College Football Predictions: McMurphy’s best Week 7 trades

Before we get started, Texas coach Steve Sarkisian wants to address the readers. Even though I’ve done an incredible job predicting games, I realize I haven’t met the expectations that come with my last name.

“I think if you took the name off the back of his jersey and you said ‘here’s Joe Smith’ (predicting games for On3 and here’s a guy that’s had four winning weeks in his last five columns,) we’d be praising the guy,” Sarkisian may have said. “The expectations are high for him, but he understands that. The expectations are high for all of us. So, we gotta put our nose back to the grind and get back to work.”

Meanwhile, Texas QB Arch Manning is completing 63 percent of his passes this season. In the past five weeks, I’m also at 63 percent with my predictions (32-19), even after a 5-6 week. Appreciate you having my back, Sark. 

Onto Week 7 using odds courtesy of Polymarket.

Appalachian State at Coastal Carolina, Friday

Coastal Carolina will wear special “Back to the ‘90s” jerseys for tonight’s home game with Appalachian State. When I posted some photos of the jerseys on Twitter, one of the first responses was “horrific.” That may be a little harsh, but the Chants’ 2-4 start also hasn’t been great, their worst since 2017, when they finished 3-9. The Mountaineers have played the tougher schedule and feature the better offense and defense. They should get the win, if they’re not distracted by the uniforms.
My Position: Appalachian State to cover +1½ at 55%

Ohio State at Indiana

In his 101st game as Ohio State’s coach, Ryan Day seeks revenge against a non-Michigan team from the prior season for the first time. Last year, the Hoosiers edged the Buckeyes 13-10 in the Big Ten title game. This season, Ohio State gets pay back. Kudos to Curt Cignetti on the Hoosiers’ 22-game winning streak, but the Buck(eyes) stop it here. All world WR Jeremiah Smith will be a matchup problem for the Hoosiers, who have escaped close calls against Northwestern (29-23) and Nebraska (20-17). They won’t be as fortunate this time. Buy a half-point, if needed, to get Ohio State at less than a field goal favorite.
My Position: Ohio State to cover -2½ at 58%

Georgia State at James Madison

Four years after joining the Sun Belt, James Madison had enough. The Dukes announced Monday they were leaving for the American Conference. Billy Napier’s club is 6-0, but now will have a target on their back until they exit the league. The Dukes are the Sun Belt’s only unbeaten team, but will be challenged by Georgia State. The Panthers (5-1) lead the Sun Belt in total offense (468 yards per game) and total defense (301 yards allowed per game).
My Position: Georgia State to cover +13½ at 53%

Missouri at Ole Miss

This scheduling spot favors Ole Miss. Since the Rebels lost at Florida on Sept. 26, they’ve been off the past two weeks. Actually, they weren’t off last week, it just seemed like it in a 52-17 rout at Vanderbilt. Meanwhile, this will be Missouri’s seventh consecutive game in as many weeks – it has an open date next week – and how much will the Tigers have left in their tank? After a close loss at Mississippi State on Sept. 26, they’ve had two emotional home wins against Florida and Texas A&M. Missouri will need it’s A-game against Trinidad Chambliss and Kewan Lacy in Oxford.
My Position: Ole Miss to cover -4½ at 54%

Washington State at Oregon State

Say hello to America’s hottest team right now, your Oregon State Beavers. In their last four games, they’ve won by 35, 26, 30 and 52 points. They feature the nation’s leading passer – QB Braden Atkinson (averaging 376 yards passing a game) – and the nation’s leading receiver – Jesse Legree (24.5 yards per reception and 155 yards receiving per game). Next up for Oregon State is Washington State. It’s a matchup of the only remaining original Pac-12 teams left behind when everyone else scattered to the Big Ten, Big 12 and ACC.
My Position: Oregon State to cover -16½ points at 55%

Kentucky at Oklahoma

Oklahoma is coming off an upset of rival and No. 1-ranked Texas, while Kentucky has won consecutive games in overtime by converting two-point conversions. Perhaps the Wildcats’ 5-1 record is somewhat misleading. The Sooners’ offense has been misfiring all season, but Oklahoma’s defense is legit.
My Position: Oklahoma to cover -6½ at 53%

Notre Dame at BYU

Notre Dame has won its last 16 games by double digits – and in that span the Irish have been less than a 10-point favorite only once. So basically, they’ve beaten a lot of inferior opponents. Saturday, however, brings their toughest test of the year (until Miami comes to South Bend next month). This will be the biggest home game in BYU’s storied history: a top-10 matchup of unbeaten teams. The Cougars are without RB LJ Martin, so QB Bear Bachmeier will have to carry the offense. Notre Dame QB CJ Carr, who was the preseason Heisman favorite, can get back in the race with a dominating performance.
My Position: Notre Dame to cover -9½ at 55%

Last week: 5-6
Record this season: 40-29

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