UTSA @ Memphis
James Brisentine: Memphis 37 UTSA 28
UTSA has the potential to pull off the upset. They are quietly one of the better non-power 5 teams. With Memphis coming off an emotional victory last weekend, there is potential for the Tigers to get tripped up in a let-down spot. It may take a quarter or two for them to wake up, but Memphis will prevail in the end.
Brian Bada: Memphis 31 UTSA 28
One of the most underrated games of the weekend. The Roadrunners are a solid football team and have already won at Illinois this year. In the end, the Tigers win on a last second field goal.
Johnny Hill: Memphis 34 UTSA 20
I am taking the Tigers to get the win over the Roadrunners. Coming off their incredible victory against Mississippi State, the Tigers will extend their streak at the Liberty Bowl to 17 straight wins. Electric star wide receiver Calvin Austin III, fresh off breaking the internet with his game-breaking punt return a week ago, will be the difference in this one.
“Control the tempo like we did last week and give the ball to our best playmakers,” offensive quality control coach Alan Cross said. The formula seems simple enough.
Zach Thompson: Memphis 31 UTSA 28
Memphis will have to sweat this one out, but I think they ultimately hold on to move to 4-0. Riding off the thrilling victory over Mississippi State a week ago, this certainly could be a let-down game ahead of conference play beginning next week. Sincere Mccormick is a serious threat out of the backfield for the Roadrunners and could cause problems for the Tiger defense. UTSA cannot be taken lightly, but I expect Memphis to keep on rolling.
SMU @ TCU
James Brisentine: SMU 48 TCU 44
This game has potential to be one of the more exciting games of the weekend. Both teams are known for their offensive firepower and will undoubtedly put up plenty of yards and points. With SMU riding the high of their hail mary victory last week over Louisiana Tech, the momentum will carry over and give them bragging rights over their longtime rival.
Brian Bada: TCU 28 SMU 27
The Iron Skillet Battle should be a good one this year. TCU QB Max Dungan has more experience with his program than SMU QB Tanner Mordecai does. TCU outlasts SMU at home.
Johnny Hill: TCU 24 SMU 17
The Frogs and Mustangs are matching up for the 100th time. Between these two rivals TCU holds a 51-41 lead in these series, and I believe that the Frogs will notch another victory in that column. Both teams enter undefeated, but I believe the Horn Frogs’ dual threat quarterback Max Duggan will be too much for the Mustangs to handle. Duggan had 71 yards on the ground last week against California. The Mustangs better watch out.
Zach Thompson: SMU 41 TCU 38
The Mustangs offense has been electric through their first three games. While the Horn Frogs definitely will provide a different type of test than what they have faced thus far, I like the Mustangs in a shootout here. AAC!
Texas A&M vs Arkansas (Neutral Site in Dallas, Texas)
James Brisentine: Arkansas 24 Texas A&M 23
I really like this Arkansas team a lot. They are tough and very well-coached. Combine that with a Texas A&M team that has been underwhelming thus far into the season, and I think this is the big time statement win for the Hogs to catapult them into the national conversation.
Brian Bada: Arkansas 35 Texas A&M 24
One of the few conference games still played at a neutral location, this one figures to be intense. Sam Pittman has done a great job changing the culture at Arkansas. Arkansas pulls away late in the fourth quarter.
Johnny Hill: Arkansas 30 Texas A&M 24
Even though the Aggies are the favorites, I am going with the Razorbacks. Right now, the Razorbacks are averaging 41.0 points and 493.3 per game. The key for the Razorbacks success is sophomore quarterback KJ Jefferson. The Mississippi native is balling right now. Jefferson has 632 yards passing with four touchdowns and 180 yards on the ground through three games. In the opener against Rice, he was the first Razorbacks quarterback in ten years to rush for two TDs in a game. If he performs anything close to that, the Razorbacks will beat the Aggies.
Zach Thompson: Arkansas 27 Texas A&M 24
Hogs!! Texas A&M entered the season with a ton of hype but have not exactly impressed so far this season. The Aggies still have the talent edge, but head coach Sam Pittman has the Razorbacks rolling right now. It will be close, but I like the Razorbacks to get it done in Jerry world and continue to climb in the polls.
Notre Dame vs Wisconsin (Neutral Site in Chicago, Illinois)
James Brisentine: Wisconsin 20 Notre Dame 16
This game is going to be a war. Both are very physical teams that rely on their running games. It is going to be a hard-hitting affair with a lot on the line for both teams. In the end, Wisconsin will win this game to put themselves back into discussion after their week 1 hone loss to Penn State.
Brian Bada: Notre Dame 27 Wisconsin 24
Notre Dame quarterback Jack Coan faces off against his former team in the game of the week in Chicago. Notre Dame has had some close calls this year against inferior competition, but in the end, they win by a field goal.
Johnny Hill: Notre Dame 27 Wisconsin 17
I am taking the fighting Irish to bring home the win on Saturday. Even though their defense so far this season hasn’t been too impressive, they are also averaging 33.3 points and 407.7 yards a game on offense. The X-factor for the fighting Irish will be the running game. The spotlight will be on Jashaun Corbin. Corbin is coming off a great game rushing for 144 yards and one touchdown a week ago and will be a big part of the game plan vs the Badgers.
Zach Thompson: Notre Dame 24 Wisconsin 17
I will be the first to admit the Irish have been less than inspiring through three weeks. However, Wisconsin does not have the exact look of a juggernaut either. I think the difference will be the Notre Dame defense. The Irish win the Jack Coan bowl in a defensive slugfest.
After scraping by Mississippi State last week, the Tigers look to continue their home winning streak against the University of Texas San Antonio.
