College Football: 25 Bold Predictions for Top 25 in Week 4

Bold prediction: Jake Browning does not throw a touchdown pass. This  rematch of the 2016 Pac-12 Championship game is going to be a tough, physical contest. They might not have the depth they did last year, but the Buffs’ defense is still the stingiest unit that Washington has faced so far this year. Myles Gaskin‘s successes on the ground trump Browning’s ability to work in the tight windows of the Colorado secondary.

Bold prediction: Mason Rudolph throws for six touchdowns. This game is being billed as a heavy-weight fight. I just don’t see it. Rudolph is going to have to stick this one out to the end rather than taking a seat after the first half, but that means more touchdowns for the Cowboys’ signal caller that is beginning to make serious noise in the Heisman Trophy race.

Bold prediction: Sam Darnold is intercepted three times. The Trojan golden boy looked sharpest in USC’s win over Stanford, but through three games he has just seven touchdowns with six interceptions. He’s serviceable, but not nearly as good as advertised. His No. 1 overall pick hopes take a jolt this weekend when a tricky road trip to Cal proves problematic for a strong armed quarterback that is struggling with decision-making.

Bold prediction: Penn State never trails in this game. Another trendy sleeper, the media has been pumping up the “road games at Iowa” narrative all week. There’s just one problem. These Hawkeyes aren’t that great. They barely won an overtime contest against Iowa State and have to replace a dearth of defensive talent. In case you have missed it, Saquon Barkley is good at football, and has been for some time. Not only is this one not close, the Nittany Lions aren’t threatened at any point in this game.