchdowns.
While the Illinois offense has shown off their explosiveness with over 500 yards of offense in two of their last three games, protecting the quarterback is an issue. Illinois has allowed 23 sacks, which is 126th in the country.
Husky Stadium can get loud and Washington should be after to get after Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer this Saturday. The Huskies average over two sacks per game at home.
Washington -4.5 is the pick.
North Carolina State Wolfpack (4-3) @ Pittsburgh Panthers (5-2) | October 25 | 2:30 PM CT | Acrisure Stadium
Line: Pittsburgh -6.5 | Total: 57.5
The North Carolina State offense is a bit of a “paper tiger”. The Wolfpack offense beats up on bad defenses like Campbell, but shrinks against the better defenses. Last time out, they were held to 233 yards of offense against Notre Dame.
The Pittsburgh defense as good as you will find in the ACC. The Panthers thrive at home where they only allow 258.3 yards per game.
After two strong performances in his first two starts, freshman quarterback Mason Heintschel had his worst outing of the season at Syracuse. Heintschel completed 13 of 24 passes for 140 yards, with no touchdowns and an interception.
Heintschel should bounce back against the North Carolina State defense. They have given up 9.1 yards per pass attempt to opposing quarterbacks they have faced on the road.
I am taking Pittsburgh -6.5.
#17 Tennessee Volunteers (5-2) @ Kentucky Wildcats (2-4) | October 25 | 6:45 PM CT | Kroger Field
Line: Tennessee -9.5 | Total: 54.5
Kentucky is coming off an outing in which their defense turned in a remarkable performance. The Wildcats held Texas to only 179 yards of offense in a losing effort. Is the Kentucky defense improved or did they just play Texas?
While Texas offense is riding the struggle bus, the same cannot be said for Tennessee. The Volunteers are fifth in the country averaging 511 yards of offense per game.
With Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops facing an eventual firing, the Wildcats are due for a blowout loss. That could very well happen this week against the high-powered Tennessee offense.
Give me Tennessee -9.5.
OUTTA HERE!
Clarknado Sports 
One response to “Nado’s Notions: Week 9”
[…] Last week: 4-0-1 (Northwestern +7, BYU +2.5, Washington -4.5, Pittsburgh -6.5, Tennessee -9.5) […]
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