LSU–Ole Miss Tops College Football’s Week 5 Watchability Index

The SEC clash is our top recommendation to watch Saturday, but there are a few other sneaky good matchups, too.

We close Week 5 with a fine enough Saturday slate. Not heavy on headliners this week, but good enough to get by.

All times Eastern.

Definitely good

LSU vs. Ole Miss (6 p.m., ESPN)

The intrigue here is whether No. 13 LSU has truly turned the corner after a poor start or whether their struggles with Arkansas were emblematic of a bigger issue inherent to the Tigers’ ceiling this season. No. 20 Ole Miss has a similar question to answer. Are the Rebels as explosive and dominant as they showed in the early season, or can a good team stifle them like Alabama did last weekend?

LSU running back Logan Diggs was held out of the Tigers’ season-opening loss to Florida State due to a coach’s decision, but he has accounted for 304 yards from scrimmage in the three games since :: Scott Clause/USA Today Sports

Sneaky good (or at least with something of notable intrigue)

USC vs. Colorado (12 p.m., Fox)

The Buffs need to bounce back after getting embarrassed against Oregon, and No. 8 USC is not the antidote for a defense that may have its pride ailing. If Colorado is as deficient on defense as it was last weekend, then it may be name-your-score territory for Caleb Williams & Co.

Kansas vs. Texas (3:30 p.m., ABC)

No. 3 Texas has proven it isn’t liable to fall into any potholes, but No. 24 Kansas isn’t just a potential sticking point. Powered by QB Jalon Daniels, the longtime Big 12 doormat has the legitimate ability to match points with the Longhorns. But the Jayhawks’ defense may be what loses them the game in the end.

Notre Dame vs. Duke (7:30 p.m., ABC)

Duke football on the big stage, how about that? The No. 17–ranked Blue Devils have experienced a renaissance this season, but No. 11 Notre Dame poses a physical test that Duke’s front will have to be prepared for. We’ve spent the whole week picking at the Fighting Irish from an operational standpoint. You’d expect them to have 11 players on the field for every play.

Well, it’s certainly better than not watching football

• Florida vs. Kentucky (12 p.m., ESPN)
• Clemson vs. Syracuse (12 p.m., ABC)
• Texas A&M vs. Arkansas (12 p.m., SEC Network)
• Houston vs. Texas Tech (3:30 p.m., FS2)
• Michigan vs. Nebraska (3:30 p.m., Fox)