College football is entering week 10. There are always things to watch every week of the season. Here are 5 things to watch in college football week 10.
1. SEC West Clash
There are a few teams still in contention in the SEC West. Two of those teams will meet this Saturday when Auburn travels to Texas A&M. After suffering two straight losses to Arkansas and Mississippi State, Texas A&M has reeled off three straight wins, including one over Alabama. Their offense has been inconsistent, but the Aggies’ defense has been great, especially the last two weeks. They allow 16.5 points per game and could help Texas A&M finish the year strong.
On the other side of the field, the Tigers lost to Penn State and Georgia so far this season. They have surprised people with their wins over Arkansas and Ole Miss in their last two games. Quarterback Bo Nix is playing better under new head coach Bryan Harsin. Their offense ranks in the top 50 in rushing and passing, while their defense allows fewer than 20 points per game. If Auburn wins this game, they could be in contention for the SEC West by the end of the season when they play Alabama.
2. Quarterback Prospects Dueling
There aren’t a lot of 2022 NFL Draft prospects standing out, but two who have generated some buzz are squaring off in week 10. Matt Corral has led the Rebels to a 6-2 record this season. His arm has produced 2,202 yards, 15 touchdowns and one interception this year on 66 percent completion. He has also shown the ability to run with the ball as well. In week 9, he got banged up, but returned to the game.
Ole Miss will be playing Liberty, who has Auburn-transfer Malik Willis at quarterback. Willis helped Liberty go 10-1 last season and the Flames are 7-2 this season. He has passed for 1,986 yards, 21 touchdowns and six interceptions on 66.7 percent completion. Willis has also rushed for 684 yards and nine touchdowns. With his arm strength and mobility, he has the physical tools that NFL teams want. Both quarterbacks in this game could end up being first-round picks, so this may be a preview of matchups that may be seen on Sundays in the not-so-distant future.
3. Wake Forest Big Road Game
Wake Forest has had a dream of a season and are now 8-0. They haven’t exactly played the toughest schedule, but they are playing well. Sam Hartman has helped the offense average 43.4 points per game. The defense has been a little more inconsistent at 23.9 points allowed per game, but they have had some quality games. The good season will be put to the test on Saturday against North Carolina.
The Tar Heels had high expectations coming into the season, but currently sit with a 4-4 record. They lost playmakers on both sides of the ball from last season. North Carolina still has Sam Howell at quarterback, who is playing well after starting the season off rough. An added ability to run the ball has helped the Tar Heels average 36.5 points per game. The defense allows 30.8 points per game, but North Carolina just might have the fire-power to give Wake their first loss of the season.
4. Can Kentucky Get Back on Track?
Kentucky entered week 9 at 6-1 with a big chance to finish the regular season with just one loss. They had a bad performance against Mississippi State to finish the week at 6-2. The Wildcats could still make a New Year’s Six Bowl, so they will want to get a lot of things cleaned up, including the turnovers by Will Levis. They’ll have a tough test against Tennessee, who they are favored to beat by just three points.
The Volunteers are 4-4 on the season. While their defense has been mundane, the offense has come to life this season, scoring 37.5 points per game. They are specifically running the ball well, averaging 226 yards per game. With Hendon Hooker able to create big plays at quarterback, the Volunteers could get a ranked win over the Wildcats on Saturday.
5. Oregon in Prime Time
The Oregon Ducks have had a tumultuous season. Their win over Ohio State remains one of the best of the college football season. But they also lost to Stanford, who is struggling mightily this season. They have dealt with some injuries on defense, but have plenty of talent to do better down the stretch after averaging 23.3 points allowed so far. Quarterback Anthony Brown has had an up and down season, but when he is decisive, the offense can move the ball.
Oregon will have the spotlight on them when they take on a 4-4 Washington team. The Huskies have not had a great offense. They average 22.6 points per game. Their defense though, has been solid. The Huskies have given up just 18.9 points per game and have NFL-level talent on all three levels. Oregon is projected to win, but Washington could make things interesting if the Ducks don’t come ready to play.
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