Hens have chance to be relevant at Stony Brook
The University of Delaware is receiving top-25 votes after giving defending champion James Madison all they could ask for in a competitive game. This week, the Hens make their first trip ever to Stony Brook. The Seawolves are ranked No. 24, and present an opportunity for Delaware to get its first quality win of the season.
Also, this week's schedule features two top-25 matchups, including a Big 12 game that has playoff implications.
No. 17 Louisville at No. 24 North Carolina State: Louisville quarterback and Heisman candidate Lamar Jackson looks to have rebounded after an underwhelming performance against defending champion Clemson. N.C. State is in the top-25 after topping Florida State, and Syracuse, however, I am not sold on the Wolfpack. They lost to a mediocre South Carolina team, and I believe Florida State should’ve dropped out of the rankings after getting walloped by Alabama. I think we’ll see Jackson account for at least three touchdowns. Louisville 32, North Carolina State 29.
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No. 23 West Virginia at No. 8 TCU: The Horned Frogs are not playing pretender this year. After upsetting then-ranked No. 6 Oklahoma State on the road, TCU has had an extra week to recompose and focus on their next target. The bye week should allow TCU coach Gary Patterson to draw up more ways to find the end zone. Expect a high-scoring affair, as the Big 12 doesn’t like to play defense. TCU 36, West Virginia 33.
No. 4 Penn State at Northwestern: Penn State’s Saquon Barkley should be the no doubt frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy this season. He leads the Nittany Lions in both receiving and rushing with 574 yards and four touchdowns on the ground, and 386 yards and two touchdowns in the air. Penn State should roll in this one. Penn State 34, Northwestern 20.
Maryland at No. 10 Ohio State: Ohio State has been playing with a purpose after Oklahoma desecrated their home field. The Buckeyes have won their last three games by a combined 121 points. The Terrapins have suffered devastating injuries at quarterback; which will make it tough to keep up with the Buckeyes. Ohio State 37, Maryland 27.
North Carolina A&T at Delaware State: The Hornets just can’t seem to get it together. They had multiple chances against Norfolk State, and Hampton, but, they are 0-4 and are taking on the undefeated Aggies on the road. North Carolina A&T knocked off Charlotte of the FBS, and are averaging 46 points per game. North Carolina A&T 39, Delaware State 11.
Wesley at Frostburg State: A big test faces the No. 20 Wolverines this week. Wesley travels to 9th-ranked Frostburg State who's undefeated. Wesley has been playing with a fire since its Week 1 loss to Delaware Valley. The Wolverines have since pitched shutouts of 33-0, 66-0, and 49-0. Wesley is also road tested with three away games already in the books. I like Wesley’s much-improved defense to carry them to victory in my upset of the week. Wesley 28, Frostburg State 21.
Delaware at Stony Brook: The Blue Hens will be making their first-ever trip to Stony Brook. Ranked No. 24 in the FCS, the Seawolves have only lost at now-ranked No. 18 South Florida. Stony Brook also leads the CAA with a 3-0 conference record. The Hens might be changing at quarterback with transfer J.P. Caruso taking a few first string snaps this week. I like the Hens defense, however, the uncertainty of the offense has me picking Seawolves this week. Stony Brook 22, Delaware 18.
Last week's record: 5-0
Overall record: 18-10
Tweet @jeffreytaviano or email jtaviano@delawareonline.com for questions concerning games you may be looking forward too.