Phil Steele
Each week during the 2015 college football season, I will offer up my selections and scores for the weekend's biggest games and a handful of other key matchups.na Blue Devils at Virginia Tech Hokies (-2.na on the road, 17-16.na has taken on my No.na 16
No 15. Texas A&M Aggies at No. 24 Ole Miss Rebels (-5.5)
7:00 p.m. ET, ESPN
Both teams come into this contest off a loss, and while Texas A&M does have an improved defense this season, it is allowing 5.7 rushing yards per carry and 70 percent completions in three SEC games. Ole Miss has a defense that is allowing just 292 yards per game at home. The Rebels also get back OL Laremy Tunsil, who missed the first half of the year.
Kyle Allen came into the season with all the hype and has thrown for 1,537 yards (61 percent completions), with 14 touchdowns and five interceptions. Chad Kellyhas stronger numbers at 2,234 yards (66 percent), with 16 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Ole Miss is outgaining foes by 162 yards per game and Texas A&M by just 75 yards per game. Texas A&M is coming off a big effort at home versus Alabama and travels to a tough place. I will call for the lower-ranked team to win outright.
ATS pick: Ole Miss
Score: Ole Miss 38, Texas A&M 30
No. 3 Utah Utes at USC Trojans (-3.5)
7:30 p.m. ET, FOX
Why is a USC team with three losses favored over the No. 3 team in the country? USC has only been outgained in one game and is plus-108 yards per game this year. Utah is undefeated, but it actually has been outgained in three games this year and is just plus-27 yards per game.
Now that Utah is ranked so highly, the pressure will mount each week. The Utes are coming off two big home games that were both close in the fourth quarter. USC has an interim head coach and nothing to lose, as the Trojans already have three defeats. With both of their Pac-12 losses outside of the division, USC would win the Pac-12 South title if it wins out and Utah loses a game.
ATS pick: USC
Score: USC 31, Utah 23
