College Football Top 25: Recapping Week 7, previewing Week 8

5. Ohio State (5-1)

Week 7 result: BYE

The Buckeyes did not have a game week which they probably were not thrilled about given how well they had been playing. Ohio State is one of the hottest teams in the entire country and has quietly put themselves back in a prime position to make the playoff. They will need to stay hot coming out of a bye week as they travel Indiana next to take on the Hoosiers who nearly beat them a year ago.

Next game: vs. Indiana
My prediction: Win 45-19

6. Michigan (6-0)

Week 7 result: BYE

Michigan was also on a bye this week. They are now one of two remaining undefeated teams in the Big 10. Lucky for them, they have one more fairly easy game next week against Northwestern before the final five games which will by far be the toughest stretch of their schedule.

Next game: vs. Northwestern
My prediction: Win 34-7

7. Penn State (5-1)

Week 7 result: BYE

Penn State could not have asked for a better time to be on a bye week. They got banged up against Iowa and lost several key players to injuries in that one. The Nittany Lions are hoping this extra week of rest will help get some of those players back on the field.

Quarterback Sean Clifford’s health is the main focus right now as this team clearly needs him to succeed the rest of the year. Luckily he is not out for the season, but his return next week is still questionable. At least their game is only against Illinois. So they hopefully will not even need him in order to win that one.

Next game: vs. Illinois
My prediction: Win 30-10