Games to Watch: Week 7
UPSET: #17 MICHIGAN [4-1 Overall; 1-1 BIG TEN] AT INDIANA [3-2 Overall; 0-2 BIG TEN]- 9AM PT/12PM ET (ABC)
Indiana had Michigan’s number the past two seasons after Jim Harbaugh took over the program. Unfortunately, Michigan pulled away at the end twice. Indiana could see a huge upset brewing at home for a couple of reasons: Indiana’s offense can score and Michigan’s offense still hasn’t redeemed themselves after 5 games. If they're unable to jumpstart their offense against Indiana, this is definitely a down year for Michigan...for the offensive side. If Indiana wants to beat the Wolverines, they must end their 7-game losing streak against ranked opponents. If they can also keep Michigan’s defense on the field, win the turnover battle, and shut down their struggling offense, they can end their 21-game losing streak against Michigan.
4) #6 TCU [5-0 Overall; 2-0 BIG 12] AT KANSAS STATE [3-2 Overall; 1-1 BIG 12]- 9AM PT/12PM ET (FOX SPORTS 1)
This matchup between coaches with a lengthy line of history of their programs is something to watch. Kansas State is a team to never underestimate while TCU’s win against Arkansas and ranked Oklahoma State and West Virginia make them a threat in the Big 12. Kansas State is a careful, time-managing team that can give any fast-paced offenses fits. TCU’s quarterback Kenny Hill has taken care of the ball this season than he did last year and his sophomore year at Texas A&M, but the offense must play big to continue their run. This game could come down to the team with the least turnovers. Kansas State has won 3 of the last 5 matchups since TCU joined the Big 12, but Jesse Ertz’s injury puts the team’s chances in doubt. TCU is favored to win, but don’t underestimate Kansas State…Seriously.
3) BAYLOR [0-5 Overall; 0-2 BIG 12] AT #14 OKLAHOMA STATE [4-1 Overall; 1-1 BIG 12]- 12:30PM PT/ 3:30PM ET (FOX SPORTS 1)
Whatever the betting odds are in this game, trash it, delete it or burn it. Oklahoma State may be the heavy favorite and Baylor may be 0-5, but Baylor won three straight times against the Pokes. Did I mention Baylor is 0-5? No matter because they're still competitive. Look at their schedule. They nearly upset my Oklahoma Sooners. Both teams come in with a lethal offense, but Oklahoma State must outplay Baylor. Justice Hill is the answer at running back after having no run game in 2014 and 2015, and Mason Rudolph (0-3 against Baylor) has one more chance to win this matchup. This is a must win for both teams. Oklahoma State’s loss puts them out of the playoff run and at risk of not going to a conference championship. Baylor’s loss puts them at risk of well…being the old Baylor again before RG III made this program a winning program in 2010.
2) GEORGIA TECH [3-1 Overall; 2-0 ACC] AT #11 MIAMI (FL) [4-0 Overall; 2-0 ACC]- 12:30PM PT/ 3:30PM ET (ABC)
There’s a few sneaky teams out there, but Georgia Tech seems like the sneakiest of the bunch. After a loss in an entertaining game against Tennessee, the Yellow Jackets were off everyone’s radar. There's also Clemson, Florida State, Virginia Tech, Miami (FL), and the rising NC State that are fogging up Georgia Tech's spotlight too. When you look at them, they’re more formidable than you think. They average 36.5 points per game and hasn’t allowed 20 points after the Tennessee game. Miami (FL) looks ready to challenge for an ACC championship bid, but the loss of running back Mark Walton could test how good they are without him. Malik Rosier looks solid as the new quarterback. Ending a 7-game losing streak against Florida State was a huge lift off their shoulder, but they must wipe off the emotional celebration and prepare for the triple-option. The winner will take control of the Coastal division.
1) #12 OKLAHOMA [4-1 Overall; 1-1 BIG 12] VS TEXAS [3-2 Overall; 2-0 BIG 12]- Cotton Bowl, Dallas, TX*- 12:30PM PT/ 3:30PM ET (ESPN)
The Red River Rivalry game hasn’t been a disappointment in the last four seasons, despite the media punishing this matchup to Fox Sports 1 last year due to the conference's slide against non-conference teams (Yes I haven't forgotten about that). I attended that game last season, and the feeling of being surrounded by fans, food, fun, and football made me realize why this matchup is so great to watch. This will be the first time that both rookie head coaches face each other since 1947. Texas coach Tom Herman is trying to bring back the tradition that made this program the face of the conference. Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley stepped into Bob Stoops’ shoes and hopes to keep this program moving forward. Senior Baker Mayfield will challenge freshmen quarterback Sam Ehlinger to see if he deserves to be Texas’ next quarterback of the future. Each year since 2012, each team has gotten a touch of the golden hat. Oklahoma won last year, but can’t afford another loss after being blindsided by Iowa State last week. Oklahoma’s win keeps them alive in the Big 12 and playoff race while Texas’ win secures Tom Herman’s head coaching job for the future and Texas' chances at getting a spot in a conference championship.
