Finally-A-Friday, Week 7, Tonight’s Showdown in the Desert, Utah at Arizona State

Game: 16 Utah at Arizona State

Game Time: 10:30 PM Eastern, 7:30 PM Pacific

The stage is set for a classic Big 12 showdown under the Friday night lights. Still licking its wounds from a humbling loss to Arizona, Utah heads to Tempe to face an unexpectedly potent Arizona State squad. It’s a clash of styles, a battle of wills, and a pivotal moment for both teams in the conference race.

The Utes: Wounded But Dangerous

Utah, known for its stifling defense and physicality, has been hit hard by injuries. The availability of star quarterback Cameron Rising remains a mystery, shrouded in the typical Whittinghamian secrecy. If Rising can’t go, it’ll be up to freshman Isaac Wilson to navigate a hostile environment and avoid the red zone woes that plagued him against Arizona.

The Sun Devils: A Desert Mirage or the Real Deal?

Arizona State, led by freshman quarterback sensation Sam Leavitt, has defied expectations with a 4-1 start. But their schedule has been soft, and Utah represents a significant step up in competition. Can Leavitt handle the pressure of a primetime matchup against a top-tier defense?

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Week 7 – Hot Seat Rankings Overview

In college football’s high-stakes arena, where multimillion-dollar decisions hinge on the outcome of a single play, a silent countdown ticks away. We’re approaching the season’s midpoint, that critical juncture where athletic directors start crunching numbers that have nothing to do with touchdowns or field goals.

Welcome to this week’s Coaches Hot Seat Rankings, where we peel back the curtain on the beautifully absurd world of college football economics.

Forget win-loss records for a moment (though they’re the fuel that feeds this fire). Forget rivalry games and conference standings (the kindling, if you will). Today, we’re diving headfirst into the labyrinthine world of contract buyouts—those golden parachutes that can turn a simple firing into a financial apocalypse.

We’ve identified the top 5 coaches whose seats aren’t just hot—they’re scorching. But here’s the twist: their fates aren’t sealed by X’s and O’s alone. No, these men are trapped in a game where the final score is tallied not on a scoreboard but in a boardroom.

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The Coaching Carousel: A Wild Ride of Buyouts, Bargains, and Burnt Biscuits

Hefty Buyouts Await 4 of Our Top 5

Let’s go on a whirlwind tour of the college football coaching carousel, where the stakes are high, the contracts are crazy, and the pressure is hotter than a two-dollar pistol. We’re talkin’ buyouts that could make your head spin, fan bases ready to revolt, and coaches clinging to their jobs like a possum to a persimmon tree.

First Stop: Gainesville, Florida

Picture this: The Swamp, home of the Florida Gators, where the humidity rivals the pressure to win, and the athletic department operates like it’s stuck in a time warp. We’re talkin’ Windows 95 computers, flip phones, and a fax machine that’s practically considered cutting-edge technology.

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LSU’s Tiger Stadium: A Century of Gridiron Glory

Few venues can match the storied legacy of Louisiana State University’s Tiger Stadium in the annals of college football history. For nearly a century, this hallowed ground has been the stage for some of the sport’s most electrifying moments, a colosseum of the South that has witnessed the rise and fall of football dynasties.

A Monument to American Ingenuity

The year was 1924. Calvin Coolidge was president, George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” premiered, and in Baton Rouge, a modest 12,000-seat stadium known as “State Field” rose from the earth. Little did anyone know that this humble beginning would evolve into one of college football’s most iconic landmarks.

But the true stroke of genius came during the Great Depression, a time when American resourcefulness was put to the test. In the 1930s, as the nation grappled with economic turmoil, Louisiana’s larger-than-life Governor Huey P. Long and LSU’s crafty athletics manager Thomas “Skipper” Heard concocted a plan that epitomized the era’s “make do and mend” spirit.

The Dormitory Stadium: A Depression-Era Masterstroke

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Week 3 Coaches Hot Seat Rankings: Who’s Feeling the Burn and Who’s About to Get Torched?

1. Billy Napier – Florida

A High-Stakes Balancing Act

Billy Napier’s time in Gainesville is fast becoming a cautionary tale of what happens when a promising coaching hire collides head-on with the unforgiving realities of SEC football. After two-plus seasons at the helm of the Florida Gators, Napier has not only failed to ignite the fire fans had hoped for but also finds himself doused in a cold bath of doubt and second-guessing. His record? A tepid 11-15. His latest chapter? A 6-game losing skid that reads like a death spiral, punctuated by 11 losses in his last 14 outings against Power 5 competition.

Where Things Stand Now: A Program on the Brink

Napier’s Gators opened this season with a 41-17 faceplant against Miami—a performance with the Florida faithful clutching their pearls and boosters reaching for their checkbooks, not to invest but to buy out. The offense, lacking punch and rhythm, seems less like a coordinated attack and more like a jazz improvisation gone wrong. Meanwhile, the defense has been shredded with the kind of ease that has rivals circling like sharks in a tide of blood. And as if that weren’t enough, Nick Saban, the Oracle of Tuscaloosa, took a not-so-subtle jab at the program’s culture, suggesting it’s not up to SEC standards. When the godfather of college football speaks, the echo reverberates across the conference.

To add to Napier’s woes, he’s staring down the barrel of what many are calling the most challenging schedule in school history. No team in the country—not even a powerhouse like Florida—gets to skate by on mediocrity when the SEC gauntlet is loaded with landmines from top to bottom.

Pressure Cookers and Powder Kegs: Why Napier is Running Out of Time

If you’re a head coach at Florida, you’re not just managing a football team—you’re handling the emotional volatility of an entire state. And right now, the fanbase and boosters are running out of patience. Their expectations were sky-high when Napier arrived, believing he was the tactical mind who could return the Gators to glory. Instead, they’ve got a team that looks like it’s sleepwalking through the SEC. Add a string of early-season firings across college football and the precedent is set: no one is safe, not even in September.

But firing a coach isn’t as simple as pulling the plug. There’s the small matter of Napier’s buyout—an eye-watering $25 million if he’s let go this season. That’s the financial anchor that can keep even the hottest seats from spontaneously combusting. Plus, Florida’s historical tendency has been to at least give their head coaches until October.

The Road Ahead: A Future That Could Be Written in Weeks, Not Months

So, where does this leave Billy Napier? At a precipice, with both feet teetering over the edge. The next few weeks will be defining. You’d think last week’s win against Samford offered a brief reprieve, a momentary gasp of air, but it didn’t. A string of losses in SEC play could transform simmering discontent into outright mutiny. And at Florida, once the tide of booster sentiment turns, it can be impossible to turn back. The stakes? Enormous. The margin for error? Nonexistent. Napier isn’t just coaching for his job—he’s fighting to keep Florida from becoming another cautionary tale of how quickly things can fall apart in the unforgiving world of college football.

2. Sam Pittman – Arkansas

Arkansas: A Program Teetering on the Edge

For Sam Pittman, the head coach at Arkansas, the honeymoon phase has long since ended, and the stark reality of life in the SEC West has settled in. Coming off a nail-biting double-overtime loss to #16 Oklahoma State, 39-31, Pittman finds himself in a precarious position—caught between the promise of potential and the pressure of unmet expectations. And in Fayetteville, patience is not a virtue; it’s a fleeting luxury.

The Brutal Math of Close Games: A Coach’s Nightmare

Pittman’s record in close games tells the tale of a team that can’t seem to get out of its own way. Over the last two-plus seasons, the Razorbacks are a dismal 3-10 in games decided by seven points or less. That’s more than just bad luck; it’s a pattern. And patterns, especially the losing kind, have a way of becoming narratives that are hard to shake.

Mistakes, it seems, have been Pittman’s constant companion. Turnovers, penalties, and missed field goals are like recurring nightmares that the Razorbacks can’t wake up from. Even when the team shows flashes of brilliance, they stumble at the finish line. There’s a sense that they can compete, but when the clock’s winding down and the game’s on the line, they lack the killer instinct to close the deal.

Mounting Pressure: A Fanbase Running Out of Patience

There’s nothing like a season of self-inflicted wounds to turn up the heat on a head coach. After a disappointing 2023 campaign, Razorback fans are growing restless. They’re not just frustrated—they’re questioning whether Pittman can be the guy to lead this program back to relevance in a brutal SEC West. The expectations for 2024 were clear: show improvement, deliver wins, and reignite a fanbase that’s lost its spark. Anything short of that, and the whispers of discontent will grow into full-throated calls for change.

Pittman knows he’s not just coaching for his job—he’s managing a precarious balancing act between keeping fans engaged and maintaining the critical support of donors. Wins generate excitement, and excitement brings in money. Without either, the financial foundation of a program can start to look shaky.

Reasons for Hope? A Few Bright Spots Amid the Clouds

Still, it’s not all doom and gloom on The Hill. The Razorbacks showed fight in their double-overtime loss to a strong Oklahoma State team—enough to suggest that there’s some bite left in this squad. The schedule ahead also offers a glimmer of hope, with winnable games against UAB, Auburn, and Texas A&M. These matchups represent more than just potential wins; they’re lifelines for a coach whose seat is getting warmer by the week.

There’s also been a significant overhaul on the offensive side of the coaching staff, a move that signals Pittman is willing to make changes to right the ship. But in the cutthroat world of college football, especially in the SEC, moral victories and coaching shakeups only buy so much time. At some point, it comes down to one simple thing: winning.

The Weeks Ahead: Crunch Time for Pittman in Fayetteville

As it stands, Sam Pittman’s seat isn’t just warm—it’s on the verge of catching fire. The UAB game looms large, not just as a must-win but as a critical turning point for a season and, potentially, a tenure. Following that, the Razorbacks enter a gauntlet of SEC matchups against Auburn and Texas A&M. Wins in these games could provide Pittman the breathing room he desperately needs. Losses? They could make his seat unbearable.

In the high-stakes world of SEC football, every game is a referendum on a coach’s future. And for Sam Pittman, that future is hanging in the balance. If he can’t deliver victories—and soon—Arkansas Athletic Director Hunter Yurachek may have no choice but to start looking for a new direction.

3. Dave Aranda – Baylor

The Balance Between Defense and Desperation

Dave Aranda finds himself walking a tightrope at Baylor, where the promise of defensive prowess is increasingly overshadowed by offensive ineptitude. The Bears’ recent 23-12 loss to #11 Utah in Week 2 is just the latest chapter in a saga of struggles against top-tier competition. Baylor fans are left wondering if Aranda’s tenure, once filled with optimism after a Sugar Bowl win, is now defined more by frustration than by future hope.

Offensive Woes: The Achilles’ Heel of Aranda’s Bears

The crux of Baylor’s problems lies in an offense that seems perpetually stuck in neutral. Putting up only 48 total yards in the first half against Utah is more than just a bad stat line; it’s a glaring indictment of an attack that’s failed to gain traction. And it’s not just a one-off issue—since that triumphant Sugar Bowl win in 2022, Baylor has gone 0-9 against ranked opponents. The narrative has become painfully clear: this team can’t win shootouts, and it struggles to even compete when faced with top-tier talent.

Fans and analysts alike are beginning to point fingers at both the offensive play calling and the development—or lack thereof—of the quarterback position. The frustration is palpable. If you can’t trust your quarterback to lead an effective offense, what’s left? And if Baylor’s best strategy is to simply “keep it close” rather than dominate, how far can that really take them in the hyper-competitive Big 12?

Pressure Mounting: A Fanbase on Edge

As each week passes, the pressure on Aranda is ratcheting up. The patience in Waco is wearing thin, and for good reason. Baylor has aspirations to be more than just a middling program. They want to compete for Big 12 titles and, ideally, carve out a spot in the expanded College Football Playoff picture. Right now, though, those dreams seem distant.

Questions around offensive strategy, execution, and quarterback trust are only intensifying. There’s a growing sense that the Bears are not only underperforming but also fundamentally failing to live up to their potential. If the offense doesn’t start firing soon, that pressure could turn from uncomfortable to untenable.

Signs of Hope: A Defense That’s Standing Tall

Yet, all is not lost for Dave Aranda. There’s a reason his seat isn’t yet scorching. The defense—his bread and butter—has shown signs of life. In that loss to Utah, it wasn’t the defense that let Baylor down; in fact, Aranda’s defensive play-calling helped keep the game within reach, especially in the second half. The unit’s resilience offers a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak landscape, suggesting that the core principles Aranda brought with him are still intact.

Moreover, there’s been some visible progress compared to last season, however incremental it might seem. And if there’s one thing that can buy a coach time, it’s evidence that things might be moving in the right direction, however slowly.

The Path Ahead: Aranda’s Defining Stretch

But make no mistake: the road ahead is fraught with peril for Dave Aranda. His seat is warming, and the thermostat is set by an offense that needs to find its footing—fast. The upcoming game against Air Force and the slate of conference matchups to follow will be telling. If Baylor can’t find a way to generate offense and secure wins against quality opponents, no amount of defensive savvy will be able to save Aranda’s job.

In this league, moral victories and solid defensive stands aren’t enough. Wins are the currency that matters. And unless Aranda can find a way to cash in on the offensive side of the ball, his defensive acumen may not be enough to keep him in Waco. For now, the seat is warming, but the flame is close to catching.

4. Scott Satterfield – Cincinnati

The Clock is Ticking on Game Management Woes

Scott Satterfield’s tenure at Cincinnati has hit a critical juncture early in the season. After a gut-wrenching 28-27 loss to Pitt in Week 2—a game where the Bearcats squandered a commanding 21-point lead—Satterfield’s ability to lead this program is facing intense scrutiny. In the competitive landscape of the Big 12, there’s little room for repeated mistakes, and Satterfield’s track record is quickly becoming more of a liability than an asset.

The Core Problem: A History of Poor Game Management

The narrative around Satterfield is getting more damning by the week. His teams have developed a bad habit of faltering when the stakes are highest. A 4-15 record in one-score games since 2019, excluding the 2018 season at Louisville, tells the story of a coach who struggles to close the deal. Whether it’s blowing leads, like the recent meltdown against Pitt, or questionable play-calling and decision-making in high-pressure moments, Satterfield seems to find new ways to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.

Cincinnati fans are already well-acquainted with the frustrations of last season, and the collapse against Pitt feels like an unwelcome déjà vu. The lack of composure and direction in critical situations is no longer just a trend; it’s a defining characteristic. And in the cutthroat environment of the Big 12, that’s not a reputation that leads to job security.

The Heat is On: Growing Discontent Among Fans and Boosters

The echoes of last season’s struggles are resonating loudly, and the fanbase is growing restless. What’s been most concerning isn’t just the losses, but the way they’ve come about. For a program transitioning into the Big 12, these kinds of collapses don’t just hurt the win-loss record; they erode trust in the direction of the team. Questions are mounting about Satterfield’s offensive strategy and his use of personnel. Are the Bearcats being put in the best position to succeed? So far, the results suggest otherwise.

And as frustration builds, so does the pressure. Cincinnati isn’t a program where mediocrity will be tolerated, especially with the increased visibility and expectations that come with Big 12 membership. The fanbase wants to see growth, adaptability, and most importantly, results. Anything short of that, and the calls for change will only grow louder.

Glimmers of Hope: Improvement Amidst the Chaos

Despite the growing heat on Satterfield, there are a few reasons for cautious optimism. The offense, while inconsistent, has shown flashes of potential improvement compared to last season. There have been standout individual performances, like Corey Kiner’s powerful rushing and Brendan Sorsby’s capable passing, that suggest the raw materials are there to build something more competitive.

Moreover, it’s still early in the season. There’s time to turn things around and prove that the collapse against Pitt was more an aberration than the norm. However, the window for proving that is narrowing rapidly.

The Weeks Ahead: A Make-or-Break Stretch for Satterfield

As it stands, Scott Satterfield’s seat is heating up, and fast. The upcoming game against Miami (OH) represents a crucial opportunity to regain some stability and momentum. More importantly, as Cincinnati heads into conference play, Satterfield must show he can manage games better and make the kinds of decisions that lead to wins, not heartbreaks.

If the Bearcats continue to stumble in winnable situations, Satterfield’s job security will be in serious jeopardy by mid-season. The path to redemption is clear but treacherous: demonstrate better game management, secure key victories, and give the fanbase a reason to believe that brighter days are ahead. If he fails to do so, Cincinnati may be looking for a new head coach sooner rather than later.

5. Joe Morehead – Akron

A Clock Ticking Louder in the MAC

Joe Moorhead’s journey at Akron has been anything but smooth, and after a brutal 52-6 loss to #2 Ohio State in the season opener, the path forward looks no easier. With just four wins in his first two years and an admission from Moorhead himself that Akron is “the worst football program in Division I football,” the reality is stark: this program is struggling to find any semblance of upward momentum.

The Heart of the Problem: A Program Stuck in Neutral

Three years into his tenure, Moorhead is facing the same criticisms that have haunted him from the start. Akron has lost ten one-score games in the past two seasons, including four in overtime—games that, with better execution or strategy, could have turned the tide for a beleaguered program. Instead, they stand as missed opportunities that underscore a worrying inability to finish strong.

There’s a sense that Akron’s struggles are not just tactical but psychological; the losing culture has dug deep roots, and Moorhead’s efforts to shift the belief system among his players haven’t yet borne fruit. When a head coach describes his own team in such dire terms, it raises the question: has Moorhead already lost faith in his ability to turn things around?

The Heat is Rising: A MAC Crisis in the Making

For a program like Akron, where the competitive bar in the MAC is relatively low, continued poor performance only serves to amplify the pressure on Moorhead. The inability to close out close games and break free from the cycle of losing has left fans and boosters increasingly restless. The whispers of frustration are growing louder with each passing week.

The expectation when Moorhead arrived was that he would leverage his reputation as one of the top offensive minds in college football to spark a turnaround. Instead, the Zips remain mired in mediocrity, with little sign that the corner is about to be turned.

A Glimmer of Hope: Mitigating Circumstances and Marginal Gains

However, Moorhead’s seat isn’t yet burning for a few reasons. His standing as a respected offensive strategist still carries weight, and there have been some areas of improvement, particularly in special teams play. Plus, it’s important to remember that the early part of Akron’s schedule hasn’t been forgiving—facing powerhouses like Ohio State and Rutgers makes any immediate turnaround hard to judge.

But Akron’s true test lies ahead in its MAC schedule. These are the games that Moorhead was brought in to win, and they represent his last, best hope to show significant progress.

The Path Ahead: A Make-or-Break Moment for Moorhead

As the MAC slate looms, Joe Moorhead finds himself at a crossroads. His seat is warming, and the thermostat is directly tied to Akron’s performance in winnable conference games. If the Zips can’t find a way to string together some victories and show tangible improvement, Moorhead may find himself looking for a way out—potentially back to the role of offensive coordinator, where his reputation still holds value.

For now, the heat is on but not yet scorching. However, if Akron continues on its current trajectory, Moorhead’s days in the lead chair could be numbered. The rest of this season is crucial, and it’s make-or-break time for the man tasked with fixing a program that’s been broken for far too long.

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Friday Night Lights, College Football Preview: Upsets Brewing, Showdowns Looming, and Swagger Overflowing

BYU and SMU Collide in a Big 12-ACC Showdown That’ll Leave You Buzzing

A Short Week, High Stakes, and a Whole Lotta Texas Swagger

Dallas, baby. Where else would you want to kick off a Friday night college football fiesta? This ain’t your grandpa’s BYU-SMU matchup, folks. We’ve got Big 12 ambition clashing with ACC aspirations, all under the dazzling Friday night lights.

BYU: The Cougars Ain’t Kitten Around

Kalani Sitake’s crew rolls into town with a swagger that says, “We’re Big 12 now, y’all.” They steamrolled Southern Illinois, but this isn’t Carbondale. Quarterback Jake Retzlaff looked sharp in Week 1, but can he sling it against a real defense? And let’s talk about that BYU run game – it’s like a two-headed monster with LJ Martin and Hinckley Ropati. SMU’s defense better be ready to rumble.

Sitake’s got his eye on:

  • SMU’s quarterback carousel: They’ve got two dudes back there, and Sitake’s defense needs to be ready for anything.
  • Finishing drives: The Cougars left some points on the field last week. That won’t fly against a hungry Mustangs squad.
  • Special teams: It’s not glamorous, but those return yards matter. Sitake wants to see some juice.

SMU: Mustangs Lookin’ to Gallop

Rhett Lashlee’s Mustangs are the Vegas favorites, and they’re chomping at the bit to show the ACC what they’re made of. They squeaked by Nevada, then ran wild against Houston Christian. Now, they’re facing a real test in BYU.

Lashlee’s got his mind on:

  • Picking a QB: Is it Preston Stone or Kevin Jennings? Lashlee needs to make a call, and he needs to make it fast.
  • Balance: The Mustangs’ ground game was dominant last week, but they can’t forget about the passing attack.
  • BYU’s multiple threats: This ain’t no one-trick pony offense. Lashlee’s defense needs to be prepared for anything.
  • History: SMU is 0-4 all-time against BYU. Time to break that streak.

The Hot Seat Sizzle

Neither coach is sweating bullets yet, but this game could set the tone for their seasons. A BYU win would send shockwaves through the Big 12, while SMU needs a victory to prove they belong in the ACC.

So grab your popcorn, folks. This Friday night showdown in Dallas is going to be a good one.

Prediction: It will be close, but I’m giving the edge to SMU. They’re at home, they’re motivated, and they’ve got something to prove. Mustangs win a nail-biter, 31-28.

Hoosiers Look to Roll Against Leathernecks in Lopsided Matchup

Bloomington, Indiana: Where the expectations are sky-high, but the schedule… well, let’s just say it’s a bit softer than advertised.

Indiana: FCS Foes, No Sweat

Curt Cignetti arrived in Bloomington preaching a winning culture. He even got off to a hot start, snagging a W in his debut. But now, instead of gearing up for a Louisville showdown, they’re hosting Western Illinois. Look, the Hoosiers are supposed to dominate this one. They’ve got a 14-game winning streak against FCS teams, and Western Illinois is riding a 25-game losing skid. This ain’t David vs Goliath; it’s more like Goliath vs. Goliath’s little cousin who’s still learning to tie his shoes.

Cignetti’s got his mind on:

  • Keeping the starters healthy: This is a tune-up game, folks. There’s no need to risk anyone for a blowout.
  • Tayven Jackson’s debut: If the score gets out of hand, it’s time for the redshirt sophomore QB to get some reps. He’s the future, after all.
  • Not looking ahead: Easy to say, harder to do when you’re facing a team that gave up 700 yards last week.

Western Illinois: Leathernecks Looking for a Miracle

Bless their hearts, the Leathernecks are in a tough spot. They’re facing a Big Ten team on the road and haven’t won a game since October 2021. This is the kind of matchup where you hope to keep it respectable, maybe force a turnover or two, and pray for a miracle.

The Coaching Landscape

Cignetti’s still in the honeymoon phase, building his program and establishing his culture. This game is more about fine-tuning and giving younger players a chance to shine. For Western Illinois’ coach, Myers Hendrickson, every game is a chance to build towards that elusive victory and turn the tide for his program.

The Elephant in the Room

Indiana fans were looking forward to Power Five opponent, Louisville. Instead, they got Western Illinois. This scheduling change has raised eyebrows and left a sour taste in some mouths.

Prediction: Indiana wins big. Like, really big. 52-10. The only drama will be how long the starters play and whether Tayven Jackson gets his moment in the spotlight.

Friday Night Lights, Big Ten – ACC Style (With a Dash of Southern Charm)

This ain’t your typical Friday night lights matchup. We’ve got the Duke Blue Devils, fresh off a win in Manny Diaz’s debut, heading north to Evanston to tangle with the Northwestern Wildcats. And let me tell ya, there’s more intrigue here than a season of “Friday Night Lights” – Coach Taylor would be proud.

Northwestern: Breaking the Streak, Building a Legacy

David Braun’s got the reins at Northwestern, and he’s aiming to do more than break their five-game losing streak against Duke. He’s looking to build a legacy. Breaking that streak is a damn good start. They squeaked by UTEP in Week 1, but can they handle Duke’s high-flying offense? QB Mike Wright needs to hold onto the ball (two fumbles last week, yikes!), and that defense better be ready for a shootout.

Duke: New Coach, New QB, Same Old Swagger

Manny Diaz has brought a Texas-sized swagger to Durham, and QB Maalik Murphy is slinging it like he’s back in the Lone Star State. They rolled over Elon in Week 1, but Northwestern’s defense is a different beast. Can Murphy keep the magic going on the road? And let’s not forget about that Duke defense – they racked up eight sacks last week. Northwestern’s O-line better bring their A-game.

The Hot Seat Sizzle

Braun’s in his first full season, so the seat’s not exactly scorching yet, but a win against an ACC opponent would sure make a statement. As for Diaz, he’s got that new coach glow, but a loss here could dim the lights a bit.

X-Factors

  • The Weather: It’s gonna be rainy in Evanston. Advantage: Northwestern’s ground game.
  • Turnovers: Both teams need to protect the ball. A sloppy game could swing the momentum.
  • Home Field Advantage: Northwestern’s got the crowd on their side. Will it be enough?

Prediction: This one’s gonna be a nail-biter. I’m leaning towards Northwestern in an upset. They’re hungry, they’re at home, and that rain could play right into their hands. Wildcats win a close one, 20-17.

Schedule – Friday, September 6

All Times are PDT

BYU at SMU

Time: 4:00 PM

Watch on: ESPN2

Location: Gerald J. Ford Stadium

Western Illinois vs Indiana

Time: 4:00 PM

Watch on: Big Ten Network

Location: Memorial Stadium (Bloomington, IN)

Duke vs Northwestern

Time: 6:00 PM

Watch on: Fox Sports 1

Location: Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium

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