P6 Pick’em: An East-West matchup has huge implications

Game of the Week

#21 USF (+7.5) at Houston— Saturday, 2:30pm CT

Last year’s game provided some late game heroics by D’Eriq King, giving Houston a 28-24 win. USF is out to prove that their 7-0 record isn’t a fluke, and will get their first big test of the season. Jordan Cronkrite and Blake Barnett have been great surprises this season, and will give the Cougars defense something to worry about. The Bulls must find a way to stop King. Houston’s offense has exploded with him running the show, and USF needs to limit his effectiveness.

Michael: Houston 45 USF 35

Joe B: Houston 42 USF 24

Joe S: Houston 38 USF 27

Eric: USF 28 Houston 27

Rest of the AAC

UMass (-5) at UConn— Saturday, 11:00am CT

David Pindell vs. the UMass Minutemen. UConn’s offense is their only hope in this game, and they might have a good chance against another bad defense. Andy Isabella is going to give the Huskies secondary nightmares.

Michael: UMass 45 UConn 28

Joe B: UMass 49 UConn 35

Joe S: UMass 41 UConn 31

Eric: UMass 42 UConn 38

Cincinnati (-9.5) at SMU— Saturday, 2:30pm CT

How will Cincinnati respond after their first loss? There isn’t much time to sulk, because SMU might be getting hot after a slow start.

Michael: SMU 30 Cincinnati 27

Joe B: Cincinnati 31 SMU 28

Joe S: SMU 31 Cincinnati 30

Eric: Cincinnati 35 SMU 24

Tulane (+1.5) at Tulsa— Saturday, 6:00pm CT

It’s hard to believe that only one win separates these two teams. Tulsa is one competent quarterback away from being an average team. Tulane is just trying to get on track, something they haven’t seem to have accomplished this year.

Michael: Tulane 27 Tulsa 24

Joe B: Tulane 24 Tulsa 21

Joe S: Tulane 27 Tulsa 20

Eric: Tulane 21 Tulsa 17

#3 Notre Dame (-23.5) at Navy— Saturday, 7:00pm CT

The game is being played in San Diego, so maybe that helps Navy? Normally, we’d like the Midshipmen’s chances to keep this one competitive, but this isn’t the same Navy team as in year’s past.

Michael: Notre Dame 48 Navy 14

Joe B: Notre Dame 49 Navy 10

Joe S: Notre Dame 45 Navy 17

Eric: Notre Dame 38 Navy 21