#10 Indiana at #2 Oregon – Autzen Stadium, Eugene, OR
Game Preview
Two undefeated Big Ten contenders meet in a game with major College Football Playoff implications. Indiana (5-0) is led by head coach Curt Cignetti and quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who has thrown for 1,208 yards and 16 touchdowns. Oregon (5-0) counters with Dante Moore, who has 1,210 yards and 14 touchdowns. Both teams are coming off bye weeks and statement wins—Indiana over Iowa, Oregon in double OT at Penn State.
Matchups to Watch
Fernando Mendoza vs. Oregon’s Pass Rush: Oregon’s defense, led by Matayo Uiagalelei and Teitum Tuioti, must pressure Mendoza, who has been deadly accurate.
Dante Moore vs. Indiana’s Secondary: Indiana’s defense has allowed just 9.6 points per game. Moore will need to be sharp against a disciplined unit.
Elijah Sarratt vs. Dillon Thieneman: Sarratt had 132 yards and a TD vs. Iowa.
Thieneman anchors Oregon’s secondary and will be tested deep.
NFL Draft Prospects to Watch
Dante Moore (QB, Oregon) – Sophomore with elite arm talent and poise.
Fernando Mendoza (QB, Indiana) – Junior rising quickly on draft boards.
Elijah Sarratt (WR, Indiana) – Senior with size and route-running polish.
Kenyon Sadiq (TE, Oregon) – Junior tight end with 204 yards and 3 TDs.
Matayo Uiagalelei (LB, Oregon) – Junior edge rusher with 4 sacks.
Sportsvival Prediction: Oregon 27 Indiana 24
#7 Alabama at #12 Missouri – Memorial Stadium, Columbia, MO
Game Preview
Missouri (5-0) is looking to prove it belongs among the SEC elite. Alabama (4-1) has rebounded from an early loss to Florida State with wins over Georgia and Vanderbilt. This game pits Missouri’s explosive offense against Alabama’s battle-tested defense.
Matchups to Watch
Ahmad Hardy vs. Alabama’s Front Seven: Hardy leads the nation in rushing yards (730) and TDs (9). Alabama’s defense must contain him.
-Ty Simpson vs. Missouri’s Secondary: Simpson has thrown for 1,478 yards and 13 TDs. Missouri’s defense ranks 14th nationally in points allowed.
Germie Bernard vs. Toriano Pride Jr.: Bernard has 5 TDs and is Simpson’s go-to target. Pride anchors Missouri’s secondary.
NFL Draft Prospects to Watch
Ty Simpson (QB, Alabama) – Junior with elite accuracy and decision-making.
Ahmad Hardy (RB, Missouri) – Sophomore with power and vision.
Germie Bernard (WR, Alabama) – Senior with 392 yards and 5 TDs.
Beau Pribula (QB, Missouri) – Senior completing 75.9% of passes.
Justin Jefferson (LB, Alabama) – Senior leader with versatility.
Sportsvival Prediction: Alabama 34 Missouri 22
#1 Ohio State at #19 Illinois – Memorial Stadium, Champaign, IL
Game Preview
Ohio State (5-0) boasts the nation’s top scoring defense, allowing just 5 points per game. Illinois (5-1) has bounced back from a blowout loss to Indiana with wins over USC and Purdue. This is the first Illibuck Trophy game since 2017 and could be a trap game for the Buckeyes.
Matchups to Watch
Julian Sayin vs. Illinois Defense: Sayin leads the nation in completion percentage (80.2%) and has 13 TDs. Illinois has allowed 252.3 passing yards per game.
Luke Altmyer vs. Ohio State’s Pass Rush: Altmyer has 1,573 yards and 12 TDs with no picks, but has been sacked 19 times.
Hank Beatty vs. Sonny Styles: Beatty leads Illinois with 569 receiving yards. Styles is a senior linebacker with elite coverage skills.
NFL Draft Prospects to Watch
Julian Sayin (QB, Ohio State) – Sophomore with elite accuracy and poise.
Luke Altmyer (QB, Illinois) – Senior with zero interceptions and high efficiency.
Jeremiah Smith (WR, Ohio State) – Sophomore with 463 yards and 6 TDs.
Carnell Tate (WR, Ohio State) – Junior averaging 87 yards per game.
Caden Curry (DL, Ohio State) – Junior with 8 TFL and 5 sacks.