Texas A&M is on the rebound after facing a tough season opener against Notre Dame, managing to secure seven consecutive victories that placed them in a strong position for potential selection in the College Football Playoff (CFP) as November approached. However, back-to-back losses in the Southeastern Conference to South Carolina and Auburn posed a significant threat to their playoff aspirations. The Aggies now have one final opportunity to make their case, as they prepare to host the Lone Star Showdown against No. 3 Texas at College Station this Saturday night.

“This game has always carried weight, and the football gods have granted us a chance to redeem ourselves,” said Mike Elko, the new head coach of A&M, during a press gathering this week. “We’ve been discussing this match since my hiring, and now it holds even greater significance. This is our opportunity to correct the mistakes from our recent SEC games and finish strong while hoping to qualify for the SEC championship.”

The stakes are especially high for the winner of the Texas-Texas A&M clash, with a potential matchup against Georgia in Atlanta looming ahead, which could have extensive implications for the College Football Playoff.

In terms of expert analysis surrounding other key matchups for the week, here’s an overview, complete with predictions and the associated point spreads as provided by BetMGM Sportsbook:

– **Washington at No. 1 Oregon** (plus 19 1/2): Oregon seeks to clinch a spot in the Big Ten Championship and aims for a flawless 12-0 regular season, hoping to avenge previous close losses to Washington. Prediction: Oregon 35, Washington 17.

– **Michigan at No. 2 Ohio State** (plus 21): This spread marks the widest seen since 1978 for this rivalry, with the Buckeyes needing a win to secure their spot in the Big Ten Championship while looking for redemption after losing three consecutive games to Michigan. Prediction: Ohio State 33, Michigan 14.

– **No. 3 Texas at No. 20 Texas A&M** (minus 5 1/2): The victor will head to the SEC Championship game against Georgia, as Texas is likely playoff-bound even with a loss, whereas the Aggies will fight for their playoff survival. Prediction: Texas 28, Texas A&M 21.

– **Maryland at No. 4 Penn State** (minus 24 1/2): Penn State aims for a key victory to maintain its position among the top Big Ten teams for CFP ranking, taking on a Maryland squad struggling in conference play. Prediction: Penn State 42, Maryland 10.

– **No. 5 Notre Dame at Southern California** (minus 7 1/2): With the Irish riding a nine-game winning streak and a strong chance at an at-large playoff bid, they face a Troy team that has shown improvement since making a quarterback change. Prediction: Notre Dame 31, Southern California 17.

– **Georgia Tech at No. 6 Georgia** (plus 19 1/2): Georgia looks to maintain its grip in a series where they’ve been victorious for several seasons. Prediction: Georgia 38, Georgia Tech 21.

– **No. 7 Tennessee at Vanderbilt** (plus 11): Vanderbilt’s sturdy performance has kept them competitive, but Tennessee’s running back Dylan Sampson could prove pivotal in securing a victory. Prediction: Tennessee 27, Vanderbilt 24.

– **No. 8 Miami at Syracuse** (minus 10 1/2): An exciting matchup featuring two high-scoring quarterbacks, both averaging impressive yardages, promising a game filled with action. Prediction: Miami 45, Syracuse 33.

– **California at No. 9 SMU** (minus 13 1/2): SMU is already set for the ACC Championship and needs to overcome a strong Cal defense that has excelled with interceptions. Prediction: SMU 34, California 21.

– **Purdue at No. 10 Indiana** (minus 28 1/2): After a frustrating loss to Ohio State, Indiana hopes to regroup and take out their frustrations on a struggling Purdue team. Prediction: Indiana 52, Purdue 10.

– **Oregon State at No. 11 Boise State** (minus 19 1/2): Despite not always winning stylishly, Boise State continues to rack up victories and faces a team vulnerable to rushing attacks. Prediction: Boise State 40, Oregon State 16.

– **No. 12 Clemson vs. No. 16 South Carolina** (minus 2 1/2): Both teams are eyeing a playoff opportunity, with the Gamecocks seeking a sixth straight win after an inconsistent start to the season. Prediction: South Carolina 29, Clemson 24.

– **Auburn at No. 12 Alabama** (plus 11 1/2): Alabama has historically dominated this contest; however, Auburn is riding a positive high after an intense win. Prediction: Alabama 24, Auburn 21.

– **No. 14 Arizona State at Arizona** (minus 9): After a challenging prior season, Arizona State could secure a championship opportunity, while Arizona has faltered badly. Prediction: Arizona State 42, Arizona 24.

– **Mississippi State at No. 15 Mississippi** (plus 26 1/2): With Mississippi State struggling, the Egg Bowl could offer them a chance to perform at their best, coinciding with Mississippi’s recent playoff setback. Prediction: Mississippi 41, Mississippi State 20.

– **Kansas State at No. 17 Iowa State** (plus 2 1/2): Iowa State seeks to achieve a noteworthy milestone season while Kansas State aims to capitalize on its recently improved offense. Prediction: Kansas State 28, Iowa State 27.

– **Memphis at No. 18 Tulane** (plus 14): Tulane is one of the highest-scoring programs currently, and Memphis is looking to rebound, despite a tough position. Prediction: Tulane 43, Memphis 31.

– **Houston at No. 19 BYU** (minus 12 1/2): BYU attempts to halt its skid, while Houston’s focus will eventually shift after a disappointing season. Prediction: BYU 28, Houston 3.

– **Nevada at No. 21 UNLV** (plus 17 1/2): An opportunity to claim the Mountain West championship is on the line for UNLV, as they face a Nevada team that struggles in close contests. Prediction: UNLV 26, Nevada 17.

– **No. 22 Illinois vs. Northwestern** (minus 7 1/2): It’ll be an important game for Illinois as they aim for a significant seasonal achievement against a Northwestern squad that has performed poorly in prior contests. Prediction: Illinois 33, Northwestern 24.

– **Oklahoma State at No. 23 Colorado** (minus 16 1/2): As key players prepare for commendable final games, expect high scores against a poorly rated defensive unit. Prediction: Colorado 48, Oklahoma State 27.

– **Arkansas at No. 24 Missouri** (plus 3 1/2): Both teams looking to secure favorable postseason placements with Arkansas aiming for its first win in long series history in Columbia. Prediction: Missouri 24, Arkansas 21.

– **UTSA at No. 25 Army** (minus 7): As one of the top defenses, UTSA will face a unique challenge against Army’s unmatched ground attack. Prediction: Army 34, UTSA 24.

In last week’s picks, the predictions saw a mixed outcome, with 12 wins out of 18 straight-up and 8 covered against the spread. The season’s total thus far stands at 192 straight-up wins and a 122-122 record against the spread.