This story first appeared at SuperWest Sports (https://superwestsports.com/nick-bartletts-week-7-superwest-fearless-cfb-predictions/)
Wise is the bettor who consults Nick’s No-Nonsense Betting Tips before logging on to his sportsbook.
Unfortunately, last week wasn’t so great for me—or you, if you followed my advice.
I went 4-3 overall, missing on the WSU-UCLA, Fresno State-Wyoming, and CSU-Utah State games. So, where did I go wrong?
The Bruins surprised me with their defense, the Bulldogs got outplayed at the quarterback position, and I should have known better than to pick Colorado State.
With those misses, I’m still a stellar 55-15 on the season after the previous week’s 11-1 run.
But enough hindsight. It’s time to look ahead to this week’s games.
As always, my selections come with incredibly accurate game scores and just enough commentary to keep me from eating too many Hot Tomales.
The box is already half-empty, so let’s get on with the picks!
Fresno State at Utah State
Friday, October 13
5:00 pm PT, CBS Sports
This game has gotten pretty good due to Utah State’s victory last Saturday.
The Aggies entered this matchup on a two-game winning streak and played well last week against Colorado State. Cooper Legas re-and-re took his starter position, throwing for nearly 400 yards against the Rams.
For Fresno State, this game provides an opportunity for a bounceback performance against a solid opponent. The Bulldogs got handled in Cheyenne, but a win against Utah State and their schedule looks pretty favorable.
Dawgs barkin’ in this one. FSU by 10.
Fresno State 38, Utah State 28
Stanford at Colorado
Friday, October 13
7:00 pm PT, ESPN
Colorado survived an important trap game last Saturday against Arizona State.
Even though the Buffaloes started 2-0, it’s hard to get a victory when your team’s on a slide. They should perform a little bit better on Friday night due to their home-field advantage.
For Stanford, they need to compete in this game. The Cardinal’s season feels rough, and maybe they’ll find some offense in the fine Boulder air. They enter this matchup with the 119th-ranked scoring offense in the nation.
Troy Taylor’s time may come, but this is Primetime. Buffs stomp.
Colorado 35, Stanford 24
California at No. 16 Utah
Saturday, October 14
12:00 pm PT, Pac-12
What the frick was that game between Oregon State and California last week? I picked the winner correctly but probably missed the spread by 30 points.
This Saturday, I expect things to return to a “sense of normalcy.” We’ve heard that before.
Utah enters this contest with an opportunity to win their last game without Cam Rising; they travel to the Coliseum and then host Oregon the following two weeks.
For Cal, what the frick. There’s no time to find an identity in Salt Lake City, so they’ll hope to hang around and get lucky.
This isn’t Vegas, Utes by 14.
Utah 31, Cal 17
No. 8 Oregon at No. 7 Washington
Saturday, October 14
12:30 pm PT, ABC
This is probably the biggest college football game the Pacific Northwest has ever seen.
Washington enters this matchup with the best passing attack in the nation; the Huskies literally average 75 yards more per game than the second-place team. UW is led by quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and arguably the best trio of wideouts in the country.
For Oregon, they remember what happened last year. The Ducks enter this contest with revenge and the conference title on their minds. UO feels like the more complete team, but Washington’s darn explosive.
Physicality will win in the end. Ducks by one.
Oregon 35, Washington 34
BYU at TCU
Saturday, October 14
12:30 pm PT, ESPN
This is the game I’ve been most unsure about all year; now let me check who I picked. Alright, I may have lied a little bit, but either way, it’s time to form an argument.
BYU enters this matchup coming off a bye week after previously defeating Cincinnati. The Cougars are led by Kedon Slovis, who’s thrown for 1,240 yards and ten touchdowns on the year.
For TCU, they enter this contest having lost two in a row and will look to take out their frustrations on the conference newbie. The Horned Frogs feature a balanced offense led by quarterback Chandler Morris and halfback Emani Bailey.
Huh, I gotta pick someone. I got the guys from Fort Worth.
TCU 27, BYU 23
UNLV at Nevada
Saturday, October 14
2:00 pm PT, Mountain West
I have to be honest; I don’t know the name of this rivalry, and I should. But maybe it’s because I’ve never actually been cool enough to go to Vegas; my friends have tried.
In the “Battle for Nevada” edition, UNLV enters as the favorite. The Rebels are 4-1 on the year and led by a trio of running backs. Jai’den Thomas leads the way with 273 yards and seven touchdowns.
For Nevada, they have to muster everything within their soul to try to win the Fremont Cannon. They may consider starting AJ Bianco again; he could provide a spark.
But a flicker won’t get it done, LV cruises.
UNLV 30, Nevada 20
Wyoming at Air Force
Saturday, October 14
4:00 pm PT, CBS Sports
This is one of those matchups that’s cool because both programs are trying to move up a floor.
Wyoming enters this contest, coming off a huge victory against Fresno State. If they win in Colorado Springs, they should be ranked. The Cowboys offense has been middle of the highway all season, but quarterback Andrew Peasley’s proven efficient.
For Air Force, this can be considered their first real test of the year, which is indicative of a team on the rise. The Falcons are led by a group of running backs, which combine to form the best rushing attack in the nation.
Air Force is favored, but this feels tricky—so is defending our country. The Falcons win close.
Air Force 30, Wyoming 27
Arizona at No. 19 Washington State
Saturday, October 14
4:00 pm PT, Pac-12
This game could prove the most exciting matchup of the week; I sound like a damn Coug, maybe outside of UW-Oregon.
Washington State enters this contest after getting eaten by D’Anton Lynn’s defensive scheme. No one on the Cougars offensive line could block Laiatu Latu. If WSU wants to revitalize the nation’s number two passing attack, they’ll need to protect Cam Ward.
For Arizona, they need to play four quarters. The Wildcats looked for real against USC but lacked consistency.
AZ may be the better team, but I’m picking my Cougs. I gotta follow my heart.
Washington State 41, Arizona 38
No. 10 USC at No. 21 Notre Dame
Saturday, October 14
4:30 pm PT, NBC/Peacock
Where in the World is Carmen San Diego? I mean USC last week. The Trojans played a subpar first quarter, but as the game progressed, the team found their rhythm and did enough to win.
Against Notre Dame, the Trojans will need to get off to a faster start. SC’s scoring defense ranks 81st in the nation, and they do not want to fall behind a Sam Hartman-led squad.
The Fighting Irish’s quarterback has thrown for 1,712 yards and 16 touchdowns thus far. Even though USC didn’t play to their standards, it’s because they’ve earned the right to be compared with the best.
And they’ll continue to do so. SC by three.
USC 45, Notre Dame 42
No. 18 UCLA at No. 15 Oregon State
Saturday, October 14
5:00 pm PT, FOX
After watching the Cougs game last week, I was sure I would pick UCLA. But then I realized the best way to stop a blitz scheme is to have a dominant offensive line.
Oregon State had two Preseason All-Pac-12 First Team linemen and another on the Second Team. Combine this with First Teamer at running back in Damien Martinez, and the Beavers should match up well in this contest.
For UCLA, it’s another case of the big boys against a small-town team. The Bruins may have more talent on their roster, but Dante Moore’s lack of experience could hurt.
The Pac-2 Championship ain’t going to L.A. Beavs in a scrap.
Oregon State 21, UCLA 20
Boise State at Colorado State
Saturday, October 14
6:45 pm PT, FS1
Oh, man, when Boise State was losing 27-7 last week, I thought my predictions were going in the dishwasher. But the Broncos fought back, giving themselves a .500 record and hope for their season.
This feels like a Bronco tale, but if Cinderella’s going to appear, they must get it done in Fort Collins. It should also prove interesting to see who’s the starting quarterback this week.
For Colorado State, I hope they continue to roll with signal caller Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi. Fowler-Nicolosi had a tough outing last week but was dripping in sauce previously.
I’m old, and I’m running out of sauce. BSU wins comfortably close.
Boise State 28, Colorado State 21
San Diego State at Hawai’i
Saturday, October 14
8:30 pm PT, CBS Sports
Ahh, the last preview. I guess I’m lucky Hawaii’s my second favorite team. But besides that, it’s been a pretty tough year for the Rainbow Warriors.
Last week, they got blown out at UNLV, and they entered this contest 2-4. They’re led by quarterback Brayden Schager, who’s thrown for 1,661 yards and 14 touchdowns on the year.
For San Diego State, a loss in this matchup, and their program is in full reset mode. The Aztecs have lost four in a row, but all were against solid teams.
As solid as I want Hawaii to be, it’s not beach-bod season.
SDSU in a blowout.
San Diego State 31, Hawai’i 24
