Joel Klatt makes Alabama at Tennessee pick, other marquee college football games
Following an action-packed Week 7 slate of games, college football is keeping its foot on the gas. There will be three ranked showdowns this weekend, along with a laundry list of other pivotal conference matchups.
On Friday, No. 2 Oregon will look to avoid a trap game against Purdue after downing Ohio State only six days prior. Across the country, Alabama and Tennessee will go head-to-head less than 24 hours later, each fighting to keep their postseason hopes alive.
On Thursday, Joel Klatt previewed the most intriguing Week 8 games and predicted the outcomes. Here are his predictions.
No. 5 Georgia at No. 1 Texas (-4.5)
Klatt’s score prediction: Texas 34, Georgia 31
Joel Klatt doesn’t expect the Longhorns to lose at home. It’s difficult to blame him. Texas has looked nearly unstoppable this season, most recently defeating Oklahoma 34-3 in the Red River Rivalry. Quinn Ewers is back on the saddle and the Longhorns look dangerous.
In comparison, the question marks around Georgia have only multiplied. Last week, UGA defeated Mississippi State but allowed MSU to score 31 points — its highest offensive output against a Power Four opponent this season. Klatt believes Texas’ offensive line will ultimately be the difference in the highly-anticipated matchup.
No. 7 Alabama (-3.5) at No. 11 Tennessee
Klatt’s score prediction: Alabama 24, Tennessee 20
Neither Alabama nor Tennessee has played its best ball in the past two weeks. Nonetheless, Klatt expects the Crimson Tide to come alive against the Volunteers and cover the spread.
Specifically, Klatt believes Alabama’s defense will take a leap forward this week, after giving up a combined 60 points to Vanderbilt and South Carolina in its last two games. On the other of the ball, Klatt kept it simple: “I trust Jalen Milroe more than I trust Nico Iamaleava.”
No. 24 Michigan (-3.5) at No. 22 Illinois
Klatt’s score prediction: Michigan 24, Illinois 21
On Saturday, fans will enjoy a classic Big Ten matchup between the Wolverines and Fighting Illini. Klatt expects Michigan to escape with the win but believes Illinois will cover. The game will undoubtedly be packed as it’s the first ranked matchup at Memorial Stadium since 2000.
Michigan quarterback Jack Tuttle is expected to debut as the team’s starter on Saturday. He replaced QB Alex Orji in Michigan’s loss to Washington last week after Orji led Michigan on fruitless drives. Klatt expects Michigan’s offense to show improvement under Tuttle’s leadership.
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No. 8 LSU (-1.5) at Arkansas
Klatt’s score prediction: LSU 31, Arkansas 21
Although Klatt is admittedly unsure who will come out on top between LSU and Arkansas, he chose the Tigers to win by 10 points. His motivating factor? Momentum. LSU has won five straight and knocked off No. 9 Ole Miss last week.
Further, LSU head coach Brian Kelly has won 14 straight games against unranked opponents. Of course, Arkansas won’t make it easy. The Razorbacks upset Tennessee last week and are looking to keep the good times rolling. In the end, Klatt claims he’s “relying on the heater” LSU is riding.
No. 6 Miami (-4.5) at Louisville
Klatt’s score prediction: Miami 38, Louisville 31
Miami enters Week 8 with a 6-0 record and Klatt expects the Hurricanes to enter Week 9 with another tally in the win column. Miami has the No. 1 offense in the nation this season, averaging 583.8 yards per game. Yet, Miami is far from infallible.
The Hurricanes were forced to come back from a 25-point deficit to defeat California and took down Virginia Tech the week before with a controversial call in overtime. On Saturday, Miami will have an opportunity to silence its doubters and Klatt expects the program to do just that.
No. 2 Oregon (-28.5) at Purdue
Klatt’s score prediction: Oregon 42, Purdue 28
Klatt doesn’t expect Oregon to completely fall victim in its trap game against Purdue but he has faith the Boilermakers will cover the spread. Despite sitting at 1-5, Purdue has shown promise. Last week, the Boilermakers took Illinois to overtime before losing 50-49.
While Purdue will be hungry after its loss, Oregon is coming off a satisfying win over Ohio State. It’ll be easy for the Ducks to fly by the Boilermakers without giving them their full attention. However, Klatt claims they must be careful.
All odds are according to FanDuel Sportsbook.