Biggest games of the coming week
Arizona State vs Georgia Tech – 2/18
The Sun Devils’ defense looked fantastic in their loss to Florida State, but the offense couldn’t get it going. The Yellow Jackets took down #24 SMU, but Arizona State will be a much bigger test of their offense (which, so far, has been overpowering).
Expect ASU to slow down Georgia Tech, but Georgia Tech to still take the W.
Prediction: Georgia Tech 10, ASU 8.
SMU at Texas – 2/18
This could be an early-season preview of the LSA Championship. Texas has rebounded from a down year to become the favorites in the LSA South, but will need to prove that they can overcome last year’s champs.
The Mustangs looked solid against Georgia Tech, but they could definitely fall to Texas. I’m taking Texas simply because they host, and their confidence has to be high.
Prediction: Texas 12, SMU 9
Oregon State vs Arizona – 2/18 Pac 12 Shootout in LA
This game takes the top billing at this year’s Pac-12 Shootout. Arizona is coming off of a rough start, dropping two of its first three games. It needs a big win to rebound, and beating #12 Oregon State could do just that for them.
Oregon State, meanwhile, just downed #25 Sonoma State, but a win over a powerhouse program like Arizona could solidify their position as a potential top-10 team.
Prediction: OSU 8, Arizona 7 (OT)
Oregon at Chapman – 2/19
Chapman took down a ranked team in their opener, but they’ll have to improve their defense to keep up with the firepower the Ducks have this year. Oregon gets a rough starting game in having to take on the defending champs, but Cade Bailey, a DI transfer from Bryant, could provide a huge spark for the Ducks’ offense.
Chapman has plenty of high-profile tests to their undefeated streak, but this is certainly one of the bigger ones.
Prediction: Chapman 16, Oregon 13
Way too early predictions for the season
Final Four: Chapman, Cal Poly, BYU, Grand Canyon
Player of the Year: Sean Phil, G, Cal Poly
