Saturday Afternoon Games
4 of 5
No. 4 Alabama (6-1) at South Carolina (3-4), 3:30 p.m. ET
Among the more disappointing teams in 2025, South Carolina’s offense has not clicked as hoped. All four of the Gamecocks’ losses are to current Top 25 programs, and they scored more than 10 points in only one of those setbacks. Alabama, one of the nation’s hottest teams, is not a forgiving opponent.
Prediction: Alabama 31, South Carolina 14
No. 11 BYU (7-0) at Iowa State (5-2), 3:30 p.m.
Iowa State is favored here, which isn’t a surprise. BYU has earned its undefeated record, but three of the Cougars’ four Big 12 matchups have been a one-score game. The Cyclones need their defense to return to form, and an extra week to prepare should be particularly helpful in that regard.
Prediction: Iowa State 27, BYU 23
No. 23 Illinois (5-2) at Washington (5-2), 3:30 p.m.
Washington has been a bit of a roller coaster this season, wrecking the box score one week before disappearing the next. That inconsistency makes the Huskies tough to predict, but I’ll lean toward an explosive performance at home.
Prediction: Washington 34, Illinois 28
Oklahoma State (1-6) at No. 14 Texas Tech (6-1), 4 p.m.
In four Big 12 losses, Oklahoma State has been outscored by 25 points per game—and scored more than 17 once. Texas Tech may be without QB Behren Morton again but should be fine if Will Hammond keeps the temporary reins.
Prediction: Texas Tech 45, Oklahoma State 17
Baylor (4-3) at No. 21 Cincinnati (6-1), 4 p.m.
Flip the location, and I’d probably take Baylor. Sawyer Robertson, who co-leads the nation with 21 touchdown passes, has guided the Bears to 36.3 points per game. The problem is Baylor’s defense has provided next-to-no resistance, giving up 31.4 points per week. Cincinnati is built to win a shootout.
Prediction: Cincinnati 37, Baylor 31
No. 22 Texas (5-2) at Mississippi State (4-3), 4:15 p.m.
I cannot quit Texas. The offense is a serious work in progress, but—save for an ugly showing at Florida—the defense has been dominant. As long as that continues, the Horns can steal another low-scoring tilt.
Prediction: Texas 20, Mississippi State 13
North Carolina State (4-3) at Pitt (5-2), 3:30 p.m.
Prediction: Pitt 34, NC State 26
Minnesota (5-2) at Iowa (5-2), 3:30 p.m.
Prediction: Iowa 23, Minnesota 16
Toledo (4-3) at Washington State (3-4), 3:30 p.m.
Prediction: Washington State 27, Toledo 23
Florida Atlantic (3-4) at Navy (6-0), 3:30 p.m.
Prediction: Navy 38, FAU 24
Temple (4-3) at Tulsa (2-5), 3:30 p.m.
Prediction: Tulsa 30, Temple 27
Ball State (3-4) at Northern Illinois (1-6), 3:30 p.m.
Prediction: NIU 24, Ball State 20
Massachusetts (0-7) at Central Michigan (4-3), 3:30 p.m.
Prediction: CMU 31, UMass 17
Western Michigan (4-3) at Miami (Ohio) (4-3), 3:30 p.m.
Prediction: Miami 23, WMU 21
San Diego State (5-1) at Fresno State (5-2), 3:30 p.m.
Prediction: Fresno State 20, SDSU 16
Louisiana-Monroe (3-4) at Southern Miss (5-2), 3:30 p.m.
Prediction: Southern Miss 33, ULM 17
