College football predictions: CBS Sports picks six-pack of games

We’re officially four weeks into college football, so predictions should theoretically start to get more accurate. Whether or not that actually happens, however, is another story.

Regardless, it’s fun to look forward and try to guess what the current week college football has in store. CBS Sports writer Tom Fornelli did just that, predicting a six-pack of games for Saturday.

Below is a summary of what he had to say.

Games of the week

No. 7 Texas A&M vs. No. 16 Arkansas: The Razorbacks have looked great through three games but face arguably their biggest test of the year in this neutral-site rivalry game. Texas A&M has won the past nine meetings, yet is only a 5.5-point favorite. Fornelli notes Razorback offensive linemen Ricky Stromberg and Dalton Wagner were both limited in practice for a team that averages 492.3 yards per game. If they are held out, he believes the Hogs will struggle and ultimately fall to the Aggies. Prediction: Texas A&M 27, Arkansas 20

No. 12 Notre Dame vs. No. 18 Wisconsin: Jack Coan revenge game? Fornelli thinks so. The former Wisconsin quarterback now leads the Fighting Irish into Chicago to face his old team. The Badgers are 6.5-point favorites, but Fornelli has questions about their ability to put up points. They aren’t typically a big-play threat, with only three plays of 20 yards or more. They rank 90th in FBS in points per possession, and simply won’t be able to do enough. That’s why his college football predictions have them falling in this game. Prediction: Notre Dame 23, Wisconsin 20

Lock of the week

Ohio at Northwestern: Northwestern is favored by more than two touchdowns (14.5 points) against the 0-3 Bobcats, but Fornelli isn’t buying it. The reigning Big Ten West champs have gotten off to a lackluster 1-2 start due to tons of offensive issues. It has also taken a huge step back defensively after ranking 21st overall this past season. Despite how bad Ohio is, Fornelli believes you should take a chance on them to cover here. Prediction: Northwestern 24, Ohio 14

Under of the week

San Jose State at Western Michigan: The over/under for this matchup between two Group of Five schools is set at 63. The reason for that is likely the potent Western Michigan offense combined with an atrocious defense. But Fornelli notes this San Jose State offense hasn’t exactly lived up to expectations. They rank 113th in the country in points per drive with 0.89. The forecast is also calling for some wind, which could make passing even more difficult. Prediction: Western Michigan 31, San Jose State 28

Over of the week

California at Washington: Washington took its anger out on poor Arkansas State in a 52-3 blowout win last week following losses in its first two contests. Prior to that the Huskies scored just 17 points on Montana and 10 on Michigan. The Golden Bears rank 84th in the country in points allowed per drive and Fornelli believes the Huskies could continue their offensive success this week. That’s why he recommends you take the over 46 in this game. Prediction: Washington 31, Cal 24

Upset of the week

No. 24 UCLA at Stanford: The Cardinal lost in the opening week to Kansas State, but have since looked like a solid team. They beat USC in Week 2, prompting the Trojans to fire coach Clay Helton. Then they handed Vanderbilt a 41-23 loss the following week. UCLA is coming off of a home upset against Fresno State, but Fornelli thinks Stanford could make it two Bruins losses in a row. Prediction: Stanford 31, UCLA 28