The College Football Five: Alabama, LSU, Oklahoma and More

Honorable Mention - (19) Utah vs. UCLA

Josh Rosen’s return, which is listed as questionable currently, could not be more critical as the Bruins take on Utah this weekend. The Bruins rank 126th in rushing yards per game with 91.1 and 128th in yards per carry with a disastrous 2.8. Now they are matching up with a defense that only allows an average of 211.9 passing yards a game. If Rosen does not play or plays hurt and less then 60 percent, UCLA losses this game because a lack of a running game.

#5 - (16) Oklahoma vs. Texas Tech

Texas Tech’s offense sputtered out last week against West Virginia as they were rolled over. Now they take on Oklahoma, who finds themselves on a three game winning streak. They have worked their way back into a favorable standings situation, now if things hit the fan on the back half of the season and the Sooners run the table they could continue to work their way up the ladder. On the other side, the Red Raiders are looking to bounce back after a 48-17 loss. Oklahoma lets up 33 points a game and Texas Tech averages 48 points a game. Texas Tech will want to make this a shootout and Oklahoma might have to let it happen. The difference will be cornerback Thomas Jordan, as he has 11 pass breakups already and was huge in the Texas win.

Prediction: Oklahoma win 35-27

#4 - TCU vs. (12) West Virginia

Underestimating the offense of the Mountaineers was a mistake that will not happen twice. Skyler Howard has 1,590 yards on the year but a low touchdown total of eight. This team likes to go to the ground and has scored 11 touchdowns on the ground and average 216 yards a game rushing. TCU will have to try and put it all on Howard to win the game but they do not have the front seven to actually do it.

Prediction: West Virginia wins 41-30

#3 - (23) Ole’ Miss vs. (25) LSU

After the coaching change, LSU has looked better on offense and may have built some stability. However, their is always some momentum for a team after a head coach change which leads to a few positive weeks. This ends this week when the Rebels come to town. With Deshaun Watson and Lamar Jackson taking most of the quarterback spotlight, Chad Kelly has gone mostly under the radar. He is one of the best, quarterbacks in the SEC and has made huge throws all season long. He can roll out, take shots and make throws while getting hit. He hangs in messy pockets and can hurt you with his legs. It takes a really good defense to put away Kelly and the Rebels and they will outlast LSU.

Prediction: Ole’ Miss wins 28-17

#2 - (17) Arkansas vs. (19) Auburn

Auburn has seemingly righted the ship. But a closer look at the schedule reveals that Auburn has not played a really good team since their loss to Texas A&M. Arkansas on the other hand is coming off a win against a very good Ole’ Miss team. Auburn has moved up because of name not talent.

Prediction: Arkansas win 45-24

#1 - (1) Alabama vs. (6) Texas A&M

Texas A&M has impressed all season long despite the expectation of a down year coming in. But now they face the undisputed king in college as the Tide rolls into College Station. I really like this Aggies defense and have been high on them since the UCLA game. But there is just no good way to attack this offense. Garrett and Hill will get to Jalen Hurts but they will still roll him out, the running backs will still pound out yards and the receivers will still get open in one way or another. The only chance A&M has is if their offense can keep the game close the defense could come up with a game changing turnover late. I really do not see this happening either. The front seven for Bama lead by Jonathan Allen and Tim Williams is just ridiculous. It will all be too much.

Prediction: Alabama wins 45-17

Bonus prediction: Calvin Ridley has over 150 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Follow us on Social Media:

facebook: facebook.com/RuleOfTree/

twitter: twitter.com/RuleofTree

Join the team!