By Skeeter Smith
As we reach the midway point of the college football season, the excitement has been nothing short of breathtaking. With many high-stakes games still ahead, the back half of the year promises to deliver even more thrilling moments. Let’s dive into the matchups that are set to have a significant impact on the week 7 action.
7 Washington vs. 8 Oregon
Bo Nix vs. Michael Penix Jr
It doesn’t get much better than a top-10 matchup that has huge implications for conference standings in the PAC 12. This game will be headlined by the star quarterbacks from each team. Michael Penix Jr. of Washington has been lighting up the scoreboard, leading the nation in passing yards per game with nearly 400 yards a game to go along with 16 touchdowns in just 5 games.
For the Ducks, Bo Nix is having an impressive season himself, leading the nation with an 80% completion rate. In what’s expected to be a high-scoring affair, the outcome may come down to which quarterback can consistently make more game-changing plays.
Texas A&M vs. 19 Tennessee
Vols Passing Attack vs. Aggies Secondary
Tennessee’s offense leads the SEC in rushing yards per game, while Texas A&M’s defense boasts the best defense in the SEC against the run. However, both units have struggled when it comes to the passing game. Tennessee’s passing attack ranks near the bottom of the SEC, while the Aggies’ secondary has shown vulnerabilities against Miami and Alabama.
The question here is which unit will step up first? Can Joe Milton and the Vols exploit the Aggies’ suspect secondary, or will A&M slow down the run game and prevent big plays on the back end?
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25 Miami vs. 12 North Carolina
Omarion Hampton vs. The Hurricanes’ Run Defense
Miami is seeking redemption after a tough loss to Georgia Tech, facing a North Carolina team that’s been on a hot streak. Much of the Tar Heels’ offensive success has been thanks to star running back Omarion Hampton, who ranks second in the ACC in rushing yards and touchdowns.
On the flip side, Miami fields a defense that’s second in the nation in stopping the run, holding teams to a mere 58 rushing yards per game. If North Carolina can’t get Hampton going, the pressure will fall on Drake Maye to showcase why he’s considered one of the nation’s top quarterbacks.
10 USC vs. 21 Notre Dame
Caleb Williams vs. The Irish Secondary
No breaks for the Fighting Irish as they are set to face their 4th straight ranked opponent this season. This time, they’ll have to contend with Heisman winner Caleb Williams and USC’s high-scoring offense. Williams leads all of college football with 22 touchdown passes this season.
However, he faces a stern test in Notre Dame’s secondary, which ranks among the top 3 in the nation in passing yards allowed and concedes fewer than 16 points per game, even after playing some of the better teams in the country. USC’s defense is struggling to keep teams out of the end zone this year, so Williams may need an all-time performance for the Trojans to leave South Bend with a victory.
18 UCLA vs 15 Oregon State
Bruins Defense vs. Beavers Offense
Oregon State has showcased one of the most balanced offenses in the nation, excelling both through the air and on the ground. Quarterback DJ Uiagalelei is coming off his best performance this season, throwing 5 touchdowns against Cal. Meanwhile, UCLA’s defense was terrific in their own right as they held a Washington State team that had been averaging 45 points a game to just 17. In fact, the Bruins are giving up only 12 points a game this year, which is impressive playing in a conference known for its high-powered offenses. The battle in the trenches will play a crucial role in determining which unit emerges victorious.
