PIGSKIN PICK 'EMS

This weekly series offers a dive into some of the biggest games of college football around the country. Follow along as the Exponent ‘experts’ offer our analysis of the upcoming weekend’s slate of games, featuring some of the most storied NCAA football programs alongside the weekly Cats’ game. Don’t be afraid to pull up in the comments and tell us when we drop the ball, we don’t bite.

Record: 

Thomas: 12-6 (3-0)

Meredith: 14-4 (3-0)

Jaxson: 13-5 (3-0)

Liam: 3-0 (3-0)

Idaho State (1-5) @ #8 Montana State (6-1)

Saturday, October 23 @ 1:00 p.m. in Bobcat Stadium 

Thomas 

This weekend’s matchup is a trap game. Idaho State is 1-5, but if the Cats overlook the Bengals like UC Davis did, they’ll be in for a surprise. As long as MSU is able to keep its focus against a far less-talented squad in Idaho State, this game should be an easy win for a Bobcat team that’s been eating up its Big Sky opponents this season. If not, lookout. Score: Bobcats 49 - Bengals 14.

Meredith 

Not only is this game going to be extremely exciting because we can see the Cats prevail again, but the stadium will also be packed in cotton candy pink. Idaho State recently lost to Portland State, a team the Bobcats handled easily earlier in the season. The Bobcats have kept their strong defensive line and the offense will continue to work its way down the field. Bobcats 35-14.

Jaxson 

The Cats’ defense continues to dominate. In their most recent game, the Bobcats only allowed 172 yards after the Wildcats marched down the field for 97 yards on their first drive. The offense did not churn out big numbers as they have in weeks past, only producing 222 yards of total offense. But, against a struggling Idaho State team who has given up a whopping 172 points against, Matt McKay and company will light up the Bobcat scoreboard yet again. Cats win 45-10.

Liam 

Idaho State has been struggling this season, and with the amount of momentum the Cats’ have, they might be able to run the score up this week. Hopefully, some of the second string players will get to show off their skills. Occasionally teams get overconfident when the records are this different. However, with the Cats playing on home turf, I am sure they will be sharp and play well. The Cats’ will crush Idaho State 42 - 14.

#10 Oregon (5-1) @ UCLA (5-2) 

Saturday, Oct. 23 @ 1:30 p.m. on ABC 

Thomas 

The showdown between the top dogs in the Pac-12 is going down this weekend at the Rose Bowl and Oregon is easily the better team. The Ducks’ upside is huge — they beat Ohio State in week two — but they consistently play down to their competition and put themselves in dangerous situations. That’s not a winning formula. Oregon will falter again and the team’s remaining sliver of hope for a National title will melt in the California sun. UCLA 32 - Oregon 27.

Meredith 

Going into this weekend, Oregon is a slight underdog to UCLA. Ranked at #10, it is a slight shocker to see Oregon is not a favorite even though they beat #5 Ohio State. While Oregon has lost, most of their wins have been a little more convincing than UCLA. I say that even though UCLA is a predicted winner, the Ducks will end up on top. Oregon 31 - UCLA 24

Jaxson 

This matchup pits two of the most storied college football teams from the Pac-12 against each other on national television. If the Ducks and the Pac-12 Conference hope to have a team in the College Football Championship, this is a must win game for Oregon. The Ducks have struggled in their past two games but I see Oregon traveling to Los Angeles and downing UCLA. Behind a powerful run game and the smothering backfield tandem of C.J. Verdell and Travis Dye, Oregon will leave Rose Bowl Stadium with the win. Ducks soar over the Bruins, 21-10.

Liam 

Besides the Cats’ Game, this will be the most exciting football game this week. UCLA star quarterback Thompson-Robinson has had a shoulder injury since playing Stanford Saturday, Sept. 25. He recovered and played a great game last week against Washington. He will be eager to put on another excellent performance against the Ducks. Since the Ducks have suffered many injuries this season I can’t predict they will win. UCLA will be victorious, 38-24.

USC (3-3) @ #13 Notre Dame 

Saturday, Oct. 23 @ 5:30 p.m. on NBC 

Thomas 

Notre Dame is ranked 13th in the nation going into its game against USC, but the Fighting Irish may be one of the best teams in the nation. Their only loss this season was to No. 2 ranked Cincinnati, while the Trojans have lost two out of their last three games, including a 45-27 drubbing at the hands of Oregon State. Notre Dame will win easily and restate their case for a Top-10 ranking. Score: Fighting Irish 52 - Trojans 24.

Meredith 

Notre Dame has been a competitive team this season. They crushed Wisconsin, and after their loss they were able to pull it together and beat Virginia Tech. USC has struggled some this season. They have potential, but they also have a defense that seems like they let go when things get rough. The Fighting Irish take this one. Notre Dame 45-31

Jaxson 

Week eight features one of the best college football rivalries as the Trojans travel to South Bend, Indiana to take on the Fighting Irish. USC has struggled this season, but that does not take away from the talent the team has. The Trojan offense is capable of putting up impressive marks, scoring 193 points across all competitions, and with a weak Irish defense, I see USC going on the road and showing that the Pac-12 shouldn’t be overlooked. Trojans raid South Bend and win 35-27.

Liam 

USC versus Notre Dame is a classic rivalry. The matchup to watch in this game is Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton against USC wide receiver Drake London. Both players are predicted to be first-round draft picks. The Irish are always a good team, but with USC well-rested from coming off a bye week, I am excited to see what happens. Notre Dame will pull off the win against USC 27 - 24.