By Dean Lowery ’27, Alex Jessey ‘28, Benjamin Ross ’28, Joe Parmigiani ‘28, Christian Arnold ‘28
Introduction
Woah. Woah. Woah. We weren’t kidding. The Third Weekend in October was EPIC. Georgia
took three steps forward, and Tennessee took two. Texas took a huge step back, and Alabama
might’ve just stepped backward into the Sarlacc pit. More big games are coming this week, but
the picture is getting clearer.
Three Big Games
#12 Notre Dame @ #24 Navy, East Rutherford, New Jersey, MetLife Stadium
This is Navy’s chance. They control their destiny completely, but this will almost certainly be
their toughest game before a potential game in the College Football Playoff. However, Notre
Dame has rebounded well ever since that NIU loss. An uphill battle for the Midshipmen for sure.
Keys for the Fighting Irish: Notre Dame may be surprised that Navy is ranked, and it's vital that
ND respects this ranking. The Irish are going to need to execute on all sides of the ball, and
they’ve done that these past few weeks. Can Leonard and Love lead Notre Dame to a ranked
win that would benefit their resume, or will we see an upset for the ages?
Keys for the Midshipmen: Navy have been close to flawless this season, dominating everyone
in their path. All-around QB Horvath will be looking to add to his 20 total TDs this season, and
Navy will want to keep their chances for the CFP alive. Can the Midshipmen create another
Miracle at the Meadowlands?
#5 Texas @ #25 Vanderbilt, Nashville, Tennessee, FirstBank Stadium
Woah. This game has suddenly become all-important. While Texas is “the new kid on the block”
in the SEC, they certainly have everything going for them in this matchup. However, the loser of
this game is probably not going to make the SEC Championship, which would be devastating
for the Longhorns’ playoff chances.
Keys for the Commodores: QB Pavia has emerged as a star, and Vandy is riding the wave after
beating Alabama. With Texas nursing their loss against Georgia, will the Commodores be able
to frustrate the Longhorns and keep the dream alive, or will they show everyone it was just a
fluke?
#8 Louisiana St. @ #14 Texas A&M, College Station, Texas, Kyle Field
Well, somehow these are the two teams still undefeated in SEC play. This game almost feels
like a play-in, such that the winner will likely make the playoff, while the loser is going to be
mostly out of the picture.
Keys for the Tigers: Nussmeier needs to be accurate. The Heisman hopeful has only completed
55% in SEC play, and the Tigers can ill afford turnovers in this hostile environment. However, he
has generated tons of chunk plays on third-and-long in conference play, so it seems the Tigers’
chances rest on his shoulders.
Keys for the Aggies: Establishing the ground game. LSU gave up just 38 rushing yards last
week against Arkansas, and the Aggies need to be productive on the ground to be competitive.
3 big players
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State Broncos @ UNLV
Jeanty was off last week but plays his biggest game of the season this week. A lot of eyes will
be on this game, so he’s going to need to be his typical: excellent.
Cam Ward, QB, Miami Hurricanes Vs. Florida St.
Well, the ‘Canes did it again. As did Ward. He was excellent with 4 touchdowns and zero
interceptions. But the trap games don’t end with Louisville. Even though ESPN’s FPI gives
Miami a 91.5% chance to win, this is a rivalry of all rivalries. The ‘Noles will want this one
desperately.
Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oregon Ducks Vs. Illinois
The captain of the best team in the country. A classic Heisman candidate, Gabriel has been
extremely composed in his leadership of the Ducks. Completing a whopping 77% of his passes,
Gabriel has been on the money almost every week. The Ducks host Illinois in a critical B1G
showdown.
Three Teams to Watch
Well, well, well. Who is going to occupy the coveted fifth automatic bid? We might start using the term “Cinderella” in football.
Boise State Broncos (5-1) @ UNLV
As mentioned previously, this one is going to be huge. UNLV can reenter the conversation and
would hand Boise St. their first conference loss while avoiding one of their own. On the other
hand, Boise St. has a chance to knock UNLV out of playoff contention. Should be a fun one.
Navy Midshipmen (6-0) Vs. Notre Dame
Listed above.
Army Black Knights (7-0) OFF
A bye week for the Black Knights gives them time to think. A questionably small margin against
East Carolina gives fans reason for concern, but the Black Knights look to the future and will be
keeping a close watch on the Navy-Notre Dame.
3 value bets
(8-3-1 on the season)
Boise St(-3.5) @ UNLV
Indiana(-6.5) vs Washington
PSU (-6.5) @ Wisconsin
The “Dartmouth” Poll
Well, the AP Poll stinks. And the CFP poll is still weeks away. Here’s what our team came up with.
