College football now has all teams back. With that, there will always be things to watch each week. Here are five things to watch for in college football week 13.
1. Notre Dame’s Last Big Regular Season Game
Notre Dame has had an undefeated season and now sit at 8-0 with hopes of going to the College Football Playoff. They have scored 37.6 points per game on offense and only allow 16.6 points per game. Ian Book specifically has raised his level of play at quarterback has passed for 1,817 yards, 11 touchdowns and one interceptions on the season. His play helped the Fighting Irish beat Clemson and help prove their legitimacy.
The Fighting Irish play UNC this week. North Carolina has had an up and down season this year, as they have won six games, but they dropped two games they shouldn’t have. Their losses to Virginia and Florida State are disappointing, but the Tar Heels are ranked 25th in the country. Sam Howell has had a fantastic year, as he has passed for 2,631 yards, 23 touchdowns and six interceptions. The Tar Heels also have a two-headed tandem in the backfield at running back with Michael Carter and Javonte Williams. North Carolina may be capable of keeping up with the Fighting Irish and making this a real game.
2. Iowa State vs. Texas
The Big 12 hasn’t had a good year, as no teams are likely going to the College Football Playoff. There are still some solid teams though and Iowa State has recovered well after losing their opening game of the season to Louisiana. They are since 5-1 and have taken the top spot in the Big 12 standings. Running back Breece Hall has helped the team immensely. He has rushed for 1,169 yards and 15 touchdowns on the season, as he has helped the Cyclones control the clock in a lot of their games.
Texas has not lived up to expectations again this season. They have lost games to TCU and Oklahoma. Senior quarterback Sam Ehlinger has kept things interesting for the Longhorns with 1,813 passing yards, 22 toucdowns and five interceptions. He has also led the team in rushing with 323 yards and seven rushing touchdowns. The Longhorns are at home and with Ehlinger can make things interesting.
3. Iron Bowl
While it may not be much of a contest, the Iron Bowl is always worth watching. Alabama has had a great season so far. Mac Jones has really stepped into the quarterback position well. He has 2,426 passing yards, 18 touchdowns and three interceptions on 77.1 percent completion. Najee Harris has taken care of the rushing game with 797 yards and 16 touchdowns. Both have helped Alabama average 49.4 points and the defense only allows 19.3 points per game.
Auburn is 5-2 on the season, but have won some ugly games. They have lost to Georgia and South Carolina, but have won three straight contests. For Auburn to win this game, they will have to utilize their playmakers. Those are Seth Williams and Anthony Schwartz, who each have over 500 receiving yards and three touchdown catches. Bo Nix will have to play better than he has in his career for Auburn to keep up with Alabama, but Auburn has upset the Crimson Tide before.
4. J.T. Daniels
Georgia has had a rough time this year at the quarterback position. They lost Jake Fromm to the NFL. Jamie Newman was projected to start, but then opted out. Stetson Bennett played well in stretches, but couldn’t get the job done over all. D’Wan Mathis also got opportunities. J.T. Daniels has recently taken over the reins on offense, which should help Georgia live up to their potential.
While Georgia overall had a rough day against Mississippi State, they did end up winning 31-24. Daniels thew for 401 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions. This week will give a closer look at Daniels as they take on South Carolina. Jaycee Horn has opted out of the season, but South Carolina has other talented defenders, including Israel Mukuamu. Daniels can help Georgia finish the season strong and have a good chance at big things nest year.
5. Will BYU Play Washington?
Washington’s game against Washington State has been canceled for this weekend, as the Cougars have COVID issues. The Pac-12 has allowed their teams to schedule replacement games and Washington tried to take advantage of this by scheduling BYU. Differing reports have come out about BYU’s response to this game, but it is a game that could still happen, but things have to happen fast.
The game would be huge for both teams. BYU needs to add anything they can to their schedule to try and impress the CFP Committee. If they beat Washington, it isn’t a guarantee that they will make the CFP, but it would certainly help. If Washington can beat BYU it would give some more legitimacy to the Pac-12 as a whole. The Pac-12 has no out of conference games and with only six games on the schedule, a chance to beat a proven top 10 team would help the conference’s perception.
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