Week 7 is upon us, college football fans, and the Saturday slate is promising indeed.
The action centers as it often does around the Big Ten and the SEC, with both of those high-powered conferences featuring a pair of ranked matchups. Both leagues also have contests that could result in upsets. Our viewers’ guide will also highlight a couple of Big 12 contests that should be worthy of attention.
Of course, as we saw last week, surprises can come from anywhere, so keep an eye on the scoreboard and a hand on the remote in case a game not mentioned in this space suddenly gets interesting.
No. 7 Indiana at No. 2 Oregon
Time/TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS.
Why watch: With both teams coming off an open date, the anticipation for this perhaps unexpected top-10 clash has had a few extra days to build. The Ducks return home for their Big Ten showdown in three weeks. The Hoosiers weren’t quite as dominant at Iowa a week after crushing Illinois, but they got a taste of how to handle a tough road environment that could serve them well in Eugene. Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza wasn’t at his best in Iowa City but delivered the winning play when needed. He’ll probably need to be sharper early on this week, although that’s easier said than done against LB Matayo Uiagalelei and the rest of the Ducks’ pass rushers. Oregon QB Dante Moore is taking full advantage of his arsenal, with four receivers with at least 15 catches. Hoosiers LBs Isaiah Jones and Louis Moore will lead the effort to disrupt him.
Why it could disappoint: It shouldn’t. This Indiana team will be ready for the spotlight, and the Ducks aren’t going to get overwhelmed on their home field either. The defenses are too good for it to be a first-to-50 type of game, but there should still be plenty of action.
No. 8 Alabama at No. 14 Missouri
Time/TV: noon ET, ABC.
Why watch: Back in the top 10 and squarely in the SEC title hunt, the Crimson Tide hit the road to take on the unbeaten Tigers, whose non-conference win against Kansas last month might be more impressive than it appeared at the time. After keeping Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia in check, LB Justin Jefferson and the Crimson Tide defensive front now turns its attention to Missouri QB Beau Pribula. But he could prove harder to contain thanks to the presence of his backfield mate, RB Ahmad Hardy, who is averaging a hefty 7.1 yards per carry. Alabama QB Ty Simpson is quite capable of keeping up in a track meet, though he was intercepted for the first time last week. WR Jermie Bernard remains his most dependable weapon, and RB Jam Miller is rounding into form after battling an injury to start the season. LB Josiah Trotter has emerged as the defensive mainstay for the Tigers.
Why it could disappoint: Neither team gives the ball away much, so about the only way it could truly become a rout is if one team proves to be physically superior. Past versions of Alabama have done that, but this year’s squad has been pushed around at times. Mizzou hasn’t, but this is clearly its toughest test to date.
No. 6 Oklahoma vs. No. 19 Texas in Dallas
Time/TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC.
Why watch: Both teams enter the Red River showdown with questions, although the struggling Longhorns undeniably have more of them. Texas is still looking for consistency on offense, as QB Arch Manning has been inaccurate and the ground game struggles to find holes. That’s a bad state of affairs as the Longhorns prepare to deal with DE Taylor Wein and the active Sooners’ defensive front. The Oklahoma offense appears likely to remain in the hands of backup QB Michael Hawkins, who got in a good tune-up start against lowly Kent State a week ago but now faces a much greater degree of difficulty. LB Anthony Hill Jr. and the Longhorns’ defense must be ready, however, in case John Mateer, officially listed as questionable, is able to return from hand surgery ahead of schedule for the Sooners.
Why it could disappoint: Even if Mateer plays, don’t expect a lot of offensive fireworks here. This is probably going to be a low-scoring affair, with either team likely to struggle to come back if the margin hits double digits.
No. 1 Ohio State at No. 17 Illinois
Time/TV: noon ET, Fox.
Why watch: To Illinois’s credit, the team got off the deck after what can only be described as a total beatdown at the hands of Indiana to win its next two games and stay in the Top 25. The next assignment for the Fighting Illini, however, might cause feelings of déjà vu if Ohio State continues to play like, well, Ohio State. Neither of the Buckeyes’ first two Big Ten opponents have reached the end zone thanks to next-level talents like DE Caden Curry and LB Sonny Styles. Illinois does have options, however, as QB Luke Altmyer has 12 scoring throws and RBs Ca’Lil Valentine and Kaden Feagin have combined for eight rushing TDs. But meanwhile, Buckeyes QB Julian Sayin has only gotten better, with WRs Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate able to strike at any time. Illini DBs Matthew Bailey and Miles Scott are likely in for a busy afternoon.
Why it could disappoint: Like Minnesota a week ago, Illinois will need to be just about perfect to hang with the Buckeyes. The Illini have more experienced hands than the Gophers, but they’ve also already been on the short end of a blowout this year as mentioned above. Ohio State will do its best to eliminate any drama.
No. 15 Michigan at Southern California
Time/TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBC.
Why watch: The Wolverines put their unblemished Big Ten record on the line as they venture to the west coast. The Trojans, already with a league loss on their ledger, are in need of a signature win to remain in the mix. Michigan QB Bryce Underwood remains a work in progress where his passing game is concerned, but he and RB Justice Haynes can break off big runs. The Trojans have been somewhat better in that area thanks to stoppers like LB Eric Gentry, but getting off the field on third down is still an issue. USC QB Jayden Maiava also gets solid ground support from RB Waymond Jordan, but not much gets by Wolverines LB Ernest Hausmann.
Why it could disappoint: Given the programs’ respective track records, one has to trust the Michigan defense more despite the long trip. It’s asking a lot of the Trojans to shut down the Wolverines’ ground game for four quarters.
Kansas at No. 10 Texas Tech
Time/TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, Fox.
Why watch: The Red Raiders couldn’t have asked for a better start to their Big 12 campaign with a pair of decisive road wins in the bank. Up next is a visit from the Jayhawks, who are fresh off a road win at Central Florida and now look to make an even bigger splash. Texas Tech QB Behren Morton spreads the wealth among a deep array of targets, led by WRs Coy Eakin and Caleb Douglas. No matter where he goes with the ball, expect to find Jayhawks LB Trey Lathan somewhere in the vicinity. KU will counter with QB Jalon Daniels, who can show off his wheels at times but has let WR Emmanuel Henderson and TE Boden Groen do most of the work downfield. He’ll have to beware of Red Raiders DB Brice Pollock, who has already swiped three passes this season.
Why it could disappoint: The Jayhawks will have to improve on their 31.25% conversion rate on third down to control the clock and keep the Red Raiders’ high-flying attack off the field. IF it becomes a shootout, TTU’s depth at the ball-handling positions will win the night.
No. 23 Arizona State at Utah
Time/TV: 10:15 p.m. ET, ESPN.
Why watch: The day concludes with this throwback to #Pac12AfterDark as the Sun Devils and Utes now meet as Big 12 opponents in what could be a pivotal conference game. ASU prevailed in its first two conference contests by identical 27-24 scores, while Utah rebounded from the Texas Tech loss with a resounding road win against rebuilding West Virginia. The combination of QB Sam Leavitt to WR Jordyn Tyson remain the Sun Devils’ most frequent big-play threat, though ground support from RB Raleek Brown will also be needed. They’ll become well acquainted with Utah LB Johnathan Hall and DB Nate Ritchie. Utes QB Devon Dampier looks most often for WR Ryan Davis and TE Dallen Bentley. Opposing them will be ASU LBs Jordan Crook and Keyshaun Elliott.
Why it could disappoint: The Sun Devils have already been involved in three one-score games, so another close one wouldn’t be a surprise. The Utes probably won’t get swamped on their home turf a second time, but more explosive plays will be needed from the offense.
No. 9 Georgia at Auburn
Time/TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC.
Why watch: Georgia got the bounce-back performance it needed last week after the Alabama loss. The Bulldogs now take to the road to face a rested and desperate Tigers’ squad that needs a positive result after dropping their first two SEC contests on the road by a total of 13 points. The defensive side of the ball has for the most part been sound for Auburn, and LB Xavier Atkins could again make life difficult for Bulldogs QB Gunner Stockton. The Tigers’ offense has not performed well against SEC competition, as QB Jackson Arnold has been forced to scramble far too often. The good news for him is Georgia’s pass rush hasn’t been effective either, though LB Chris Cole brings heat on occasion from the second level.
Why it could disappoint: This is an old rivalry, so Georgia certainly isn’t going to take it lightly. If the Bulldogs decide to make this a statement game, there might not be anything the Tigers can do about it.