By the time Saturday’s college football action is over, half of the season will officially be over.
THE Week 7 schedule features four matchups between top 25 teams, as well as a fifth who perhaps should be. Most of the big competitions involve programs from the western half of the country, but naturally the southeast quadrant will see its share of action as well.
Sharp-eyed readers will notice the lack of entries on this list from the dull midday ET window of the day. So we recommend, if the weather is nice where you are, it’s a good week to go apple picking or take part in some other form of outdoor fun before mid-afternoon kick-off .
Here is our list of the seven best matches to be played this week.
No. 8 Oregon at No. 6 Washington
Time/TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC.
Why watch: This week’s game takes place in the future home of the Big Ten, the Pacific Northwest. But never mind all that now – let’s just enjoy this final ride through the Pac-12 as its two most complete playoff contenders face off. The contest features two of the three most productive offenses in the country, but both programs also know how to play defense. Huskies QB Michael Penix Jr. is averaging a ridiculous 11.2 yards per pass attempt, with WRs Rome Odunze and Ja’Lynn Polk stretching the field. Ducks QB Bo Nix and WR Troy Franklin are also capable of connecting for explosive plays at any time, but RBs Bucky Irving and Jordan James are just as dangerous when ball control is necessary. Names you’ll likely hear a lot on the defensive side include Oregon DE Jordan Birch and Washington DB Dominique Hampton.
Why it might disappoint: It is difficult to imagine that this could be the case. Both teams have enough firepower to stage a rally and neither team is inclined to give up the ball. We’d be surprised if this one didn’t come together over time.
No. 22 UCLA at No. 14 Oregon State
Time/TV: 8 p.m. ET, Fox.
Why watch: This could be considered the Pac-12 undercard this week, but it’s just as important as the big showdown in Seattle as these potential challengers try to avoid a second championship loss and stay in the championship mix . Amid all the intrigue around the league in the first month, the vast improvement of UCLA’s defense was somewhat overshadowed. LB Darius Muasau and his fellow Bruins are now focused on keeping Beavers QB DJ Uiagalelei and RB Damien Martinez contained. Oregon State’s tailbacks, anchored by LB Easton Mascarenas-Arnold, will look to stifle the ongoing development of UCLA freshman QB Dante Moore.
Why it might disappoint: The offenses here aren’t as flashy as those on display in Seattle, so it might not be as entertaining. However, it should have its share of pivotal moments. It’s possible for a team to emerge with a major dynamic change, but it’s more likely for them to be competitive in the fourth quarter.
No. 9 Southern California at No. 21 Notre Dame
Time/TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBC.
Why watch: This matchup that was looming in the top 10 a few weeks ago has lost some of its luster as both teams have slipped in the polls, but it’s still a key date that fans of each program have circled every year on the calendar. The Fighting Irish likely have no way of returning to the College Football Playoff themselves, but would be more than happy to derail USC’s title quest. While the defense has taken the brunt of the criticism from Trojans fans, it was the offense that was uncharacteristically ineffective last week in the narrow escape against Arizona. Quarterback Caleb Williams likely won’t have a second straight day off throwing the ball, but he could get more resistance from Notre Dame LB JD Bertrand if he’s forced to rush again. Irish quarterback Sam Hartman will be happy to have the city of Louisville in his rearview mirror, but he still has to be wary of takeaway threats like USC DBs Jacobe Covington and Calen Bullock.
Why it might disappoint: There are several possibilities. The Trojans’ aerial attack could come out of its mini slump and explode, or the Irish offensive line that was shaken up last week in Louisville could find the matchup against USC’s front much more to its liking. The first series should tell us which scenario is most likely.
No. 25 Missouri at No. 23 Kentucky
Time/TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, SECN.
Why watch: Life in the SEC is never easy. These two programs trying to break through with signature wins found that out the hard way last week and are now looking to bounce back. The Wildcats had an inkling of an upset crushed early in Georgia, while the Tigers might have a harder time putting the missed opportunity at home against LSU behind them. Kentucky’s first task will be reestablishing the line of scrimmage for standout RB Ray Davis, who was largely blocked by the Bulldogs with little air support from QB Devin Leary. Quarterback Brady Cook will again look for WR Luther Burden III early and often.
Why it might disappoint: Theoretically, Missouri has the ability to make a big play to stage a comeback if necessary, but the Wildcats are better equipped for a ball-control approach that could help them protect their lead. Kentucky might be less able to score points quickly if the Tigers are able to gain a multi-score advantage.
Wyoming to the Air Force
Time/TV: 7 p.m. ET, CBSSN.
Why watch: This huge showdown in the Mountain West should likely be a Top 25 showdown. The winner here will in all likelihood crack the rankings and certainly get the inside track to a major bowl berth. The Cowboys had to work much harder last week, surviving a late charge to hold off Fresno State, while the Falcons had a bye week to enjoy their 49-10 loss to San Diego State. Wyoming quarterback Andrew Peasley was ultra-effective a week ago and will need to be again to keep Air Force’s potent offense off the field. QB Zac Larrier runs Air Force’s option attack, with FB Emmanuel Michel doing the heavy lifting.
Why it might disappoint: Wyoming looked a little banged up towards the end of the hard-fought win over Fresno State. Defeating the rested Falcons on the road is a tall order, even with a healthy group, but if the Cowboys avoid falling behind early, things should remain competitive.
Miami (Florida) at No. 12 North Carolina
Time/TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC.
Why watch: The expected battle between the ACC undefeated did not materialize and the Hurricanes must now bounce back quickly. last week’s disastrous ending against Georgia Tech have any hope of remaining in the conference title race. The Tar Heels survived some early scares and now look like a top 10 team thanks to last week’s near-shutout of Syracuse. Moving the chains wasn’t Miami’s problem against Georgia Tech, but the recurrence of quarterback Tyler Van Dyke’s bad habit of putting the ball in danger is a major concern. Disruptors like UNC LB Cedric Gray will do their best to cause more mistakes. Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye, meanwhile, shifts the ground game into high gear with help from RBs Omarion Hampton and British Brooks. Miami LB Francisco Mauigoa will lead the effort to keep them bottled up.
Why it might disappoint: A lot of it depends on the presence of the Miami team. If the Canes repeat last week’s performance, they will be kicked out of Chapel Hill. If they correct the mistakes and use the disappointment as motivation, it will be a game.
Texas A&M at No. 17 Tennessee
Time/TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS.
Why watch: Calling a mid-October game a must-win for any team with conference championship aspirations may seem a little premature. It’s hard to see this as anything, but, however, these two SEC prospects are already behind the proverbial 8-ball as they look to avoid a second-league loss. Tennessee has a rest advantage, having dominated South Carolina in its last action two weeks ago. Quarterback Joe Milton and RB Jaylen Wright may not find things as easy against LB Edgerrin Cooper and the Aggies front, but A&M needs to recharge quickly after last week’s battle against Alabama. Aggies QB Max Johnson can expect plenty of heat from Tennessee DL James Pearce Jr.
Why it might disappoint: In truth, we don’t know much yet about the quality of the two teams. The Aggies have yet to beat a ranked team, while the Vols missed their only road test to date. A unilateral outcome one way or the other seems unlikely, but exposure is also a possibility.
