Get ready for a college football showdown this Saturday that could shatter dreams or ignite comeback flames—where underdogs battle giants, and every play might decide a team's fate in the postseason scramble!
Dive into this packed slate of games, where the stakes are sky-high and the drama is dialed up to eleven. Picture this: Washington takes on a formidable challenge in the legendary Big House, while the iconic Holy War pits USC against Notre Dame in a rivalry that's as much about tradition as it is about bragging rights. Oh, and don't forget the crucial matchups that could make or break the season for Arizona and Arizona State.
But here's where it gets controversial: The path to achieving their championship aspirations will shrink dramatically if the Wildcats and Sun Devils stumble this week. Imagine the heartbreak—or the triumphant underdog story—if these teams falter against odds that seem insurmountable. For beginners in the college football world, think of it like this: The Big House is Michigan's iconic stadium, a fortress where few visitors leave victorious, much like how Notre Dame's matchup with USC has historically been a clash of titans, blending faith, football, and fierce competition.
And this is the part most people miss: This loaded Saturday highlights two West Coast squads as massive underdogs venturing onto enemy turf, with outcomes that carry serious postseason weight. Will they prove the doubters wrong and spark renewed hope? Or will they validate the skepticism, potentially derailing their ambitions? It's a perfect example of how one game can redefine an entire season—much like how an unexpected upset in March Madness can turn a Cinderella story into legend.
Already have an account? Log In here (https://www.mercurynews.com/login?&returnUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mercurynews.com%2F2025%2F10%2F16%2Farizona-state-houston-texas-tech-college-football-picks%2F) to keep the conversation going.
Flash Sale
Standard Digital
$3 for 1 year
Offer valid for non-subscribers only
Originally Published: October 16, 2025 at 10:11 AM PDT
RevContent Feed
What do you think—should underdogs like these West Coast teams get more respect from the betting odds, or is the undefeated home record at places like the Big House just too intimidating? Is it fair to pin so much on a single Saturday, or does that make the sport more thrilling? Share your takes in the comments below—do you agree that these games could reshape the college football landscape, or disagree that one loss spells disaster? Let's debate!