Key Matchups For the Biggest Games in Week 8
By Skeeter Smith
Week 7 delivers a slate of high-stakes college football matchups with significant playoff implications. This weekend's schedule is full of exciting contests that promise to be thrilling. Here are some pivotal matchups that will determine the outcome of the biggest games this week.
7 Penn State vs. 3 Ohio State
The Nittany Lions' Secondary vs the Buckeyes' receiving corps
Saturday’s slate kicks off with the biggest game of the year up to this point. This game not only holds weight in the Big 10 but will have huge implications on who may represent the conference in the playoffs. Ohio State boasts a deep and talented receiver room, with Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka leading the charge.
On the flip side, Penn State's pass defense is the best in the nation, allowing only 121 passing yards per game. If you're a fan of high-level football, this matchup promises a showdown you won't want to miss.
Sep 16, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (2) celebrates the touchdown with wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) during the second quarter against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
17 Tennessee vs. 11 Alabama
Joe Milton vs Jalen Milroe
The 3rd Saturday in October rivalry is alive and well, especially after Tennessee's last-second victory last season. The spotlight in this game is on the quarterbacks—Joe Milton and Jalen Milroe. Both have shown flashes of high-level quarterback play but moments of inconsistency in their passing game. With strong defenses on both sides, the game's winner will likely be the team whose quarterback can settle down and produce consistently.
Oct 14, 2023; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) reacts to his 79 yard pass for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sport
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16 Duke vs. 4 Florida State
Myles Jones vs Keon Coleman
Myles Jones, Duke's top cornerback, takes on Keon Coleman, a superstar wide receiver for Florida State. Jones has excelled in coverage this season, with a 90.7 coverage rating, according to PFF. He faces a tough challenge in Coleman, who leads the ACC in touchdown catches so far this season. Expect these elite talents to go head-to-head throughout the game, creating a must-watch matchup for any football fan.
Oct 14, 2023; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Keon Coleman (4) catches a pass over Syracuse Orange defensive back Jason Simmons Jr. (6) during the first quarter at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports
Clemson vs. Miami
Miami’s passing attack vs Clemson’s secondary
Both Clemson and Miami come into this game with two losses, and another defeat here could cause concerts amongst the fanbases about the trajectory of their respective programs. The focus here is on Miami's potent passing attack, led by Tyler Van Dyke, who tops the ACC in touchdown throws and is 2nd in yards per game.
Clemson, meanwhile, features a strong pass defense, allowing just 175 passing yards per game. Keep an eye on Van Dyke, who's thrown five interceptions in the last two games, which could be a critical factor in this contest.
Oct 7, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Tyler Van Dyke (9) attempts a pass against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
14 Utah vs 18 USC
USC’s offense vs Utah’s defense
USC's offense, led by Caleb Williams, aims to bounce back after a challenging performance last week against Notre Dame. However, they'll face a tough test against Utah, which has the best defense in the Pac-12. The Utes have been really good at defending the pass, as they've forced more interceptions than passing touchdowns allowed. Still, they'll need to be at their best to counter Williams, who leads all quarterbacks in touchdown passes this season.
Jan 2, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams (13) and offensive lineman Bobby Haskins (70) and offensive lineman Jonah Monheim (79) in action during the game between the USC Trojans and the Tulane Green Wave in the 2023 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium.
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