Football expert Phil Steele is the owner and publisher of Phil Steele’s College Football Preview, regarded as the college football bible. Get in-depth coverage of college and pro football 24/7/365 at PhilSteele.com.

CLEMSON (-14¹/₂) over Syracuse: Last week, I used Syracuse over Wake Forest and noted the Orange had a significant game grade edge (81.9-63.1) as found on my team pages at Philsteele.com. This week I will play against the Orange for the same reason, as Clemson has a significant game grade edge (95.6-81.4). What makes this play even stronger is that Syracuse will have a true freshman at quarterback making his second start against a Tigers’ defense that has held its last three opponents (and four of five) to their season low in yardage. Lastly, the Syracuse offensive line has been solid, allowing just five sacks, but that is deceiving because the only road games were at Central Michigan and Wake Forest. Those two foes are a far cry from my No. 4-ranked Clemson defense, which has piled up 23 sacks in the last six games.

WISCONSIN (-11¹/₂) over Maryland: In more than 30 years of evaluating college football, one of my all-time favorite matchups is a huge offensive line against a smaller defensive line. This game fills the bill as Wisconsin’s front five averages more than 6-foot-5 and 320 pounds while Maryland¹s defensive front four is not among the smallest but still averages 6-1, 280. Now add in the fact that Wisconsin is rested, off a bye, and is averaging 378 yards per game rushing and 7.9 yards per carry against FBS teams. Also consider Maryland is allowing 5.3 yards per carry in its last four games and you see why this play is here. The Terrapins also will get a rude awakening as their only Big 10 road game thus far was before 44,000 at Indiana. I expect the atmosphere a bit more difficult the next two games here in Madison on homecoming and next week in State College.

Last week (NCAA): 1-1
Season: 10-6