Last week, the Stewart Mandel Upset Special made a triumphant return with its accurate prediction of Georgia State’s victory over Louisiana. However, Stewart Mandel himself struggled to reach a winning record against the spread. Nonetheless, his goal is to become bowl-eligible by the end of the season.
Last week: 5-6 against the spread.
Season: 41-46-1.
No. 6 Oklahoma (-10) at Kansas, Noon (Fox)
Kansas has shown a significant improvement in performance when playing at home, winning all four games by double digits. However, their defense, ranked 100th, lags behind their explosive offense. The Sooners’ quarterback, Dillion Gabriel, is expected to have a successful day against the Jayhawks.
Oklahoma 38, Kansas 30
The pick: Kansas +10
South Carolina at Texas A&M (-14), Noon (ESPN)
Both teams have had disappointing seasons, but Texas A&M possesses a strong national defense, ranked in the top 20. Their ability to bring pressure, with 29 sacks, could pose a challenge for South Carolina’s quarterback, Spencer Rattler. Conversely, the Gamecocks’ defense is ranked 115th and could provide an opportunity for Aggies running back Le’Veon Moss to shine.
Texas A&M 29, South Carolina 14
The pick: Texas A&M -14
No. 8 Oregon (-6.5) at No. 13 Utah, 3:30 (Fox)
Utah, playing at Rice-Eccles, faces a tough challenge against the strong Oregon quarterback but has a new dimension to their offense with the emergence of running back/safety Sione Vaki. However, the Ducks’ tough defense against the run may hinder the Utes. It will be crucial for Utah’s quarterback, Bryson Barnes, to make plays.
Utah 33, Oregon 30
The pick: Utah +6.5
BYU at No. 7 Texas (-17.5), 3:30 (ABC)
BYU has been one of the best-performing teams among the four Big 12 newcomers, but its victories have come against teams with losing records. Texas, even without Quinn Ewers, is expected to provide a humbling experience for BYU.
Texas 34, BYU 10
The pick: Texas -17.5
No. 20 Duke at No. 18 Louisville (-4), 3:30 p.m. (ESPN)
If Duke’s quarterback, Riley Leonard, is unable to play due to an ankle injury, their prospects for this game diminish. The Cardinals, coming off a much-needed break, have the advantage of playing at home. This could spell trouble for Duke’s Mike Elko-led squad.
Louisville 24, Duke 13
The pick: Louisville -4
No. 1 Georgia (-14.5) vs. Florida, 3:30 p.m. (CBS)
Florida has surpassed expectations with a 5-2 record, making Stewart Mandel’s previous prediction of a 3-9 season look foolish. Although Georgia remains the superior team, the absence of TE Brock Bowers may affect their offensive performance. This could offer Florida a window of opportunity.
Georgia 27, Florida 14
The pick: Florida +14.5
No. 21 Tennessee (-3.5) at Kentucky, 7 p.m. (ESPN)
Both teams have been inconsistent and underwhelming. After Kentucky’s defeat by Georgia, their momentum was halted. Tennessee’s defense, once a strength, showed weakness against Alabama. In situations like this, it is better to side with the home team.
Kentucky 27, Tennessee 24
The pick: Kentucky +3.5
No. 3 Ohio State (-14.5) at Wisconsin, 7:30 p.m. (NBC)
Wisconsin, historically a strong program, has only managed to defeat Ohio State once since 2007. Luke Fickell’s first Wisconsin team is not comparable to past great Wisconsin teams. Although they may challenge Ohio State, an upset seems unlikely.
Ohio State 23, Wisconsin 10
The pick: Wisconsin +14.5
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Colorado at No. 23 UCLA (-17), 7:30 p.m. (ABC)
It is unlikely that this game will see Colorado taking a commanding lead, considering UCLA’s exceptional pass-rushing unit. With CU’s struggling pass protection, UCLA’s offense, led by veteran QB Ethan Garbers, is expected to perform well.
UCLA 34, Colorado 14
The pick: UCLA -17
No. 11 Oregon State (-3.5) at Arizona, 10:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Arizona has been a pleasant surprise this season, boasting a 4-3 record and an improved defense. Despite facing tough opponents, their defense has allowed only five passing touchdowns. They are likely to make Oregon State’s DJ Uiagalelei’s life difficult.
Arizona 27, Oregon State 24
The pick: Arizona +3.5
Mandel’s Upset Special
No. 22 Tulane (-10.5) at Rice, 4 p.m. (ESPN2)
Rice sees this as a significant opportunity to have a winning season for the first time since 2014. Tulane, although currently 6-1, has not reached the same level as their previous year’s Cotton Bowl squad. Rice has what it takes to pull off the upset with a close victory.
Rice 26, Tulane 24
The pick: Rice +10.5
(Photo of Noah Fifita: Katelyn Mulcahy / Getty Images)
