Nick Bartlett’s 2026 Week 7 Fearless Predictions

Washington at Purdue

Friday, October 16
5:00 PM PT, FOX

It’s nice for Washington that this is a road matchup. The Huskies enter this contest on a three-game losing streak, including their last two at home.

For Purdue, they’re in the opposite spot. The Boilermakers enter this matchup on a two-game winning streak, after previously losing three in a row.

The key to this matchup is UW showing heart. The Dawgs are talented enough to win this game, but they gotta believe it.

Washington should feature a new starting quarterback in Elijah Brown, who stepped in and played well against Iowa. But he’ll be judged by the result this week.

He threw for 251 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions last week. Another important element in this matchup is whether the Huskies can move the ball on the ground.

UW is 135th nationally in rushing yards per game, but their line should be able to hold their own against Purdue. The Dawgs felt off this year with Demond Williams Jr. at the helm; this is an opportunity to change the trajectory of their season.

For the Boilermakers, they’ll hope that Ryan Browne can continue his hot start this year. Browne’s flowing, and he’s complemented by halfback Fame Ijeboi, and wideout Asaad Waseem.

But Purdue’s defense is toiling, and Dawgs are dangerous when backed in a corner.

Washington 35, Purdue 21

Arizona State at No. 10 Texas Tech

Saturday, October 17
12:30 PM PT, FOX

Arizona State enters this contest coming off a nice victory against Hawaii. The Sun Devils struggled against top-tier Big 12 competition thus far; this should prove to be an opportunity to see what they’ve learned.

For Texas Tech, they enter this game undefeated, handling Colorado last week. Houston proved to be their biggest test earlier this year. The key for the Sun Devils in this contest is to keep their offense moving.

ASU’s scoring unit is decent, but Texas Tech’s defense is elite. Cutter Boley is off to a solid start this season, but Arizona State’s defense ranks 129th in third-down conversion percentage. They must improve here, or the Red Raiders will expose them.

The Sun Devils should consider using Reed Harris as a decoy to create space for others, but skill players other than Omarion Miller and Harris must capitalize. Outside of the Miller-Harris combination, the offense struggles to move the ball.

For TTU, Will Hammond needs to limit turnovers. Texas Tech’s the better team, but a few giveaways could sway momentum. Hammond’s off to a slow start this year, throwing for 1,102 yards, five touchdowns, and five interceptions.

There’s reason for Arizona State fans to believe that they can win this game, but tortillas suffocate Sparky.

Texas Tech 38, ASU 20

UNLV at Air Force

Saturday, October 17
12:30 PM PT, CBSSN

UNLV enters this matchup on a three-game winning streak, after a slow start to their campaign. A win against Air Force will keep them at the top of the conference standings.

The Falcons also enter this matchup on a three-game winning streak, but the Rebels’ schedule has proven tougher. The key for UNLV in this game is to create explosive plays.

Every player on the Rebels’ roster knows AFA’s game plan, but if Jackson Arnold could hit a few big throws, or if Jai’Den Thomas does Jai’Den Thomas, it could force them out of their comfort zone.

The Falcons are also hoping to climb to the top of the Mountain West, so they’ll be ready to go.

If UNLV hits the explosives, it’ll force Liam Szarka to make a few extra throws. Szarka’s comfortable in the triple-option, but limited as a passer.

He’s thrown for 296 passing yards, one touchdown, and four interceptions in 2026; he’s proven dangerous on the ground, leading the team with 391 rushing yards and seven touchdowns.

Air Force is second nationally in rushing yards per game, and four players have eclipsed the 200-yard mark, with a fifth two yards away. But UNLV’s offense only scored 13 points against North Dakota State, and is hoping to inflict punishment this week.

The Rebels take flight in Colorado Springs.

UNLV 28, Air Force 17

Washington State at Oregon State

Saturday, Oct 17
3:00 PM PT, USA Network

Washington State and Oregon State enter this matchup on opposite sides of the Pog, and opposite spots from last year.

The Cougars are coming off their worst loss in recent memory against Utah State, while the Beavers were last seen trouncing San Diego State, hanging 66 on the Aztecs.

The key to this contest is the quarterback play of WSU. The Cougs defense is solid, but their offense is abysmal. Washington State is 123rd nationally in points scored per game, but more concerning is their vibe.

It feels like Caden Pinnick has lost the team already; at the minimum, he has lost the fanbase. Kirby Moore may consider making a change this week. If Moore doesn’t, the talk could turn toward him.

The Beavs need to capitalize by scoring early points. If they take a 14-point lead in the First Quarter, it might dishearten the Cougs.

It feels like the Braden Atkinson-Jesse Legree combination improves every week. The duo fuels the nation’s best passing attack in yards per game. “College Football Final” awarded Legree with a helmet sticker last week.

Logic aside, Oregon State needs to be careful because they upset Washington State in the reverse scenario in 2025.

But this isn’t “UNO.” The Beavers win the Pac-2 title outright this year.

Oregon State 35, WSU 24

No. 2 Notre Dame at No. 8 BYU

Saturday, October 17
4:30 PM PT, ABC

Notre Dame enters this contest after throttling Stanford a week ago; the Fighting Irish are undefeated, and this is an opportunity to showcase themselves in a national game.

For BYU, this is arguably the most important matchup in the history of their program. If they win this contest, they’ll control their own destiny for the College Football Playoff.

The key to this game is whether the Cougars can contain the Irish’ offense. Notre Dame is fourth nationally in points scored per outing, and they’ve combined for 144 over their last three contests.

CJ Carr is also off to a blistering start, throwing for 1,378 yards, 16 touchdowns, and one interception. At halfback, the combination of Jonaz Walton, Aneyas Williams, and Nolan James Jr. is dangerous. Their best two wideouts are Jordan Faison and Micah Gilbert.

BYU’s defense is phenomenal, but ND’s going to score points. Bear Bachmeier is a good leader, but he’ll need to take his game to another level in this contest. This is Bachmeier biggest test of his career, and it’ll prove tricky without LJ Martin.

Legend Glasker and a few other wideouts will likely need to make contested catches throughout this matchup. BYU’s program is revitalized, but Notre Dame’s already been there.

Notre Dame 42, BYU 21

Wisconsin at No. 12 UCLA

Saturday, October 17
4:30 PM PT, NBC

Wisconsin quietly enters this matchup on a four-game winning streak; they’ve been overlooked because of their opening week loss to Notre Dame.

UCLA feels like one of the hotter teams in college football right now, with their victory over Oregon last week.

This is one of those matchups that should play out like a rivalry. The Badgers are probably mad that the Bruins are trying to steal their upper echelon spot in the Big Ten.

UCLA is still trying to get respect in their new conference, and in their own city alike. Adding flames to the oil is the regional differences between the two schools. One key in this matchup is whether Wisconsin can stop UCLA’s halfback duo.

Wayne Knight and Anthony Woods lead the nation’s sixth-best rushing offense in yards per game. Wisconsin’s rush defense is stout; however, they rank 35th nationally in yards allowed per contest.

The battle in the trenches is particularly important due to the injury to Nico Iamaleava. Ty Dieffenbach might force a few throws if they get in tough down and distance.

This is an unusual situation for Dieffenbach; he’s leading the Bruins in their most important game in recent memory. Expect Wisconsin to load the box and see what type of stuff he’s got.

But “Michael’s Secret Stuff” can be found in the Midwest.

Wisconsin 24, UCLA 17

No. 11 Utah at Colorado

Saturday, October 17
7:15 PM PT, ESPN

The Morgan Scalley era is off to a smooth start, much like how Deion Sanders started in Colorado.

Utah enters this contest with back-to-back victories against conference foes; they’re still undefeated. Colorado enters on a three-game losing streak; two of the losses came against Big 12 opponents.

The key to this game is Utah getting off to a hot start. The Utes are the better team, and Colorado’s offense is in the midst of an identity crisis. If U of U can score early points, it’ll quiet Folsom Field.

But if Utah fools around and finds out, they could land themselves in a dogfight. Braden Pegan is off to a hot start for the Utes, but Sanders may consider playing man-to-man coverage just to see how U of U adjusts.

If they sit back and let Devon Dampier relax, he’ll rip them. Wayshawn Parker is a solid halfback, but lacks game-breaking speed. If CU can limit Utah’s skill position players, they might stand a chance.

If the Buffs’ defense caves, though, Utah’s defense will swallow Colorado’s offense. The Utes rank sixth nationally in points allowed per game, while the Buffaloes rank 122nd in points scored per game.

Joseph Williams will probably need to make a few big plays if Colorado’s going to keep pace.

Big talent discrepancy here; Utah rocks Boulder.

Utah 45, Colorado 14

Fresno State at San Diego State

Saturday, Oct 17
7:30 PM PT, CBSSN

Fresno State enters this contest after a loss against Boise State and looks for a little reprieve against rival San Diego State.

The Bulldogs lost last week, but won their conference opener two weeks prior. The Aztecs enter this matchup hoping to change momentum; Oregon State mallywhopped them a week ago.

The Aztecs opened their Pac-12 campaign with a come-from-behind victory against Texas State.

For Fresno State, if Jayden Mandal can connect on a few big plays, it would help the flow of their offense. Rayshon Luke may be out for this matchup, and he is their most dynamic playmaker.

Mandal may consider making a few easy throws to Josiah Freeman to get the squad in rhythm early.

The key to this contest, however, is whether San Diego State can find a quarterback. Jayden Denegal is underperforming, and Sean Lewis put in Draiden Trudeau against the Beavers.

Even with the mumps outbreak, going 5-for-19 with 78 passing yards and one touchdown is unacceptable. Stone Saunders might also get the nod depending on his health.

Javion Kinnard should be back for this matchup, which gives SDSU an explosive option, but they’ll need production from their quarterback.

Even barring illness, Fresno State is the more talented team. The oil canister returns to the Valley.

Fresno State 28. SDSU 13

No. 21 Wake Forest at Cal

Saturday, October 17
7:30 PM PT, ESPN2

Jake Dickert is doing a marvelous job at Wake Forest. The Demon Deacons enter this contest on a three-game winning streak, including a victory against a ranked Louisville squad on the road.

Cal’s on the other side of the catnip; they defeated Virginia Tech last week, but prior to that they were on a slide. The key to this contest for Wake is avoiding Kingston Lopa.

The Golden Bears are tied ninth nationally with seven interceptions; Lopa has five of them. He’s listed as questionable for this contest.

If the Deacons protect the ball, their talent should allow them to pull away. The combination of Gio Lopez and Carlos Hernandez has proven unstoppable in 2025.

Lopez ranks 21st nationally in pass efficiency, while Hernandez is third nationally in receiving yards per game. The wideout is listed as questionable. Wake Forest’s offense is their strength, and Cal should look to exploit them on defense.

But there’s uncertainty at signal caller for the Bears. Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele may be out for this contest, and even if he’s back, Jackson Brousseau led a game-winning drive last week.

The job probably still belongs to Sagapolutele, but if he struggles, they have choices. Tosh Lupoi is still finding his footing in the Bay, and Wake’s past that.

Jake Dickert continues his bid for Coach of the Year.

Wake Forest 38, Cal 27

Nebraska at Oregon

Saturday, October 17
8:00 PM PT, FOX

Nebraska fans are ready for this one. The Cornhuskers enter this matchup with a 5-1 record, and nearly took down Indiana last week. They’ll also be motivated to beat up on their former quarterback Dylan Raiola.

Oregon is in a scramble. The Dante Moore late hit and early-season loss to Oklahoma State have left them in a must-win situation.

The key to this contest is Nebraska’s defense. If they stop the Ducks early, it’ll place instant pressure on whoever starts at quarterback.

Another important factor in this matchup is the Huskers’ halfback duo finding success. NU normally features a three-headed attack with quarterback Anthony Colandrea, but they’ll want to limit how many hits he takes.

Flipping the crop, Oregon must find a way to be able to run the ball again. The Ducks rushed for only 73 yards against UCLA; the Bruins nearly doubled their total.

If Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill Jr. can create plays, it’ll allow the entire team to take a breath. They should also consider utilizing quick passes. Even if Nebraska is ready, it’s hard to tackle Dakorien Moore in space.

Most importantly, Oregon needs better quarterback play, whether it’s Dylan Raiola, Brock Thomas, or Akili Smith Jr.

Nebraska feels like they can win this game, but reality changes emotions.

Oregon 42, Nebraska 14