College Football Week 10 Bold Predictions

1. Louisville stuns Florida State

If this game were played last week I wouldn't even consider this a bold prediction.  Florida State is coming off a huge win against Notre Dame that likely left the team physically and emotionally exhausted.  With almost two weeks to get ready for the Cardinals, you'd expect the Seminoles to be fully prepared.  But it's possible the focus wasn't there last week after the close win and with the players knowing they had a bye.  Suddenly, it's a short week and then a trip to face a stingy Louisville defense.  A late field goal propels the Cardinals to a 26 - 24 victory over the Seminoles.

2. Oregon beats Stanford by double-digits

Stanford seems to have had Oregon's number in recent years, but the Ducks won't fall victim this time around.  Stanford doesn't have the power running attack they've had success with in previous seasons and has also been prone to more turnovers than usual.  Oregon capitalizes on Stanford's mistakes for a 29 - 17 home win.

3. Ezekiel Elliott rushes for career-high yardage against Illinois

Ohio State has a long history of big rushing performances against the Fighting Illini and this year looks to be no different.  Last year, Carlos Hyde ran for 246 yards against Illinois, third best in school history.  Number one and two?  Eddie George and Keith Byars, respectively, both against Illinois.  With Rod Smith's departure and Barrett dealing with an MCL sprain, Elliot could have a hefty workload on Saturday, facing an Illini defense giving up over 250 rushing yards per game.  He needs 183 rushing yards to surpass his previous career-best versus Cincinnati earlier this season, but I think he has a good shot of hitting the 200 mark.  Barrett gets some rest as the Buckeyes ride Elliott to a 44 - 14 triumph.

4. Maryland beats Penn State for the Nittany Lions' fourth-straight loss

Penn State gave Ohio State everything they could handle and more last week, but ultimately fell in double overtime.  Meanwhile, Maryland took a 52 - 7 beating at Wisconsin, their worst loss of the season.  So it all depends on how these two teams respond to different but equally tough losses.  My guess is Penn State limps in after losing three in a row, down on themselves, especially after an encouraging 4 - 0 start.  Maryland, on the other hand, will look to rebound and get bow eligible.  The Terrapins' offense may struggle at first with the large crowd, but Penn State's offense stalls as Maryland eventually gets things going in the second half.  Nittany Lions lose again, 20 - 17.

5. Alabama's Nick Saban starts charity fund to pay for new sports car

Life can be tough for the top coaches in college football.  It's not easy making ends meet on a measly $7 million per year.  The Crimson Tide Foundation recognized this, and eased things a bit for Alabama head coach Nick Saban by paying off his $3.1 million house.  Now if only he can get them to pay for a new Ferrari... a coach needs a way to get around, right?