Games To Watch: Week 8

UPSET) KANSAS (1-5 OVERALL; 0-3 BIG 12) AT #4 TCU (6-0 OVERALL; 3-0 BIG 12)- 5PM PT/ 8PM ET [FOX]

I put this matchup as a potential upset game because I don’t believe that TCU is a threat until they easily spring past Kansas. Since the Horned Frogs joined the Big 12 conference in 2012, they went from a 13-point win to a 1-point win against the Jayhawks last year. TCU should run them over but their offense can sometimes become inconsistent. The offense must look to quarterback Kenny Hill to play his best football to separate themselves from one of the worst teams in college football. It’s very questionable to consider this as an upset game, but with TCU’s history against the Jayhawks in the past 5 years and being #4 in the rankings, TCU cannot be safe.

5) #10 OKLAHOMA STATE (5-1 OVERALL; 2-1 BIG 12) AT TEXAS (3-3 OVERALL; 2-1 BIG 12)- 9AM PT/ 12PM ET [ABC]

Oklahoma State could be walking into a trap in Austin because Texas has been competing despite their 3-3 record. Coach Tom Herman is building a foundation for Texas football and getting his players to compete, but what this team needs is a key win against a ranked opponent (0-2 this season). Oklahoma State managed to escape Lubbock with a win and torch Baylor last week. The Pokes are poised to stay in the playoff race with the Horned Frogs and the Sooners, but playing Texas won’t be a cakewalk. Sure, they wrecked Baylor even though they were a competitive winless team, and they could repeat against Texas since they are a high-flying offense. But if Oklahoma State’s defense can’t stop the Longhorns’ offense led by quarterback Sam Ehlinger, be ready for a high-scoring affair. The offensive line from both teams have dealt with injuries, so the key factor in this game is how they’ll fair against the defense’s front seven.

4) AKRON (4-3 OVERALL; 3-0 MAC) AT TOLEDO (5-1 OVERALL; 2-0 MAC)- 9AM PT/ 12PM ET [ESPN3]

Both teams are undefeated in their conference and this weekend’s matchup will have plenty of “wood” to go around. What I mean by that is that it’ll feature Toledo’s quarterback Logan Woodside and Akron’s quarterback Thomas Woodson. I bet you’re wondering why this MAC matchup happens to be in my Top 5? Toledo has a history of winning seasons and could be on their way to another one this season. As for Akron, the last time they started 3-0 in their conference was in 2000 and they came away with a big win against Western Michigan last week. Two programs just two hours apart from each other should make this matchup intriguing to watch. Akron will have a chance to show how much they bounced back this year if Thomas Woodson stays healthy. The winner of this game will control their respective MAC division.

3) FRESNO STATE (4-2 OVERALL; 3-0 MWC) AT SAN DIEGO STATE (6-1 OVERALL; 2-1 MWC)- 7:30PM PT/ 10:30PM ET [CBS SPORTS NETWORK]

When Fresno State joined the Mountain West conference, they strutted their stuff for the first three seasons (even though their third season ended at 6-8). But after 2015, San Diego State won the last two matches and won by 14 points twice against them. This is another non-Power 5 game to watch because Fresno State looks like a different team after licking their wounds against Washington and Alabama. They’re currently 3-0 in their conference and will face their toughest test against San Diego State, who are coming off their disappointing loss against Boise State. The Aztecs seemed confident making a run for a New Years’ Six Bowl berth until Boise State came by and shut the door on their opportunity. With Fresno State’s offense clicking on each level, San Diego State must find ways to turn up the passing game so they won’t have to rely heavily on Rashaad Penny’s running game. Fresno State’s win could get them closer to going back to the conference championship since 2014. Note: Both teams are the only West teams to go to a conference championship since this conference expanded to 12 teams.

2) #19 MICHIGAN (5-1 OVERALL; 2-1 BIG 10) AT #2 PENN STATE (6-0 OVERALL; 3-0 BIG TEN) 4:30PM/ 7:30PM ET [ABC]

Since 2014, Michigan’s point spread has increased in the last 3 wins against Penn State, but this may end as Penn State finally found their identity. Penn State’s defense is the best in the nation in points allowed with just 9 while Michigan is in the Top 10 in points allowed with 14.7. The only difference is that Penn State’s offense is a little more efficient. Michigan’s offense finally churned last week thanks to Karan Higdon’s big game with 200 yards rushing on 25 carries, but the passing game is still a problem with no true receiver or true quarterback. The combination of quarterback Trace McSorley and running back Saquon Barkley with the help of the offensive line makes Penn State so lethal on offense. Unfortunately, they’re dealing with Michigan’s stingy defense coached by Jim Harbaugh. But here’s what I’ve seen from the past few games that Michigan played since Harbaugh coached there. When the game becomes competitive, they won’t back down. If they keep Penn State from scoring, it’s most likely a low-scoring game. But if Penn State starts running up points, Michigan will desperately do the same. However, Michigan’s young players will be tested in Happy Valley that will be rocking from the start of kickoff. This will be Michigan’s last chance at staying alive for a playoff run and a conference championship berth. Penn State’s win will set them up for their second ranked showdown with Ohio State next week.

1) #11 USC (6-1 OVERALL) AT #13 NOTRE DAME (5-1 OVERALL)- 4:30PM PT/ 7:30PM ET [NBC]

Saturday night’s game between USC and Notre Dame is the Playoff Elimination Game. USC has been hit with plenty of injuries while Notre Dame is without linebacker Greer Martini for this game. USC’s offensive linemen is the weak spot for USC, resulting in quarterback Sam Darnold’s miscues on the field. Notre Dame has been untested except against Michigan State (that’s ranked) and Georgia (which they lost to). But these situations won’t sour this rivalry game as both teams know what’s on the line. Sam Darnold must play his best football to overcome Notre Dame’s underrated defense led by linebacker Nyles Morgan while Notre Dame must defeat USC to help their resumé for a playoff spot. USC currently holds the Jeweled Shalaylee trophy. Each team has won at home since 2013 but USC has not won in South Bend since Lane Kiffin was the head coach in 2011. As I said about this matchup before, the loser is eliminated from playoff contention.

OTHER GAMES TO WATCH

*Red indicates potential upsets