Season record: 13-12-1
Last week: 4-2 (Pittsburgh +3.5, West Virginia +3.5, Iowa +14, Ohio State/Iowa under 45.5, BYU -6.5, Cincinnati +7)
Miley Cyrus once sang, “Ain’t fast how I get there, ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side, it’s the climb!” I could not help but think of those lyrics as we find ourselves for over .500 for the first time this season. As we head into another week, let’s keep moving and climbing.
North Carolina Tar Heels (2-2) @ #25 Pittsburgh Panthers (5-0) | October 10 | 11:00 AM CT | Acrisure Stadium
Line: Pittsburgh -4 | Total: 47.5
Pittsburgh is coming off a big win at Virginia Tech last week. Despite losing starting quarterback Mason Heintschel, the Panthers rallied to a 35-33 victory. Backup Holden Geriner stepped in with a solid performance, completing 8 of 12 passes with a touchdown.
Geriner will be the starter this week. He will do so against a North Carolina defense that has not stopped much in recent weeks. Over their last games, the Tar Heels are allowing 6.26 yards per play.
The North Carolina offense has had issues running the ball most of the season. The Tar Heels rushed for 214 yards against Clemson, but outside of that game, only average 109.3 rushing yards per game. Against Pittsburgh, who only allows 55.6 rushing yards per game, I do not expect North Carolina to have success on the ground.
Without a consistent ground game, that leaves the game in the hands of North Carolina quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. Edwards Jr. has not been up to the task as evidenced by losses to Clemson and Notre Dame. Against Clemson, he completed only 13 of 30 passes for 135 yards. Against Notre Dame, Edwards Jr. threw for three touchdowns, but also had two interceptions.
I am taking Pittsburgh -4.
South Carolina Gamecocks (2-3) @ #16 Florida Gators (4-1) | October 10 | 11:45 AM CT | Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
Line: Florida -11.5 | Total: 60.5
At 2-3, it appears everyone is ready to write off South Carolina’s 2026 season. Understandably so, after three straight losses, including a gut-wrenching overtime loss to Kentucky. However, the book is not closed on the Gamecocks. After being suspended for last week’s game, star defensive end Dylan Stewart should play this week.
Stewart’s presence will be welcomed as South Carolina looks to slow down a potent Florida offense. Despite being held to 325 yards last week, the Gators still average 491.2 yards per game.
On the flip side, the Florida defense is becoming a concern. Missouri lit up the Florida defense for 560 yards last week.
South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers had his best game of the season last week against Kentucky. Sellers threw for 226 yards and 2 touchdowns and added 147 yards on the ground.
I am taking South Carolina +11.5 here.
Oklahoma Sooners (2-2) vs. #1 Texas Longhorns (4-0) | October 10 | 2:30 PM CT | Cotton Bowl
Line: Texas -7.5 | Total: 39.5
The struggles of the Oklahoma offense are well-documented. The Sooners check in at 110th in the country in scoring offense at 22 points per game. Quarterback John Mateer also seems to have a weekly “Not Top 10” moment.
While not posting the lowlights of Mateer, Texas quarterback Arch Manning has not been all that impressive thus far. Manning has thrown for seven touchdowns this season, four of which came against Texas State.
Now, Manning faces off against an Oklahoma defense that is top five in yards per game allowed. The Sooners are allowing only 238 yards per game.
I do not expect either offense to get going in this game, so give me the side getting points. I am going with Oklahoma +7.5.
#19 USC Trojans (5-1) @ Penn State Nittany Lions (3-2) | October 10 | 6:30 PM CT | Beaver Stadium
Line: Penn State -1.5 | Total: 54.5
Penn State beat up on a weak non-conference schedule, which did them no favors when they faced Big Ten foes. The Nittany Lions sit at 0-2 in league play after consecutive losses to Wisconsin and Northwestern. Penn State got a rude welcome to Northwestern’s brand new stadium as the Wildcats ran for 413 yards on 55 carries.
Penn State quarterback Rocco Becht has struggled recently, as well. Becht’s passing numbers have fallen off a cliff in the past two weeks. Against Wisconsin and Northwestern, he averaged only 5.1 yards per attempt.
As for USC, quarterback Jayden Maiava has also experienced a dip in production. That has coincided with the availability of one of his top targets in receiver Trent Mosley. Mosley, who leads the Trojans in touchdown receptions, has missed the last three games with a knee injury. Mosley is currently questionable to return this week.
Tight end Mark Bowman also missed last week’s game against Washington and could be back against Penn State.
Despite having to travel across the country, I am confident that the Trojans will regain form. I also know about the trend with ranked team at unranked team, and the unranked being favored. Still taking USC +1.5.
OUTTA HERE!
