College football has returned for a few weeks. There are always things to watch every week of the season. Here are 5 things to watch in college football week 5.
1. Kentucky at Ole Miss
There are a few notable SEC games this weekend and Kentucky visiting Ole Miss may be the best. The Wildcats have been ranked in the top 10 after defeating Florida in the Swamp. They have succeeded in moving the ball through the air with Will Levis. The good news for the Wildcats is that their running game should improve with the return of their star running back Chris Rodriguez, who was suspended for the first four games of the season. The defense has been solid at times and could have another huge game this week.
Ole Miss has chosen Jaxson Dart to be their quarterback. He hasn’t overly impressed, but he has some talent. The offense averages 41 points per game and they will rely on running back Zach Evans to help move the chains. Their defense has been very impressive, allowing just 10 points per game, but they did give up 27 points to Tulsa in week 4. The Rebels are favored by four, so it should be a really good game that could have some serious bowl implications by the end of the season.
2. Alabama Tough Road Game
Alabama nearly lost to Texas in their lone road game of the season so far. In week 5, they have another road game coming at Arkansas. Alabama has been great offensively and defensively this season, as they score 48.3 points per game, while only allowing 7.3 points per game. Quarterback Bryce Young has great composure that has helped him lead key drives throughout his career. Edge rusher Will Anderson is the best player in college football and can wreck any gameplan. Their sights are set on a National Championship and the team is fully capable of that.
Arkansas lost a heart-breaking game to Texas A&M that included a 99-yard fumble recovery by the Aggies and a missed field goal by the Razorbacks. That was a neutral site game, so they’ll be much happier to be at home this week. They score 33.5 points and allow 26 points per game. Quarterback K.J. Jefferson is a good dual-threat quarterback, while Raheim Sanders has shown some real promise as a running back. The defense has been trying to cope with the loss of Jalen Catalon, but they still have some good players at every level. After a loss they will be looking to bounce back and shock the world.
3. Can NC State Beat Clemson Two Years in a Row?
Two of the contenders in the ACC meet in week 5. NC State nearly lost in week 1, but haver steadied things, as they are 4-0. The offense has been solid so far, as they are averaging 36 points per game. Quarterback Devin Leary hasn’t looked quite as sharp yet this season, but he possesses a lot of talent. The defense has plenty of returning starters from last season and are allowing just 11.8 points per game. They have the talent on the roster to get a win at Clemson.
Clemson won a tough overtime game against Wake Forest to go 4-0. Their offense showed some serious progress in this game after struggling last season. Quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei has improved even over earlier in the season. He has 1,033 passing yards and 10 touchdown on the season. Will Shipley has also been impressive at running back with 353 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. Their defense has some serious NFL talent and allows 23.8 points per game. They’ll be ready for NC State, which could make this a lower-scoring game. The winner of the game will be the favorite to win the ACC.
4. Is Florida State Back?
Florida State is undefeated and ranked, which is not something many projected. They play Wake Forest this week, which will be a huge test for the Seminoles. Their offense has run the ball well with a few different running backs and quarterback Jordan Travis, who should be able to suit up for this game after recovering from an injury. The defense allows 18.8 points per game and have batted this season.
Wake was on the losing end of a heartbreaker to Clemson in week 4. They showed how talented they were offensively in the game. Sam Hartman has been great after returning from his non-disclosed medical issue. He has passed for 962 yards, 10 touchdowns and two interceptions on 64 percent completion. Running the ball has been an issue, but things did open up a bit against Clemson. Their defense has really struggled this season and the injuries have been piling up. A win for Wake Forest will show that last season wasn’t a fluke. A win for Florida State could show they are on their way back at a quicker rate than expected.
5. Rematch of the Big 12 Championship
Last season, Baylor and Oklahoma State matched up in the Big 12 Championship Game with the Bears prevailing. In week 5 the rematch is happening. Oklahoma State’s offense has really taken a step forward from last season and they are averaging 49.7 points per game. Quarterback Spencer Sanders is one of the most experienced players in the country. He has passed for 916 yards, 10 touchdowns and one interception on 65.3 percent completion. His numbers are up across the board. The defense has taken a step back after defensive coordinator Jim Knowles left for Ohio State, but the Cowboys still have a Big 12 title on their minds.
Baylor lost a game to BYU this season, but have otherwise done well this season. Blake Shapen took over as starting quarterback after getting his feet wet last season. He has helped the team average 40.5 points per game with 773 passing yards and seven touchdowns. Richard Reese has plugged a hole at running back after they lost most of their production from last season. He has 315 rushing yards and six touchdowns on the year. Dave Aranda’s defense has been a good unit that allows just 16.8 points per game. The Bears will want to defend their Big 12 Championship this season, which should make this a good game.
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