PICK 6! CFB PREDICTIONS FOR WEEK 10
Pick 6 is back! We’re in to November and Week 10 of the College Football season. It’s the business end of the season, and just one loss can undo weeks of hard work. For some, like Oklahoma, it may be the difference between making the College Football Playoff and missing out.
I pick the Sooners as their defeat to Kansas State last weekend is a perfect example of how unpredictable College Football can be. Oklahoma looked destined for the final four, and Jalen Hurts was headed for the Heisman House. On the result of one game, both eventualities now seem far less likely.
The unpredictability of College Football was the reason we created Pick 6. What could be more entertaining than predicting the unpredictable?
Each week, the trio of College Chaps select six games from the schedule and predict the winners. The scores are tallied to crown a season champion. A prediction prince, if you will.
We’re joined by a guest picker each week, who contributes to a season guest total. They also have their own guest leaderboard to fight it out for.
Last week, ESPN’s Olivia Dekker hit Pick 6 perfection, to tie Cam Mellor at the top of the guest leaderboard. In doing so, she also helped the guest team nudge ahead in the overall table.
Predictions Table After Week 9
- Guest – 40
- Alex Chinery – 39
- Oli Hodgkinson – 39
- George Somerville – 36
Guest Leaderboard After Week 9
- Cam Mellor – 6
- Olivia Dekker – 6
- Nat Coombs – 5
- Dane Brugler – 5
- Brian Baldinger – 4
- Trevor Sikkema – 4
- NFL Draft Diamonds – 4
- Mello – 3
- Ross Dellenger – 3
For Pick 6 this week we’re joined by friend of the College Chaps podcast, Jordan Reid. Jordan is a former D1 QB, Coach and recruiting coordinator. He played quarterback at North Carolina Central University, where he set the program record for career pass completion percentage.
Jordan currently hosts a podcast with former NFL QB Josh Johnson which you can find here. He is also a senior NFL Draft analyst for The Draft Network. Jordan will be looking to topple colleague Trevor Sikkema, who was our Week 1 guest.
So, to this week’s Pick 6 games!
Boston College @ Syracuse
- Venue: Carrier Dome; Syracuse, New York
- Date: Saturday 2nd November 2019
- Time: 16:00
Alex Chinery: Boston College
BC will come out firing after their drubbing from Clemson last weekend. Syracuse’s run defense has been limp all year, expect AJ Dillon to run wild.
George Somerville: Boston College
It’s a rivalry game. Syracuse have been a big fat disappointment. Oli H is an Eagles fan. Go Eagles.
Oliver Hodgkinson: Boston College
This is a heart over head decision of the very worst kind. Syracuse, at home, are a rightful favourite between two teams that have had mediocre seasons. The key to success will be AJ Dillon and the BC run game.
Jordan Reid: Boston College
AJ Dillon is fresh off a performance that once again helped him rewrite the record books. After being ranked in the preseason top-25, Syracuse is off to a disappointing 3-5 start. With that being said, I’m going with the Eagles ground and pound attack to squeak out a victory.
Michigan @ Maryland
- Venue: Maryland Stadium; College Park, Maryland
- Date: Saturday 2nd November 2019
- Time: 16:00
Alex Chinery: Michigan
Big blue is coming off the back of a morale boosting win over Notre Dame. Their rushing attack will be too strong for a Maryland side that has wilted as the season has progressed.
George Somerville: Michigan
After Michigan’s crushing of the Fighting Irish last weekend, it would just be like Big Blue to go to the Terps and lose. But I’m not buying in to that. Wolverines win.
Oliver Hodgkinson: Michigan
The Wolverines hit the ground running against Notre Dame, piling up 303 ground yards. I expect them to be equally as dominant against a Maryland team that has conceded 30+ in 4 of the last 5.
Jordan Reid: Michigan
Maryland started the season off strong, but has faltered since. Michigan is coming off of a big win against Notre Dame and I think they will keep the momentum rolling.
Nebraska @ Purdue
- Venue: Ross-Ade Stadium; West Lafayette, Indiana
- Date: Saturday 2nd November 2019
- Time: 16:00
Alex Chinery: Nebraska
Two of the biggest disappointments this season face off in this game. Injuries and inconsistency have ravaged both squads. Nebraska is still more talented so they win this one.
George Somerville: Nebraska
It looks likely that Adrian Martinez will return for the Huskers, so I think this makes them favourites here. Purdue have been unpredictable (& disappointing) so I have the Cornhuskers winning this one.
Oliver Hodgkinson: Nebraska
This could be anyone’s. Nebraska haven’t lived up to expectation. Purdue have suffered with the loss of Elijah Sindelar at QB. Nebraska to edge a tight game, possibly in overtime.
Jordan Reid: Nebraska
There hasn’t been a more disappointing team in the country than the Huskers, but Purdue is one of the most injured teams in the country. Because of that, I’ll take Nebraska.
Georgia v Florida
- Venue: TIAA Bank Field; Jacksonville, Florida
- Date: Saturday 2nd November 2019
- Time: 19:30
Alex Chinery: Florida
I am not a believer in 2019 Jake Fromm. He and Georgia have a tendency to brick it in big games. Florida has been successful in big games this season. I think their nasty defense and quality running game can win this one for them.
George Somerville: Florida
This will be an interesting match up, especially given it’s being played on a neutral venue. I have fears that Georgia’s season is unravelling a little and a defeat by Florida would mean the Dawgs implode. I still like the Gators and my gut says it’s going to be the Gators day in Jacksonville.
Oliver Hodgkinson: Florida
All aboard the Trask train! I can’t believe I find myself rooting for the Gators after the abuse I gave them to open the season, yet here we are. The neutral venue gives Georgia hope, as does the porous Florida run defense against D’Andre Swift. However, Gators win another tight one.
Jordan Reid: Georgia
There are so many intriguing individual matchups in this game, but I think the Georgia rushing attack combined with Jake Fromm making some timely throws will help secure the win for the Bulldogs.
Utah @ Washington
- Venue: Husky Stadium; Seattle, Washington
- Date: Saturday 2nd November 2019
- Time: 20:00
Alex Chinery: Utah
This will be a close game but this nasty Utah defense will get them the W.
George Somerville: Washington
It’s getting serious now and defeats at this time of the year end seasons. Both teams have failed to match preseason expectations and this will be a tight match. I have flirted between the two all week. Going to go with the Huskies at home on this one.
Oliver Hodgkinson: Utah
Washington will be looking for a bounce back after the bye, having been beaten by Oregon last time out. This Utah defense is GOOD, however, and the balance on offense between Zack Moss and Tyler Huntley will be too much for the Huskies.
Jordan Reid: Utah
Jacob Eason has played well in spots, but the Utah secondary is among one of the best in the country. Zack Moss has returned to form since returning from injury, and Tyler Huntley has shown growth this season. I’m taking the Utes in a close victory.
SMU @ Memphis
- Venue: Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium; Memphis, Tennessee
- Date: Saturday 2nd November 2019
- Time: 23:30
Alex Chinery: SMU
CFB darlings SMU keep rolling behind their explosive offense. Memphis’s defense is good, but not good enough to slow down the Mustangs. Pony Up!
George Somerville: SMU
This should be a cracker of a game, especially given the cracking starts that both teams have made to the season. I especially love the Mustangs story this season, so it’s the Mustangs for me in a tight but entertaining game.
Oliver Hodgkinson: SMU
Shane Buechele is rightly getting a lot of praise for this wild Mustang ride. However, they also boast a 14 TD, 884 yard running back in Xavier Jones to create a real offensive threat. I expect Jones to be the difference maker, in a tight fought shootout of a game.
Jordan Reid: SMU
Talk about a fun matchup between two top-25 ranked teams, this is it. Both teams possessing explosive offenses, but the SMU unit has a bit more playmakers than Memphis. Therefore, I’m going to go with them to pull out the win on the road.
Feature Image Credit: AP Photo/Ron Jenkins
OLIVER HODGKINSON
College Football Writer
Oliver Hodgkinson is a College Football writer for The Touchdown. He also writes on the NFL for the Pro Football Network. You can hear his opinions on all things College Football as one third of the College Chaps Podcast.