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 7.
After making the CFP last season, Indiana has impressed this season again. They dominated a top 10 Illinois team and also got a tough road win over Iowa. The undefeated Hoosiers have played well, specifically offensively and are in a spot to make a second-straight CFP behind quarterback Fernando Mendoza. They will have a tough game at Oregon this week after a bye in week 6.
Oregon was also on a bye after defeating Penn State. The Ducks have looked like one of the top teams in the country so far this season. Dante Moore has played efficiently at quarterback and he has plenty of weapons to utilize. The defense replaced a lot from last season, but they have stepped up as well, especially Dillon Thieneman who transfered in from Purdue. They have national championship expectations and a win against Indiana will be a nice resume booster for the CFP.
Alabama got revenge on Vanderbilt in week 6, which came after a win against Georgia the week before. They have rebounded well from their early-season loss to Florida State with their defense stepping up and playing a lot better. Ty Simpson has looked good running the offense and both Germie Bernard and Ryan Williams are great receivers for him to target. They have things back on the right path to make the CFP, but playing at Missouri this week won’t be easy.
The Tigers are undefeated this season, but are lacking a marquee win. They can get one this week, especially if quarterback Beau Pribula can use his legs, as well as his arm. Running back Ahmad Hardy has molded himself into a Heisman candidate with 730 rushing yards in just five games. Their defense has had some ups and downs, but has done enough to get some wins early. They are capable of beating Alabama, which would really shake things up.
Oklahoma has had a great start to the season, starting 5-0. Quarterback John Mateer played well, but then got injured and Michael Hawkins filled in decently against Kent State. They have failed to get the running backs going in a big way, but the defense is built with playmakers. Edge rusher R. Mason Thomas has three sacks on the season and can change the game. They will be playing Texas and should be able to win with how Texas is looking, but playing with a backup quarterback could make things more interesting.
Texas lost to Florida on the road last week. They now have two losses in a season they were supposed to be competing for a national championship. Their backs are against the wall and they’ll need quarterback Arch Manning to play better. If he can’t there isn’t much hope, even if Manning hasn’t been getting as much help himself. The defense also hasn’t lived up to expectations and that needs to change fast. Texas is reeling, but a rivalry game could help them get right.
Georgia has started off the year decently, at 4-1 with their only loss coming to Alabama. Their offense has shown flashes of being great with Gunner Stockton taking a huge step forward this season at quarterback. The defense has been inconsistent and really needs to settle in if they want to rise again to being one of the country’s best teams. A win over Auburn can continue to put them on the correct path.
Auburn started the season off decently, but have lost both of their SEC games to ranked teams since. Their offense struggles to get the ball to their very talented receivers. Jackson Arnold can run, but will need to improve his passing to really improve the team. The defense keeps the team in it, as they allow just 20 points per game in SEC games, but it isn’t enough. They are coming off a bye and could cause some problems for Georgia if they play to their potential.
The group of five spot in the College Football Playoff is wide open, but the teams that are the frontrunners are in the American Conference. Memphis, Navy, South Florida, North Texas and Tulane all have had good starts to the season. On Friday, two of the teams will meet, which will start the separation of teams in the conference.
USF had a tough nonconference schedule, as they defeated Boise State and Florida, but lost to Miami. Byrum Brown has used his arm and legs to be a real threat to defenses. North Texas hasn’t had quite the tough schedule that USF has, but are undefeated. They score a lot of points, 44.8 points per game, with quarterback Drew Mestemaker already passing for 1,247 yards to help move the chains. The game on Friday night will provide a good look at both CFP contenders.
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