Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes
All of the Division-I teams from the state of Utah are on a bye this week which means it is a loaded week 10 for Pick'em! We have you covered for game previews to make your selection here by Saturday morning.
Virginia Tech at Syracuse
Saturday, Nov. 2 (10 a.m. MDT, CW)
The Hokies are on a three-game winning streak and all three of their losses are within seven points or less. The Cuse are coming off a blowout loss at No. 19 Pitt.
Why Virginia Tech will win:
The Hokies were a potential ACC championship team coming into the season but two close losses to Rutgers and Miami nearly thwarted that possibility. Since then, VT has blown out their opponents by a combined score of 60 points in those games. A hot Hokie offense will be able to overcome a struggling Syracuse defense.
Why Syracuse will win:
If the offense is on, it's on. Syracuse has scored 38 or more points three times this season and has won every game. The Cuse even went to No. 25 UNLV, gave up 41 points, and still won. But it will be crucial for the defense to take care of its own.
Line: VT -4
Over/Under: 53.5
No. 4 Ohio State at No. 3 Penn State
Saturday, Nov. 2 (10 a.m. MDT, FOX)
It's the most anticipated game of the week as No. 4 travels to No. 3. A win for the Nittany Lions puts them in prime contention for the BIG 10 title game and a loss from Ohio State may eliminate them.
Why Ohio State will win:
Outside of a 32-31 loss at No. 1 Oregon, Ohio State has dismantled its opponents this season by a combined score of 282-83. It's the largest scoring differential in college football by nearly two points. The Buckeyes defense is real and the offense does its job. Even on the road, Ohio State is a force to reckon with.
Why Penn State will win:
Happy Valley will be popping. It's one of the best venues in college football and it will be loud. Penn State's defense has been consistent throughout the year and has held five opponents under 13 points. And for what seems like the first time in a while, the Nittany Lions have a real path to the College Football Playoff. A win over the Buckeyes may be enough for them to sail to the Big 10 Championship which is extra motivation.
Line: OSU -3
Over/Under: 46.5
Wisconsin at Iowa
Saturday, Nov. 2 (5:30 p.m. MDT, NBC)
Offense! The Hawkeyes have scored 40 points three timeless this season and have played in some big games versus top-10 teams. The Badgers have won three of their last four including two on the road.
Why Wisconsin will win:
The Badgers have been solid on the road this year going 2-1 and the defense has been stellar during their win streak holding every team below seven points. The offense has been streaky, but a good offensive performance can overcome a surprisingly up-and-down Iowa defense.
Why Iowa will win:
I'll say it again. Offense! Iowa fans have long waited for an offensive team and they have won. Two of the three Iowa losses have come to teams in the top-10 and they have put up big numbers versus good teams. Kinnick Stadium will be rocking as Wisconsin hasn't won there since 2018.
Line: IOWA -3
Over/Under: 41.5
TCU at Baylor
Saturday, Nov. 2 (6 p.m. MDT, ESPN2)
TCU has some impressive wins this season going back-to-back versus Utah and Texas Tech while Baylor has found some life in recent weeks.
Why TCU will win:
TCU has seen the big games this year. As mentioned with big recent wins, the Horned Frogs have shown they can win by scoring a lot or trusting its defense. They beat Utah 13-7 then put up 35 the next week. The Horned Frogs offense has scored 34 or more points in six games this year and a below-average Baylor defense may not be able to stop them.
Why Baylor will win:
Baylor has been reincarnated since Sawyer Robertson took over. He is 3-3 as a starter but the three losses have come to the top teams in the Big 12: Iowa State, BYU, and Colorado. He's thrown for 1,541 yards, 17 touchdowns to just four picks. The Baylor offense is playing at a new level and could be enough for them to win out.
Line: BAY -3
Over/Under: 63.5
No. 20 Pitt at No. 18 SMU
Saturday, Nov. 2 (6 p.m. MDT, ACC Network)
The ACC has four undefeated teams and after this game, it will be down to three. SMU has shocked everyone with its offensive prowess while the Panthers continue to play to a new level.
Why Pitt will win:
The Panthers have won a lot of close games. They keep finding ways to win and overcoming adversity in the final minutes. With three games decided within one score, the Panthers are continuing to climb up the rankings. With big road wins versus North Carolina and Cincinnati, the Panthers all-rounded team has continued to show up.
Why SMU will win:
It is only Pitt's third road game this season and SMU hasn't played at home since Sept. 28. Mustangs fans will be eager to see their team whose only loss is to No. 9 BYU and since then the offense has been killing it with four games scoring 40 or more points. A win over Pitt may allow the Mustangs to appear in the ACC championship in its first season as members.
Line: SMU -7.5
Over/Under: 57.5
