College football is back 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.
USC has somehow stayed alive in the CFP race with just two losses on the season, even if they may need some help to get in. A win over Oregon would really push them towards the top 12. The Trojans have thrived as a passing offense, averaging 298.1 passing yards and 38.2 points per game. Their defense has been solid at 21.7 points allowed per game, but have played better the last few weeks.
Oregon has just one loss and are firmly in the CFP if the season ended today. They are looking for a marquee win to help their standing before selection day. Oregon has also thrived offensively, scoring 39.2 points per game, but they are fueled by a running game that ranks eighth in the country in 233.6 yards per game. Their defense has also been one of the best in the country, allowing 13.7 points per game. Oregon will be favored at home, but this game could test them.
The ACC has four teams with just one loss in the conference with two of them meeting this week. Pittsburgh is coming off a loss to Notre Dame in a game that Pat Narduzzi said wasn’t important. They now have a brutal schedule down the stretch, playing Georgia Tech this week and Miami the next. Freshman quarterback Mason Heintschel has lifted the offesne since being inserted into the lineup, helping them pass for 287.2 yards per game and score 37.2 points per game this season. The defense has been average at best, allowing 23.3 points per game.
Georgia Tech has just one loss on the season and narrowly escaped agaisnt Boston College last week. It seems they are losing steam as the season goes on. Haynes King has led the offense with his ability to run, but the offense is balanced, ranking 26th in passing yards and 10th in rushing yards. The defense has not been good, as they allow 24.2 points per game. A win in this game will likely get them to the ACC Championship Game, as their last game of the season is a nonconference game against Georgia.
After losing to Texas Tech, BYU was able to get back on the right track by beating TCU. That win has them currently sitting in the Big 12 Championship Game, but they can’t afford to lose. They have run the ball well this season, averaging 195.1 yards per game. The defense has been great, conceding just 17.8 points per game.
Cincinnati had just one conference loss heading into last week, but then they lost to Arizona at home. They are still alive in the Big 12, but have now faltered down the stretch in the last couple of seasons. Brendan Sorsby was playing efficient football at quarterback, having passed for 232.7 yards per game, but has since started turning the ball over. the defense allows 22.7 points per game. Things look bleak, but Cincinnati will be at home and still have things to play for this season.
In a week where a lot of cupcakes are scheduled before rivalry week, it might be worth watching Louisville travel to SMU. The Cardinals are coming off a loss to Clemson, which ended any hopes of making the ACC Championship Game or the CFP. They have been balanced offensively, but average, scoring 31.5 points per game. Their defense has battled well, giving up 21.5 points per game.
While Louisville is out of the ACC race, SMU is still very much in it, as they have just one conference loss. Kevin Jennings has led a passing attack that averages 284.5 yards per game without much of a running game. The defense allows 20.4 points per game. They have an impressive win over Miami and now just need to play up to that for two more games to possibly make the ACC Championship Game.
There are plenty of two-loss teams in the country who are still vying to make the CFP. Two in the SEC have tough games and will need to win to keep their chances of making the CFP with two losses relatively high. Vanderbilt is hosting Kentucky. The Wildcats were 2-4, but have now won three straight games. They are getting more out of quarterback Cutter Boley and could test Vanderbilt and Diego Pavia.
The other SEC two-loss team to watch is Oklahoma. They are battle tested and are coming off an emotional, close win over Alabama. They could be in store for a let-down game. Missouri travels to Norman with a 7-3 record. Third string Matt Zollers is a freshman, but has now had a few games to get his feet wet. Oklahoma’s defense should shut down Missouri’s offense, but anything can happen if the Sooners aren’t locked in.
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