College football is entering week 7. There are always things to watch every week of the season. Here are 5 things to watch in college football week 7.
1. SEC Battle
Undefeated SEC teams are set to meet this weekend and it may not be something many expected. Kentucky is 6-0 after wins over Florida and LSU. The Wildcats have been fueled by good defensive efforts, as they have allowed just 17.5 points per game. The offense is much more balanced than in past years, as Will Levis is capable of moving the ball through the air, while Chris Rodriguez is a bruising running back with 759 rushing yards already. They have taken care of business so far, but now will meet up with a very tough Georgia team.
Georgia is having a great season themselves thanks to a great defense. They have allowed just 5.5 points per game, which has led them to an undefeated 6-0 record. They have had plenty of injuries to worry about, including starting quarterback JT Daniels, who has missed time with a chest injury. The defense has helped set up the offense despite the injuries and they have scored 39.6 points per game. While they have had some tests this year, Kentucky is a physical team that could present some new challenges for the Bulldogs.
2. Oklahoma State’s Test
Oklahoma State has quietly started off the season undefeated. They did defeat a ranked Baylor team, but have not received much publicity. That may be because the Cowboys grind out wins. They have won three one-score games and two games that were within two possessions. Oklahoma State scores 25.4 points per game and allows 18.6 points per game. Their style of play will be put to the test when they take on Texas this weekend.
Texas now has two losses after losing to Oklahoma after they held a huge lead. The Longhorns will need to rebound this week against the Cowboys. With an electrifying running back in Bijan Robinson, this game could be won by continuing to feed him the ball. Robinson has 789 rushing yards this season and is always a threat to create big plays. Texas is fully capable of winning the game and if they do, Robinson will likely have a huge part in that.
3. Alabama’s Rebound Game
Texas A&M pulled off an incredible upset when they defeated Alabama in week 6. Now, the Crimson Tide need to rebound quickly. The offense played well against Texas A&M, but the defense was concerning. They allowed Zach Calzada, who came into the season as the backup for the Aggies, to throw for 285 yards and three touchdowns. Against their next opponent, Mississippi State, they will have to do much better than that.
The Bulldogs are 3-2 with mixed results so far this season. They do have the fifth-ranked passing attack in the country under Mike Leach. Will Rogers has passed for 1,862 yards and 14 touchdowns on the season and if there are weaknesses in Alabama’s pass defense, he will find them. Nick Saban should have fixes for his defense this week, but either way it will be interesting to see how Alabama responds in week 7.
4. Caleb Williams
After starting the game with two turnovers against Texas, Spencer Rattler was pulled from the game in favor of Caleb Williams. The Sooners were down 38-20 at the half and Williams was able to rally the team to a 55-48 win. He passed for 212 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 88 rushing yards and a score on the ground.
Williams lit a spark for the Sooners’ offense and saved their perfect season. He should start in place of Rattler heading into the game this weekend with TCU. The Horned Frogs are 3-2 and have a talented roster. Gary Patterson is also a good defensive coach, even if TCU gives up 28 points per game, and will try to throw wrinkles in to shut down Williams. In Williams’ first start (unless Lincoln Riley decides to stick with Rattler), things could get interesting.
5. Group of Five Clashes
There are several quality group of five teams that have big games this weekend. The most notable group of five team this season, Cincinnati, plays UCF. The Knights were projected to be one of the best teams in the AAC before their starting quarterback, Dillon Gabriel, went down with an injury. There is still enough talent on the roster to challenge the Bearcats though. Cincinnati will have to stay focused as they make their push to be in the College Football Playoff.
On Friday night, San Diego State plays San Jose State. The Aztecs are undefeated and ranked 24th in the country. They rush for 244.4 yards per game and will be challenged by the Spartans, who were a solid team last year. Another matchup to watch is BYU at Baylor. Both teams are 5-1. BYU is in play to get a New Year’s Six Bowl bid if Cincinnati slips up a few times. Baylor looks much improved this season and are still alive in the Big 12 race. Eyeballs need to be on some of the group of five teams this weekend.
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