College football is now in full swing. There are always things to watch every week of the season. Here are 5 things to watch in college football week 13.
1. The Game
With a suspended coach for Michigan due to a sign-stealing scandal and the Wolverines having won the last two matchups, this game will have added fire. Michigan is undefeated behind a good defense and running game. They have had some close calls over the last two weeks, but the Wolverines will be ready for the Buckeyes.
Ohio State is also undefeated this season, so there will be a lot on the line with this rivalry game. Their offense hasn’t been as good as most year’s, but they have been solid. Ohio State’s defense is much better this season, as they allow just 9.9 points per game. Michigan is favored by 5.5, but it could go either way on Saturday.
2. The Civil War
Oregon State is coming off a tough loss to Washington, which was their third of the season. They have a good offense that scores 37.9 points per game. It is well-balanced, as they have a good quarterback in D.J. Uiagalelei and a talented running back in Damien Martinez. While they are out of the Pac-12 Championship race, they will want to leave their rivals with a loss before they depart for the Big Ten.
The Ducks have a bit more to play for in this game in terms of this season. With a win, they lock up their spot in the Pac-12 Championship Game. If they win that, they could be going to the CFP. Oregon scores 46.5 points per game behind the arm of Bo Nix. They also have a good defense that allows just 16.7 points per game. It should be a close one, but Oregon is favored.
3. The Apple Cup
Another Pac-12 rivalry that is dying this season is the Apple Cup. Washington State will be staying in what is left of the Pac-12, while Washington is going to the Big Ten. The Cougars, like Oregon State, will want to get one last win in before their rivals leave. Washington State also needs one win to become bowl-eligible this season. They pass for 338.3 yards per game. Quarterback Cam Ward has been solid for the Cougars for the last two seasons.
Washington is undefeated and on the cusp of making the College Football Playoff. Most of the season they have been fueled by their offense, but there have been some hiccups. Their defense hasn’t been great, but they have done enough in games where the offense hasn’t performed. Rivalries can produce wild results so Washington will need to stay focused.
4. Florida State Without Jordan Travis
In week 12, Florida State defeated North Alabama. Unfortunately, Jordan Travis had a bad leg injury that looks like it will end his season (although no official word is out on that). Tate Rodemaker filled in for Travis and helped secure the win. He finished the game going 13/23 passing for 217 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.
Rodemaker will likely have the reins going forward. In week 13, Florida State is playing Florida. The Gators also had their starting quarterback, Graham Mertz, get hurt and he is out for the season. This could still be a good game and it will be good to see how Rodemaker plays in a big game. If he does well, he could lead Florida State into the CFP.
5. The Governor’s Cup
Louisville has qualified for the ACC Championship and has just one loss on the season. They are trying to keep their very thin hopes of making the CFP alive with a win against their rivals, Kentucky. The Cardinals have had some close calls as of late, winning their last two games by seven points. Their has been hitting their stride, as they have scored 30 points in three straight games.
Kentucky enters the game after a loss to South Carolina that brings their record to 6-5. The loss featured plenty of criticism of the program, as the team has lost five of their last six games. An immediate cure could be a win over a rival. Kentucky’s offense hasn’t lived up to the hype this season and their defense has suffered trying to keep things together. They’ll need an inspired performance to come away with a win.
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