Arguably the most significant weekend of the season to this point, college football Week 7 features some really great matchups.
Four big-time games crown this weekend’s action as ranked-versus-ranked programs clash, including what should be an incredible Red River Showdown in Dallas.
These are the games we cannot wait to see in college football Week 7.
No. 6 Oklahoma vs. No. 11 Texas
This game is absolutely huge. In addition to the simple fact that both of these teams still believe they have a shot to make it into the playoff, this is one of the biggest rivalries in college football and makes for one of the season’s best games on an annual basis.
Last year, Sam Ehlinger and Kyler Murray combined to score 10 touchdowns as Texas eked out a three-point win. This year, Ehlinger has another rival in Jalen Hurts, who somehow has the Sooners playing at an even higher level on offense than Murray and Baker Mayfield did the past two seasons. This game is going to come down to which defense can make the critical stops at key moments, because chances are the offenses are going to put a ton of points on the board.
No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 24 Texas A&M
So far, nobody’s been able to slow down the Crimson Tide, who are winning by an average score of 52-15. Tua Tagovailoa once again has the Alabama offense humming. His exceptional accuracy, combined with ‘Bama featuring the best trio of receivers in college football, is just unfair.
On the other side, Jimbo Fisher’s program has already had two big opportunities to make a big statement against top teams. But the Aggies failed both tests and are in danger of fallout outside the top-25. College Station is going to be raucous for this game, and it’s going to be fascinating to see if the Texas A&M defense can keep the Crimson Tide from silencing the crowd at Kyle Field with some early scores.
Michigan State vs. No. 8 Wisconsin
This is a fascinating game because it features the best running back in college football in Jonathan Taylor, who’ll go up against one of the best defensive fronts in the nation.
Last weekend, Michigan State’s defense did an admirable job of keeping Ohio State’s rushing attack in check until the second half. Then, J.K. Dobbins and Co. had their way. The Badgers may be even better on the ground, and the big guys up front are elite. This strength-versus-strength battle between Michigan State’s defense and Wisconsin’s offense is going to be fun to watch unfold.
Though, if the Spartans have any hope of winning, they also have to score points. And so far, that’s been a tough thing to do, as Wisconsin allows an average of 5.8 points per game.
No. 10 Penn State vs. No. 17 Iowa
Iowa should have beaten Michigan last weekend in Ann Arbor, but quarterback Nate Stanley had the worst game of his four-year career, throwing three interceptions. The Hawkeyes are coming back home and feature one of the best defenses in the nation.
This defense will be put to the test against the Nittany Lions, who feature one of the nation’s best and most balanced offenses. Penn State is one of the more well rounded teams in college football and also has a fearsome defense led by pass rusher Shaka Toney.
The past two times these rivals clashed, the games were decided by a combined eight points. We could see another tight one, especially if the Hawkeyes can gain strength from their rabid fan base at Kinnick Stadium.
USC vs. No. 9 Notre Dame
This storied rivalry has been a bit lopsided in recent history, with Notre Dame taking three out of the last four games. USC’s descent into college football mediocrity has a lot to do with that, and the program has already suffered two losses this year. Nevertheless, this is a must-see game every season, and nobody should be surprised if the Trojans make a game of it this Saturday night in South Bend.
It’s looking like freshman quarterback Kedon Slovis will play after missing the past two games with a concussion. If he can avoid turning the ball over, the Trojans have a good chance of pressuring the Irish with touchdowns early, thanks to their outstanding receivers.
Though, what this game is likely going to boil down to is whether USC’s defense can slow down the Fighting Irish, who have scored 87 points in the two games since being downed by Georgia.
No. 7 Florida vs. No. 5 LSU
For the second weekend in a row, the Gators have a chance to flex on national television. Last weekend, they took down Auburn and forced Bo Nix to have his worst game of the season. The Tigers, however, present a whole new level of difficulty, thanks to Heisman candidate Joe Burrow.
Burrow enters Week 7 with 1,864 yards and 22 touchdowns passing in just five games. He has come alive in LSU’s new RPO-centric offense, and so far nobody’s been able to slow this unit down.
That may soon change, though, as Florida’s pass defense allows just over 183 yards per game and has relinquished three touchdowns all year. If Kyle Trask can continue playing like he has since taking over for Feleipe Franks, the Gators have a real shot at winning this game.
Hawaii vs. No. 14 Boise State
This game is going to be a whole lot of fun. The best late game on the slate in Week 7, it features offenses led by two exciting quarterbacks capable of lighting up the scoreboard.
Rainbow Warriors quarterback Cole McDonald has piled up 1,629 yards and 17 touchdowns so far this season. Broncos freshman phenom Hank Bachmeier has put up 1,489 yards and eight touchdowns through the air.
Boise State’s defense is more formidable, and we expect the Broncos to win. But if you’re up late Saturday night, tune into this battle to see if Hawaii can pull some magic out of its hat for a huge upset win.