Howie Kussoy picks his winner for three key Friday college football matchups Home teams in CAPS.
NORTH CAROLINA (+5.5) over Notre Dame (3:30 p.m., ABC)
The Tar Heels have averaged 51 points over their past four games. I wouldn’t want to be holding an Irish ticket when Sam Howell — coming off a 550-yard, six-touchdown performance — is about to break down the back door in the final minutes.
Iowa State (+2) over TEXAS (12 p.m., ABC)
After three straight wins, the Longhorns would have been better off without a 20-day layoff. And Texas’ secondary would have been better off if Brock Purdy wasn’t coming off his — and Iowa State’s — best game of the season, giving the nation’s leading-rusher (Breece Hall) and one of the Big 12’s best defenses a chance to win the Cyclones’ first conference championship since 1912.
OREGON STATE (+13.5) over Oregon (7:30, ESPN)</h2
The Beavers have won this battle just once since 2007, but don’t be surprised if victory is in sight in the fourth quarter. If the Ducks — and a defense giving up 5.2 yards per carry — are the Pac-12’s best, it’s no surprise why the conference won’t touch the playoff again.
