By Skeeter Smith
23 Kansas State vs. 7 Texas
K-State’s rushing attack vs. the Longhorns defense
Kansas State enters this matchup with one of college football’s most dominant ground attacks, averaging 226 yards per game, ranking 5th nationally. The team’s strength resides in a dynamic backfield led by DJ Giddens and Treshaun Ward, both averaging over 5 yards per carry. Additionally, quarterback Will Howard‘s legs have also added another layer to the Wildcats ground attack.
For Texas, Their defense has been tough to run this year, giving up less than 100 rushing yards per game, ranking 1st in the Big 12. Expect The Longhorns to be highly aggressive against the run early in this game.
15 Notre Dame vs. Clemson
Tigers’ offense vs. Notre Dame’s defense
Clemson faces an uphill battle confronting one of the nation’s premier defenses. The Tigers have grappled with offensive challenges all season, a significant concern when matched against Notre Dame’s stout secondary, ranking 3rd in the county in fewest passing yards allowed per game.
To maintain pace, Clemson needs to finish drives and take care of the football. The Tigers may need help from their own defense to generate some turnover and give the offense more opportunities.
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Texas A&M vs. 10 Ole Miss
Lane Kiffin vs. Jimbo Fisher
The stage remains open for Ole Miss and Lane Kiffin as we advance into the final month of college football. Last year, November was disastrous for the Rebels as they finished on a three-game losing streak at the end of the regular season. This year, Lane has a golden opportunity to establish himself among the best college football coaches.
On the flip side, Jimbo may be coaching for his job at College Station. As the Aggies seem to head towards another disappointing season, the seat grows hotter for the former national title winner. A nice win on the road would play a big role in Fisher’s bid to fortify his coaching position.
12 Missouri vs. 2 Georgia
Luther Burden vs. Georgia’s secondary
The Tigers enter this game with a chance to not only shake up the SEC but also the broader college football landscape. For Missouri to pull off an upset, their playmakers, including standout wide receiver Luther Burden, must step up.
Recently, teams that have troubled Georgia’s defense most are those with a dynamic receiver on the outside, a role the Tigers expect Burden to fulfill. The Bulldogs’ secondary will make sure to key in on Burden and force Brady Cook to rely on alternative passing options.
9 Oklahoma vs. 22 OK State
Ollie Gordon vs. The Sooners run defense
Ollie Gordon‘s recent explosions have grabbed attention as he ran wild over the past few weeks, accumulating 282 rushing yards against WVU and following it up with 271 yards versus Cincinnati. Since their bye week, Gordan has averaged an impressive 214 yards per game.
On the flip side, Oklahoma has struggled defensively lately, giving up 225 yards on the ground in their loss to Kansas and over 100 yards to UCF running back RJ Harvey in the preceding week. Oklahoma needs to find their run defense this weekend, or Ollie Gordan might put their College Playoff hopes to bed for good.
5 Washington vs. 20 USC
The Trojans Secondary vs. Micheal Penix Jr
This game will give us high-scoring action as The Huskies head to Southern Cal to face USC. With Michael Penix Jr and Caleb Williams headlining the game, expect high-level quarterbacking from both players. While we’ve seen Washington show the ability to stop opponents, USC’s defense is giving up over 30 points per game.
One thing that may work in USC’s favor is Washington’s season-long turnover struggles, standing at -2 in their turnover difference. If USC’s secondary can force Penix into turnovers, it may turn the tide in this game.
14 LSU vs. 6 Alabama
LSU’s passing attack vs. Bama’s secondary
LSU arrives in Tuscaloosa with the SEC’s most dynamic offense led by quarterback Jayden Daniels, who is enjoying a Heisman-type season with notable support from standout receivers Brian Thomas Jr. and Malik Nabers.
On the flip side, Alabama’s defense seems to be getting better every week and comprises of high-performing defensive backs such as Caleb Downs, Terrion Arnold, and Kool-Aid McKinstry. This game could decisively impact the SEC West race as these teams collide on Saturday.
