Week six is upon us, and we’ve got two very crucial games to kick it off. USC and Oregon square off to determine who has the right to the Big Ten crown, while Florida and Clemson clash in a major, must-win contest for the Tigers. Here’s what our analysts think of tonight.
Tom Pence’s Predictions:
USC 28, Oregon 34
Both USC and Oregon have balanced attacks. With that The Trojan are more seasoned at QB and that will play a big part in this game. Both defenses have come up with big plays at just the right time and this game is going to be anyones to win and hold on as a front runner for the BIG10 title. Just have a feeling that the Duck’s D will be the one to pull out something special and that will be what puts them over the top in the match.
Florida 28, Clemson 38
I know your thinking this game is going to be a war and probably come down to the final drive of the game. But with the addition of the run game to Clemson’s already potent pass attack will have to keep Florida’s defense honest and that is where The Tigers will get the advantage on attacking them. Clemson pulls away in the 4th quarter and adds another set back to the Gators.
Jimbo Smithers Predictions:
USC 24, Oregon 27
In this low-scoring affair, the key difference will be Oregon’s offensive prowess. Bates and Frost will show their insane ability and have a huge game tonight. This is an instant-classic in the making.
Florida 17, Clemson 24
This is a game with blowout potential. Clemson has one of the best offenses and Florida has one of the worst. However, Florida’s defense is unreal, and they will keep them alive in this game. Expect a battle to the end and one of the best games this season.
Houston Freeman’s Predictions:
USC 38, Oregon 33
The Trojans looked out of sorts against major underdog Nebraska this past week, but I believe they’re still the top contender in the B1G at 3-2. Oregon had a solid bounce back win against Ohio State, one that the offense stole the show. I think the slight edge goes to USC and Kingston Fox as I believe Oregon is too inconsistent right now. #FightOn
Florida 28, Clemson 31
Clemson rolled to a 31 point beat down of Michigan after 4 straight weeks of their games being decided by a touchdown. Florida on the other hand dropped their second in a row after starting off a hot 3-0, and to make it worse, it was to rival Florida State. I think Clemson is one of the best 2-3 teams the league has ever had, which means they need to step it up and get a strong conference win this week and play up to their potential. #AllIn
Connor Russell’s Predictions:
USC 30, Oregon 33
As a former Big Ten coach myself, I love seeing premium conference matchups like this one take place. If you’ve been living under a rock, let me get you up to speed real quick: This is week six. The week where playoff implications start to really matter. Both Oregon and USC are 3-2 right now, putting them in the playoff if we took today’s standings. But the loser of this game is in a bit of danger. Nebraska is surging right now, and ND has stumbled, but still has the talent to compete. Both teams know that a win makes their lives a million times easier going forward. I’d put this game as a pick em’. If it wasn’t for a certain SEC matchup at the end of the week, this would 100% be the biggest game on the slate. I’m giving Oregon the win with the slimmest of margins.
Florida 27, Clemson 33
The SEC is an absolute bloodbath right now. It’s critical that Clemson wins to stay alive in the race, but Florida is on a slide that has to end tonight. Like I said before, the stakes start to ramp up in week six. Florida’s defense is exceptional. I struggled mightily planning against that star studded group, and I expect it to give Clemson similar issues. However, Clemson is a different team than they were at the start of the year. The addition of a HB has rejuvenated their offense, something I think people are sleeping on. Florida should be favored, but Clemson is going to pull this out in front of the home crowd and keep their chances alive.
NightHawk’s Predictions:
USC 31, Oregon 34
At this point in the season these games mean a lot more as both of these teams have a shot to move to 3-1 in the B1G and in firm control of a playoff spot with a win. Oregon figured it out last week with a blowout win over Ohio State and USC dropped their first ever home loss in a shocker against Nebraska. Jimmy Tickle was a big part of the Ducks’ win last week and I expect him to have plenty of running room against the Trojans defense who plays much better against the pass. The USC offense might be the most balanced in the league so Oregon is going to have to be stout on defense, but I expect them to ride the wave from their win last week.
Florida 24, Clemson 28
Florida has been on a bit of a cold streak after starting the season 3-0 and Clemson looked really good against Michigan last week. Tigers QB Will Slay has been outstanding this season for the Clemson offense and Isaac Krout and Bill McAllister have been stout for the Clemson defense. The Florida offense has gone a bit silent as of late but their defense has been as good as ever, led by Mohammed Dmour and safety Andrew Mock. The Gator defense will surely keep them in this game but unless their offense can find production, I can’t see them winning.
Hornsnation’s Predictions:
USC 34, Oregon 24
USC needs to rebound after getting smacked by Nebraska. Oregon enters this game after smacking OSU. Both teams sit in the Big 10 at 2-1 and this game can be close. With USC switching back to the spread playbook, I think they take it here thanks to Fox and company.
Florida 31, Clemson 28
Clemson needs to win out in order to have any hope in the SEC. Already 1-3 in conference, if the Tigers lose this game they are out. Florida started off hot then lost the past two games to Auburn and FSU. I think Florida rebounds here and knocks Clemson out of the playoff picture.
Jeff Melinyshyn’s Predictions:
USC 31, Oregon 34
A huge game in the Big Ten kicks off Week 6 in the CFSL. USC losing last week has created a log jam at the top of the Big Ten. Meanwhile, after getting blown out last week, Oregon goes and blows out Ohio State. This is a huge game for both teams. In the first ever matchup USC won at home last season 41-20, which Oregon team will show up? This might be highly contested but I like the Ducks by 3.
Florida 24, Clemson 34
Both teams come into this one with one win in the SEC standings and on top of that, the leaders keep winning, which makes it do or die for either team in this contest. Remember when Florida looked good in the first three weeks? Clemson has been in every game and just blew the doors off Michigan. Florida has not found their offense, I am going Clemson in this matchup.
DAVID ROY’S PREDICTIONS:
USC 31, OREGON 24
I know that USC looked….off last week. But, let’s be clear the Trojans are still capable of winning the Big Ten, and I think after last week the Trojans will look to show that again tonight. The Ducks have been inconsistent this season, and while an upset isn’t off the table, I do find it highly unlikely.
FLORIDA 28, CLEMSON 27
The Gators have found themselves in quite the skid, but they’re not quite in a desperate spot like Clemson. With both teams fighting to stay in the playoff race, I think Florida looks to go back to the formula that got them to the 3-0 start, if not flip the formula and run Bentley Jones right at Clemson, especially with a susceptible linebacker corps.
