College GameDay podcast picks Texas A&M at South Carolina, more marquee Week 10 games

College football fans are in for a treat this weekend, with ranked programs nationwide squaring off against tough competition. On Wednesday, ESPN analysts Rece Davis, Pete Thamel and Stanford Steve revealed their picks for Week 10’s slate of games.

They had no shortage of material to discuss. While there are only two ranked matchups this weekend, there will be a surplus of pivotal conference showdowns, including games such as Michigan versus No. 1 Oregon.

However, before the College GameDay Podcast crew could weigh in on any of the other matchups, they had to give their thoughts on the Game of the Week: Ohio State at Penn State.

Ohio State at Penn State

Rece Davis: Ohio State -3.5
Pete Thamel: Penn State +3.5 (and outright)
Stanford Steve: Penn State +3.5

Despite entering the game one spot below Penn State in the AP Top 25 Poll, Ohio State is the favorite against the Nittany Lions. History is certainly on the oddsmakers’ side. The Buckeyes have won their last seven meetings against Penn State, most recently defeating the program 20-12 last season.

Nonetheless, Penn State has looked fearsome this season and is coming off a convincing 28-13 win over Wisconsin. Meanwhile, Ohio State left much to be desired in its narrow 21-17 victory over Oregon last week.

Pittsburgh at SMU

Rece Davis: Pittsburgh +7.5 (and outright)
Pete Thamel: SMU -7.5
Stanford Steve: Pittsburgh +7.5

Similar to Penn State, Pittsburgh is an underdog on Saturday despite boasting a flawless record. Alas, it’s worth noting that the Panthers haven’t faced nearly as tough of competition as the Nittany Lions. SMU will be Pittsburgh’s first ranked foe this season.

In comparison, SMU is relatively battle-tested, with a win over Louisville and a nail-biting loss against BYU. The matchup on Saturday will have significant implications for the ACC Championship, with Miami and BYU also still undefeated in conference play.

Florida vs. Georgia

Rece Davis: Georgia -16.5
Pete Thamel: Georgia -16.5
Stanford Steve: Florida +16.5

On Saturday, Florida and Georgia will meet on mutual ground. The Gators are riding high after dominating Kentucky 48-20 in Week 8. However, they aren’t the only ones who have been hot. Since falling to Alabama in Week 5, Georgia is on a three-game win streak.

Most recently, the Bulldogs downed Texas in stunning 30-15 fashion. Evidently, Davis and Thamel expect Georgia to continue its dominant run. It’ll be a personal matchup for Georgia running back Trevor Etienne, who joined the Bulldogs this offseason after spending two seasons at Florida.

Texas A&M at South Carolina

Rece Davis: South Carolina +2 (and outright)
Pete Thamel: Texas A&M -2
Stanford Steve: South Carolina +2 (and outright)

Sitting at 5-0 in conference play, Texas A&M is the team to beat right now in the SEC. South Carolina may be the team for the job. In Week 8, the Gamecocks halted a two-skid with a 35-9 blowout against Oklahoma.

After enjoying a bye last week, South Carolina will look to secure another standout victory. Fans should expect a ground war, with South Carolina’s defense only allowing 101.9 rushing yards per game, while the Aggies average 221.5 rushing yards per contest.

Ole Miss at Arkansas

Rece Davis: Ole Miss -7
Pete Thamel: Ole Miss -7
Stanford Steve: Arkansas +7 (and outright)

Ole Miss has had a tumultuous time in the SEC, sitting at 2-2 in conference play. Nonetheless, the Rebels showed flashes of greatness last week in their 26-14 win over Oklahoma. Of course, it won’t be nearly as easy to hold Arkansas to just two touchdowns.

In the 2023 campaign, the Razorbacks averaged the 100th-most yards per game in the FBS. After adding offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino this offseason, Arkansas boasts the seventh-best offense in the nation, averaging 482.5 yards per game. On Saturday, the Razorbacks will put the Rebels’ defense to the test.

Indiana at Michigan State

Rece Davis: No pick
Pete Thamel: Indiana -8
Stanford Steve: Michigan State +8

In head coach Curt Cignetti‘s first year at the helm, Indiana has put the nation on notice. The Hoosiers are 8-0 and competing for a spot in the College Football Playoff. Michigan State head coach Jonathan Smith‘s first season hasn’t been nearly as ideal.

The Spartans are 4-4 and 2-3 in conference play. Turnovers have been an issue for MSU, with 16 total this season. This weakness plays perfectly into the Hoosiers’ hands, who have squeezed a jaw-dropping 14 turnovers out of their opponents this season.

Oregon at Michigan

Rece Davis: Oregon -14.5
Pete Thamel: Oregon -14.5
Stanford Steve: Oregon -14.5

The College GameDay podcast crew unanimously agreed that Oregon will cover the spread against Michigan. In fairness, the Ducks have looked spectacular, most recently dominating Illinois 38-9. Meanwhile, Michigan has struggled to simply find a consistent quarterback.

After starting three separate players behind center, Michigan returned to its first option last week. Davis Warren didn’t allow the opportunity to go to waste, leading the Wolverines to a 24-17 over Michigan State. However, Oregon’s defense won’t be nearly as forgiving if Warren shows any rust on Saturday.

San Diego State at Boise State

*Hosts did not pick against the spread*
Rece Davis: Boise State 
Pete Thamel: Boise State
Stanford Steve: Boise State

With its sole loss coming against Oregon, Boise State seems to be the most likely Group of Five team to reach the College Football Playoff. If the Broncos can pull off a win on Saturday, they’ll be one step closer.

Boise State must be prepared. San Diego State has won two of its last three games and was only three points away from downing No. 22 Washington State last week. As usual, all eyes will be on Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, who is a front-runner for the Heisman Trophy.

Vanderbilt at Auburn

Rece Davis: Vanderbilt +7
Pete Thamel: Vanderbilt +7 (and outright)
Stanford Steve: Vanderbilt +7 (and outright)

Although Vanderbilt has a win over Alabama this season and nearly defeated Texas last week, oddsmakers labeled the Commodores as the underdog against Auburn.

Auburn ended a four-game losing streak with a 24-10 over Kentucky last week and will undoubtedly be hungry for another win on Saturday. Nevertheless, they won’t be the only ones. With a win on Saturday, Vanderbilt will be bowl-eligible for the first time since 2018.