CFW Week 7 Forecast – UNC-Belichick getting a divorce?
There’s not enough room on the marquee
Let me tell you, this is going to be a colossal weekend for the Big Ten, the SEC and the Big 12. It’s going to be gargantuan! It’s going to be huge!
How’s this for the marquee? Two undefeated teams going head-to-head. No. 3 vs. No. 7; No. 1 vs. No. 17; No. 8 vs. No. 14. Six more Top-25 teams up against stiff competition. Two of the best rivalry games in the country. Fernando Mendoza vs. Dante Moore. Julian Sayin vs. Luke Altmyer. Ty Simpson vs. Beau Pribula. Jalon Daniels vs. Behren Morton. Bear Bachmeier vs. Noah Fifita. The Wolverines in the L.A. Coliseum. Seven teams hoping to become 6-0 at mid-season. There’s not enough room on the marquee.
The Big Ten not only has four of the Top-10 games but also has the Top-2 games of the week. At the top – Indiana (5-0) at Oregon (5-0). Both Indiana and Oregon had good teams last year. They are even better this year. Eugene will be wild.
Right behind the Hoosiers and the Ducks is the game in Champaign, Illinois – Ohio State (5-0) at Illinois (5-1). Illinois will be challenged to outscore the Buckeyes. Ohio State will be challenged to contain the Banned Indians. Will we see Bret Bielema at his best? Or his worst?
The third Big Ten game is Michigan (4-1) at USC (4-1). Excitement in the Coliseum. Will Lincoln Riley find a defense? And, for icing on the cake, the Big Ten gives us Nebraska (4-1) at Maryland (4-1). This game could be tense for both teams. It will be disappointing for the losing team.
The SEC has three outstanding contests. The best of the three looks like Alabama (4-1) at Missouri (5-0). And speaking of looks like, Bama looks like an entirely different team than the one that lost to Florida State at the beginning of the season. Something tells me Mizzou has had its eyes on this contest for some time. But do the Tigers have 20/20 vision?
Then we have the two big rivalry games in the SEC – historic rivalries. First of the two is Oklahoma (5-0) vs. Texas (3-2) at the State Fair in Dallas – the 121st meeting. The key for Oklahoma: will John Mateer play? The key for Texas: Will Arch Manning play like the Arch Manning we kept hearing about at preseason?
The other classic rivalry has Georgia (4-1) at Auburn (3-2) – the 130th meeting. Hugh Freeze needs this win more than Kirby Smart does. Will we see crocodile tears from Uga? Or a surprise from Aubie?
And finally, the Big 12 has three games that should have us on the edge of our seats – barnburners. We’ll begin with Kansas (4-2) at Texas Tech (5-0). As an undefeated team, Texas Tech has to be feeling some pressure. The Jayhawks could be just the team that spoils the party in Lubbock.
The next teaser is Arizona State (4-1) at Utah (4-1). The Utes are tough at home. That may not phase the Sun Devils. Lastly, BYU (5-0) at Arizona (4-1). These are two basketball schools, and the final score could look more like a basketball game. Both quarterbacks are all action – non-stop energy.
Break out the Xanax.
Three other games have my interest as I am curious to see how they play out – South Carolina (3-2) at LSU (4-1). Can the Gamecocks hang with the Tigers and make it a game? Is there a possibility of an upset in Baton Rouge? East Carolina (3-2) at Tulane (4-1): The Green Wave could end up being the Group of Five team in the CFP. But they have to keep winning. And South Florida (4-1) at North Texas (5-0): Two more Group of Five teams who could make the CFP. This should be some game. Will North Texas remain undefeated?
College football Week 7 began last night with two C-USA games. Missouri State edged Middle Tennessee, 22-20.
Several college football writers, bloggers and podcasters are suggesting that Penn State coach James Franklin should leave Penn State and explore the openings at Arkansas, Oklahoma State, Virginia Tech and UCLA.
D-I-V-O-R-C-E! North Carolina is reportedly preparing for a divorce from Bill Belichick after five games into the coach’s tenure. Among other issues, UNC is prioritizing ways to limit how much the school pays Belichick in a buyout, if not avoiding it altogether. There are a number of violations that have occurred, many on the recruiting front. This could factor into the exit strategy. Belichick may not be coaching UNC’s next game against California on October 17.
Amid the reports of the divorce, Belichick put out a statement that read: “I’m fully committed to UNC football and the program we are building here.” UNC athletic director Bubba Cunningham put out a statement that read: “Coach Belichick has the full support of the Department of Athletics and University.”
As an NFL coach, Belichick was the GOAT (Greatest of All Time). As a college coach, he was the WOAT (Worst of All Time).
ESPN’s College GameDay will be in Eugene, Oregon, for the Indiana-Oregon game. FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff will be in Champaign, Illinois, for the Ohio State-Illinois game. SEC Network’s SEC Nation will be in Columbia, Missouri, for the Alabama-Missouri game. ACC Network’s ACC Huddle will be in Atlanta, Georgia, for the Virginia Tech-Georgia Tech game. Enjoy the shows!
The Top-5 teams in the FCS Coaches Poll are 1. North Dakota State (5-0), 2. South Dakota State (5-0), 3. Tarleton State (6-0), 4. Montana (5-0), and 5. Montana State (4-2). Harvard (3-0) is #25.
British musician and photographer Chris Dreja died on September 28. Dreja was best-known as the rhythm guitarist and bassist and a founding member of the rock band The Yardbirds. In 1965 and 1966, The Yardbirds had hits with several songs, including “For Your Love,” “Heart Full of Soul,” “Shapes of Things” and “Over Under Sideways Down.” During his music years, he played with musicians such as Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page. After The Yardbirds folded, Dreja became a photographer. A native of Surbiton in Surrey, England, Christopher Walenty Dreja was 78.
Have a great weekend!
Touchdown Tom
October 9, 2025
https://collegefootballweek.blogspot.com
Touchdown Tom’s Predictions for
Week Seven’s 10 Biggest and Most Intriguing Games….and then some
GAME OF THE WEEK: 1. #7 Indiana (5-0) at #3 Oregon (5-0) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, CBS – Oregon is jumping out of the frying pan (Penn State) and into the fire (Indiana). On the other hand, Indiana isn’t exactly going to a tea party. This meeting has the makings of a blockbuster game. The quarterbacks are top notch – Dante Moore for Oregon and Fernando Mendoza for Indiana. Both are strong candidates for the Heisman Trophy. Both offenses are averaging around 47 points a game. Both defenses are holding opponents to around 10 points a game. The pressure is on. Oregon had an undefeated regular season last year. Can the Ducks do it again? Indiana only lost one game during the regular season last year. It was the one biggest game on their schedule. The Ducks have the Hoosiers quacking – Oregon 27, Indiana 24.
RUNNER-UP: 2. #1 Ohio State (5-0) at #17 Illinois (5-1) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, FOX – On the road at Illinois may be Ohio State’s biggest test this season. Illinois already lost to Indiana. The Banned Indians would love nothing more than to knock off Ohio State. To do it, their defense is going to have to play better. Defense is the big difference between the two teams. Ohio State is holding opponents to 5 points a game. Illinois is giving up 24 points a game. Both teams are about the same on offense averaging around 40 points a game. Yes, defense is the one weakness for Illinois. And that’s where Ohio State will get the best of them. The Banned Indians get pelted with Buckeyes – Ohio State 31, Illinois 21.
REST OF THE BEST: 3. #8 Alabama (4-1) at #14 Missouri (5-0) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ABC – Alabama definitely doesn’t want to lose another game this early with half a season still remaining. Later on maybe, but not now. A loss now would put too much pressure on the Tide. Missouri has been waiting for a good test, and this is it. If Alabama isn’t a test, I don’t know what is. Both teams can put points on the board, averaging about 40 a game. Both defenses are pretty good too, holding opponents to around 15 points a game. Missouri quarterback Beau Pribula has been playing well. With a name like Beau, it sounds like he should be the Bama quarterback. Alabama’s quarterback is Ty – Ty Simpson. I don’t think he is related to the television Simpsons. Ever since the Florida State game, Ty has been playing very well. He’ll continue to play well in Columbia – Alabama 28, Missouri 24.
4. #6 Oklahoma (5-0) vs. #27 Texas (3-2) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ABC – It wouldn’t be football in Oklahoma and Texas without the Red River Rivalry – also known as the Red River Shootout and the Red River Showdown. It must be the Oklahoma red that makes the river red. Otherwise, it would be the Orange River Rivalry, etc. The rivalry, shootout or showdown has been going on for 120 games – first played in 1900, annually since 1929. Texas leads the series 64-51-5. OU has won 11 of the last 16 games. Texas won last year, big time – 34-3. I would think Oklahoma remembers that. But unfortunately for Oklahoma, their star quarterback – John Mateer – is recovering from surgery on his hand. He may miss the game. If so, the Sooners will rely on backup Michael Hawkins. That could be a concern. Texas, of course, counters with the exalted one – Arch Manning. But Manning’s season hasn’t been very exalted so far. The Longhorns have two losses, and Manning hasn’t exactly played like his ancestors – Archie, Peyton and Eli. Maybe this will be the game where Manning breaks out of his slump. The Eyes are upon you, Oklahoma – Texas 27, Oklahoma 20.
5. #15 Michigan (4-1) at #31 USC (4-1) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, NBC – I remember this game last year in Ann Arbor. Michigan drove down the field in the closing minutes to score and win the game, 27-24. Maybe this year, it will be USC driving down the field in the closing minutes to score and win the game. USC has the better offense – averaging 48 points a game. The problem for the Trojans is its defense. It’s a little loosey-goosey. The word “defense” is a void in Lincoln Riley’s vocabulary. So, USC will rely on its quarterback Jayden Maiava to outscore Michigan. And Maiava can. He has passed for 1,587 yards. Michigan’s defense will be challenged. On offense, Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood is a freshman. He is still learning the game. But he is getting better each week. However, the Trojans prevail – USC 30, Michigan 27,
6. #10 Georgia (4-1) at #39 Auburn (3-2) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, ABC – What a fun rivalry this is! The Georgia-Auburn game is right up there with the Oklahoma-Texas rivalry. In fact, they would call it the Chattahoochee River Rivalry (Shootout or Showdown), but the folks from Alabama and Georgia can’t pronounce Chattahoochee, much less spell it. So, they call it the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry. They have to say Deep South because North Carolina-Virginia is the South’s Oldest Rivalry. Actually, North Carolina began playing Virginia the same year Auburn began playing Georgia – 1892. But fortunately for Auburn and Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia are just in the South. They aren’t in the Deep South. In fact, North Carolina and Virginia are about half Yankee. But they can pronounce and spell Chattahoochee. Actually, when it comes down to it, Furman-Wofford is the oldest rivalry in the Deep South. Furman and Wofford began playing football in 1889 – three years before Auburn-Georgia and North Carolina-Virginia. And located in South Carolina, Furman and Wofford are definitely in the Deep South. They can’t pronounce or spell Chattahoochee in South Carolina either. But I digress. Auburn and Georgia have played 129 times. Georgia leads the series 65-56-8. And Georgia has won 19 of the last 24 games. This year, Georgia has the better offense. But Auburn’s defense could be slightly better than Georgia’s defense. However, not much difference. Auburn’s offense has had problems moving the ball. Georgia’s defense shouldn’t be challenged. Uga can spell Chattahoochee – Georgia 28, Auburn 17.
7. Kansas (4-2) at #9 Texas Tech (5-0) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, FOX – Texas Tech is off to an amazing start. The Red Raiders’ quarterback play has been exceptional. The Jayhawks’ quarterback has been exceptional too. Behren Morton is Tech’s QB. He has passed for 1,410 yards. Jaylon Daniels is the Kansas QB. He has passed for 1,497 yards. Tech’s offense averages about 50 points a game. The defense is keeping opponents at 11 points a game. The Jayhawks offense and defense is not quite that good. Kansas is stronger on offense than defense. It could be a wild one. Jayhawks jaywalk – Texas Tech 35, Kansas 21.
8. #21 Arizona State (4-1) at #29 Utah (4-1) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 10:15 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN – Both teams have potential, but the quarterbacks need to step up. ASU’s Sam Leavitt has been struggling some. Utah’s Devon Dampier needs to step up too. Dampier can be a dangerous runner. Utah has the better offense and defense. The Utes average 39 points a game and hold opponents to 14 points a game. Salt Lake City is too cold for the Sun Devils – Utah 30, Arizona State 23.
9. #18 BYU (5-0) at Arizona (4-1) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 8 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN2 – BYU was supposed to be good. Arizona wasn’t. The Wildcats were picked to finish at the bottom of the Big 12. Both teams are averaging 39 points a game on offense. BYU is slightly better on defense, but both are pretty good. Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita is having a great season. He has passed for 1,341 yards. BYU’s quarterback is surprisingly good – Bear Bachmeier. He’s passed for more than 1,000 yards. And he’s just a freshman. Bachmeier was scheduled to be at Stanford this season. However, he changed his plans when BYU suspended Jake Retzlaff. The Bear growls – BYU 27, Arizona 24.
10. #30 Nebraska (4-1) at Maryland (4-1) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, BTN – At home last week, the Huskers struggled with Michigan State before settling down and pulling out a victory. The game against Maryland could be similar. Only this week, the Huskers are on the road. With Dylan Raiola, Nebraska appears to have the better offense – averaging 44 points a game. Raiola has passed for 1,331 yards. Maryland averages 31 points a game. Both teams appear to be equal on defense – not great, but not bad. Both teams are close to being undefeated. Nebraska had a three-point loss to Michigan. Maryland suffered a four-point loss to Washington. Both losses came at home. The Terps lose at home again – Nebraska 28, Maryland 24.
YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:
Florida (2-3) at #5 Texas A&M (5-0) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN – I don’t know if Florida’s recent fortune can continue. The Gators were home last week. They are on the road this week. Texas A&M is playing good football. Quarterback Marcel Reid has passed for 1,256 yards. The Aggies have a solid ground game. Overall, A&M has the better offense of the two teams. Florida may have a better defense. It should be a good battle. But the Aggies are on a roll. Albert gets rolled in Kyle – Texas A&M 27, Florida 20.
Purdue (2-3) at Minnesota (3-2) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, BTN – Either one could win this game. Purdue has the better offense, but the worse defense. Minnesota’s offense is lethargic. When the Gophers move the ball, they move it very slowly. But against Purdue’s defense, the Gophers might be a little more exciting on offense. Minnesota has a win in Big Ten play – a three-point victory over Rutgers. The Boilers are still looking for their first conference win. They don’t find it in Minneapolis – Minnesota 28, Purdue 27.
ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA:
Pitt (3-2) at #25 Florida State (3-2) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ESPN….
UCF (3-2) at #26 Cincinnati (4-1) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, FS1….
Morehead State (2-4) at Stetson (2-4) – (Pioneer vs. Pioneer) – 1 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN+….
Southern (1-4) at Bethune-Cookman (2-4) – (SWAC vs. SWAC) – 3 pm ET, Saturday….
North Carolina Central (4-2) at Florida A&M (1-3) – (MEAC vs. SWAC) – 3 pm ET, Saturday….
Chowan (2-3) at West Florida (5-0) – (Carolinas vs. Gulf South) – 5 pm ET, Saturday….
UAB (2-3) at Florida Atlantic (2-3) – (AC vs. AC) – 6 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN+….
#24 South Florida (4-1) at #33 North Texas (5-0) – (AC vs. AC) – 7:30 pm ET, Friday, ESPN2….
Quotes of the Week
“It’s sold out, but it’s sold out because Michigan’s coming,” Michigan coach Sherrone Moore, on the Wolverines game with USC in the Coliseum.
“It’s an unstructured mess. There’s no culture. There’s no organization. It’s a complete disaster, Raleigh, North Carolina’s WRAL.com on the football program at North Carolina under Bill Blichick.
“He’s the Honda Accord. You know the engine will fire up when you turn the key, while conceding you won’t win a drag race,” USA Today sports writer Blake Toppmeyer, on Penn State coach James Franklin.
“They’re not a contender or a pretender. What they are is a complete fraud,” ESPN college football analyst Paul Finebaum, on Penn State.
Touchdown Tom
https://collegefootballweek.blogspot.com
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