Games To Watch: Week 10- CFP Ranks Begin!
UPSET) #6 OHIO STATE (7-1 OVERALL; 5-0 BIG TEN) AT IOWA (5-3 OVERALL; 2-3 BIG TEN) - 12:30PM PT/ 3:30PM ET [ESPN]
I know what you readers are thinking? Why is this matchup an upset game? I decided to do it on the off chance that Kinnick Stadium has been a difficult place to play lately since 2014. In Iowa’s four home wins this season, they haven’t allowed 20 points. Even though the Hawkeyes play in a weaker division, they played some tough football and gave tough teams a grim time winning there. Ohio State played some great football, but has anyone seen their schedule between when they played Oklahoma and Penn State? They lost their home game to the Sooners and won a come from behind victory over Penn State. Ohio State was challenged twice and played up to their expectations once last week. They must prove that they are ready to contend for the playoffs, and playing in Kinnick Stadium is their next obstacle before hosting the Spartans next week. This is not one of my finest picks to be an upset, but I’ve discussed and chose crazier ones before and this may be the game that no one sees coming. All EYES will be watched at Iowa City this Saturday. Get it?
5) CLEMSON (7-1 OVERALL; 5-1 ACC) AT NC STATE (6-2 OVERALL; 4-0 ACC) – 12:30PM PT/ 3:30PM ET [ABC]
In 4 of the last 5 matchups, NC State has either come close or stayed close with Clemson. The lowest defeat was by 7 when the Wolfpack lost in overtime due to a missed game-winning field goal in the 4th quarter. NC State hosts the Tigers and haven’t lost a home game this season or to an ACC opponent. The last time they defeated a Top 5-opponent at home was in 2012 against #3 Florida State. Also, the last time they defeated ranked Clemson was at home in 2011. Does this foreshadow anything? Quarterback Kelly Bryant is THE important player to protect because NC State’s defensive line are one of the best in the nation to deal with. NC State’s offensive line are also no stranger to Clemson’s defensive line and could prove to be stronger since they allowed 9 sacks in 8 games. Despite last week at Notre Dame, quarterback Ryan Finley plays manageable football and knows that Mr. All-Purpose player Jaylen Samuels is around to do the hefty work. Clemson defeated 3 ranked teams while NC State defeated 2 of the 3 ranked teams. This matchup will be the battle of the defensive line and the winner leads the ACC Atlantic and controls their own destiny.
4) PENN STATE (7-1 OVERALL; 4-1 BIG TEN) AT MICHIGAN STATE (6-2 OVERALL; 4-1 BIG TEN) - 9AM PT/ 12PM ET [FOX]
Penn State’s win against the Spartans last season ended their two-game losing skid in this matchup. Both teams went backwards last week in what was a loss in grand fashion, which they both allowed 39 points. During Big Ten play before those losses, Michigan State allowed 14 points per game and Penn State allowed 13.2 points per game. However, Michigan State loss both times when they allowed 30-plus points. It’s all statistics, but it shows how good both defenses are. Penn State has a better shot to bounce back though because their offense is more formidable. But don’t assume this game will be one-sided. The Nittany Lions won a tough road game at Iowa City and scored only 21 points, so this could be in a comparable situation for them. Michigan State’s defense is also known for keeping their team alive in close game situations. Penn State is on their last leg for a playoff run and the Michigan State is looking to make some noise in the Big Ten and steal a conference championship bid.
3) UCF (7-0 OVERALL; 4-0 AAC) AT SMU (6-2 OVERALL; 3-1 AAC) - 4:15PM PT/ 7:15PM ET [ESPN2]
SMU goes bowling for the first since 2012. The offense has increased their scoring from last season and their defense does enough to make the Mustangs a legit team to watch out for in the AAC conference. UCF has beaten their last season mark of 6 wins and looks to tally up more wins as their season goes on. Coach Scott Frost has turned up the offense that’s fast-paced and difficult for defenses to keep up with. SMU quarterback Ben Hicks matched his touchdown passes (19) to only 6 interceptions, the team has a depth of three running backs led by up-and-coming back Xavier Jones, and receiver Courtland Sutton (9 rec. TDs) has go-to guys Trey Quinn (79 catches) and James Proche (20.3 average yards) to take the pressure off him. UCF quarterback McKenzie Milton has steadily improved in the passing game by cutting down his interceptions while adding more touchdowns. UCF’s defense allowed 13 points against Memphis’s high-scoring offense, but they will be on the road and must do the same against SMU’s high-scoring offense. SMU’s win will keep them in the AAC West race with Memphis while UCF’s win gets them closer to winning the East division.
2) VIRGINIA TECH (7-1 OVERALL; 3-1 ACC) AT MIAMI (7-0 OVERALL; 5-0 ACC) – 5PM PT/ 8PM ET [ABC]
Virginia Tech is on the outside looking in while Miami is trying to close out the regular season undefeated. Miami also looks to avenge last year’s loss as their young defense has improved. We’re looking at teams that have a good defense, but Virginia Tech has a young and inexperienced offense while Miami (FL) has an unproven offense. For being a Freshman, quarterback Josh Jackson has played like he’s been on campus for a couple of years. He has thrown for 17 touchdowns to only 4 interceptions, which is very reluctant for a team that’s replacing Jerod Evans from last season. What they lack, however, is a proven running game. Since 2004, their one running back ran for 1000 yards 5 times. This team runs collectively but this may not be enough since Miami allowed 3 rushing touchdowns this season. Similarly, for 4 weeks now, Miami hasn’t had a proven offense and has failed to run away from opponents, including a bad North Carolina team. Playing the Hokies’ pressuring defense could pose a problem for the Canes. Since the Hokies’ loss to Clemson, they haven’t allowed more than 10 points and no rushing touchdowns. The key word for the game will be Defense because this is potentially low-scoring game that may reach at the 20-point mark, but someone on the offense will break through in a big moment and control a wild ACC Coastal Division.
1) OKLAHOMA (7-1 OVERALL; 4-1 BIG 12) AT OKLAHOMA STATE (7-1 OVERALL; 4-1 BIG 12) - 1PM PT/ 4PM ET [FS1]
There’s nothing like a good ol’ fashion Bedlam Series to once again decide who could take the Big 12. But wait, there’s a twist? First, this 112th matchup between these two will not be the last game of the season. Second, this game will not decide who wins the Big 12 conference because the Big 12 Conference Championship has returned. And third, the loser of this game is eliminated from the College Football Playoff bid. But these two could see each other in the Big 12 Championship depending on the outcomes from other Big 12 teams. Makes sense how this conference is a parody, but you can’t help but love these types of scenarios. Anyway, has Oklahoma figured out how to handle their defense against high-flying offenses? Has Oklahoma State form into a playoff contender that could outweigh Oklahoma’s team? Can Oklahoma’s defense find a way to slow down the Pokes offense or will they force Baker Mayfield to carry the team on his back once again? Finally, can Oklahoma State and quarterback Mason Rudolph end their two straight losses against Baker Mayfield and the Sooners? All these questions will be answered in Stillwater on Saturday.
OTHER GAMES
