The season’s best weekend of college football is here! We have 4 top-25 matchups, with one of those being a top-10 SEC showdown between the 5th ranked LSU Tigers and 7th Ranked Florida Gators. Here is a guide for the top-10 games of the weekend.
(20) Virginia @ Miami- 8pm ESPN
ShareVirginia is coming off their first loss of the season, while Miami still hasn't defeated a Power 5 opponent. N'Kosi Perry will start for the injured Jarren Williams. Virginia QB Bryce Perkins maybe the most underrated quarterback in the country.
South Carolina vs. (3) Georgia- 12pm on ESPN
ShareGeorgia got off to a shakey start last week in Knoxville, and trailed the Vols with 2 minutes to go in the first half before opening it up in the 2nd half. South Carolina is coming off a strong home win over Kentucky where the defense impressed. This will be the first common opponent for UGA and Bama. Let's see if the Dawgs can beat the Gamecocks by more than the 24 points the Tide won by.
Washington State vs. (18) Arizona State- 3:30 PAC-12 Network
ShareThis is a very interesting matchup. Herm Edwards has the Sun Devils playing outstanding defense, but a Mike Leach offense can score points on anyone. The Cougs have lost back-to-back games, but look for them to rebound in the desert.
Florida State v (2) Clemson-3:30 on ABC
ShareClemson has been stewing on a poor performance for the last 2 weeks. Everyone expects the Noles to get blown out in Clemson Saturday afternoon, but this one may be close than people think. Florida State has also had 2 weeks to get ready for this game. they are coming off a good game beating NC State by 17 points. The Noles will probably lose this game, but they should be able to get it to halftime within a touchdown.
(10) Penn State vs. (17) Iowa- 7:30 on ABC
SharePenn State has got to bring their A game if they want to get out of Iowa City with an unblemished record. Iowa's defense is legit allowing just 8.8 ppg. Last season an undefeated Ohio State lost in a night game at Iowa- Penn State should be weary. Hawkeye's quarterback Nate Stanley is coming off a terrible performance against Michigan in the Big House, but home field should help him turn it around.
USC vs. (9) Notre Dame- 7:30 on NBC
ShareThis is one of those iconic uniform games in college football. Whenever these teams get together, you have to switch over just to check it out. USC is not expected to keep this game competitive, but this is a rivalry game. The Trojans are also getting quarterback Kedon Slovis back from a concussion, so you never know...
(1) Alabama vs. (24) Texas A&M- 3:30 on CBS
ShareThis will be the biggest test for Alabama so far this season. A&M's offense has been inconsistent this season, but Jimbo's defense is surprisingly stingy allowing under 18 points per game. Tua and the Tide's offense has been as impressive as any offense in the country this season. Let's see if they can hang more than the 24 points Clemson put up on the Aggies. There is also the Jimbo vs. Saban storyline where a Saban disciple hasn't defeated Saban ever!
Michigan State vs. (8) Wisconsin- 3:30 on BTN
ShareThis is the most underrated game of the weekend. The Spartans defense was put in some difficult positions early against Ohio State last week, but still managed to hold the Buckeyes to just 34 points. If you like old-school ground-and-pound football, this is your game. Look for Michigan State to rebound against a very good Wisconsin team at home. Officially putting the Badgers on upset alert.
(6) Oklahoma vs. (11) Texas- 12 noon on FOX
ShareAnother great rivalry game this weekend. The Longhorns are the more battle tested team heading into the Cotton Bowl, but the Sooners offense has been scary good with Jalen Hurts at the wheel. Texas got the upset last year, but OU got payback in the Big12 Championship game. This will be by far the Sooners toughest test thus far.
(7) Florida vs. (5) LSU- 8:00 on ESPN
ShareThe game of the year so far. The LSU offense vs. the Gators defense is one of the most intriguing matchups of the season. The Gators defensive front against LSU's offensive line is a big advantage for the Gators, while the LSU receiving corp will be the best unit the Gators secondary has seen. This is going to be a GREAT GAME!!!!