Iowa Football: Week 10 games to care about while Hawks on bye week

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TEMPE, AZ – NOVEMBER 03: Running back Eno Benjamin #3 of the Arizona State Sun Devils rushes the football against the Utah Utes during the first half of the college football game at Sun Devil Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

One-loss teams that could lose to unranked foes

#9 Utah at Washington

Point Spread: Utah -3.5

Rooting Interest: Washington. While I don’t truly believe that Iowa football has a chance at the College Football Playoff this year, the chances increase when teams ahead of the Hawkeyes lose. Otherwise, I don’t really have a dog in this fight.

Point Spread Pick: Washington +3.5. Last week’s loss at home to Oregon was the largest margin the Huskies have lost by at home. This probably will prove that the transitive property does not work in college football, but I think Oregon is a better team than Utah. I see this game being decided by a field goal.

#7 Oregon at USC

Point Spread: Oregon -4.5

Rooting Interest: USC. For the same reason I root against Utah in the previous game, I am pulling for USC in this one. If we are being completely honest with ourselves, it isn’t as much rooting for USC as it is rooting against Oregon. I still remember when the worldwide leader in sports was unhealthily infatuated with USC, so it is difficult to root for them explicitly.

Point Spread Pick: USC +4.5. This is my upset pick of the week. In three consecutive weeks, a top 5 team has lost to an unranked team. The only top 5 team playing this week is Clemson, and they play an FCS opponent. However, for a fourth consecutive week, a top 10 team will lose to an unranked team.

USC is actually a good team, especially at home. I see USC not only beating the spread but also winning the game (without the points given).

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