Oregon-Washington Clash Tops College Football’s Week 7 Watchability Index
Week 7 brings the game of the year to the table as just an appetizer for a deep-night slate. Trust us: You’re going to need more screens to get all of the good stuff in prime time.
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Definitely good
Oregon vs. Washington (3:30 p.m., ABC)
It’s been a while since we had a Pac-12 game this big, and it’s been even longer than that since it featured teams undefeated through the first third of the season.
Not only is this a game between two good teams, but they also happen to absolutely despise each other. You couldn’t ask for a better mix of things, and we can’t wait to watch it.
Miami vs. UNC (7:30 p.m., ABC)
Yes, Miami should have kneeled at the end of the Georgia Tech game. They’ve assuredly heard about it incessantly since Saturday night. But for them to run the victory formation in this game, they’ll have to find a way to deal with the ever-capable Drake Maye, and that’s no easy task. Maye is likely to be either the first or second quarterback off the board in next April’s NFL draft, and he’s leading a UNC team that actually has a capable defense. That means even if Miami’s secondary has a significantly better day than it did against Texas A&M, it may still not be enough to top the Heels.
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UCLA vs. Oregon State (8 p.m., Fox)
Despite having Utah’s also-great unit, the best defense in the Pac-12 might belong to UCLA. The Bruins are stout, and against Oregon State’s high-level run threat, they’ll need to be.
USC vs. Notre Dame (7:30 p.m., NBC)
Notre Dame needs to win after a mistake-fueled loss to Louisville, but it certainly doesn’t get any easier with the Trojans coming to town. On the other hand, USC needs to prove that the second-half defense they put on display last week wasn’t a fluke. It will be the most physical test up front the Trojans face all season. Can they pass it?
Sneaky good (or at least with something of notable intrigue)
Georgia Southern vs. James Madison (12 p.m., ESPN2)
James Madison may not be eligible to win the conference championship this year, but this is a major measuring stick for both teams. The Eagles ditched the option, and their aerial attack has proved proficient in games they aren’t turning the ball over six times.
Texas A&M vs. Tennessee (3:30 p.m., CBS)
The Vols get pieces back up front and not a moment too soon to face an A&M team that, at least up front, is as formidable as they come. The problem is behind that front. The Aggies’ DBs are able to be exploited, which Alabama proved multiple times last weekend. It’s safe to say Tennessee’s offense is even more dangerous than Bama’s.
Marshall vs. Georgia State (7 p.m., ESPN2)
Marshall has as many wins against ACC teams as it does Sun Belt teams, and it almost got another last week against NC State. Georgia State had been playing well until they ran into the buzzsaw that is Troy’s defense. The Herd pack a similar punch.
Auburn vs. LSU (7 p.m.)
When the Tigers get together, weird stuff is bound to happen. We don’t make the rules; we’re just keen observers. If history is any guide, expect fireworks in Baton Rouge.
Well, it’s certainly better than not watching football
- Syracuse vs. Florida State (12 p.m., ABC)
- Arkansas vs. Alabama (12 p.m., ESPN)