Collage Football Weekend Preview: Upsets, Pac-12 After Dark, and Hidden Gems
This weekend’s college football slate offers a compelling mix of Power Five showdowns and intriguing matchups in the lower divisions. As a long-time observer of the game, I’m here to break down the key contests and highlight some hidden gems you won’t want to miss.Let’s dive in.
Power Five Spotlight
USC at Michigan state (12 p.m. ET, FOX). The Trojans are rolling, averaging a remarkable 55 points and 9.6 yards per play. While Michigan state has found its offensive rhythm recently, topping 40 points in consecutive games, their defense appears ill-equipped to contain USC for a full 60 minutes. Expect a high-scoring affair with potential for “Pac-12 After Dark” excitement, even if the outcome feels largely predetermined.
* spread: USC -17.5 (up from -14.5)
* SP+ Projection: USC by 17.7
* FPI projection: USC by 24.2
California at San Diego State (10:30 p.m. PT, CBSSN). Cal enters at 3-0, with a seemingly favorable schedule ahead.However, their struggles on third down (94th nationally) present an chance for San Diego State. if the Aztecs can muster enough offense, they could make this a surprisingly tight contest, leveraging their seventh-ranked defense.
* Spread: Cal -12.5
* SP+ Projection: cal by 13.2
* FPI Projection: Cal by 10.9
Smaller-School Showcase: don’t Overlook These Games
The beauty of college football extends far beyond the Power Five conferences. this week, several lower-division games promise compelling action.You’ll find some truly remarkable football being played at these levels.
Division III: No. 16 Wisconsin-Whitewater at No. 6 Mary Hardin-Baylor (noon CT, local streaming). These two programs have dominated Division III for years, consistently challenging for championships. This marks their seventh meeting in nine seasons (excluding the pandemic-canceled 2020 season). Whitewater has been running effectively, but replicating that success against Mary Hardin-Baylor’s stout defense will be a meaningful challenge.
* SP+ Projection: Whitewater by 1.2
Division III: No. 3 Johns Hopkins at No. 4 susquehanna (1 p.m. ET, flofootball). This is arguably the biggest D-III game of the week. Johns Hopkins, fresh off a convincing win over No. 20 John Carroll, boasts the second-ranked defense in the division. Susquehanna counters with a potent offense, ranking fifth nationally. While North Central remains the favorite, either of these teams could make a deep playoff run.
* SP+ Projection: Susquehanna by 0.3
FCS: No. 23 New hampshire at Dartmouth (1 p.m. ET, ESPN+). The Ivy League season kicks off with a captivating matchup. Dartmouth has a chance to make an immediate statement in what looks like a three-team race with Harvard and Yale for the league title and the automatic FCS playoff bid. New Hampshire, narrowly defeated by Ball State last week, will test the Big Green’s defense with a stingy unit of their own.
* SP+ Projection: Dartmouth by 1.7
One to Avoid (But We Mention It Anyway)
if you’re looking for competitive balance, steer clear of Rio Grande at Ferris State (3 p.m. ET, FloFootball). Ferris State,the dominant force in Division II,is a staggering 97.2-point favorite according to SP+. This game is likely to be a one-sided affair, offering little in the way of suspense. However, for those with a morbid curiosity, it’s available to watch.
Ultimately, this weekend offers something for every college football fan. From potential Power Five upsets to thrilling lower-division battles, ther’s plenty to keep you engaged. Enjoy the games