After discussions with the state legislatures about safety concerns, it’s official: the Pac 12 announce plans to play later in the fall, which means Power 5 football is back. Three weeks into the season, the Big 12, ACC, and other lower-tier conferences have played each other in empty or socially-distanced arenas. The SEC, arguably the most prominent and popular conference in CFB with teams such as Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, and LSU, resumes play this weekend.
Here’s a look at this Saturday’s key matchups and our predictions in the SEC, ACC, and Big 12 conferences.
Florida State Seminoles (0-1) vs #12 Miami Hurricanes (2-0), ACC Conference
Prediction: Miami 42-17
Ever since its 2016 Orange Bowl appearance, it seems that Florida State has been trending downward as a program. Head coach Mike Norvell is expected to be out as he has contracted COVID-19, and after an uninspiring 16-13 loss to Georgia Tech two weeks ago, it’s hard to expect James Blackman and the Seminole offense to take down Miami’s Heisman candidate D’Eriq King and the high-powered Hurricanes offense.
#23 Kentucky Wildcats (0-0) vs #8 Auburn Tigers (0-0), SEC Conference
Prediction: Kentucky 21-14
The highest-ranked matchup out of all of the SEC’s openers, the Kentucky Wildcats square off against returning starter Bo Nix and the Auburn Tigers. Expect an intense matchup as the Wildcats have one of the best offensive lines along with quarterback Terry Wilson under center. Although Auburn is likely more talented, they have a brand new offensive line and have lost key defensive line starters Marlon Davidson and Derrick Brown to the NFL, which may result in some problems. Expect the team with the greater game experience to pull through.
#24 Louisville Cardinals (1-1) vs #21 Pittsburgh Panthers (2-0), ACC Conference
Prediction: Pittsburgh 34-28
Pittsburgh has the momentum after shutting down Syracuse 21-0 last week in this ranked ACC matchup. Meanwhile, quarterback Micale Cunningham’s fast-paced Cardinal offense faced a letdown against Miami, a 47-34 loss last week. Expect this game to be a shootout with two prolific offenses, and keep your eye on Pittsburgh’s senior quarterback, Kenny Pickett who has been on various award watchlists and set campus records for most attempts and completions, to be the extra boost that leads the Panthers to victory.
#22 Army Black Knights (2-0) vs #14 Cincinnati Bearcats (1-0), Independent vs Conference USA
Prediction: Army 28-17
The most notable non-Power 5 matchup this Saturday, the Army Black Knights and QB Christian Anderson look to continue their dominance after beating Middle Tennessee (42-0) and ULM (37-7) in the past two weeks. Their defense has looked incredible, only allowing one score over two games, and is currently ranked the #5 rush defense in the nation; however, Cincinnati poses a formidable threat with a much better offensive line than the ones the Black Knights have gone up against in their previous two games. Expect the game to be close, but ultimately, the Army’s momentum through their past two games should be enough to give them the win.