As we enter November, things start to thicken with most Power 5 conferences while the PAC-12 enters the mix. We will take a peek at what three conferences have to offer this weekend, along with one tilt that is sure to provide some late-night PAC-tion. As more football comes our way, be prepared to roll. Our featured PNP games have gone 3-1 over the past two weeks.
Indiana vs. Michigan
Bloomington, IN
Noon, EST
For the third week in a row, we mention the mighty Hoosiers from Indiana. They remain one of the most intriguing Big Ten teams after two weeks of play. While their offense still hasn’t taken the governor off the engine, Tom Allen’s crew has still managed to perform well. The Hoosiers have relied on timely play and good situational defense en route to a 2-0 start.
On the other side of the field, it’s the same old song and dance for Big Blue. Jim Harbaugh’s job security continues to be a topic of discussion both inside and outside Ann Arbor, MI. After looking stellar against Minnesota in Week 1, the Wolverines collapsed against a Michigan State team defeated by Rutgers the week prior.
The tale of quarterback play will be interesting in this one. Michigan finally looks to have improved in that regard. Junior Joe Milton has been somewhat efficient in both the run game and passing attack. Milton has thrown for 525 yards while rushing for 111 in two games this season. The Wolverines’ new hope has completed just under 65 percent of his passes. He only has two scores combined.
The lack of results is similar to what Michael Pennix is facing. The Indiana quarterback has yet to take his game to another level. Coordinator Nick Sheridan has done wonders for this offense during his tenure in Bloomington. Now, it’s time to use his experienced weapons to the max. Whether that’s keeping Pennix comfortable or providing new plays, Sheridan will have to interject something to get this Indiana offense to its potential. The Hoosiers currently rank 103rd of 113 FBS teams in total offense.
While the play of the two quarterbacks will be key, the biggest factor comes down to Indiana stopping the Michigan ground game. The Hoosiers are giving up over 185 rushing yards per game. That doesn’t bode well for an undersized unit going up against a physical Wolverine attack that averages 6.28 yards per rush.
Michigan has a great chance to bounce back if Indiana’s offense remains stagnant. But Harbaugh’s fate seems to be written on the wall. Since neither side holds an edge, we will tack on six points to the Indiana side and tease this game with the next preview. There’s no way Michigan separates from Indiana enough for a double-digit cover, especially if Michael Pennix gets his offense going.
Florida vs. Georgia
Jacksonville, FL
3:30 PM, EST
These two rivals will travel to Jacksonville for a sobering experience. In front of approximately 17,000 fans, Georgia and Florida will square off on neutral ground. It will still make for an exciting matchup, as Dan Mullen’s feisty attitude will take on one of the nation’s best defenses.
Since you know we are teasing this, we’ll make this simple. The Bulldogs won’t be able to match the Lot Lizards in points. While Florida’s offense, led by Kyle Trask, is a far cry from Bama’s potent attack, it still stands as one of the best in the conference.
The Gators have scored 21 touchdowns through 4 games. They are averaging 7.5 yards per play. The tandem of Kadarius Toney and Kyle Pitts will give the Bulldogs fits. Georgia’s premier cover safety, Richard LeCounte, will be out due to injuries sustained in a dirt bike accident. It’s a bad spot for Kirby Smart’s defense, as the explosiveness of Toney and Pitts will keep Florida in this game and maybe ahead.
Take the points with Florida and tack on another six.
Florida (9) + Indiana (9.5), 6-point teaser
Washington State at Oregon State
Corvallis, OR
10:30 PM, EST
What would a college football Saturday be without the inclusion of some late night PACtion?
This tilt features two west coast foes trying to get off to a fast start. Oregon State could be the story of the year.
After winning just seven games during the Gary Anderson experience, the Beavers have won the same amount in a year’s less time with Jonathon Smith in charge. The OSU alum has found his way back to his alma mater and made quite an impression in just two short years. The Beavers were 5-7 in 2019 after winning just two games the previous year.
Oregon State looks to keep that momentum going as they return many key players. One of those weapons is 2018 freshman All-American, Jermar Jefferson. The running back has tallied over 2,000 on the ground during his career.
The Beavers lost quarterback Jake Luton to the NFL Draft but retain a promising arm in Tristan Gebbia. The redshirt junior made one start last year and performed admirably against a stiff Oregon squad. Gebbia threw for 243 yards and ran for another 25 against the Ducks.
Washington State, meanwhile, will be adjusting to more than just a new quarterback. The Pirate, Mike Leach, is gone. The ship has sailed to SEC land. That’s enough for those in WAZZU to be hungover like a bunch of drunken raiders. True freshman Jayden de Laura will have his hands full in Corvallis as Nick Rolovich’s new ship tries to find a place to dock.
I love the Beavers in this spot. They cover at home and start to form into one of the biggest surprises of the season.
OSU -2.5
