10 quick things to know ahead of Saturday’s college football slate

As Week 7 of the 2023 college football season gets underway, there are several key matchups to watch. Here’s what you should know as we head into October.

It’s more than just the quarterbacks in the Oregon vs. Washington game

While the showdown between Heisman contenders Bo Nix and Michael Penix Jr. is garnering attention, the performance of the offensive lines for both teams will also play a crucial role. No. 8 Oregon has already recorded 18 sacks this season and opponents are only averaging slightly over three yards per carry. Though No. 7 Washington doesn’t have as many sacks, they have been solid against the run and opposing quarterbacks have only completed 54% of their passes. Washington has won only five out of the 21 matchups between these two teams since 2000. Keeping Oregon away from Penix will be key to Washington’s chances of victory.

The USC defense faces its toughest test

Notre Dame’s offense has only scored 55 points in their last five games. However, it’s reasonable to believe that No. 21 Fighting Irish will present the most formidable challenge yet for No. 10 USC’s defense this season. Head coach Lincoln Riley recently stated that his team’s defense is much improved compared to last year, and Notre Dame has been averaging five yards per carry with their physical running game. USC has struggled against Utah and Tulane in 2022. If they can hold their own against Notre Dame, it will validate Riley’s claim.

A potentially lopsided noon lineup

All four teams ranked in the top four of the AP Top 25 will kick off at noon ET on Saturday, an unusual occurrence. However, there’s a good reason for this scheduling. Each of these teams is heavily favored to win by three scores or more. No. 1 Georgia is favored by 31.5 points against Vanderbilt, No. 2 Michigan is favored by 33.5 points against Indiana, No. 3 Ohio State is favored by 19.5 points at Purdue, and No. 4 Florida State is favored by 17.5 points against Syracuse. Will any of the underdogs be able to pull off a monumental upset?

Can Miami bounce back?

No. 25 Miami should be entering their primetime matchup against No. 12 North Carolina with an undefeated record. However, after a shocking ending to their previous game due to their refusal to kneel the ball, Miami finds themselves in turmoil. A win for North Carolina would solidify their position as the second-best team in the conference behind Florida State, while a loss would drop Miami to a potential 0-2 ACC record.

Can Oregon State establish a running game against UCLA?

In a matchup between No. 18 UCLA and No. 15 Oregon State, the Beavers’ chances of victory rest heavily on their two-pronged rushing attack. Damien Martinez and Deshaun Fenwick have combined for an impressive average of over six yards per carry. UCLA’s defense has been outstanding this season, allowing just 3.7 yards per play and an average of 12 points per game. Can Oregon State be the first team to find success on the ground against the Bruins?

Texas A&M and Tennessee in a crucial SEC showdown

Following their close six-point loss to Alabama in Week 6, Texas A&M faces No. 19 Tennessee with hopes of staying competitive in the SEC West race. A defeat to the Volunteers would likely eliminate the Aggies from division contention and potentially lead to a downward spiral for their season. On the other hand, a loss for Tennessee would result in a 1-2 SEC record before facing the Crimson Tide in Week 8.

Wisconsin could secure control of the Big Ten West

The outcome of Saturday’s game in Madison could determine the winner of the Big Ten West title. The game may be ugly, even by Iowa’s offensive standards this season. The Hawkeyes are 9.5-point underdogs, and the over/under is only 34 points due to the forecast of rain and gusty winds. A victory for Wisconsin would give them a two-game lead over their division rivals, possibly an insurmountable advantage.

Kansas likely without starting QB Jalon Daniels

Due to a back injury, Jalon Daniels is expected to be absent for the third consecutive week, resulting in Jason Bean starting as Kansas’ quarterback. Daniels, the preseason Big 12 offensive player of the year, has only played in three games this season due to back tightness. Despite his limited appearances, Daniels has been impressive, completing 75% of his passes for almost 10 yards per attempt. Bean, a talented backup, could potentially start for several Power Five programs. However, Kansas’ chances of defeating Oklahoma in Week 9 will depend on Daniels’ availability.

Mountain West showdown: Wyoming vs. Air Force

The most significant game among non-Power Five teams this weekend takes place in Colorado Springs as undefeated Air Force hosts Wyoming. The Falcons have quietly emerged as one of the most dominant teams in the country, outscoring opponents by an average of 25 points per game. Wyoming’s sole loss came against Texas when the Longhorns pulled away in the fourth quarter. The winner of this matchup will likely represent the Mountain Division in the Mountain West Conference title game.

Missouri and Kentucky aim to rebound

Both Missouri and Kentucky are coming off losses to ranked opponents in Week 6. Missouri had an early lead against LSU before quarterback Jayden Daniels took control in the second half. Kentucky, on the other hand, was overwhelmed by No. 1 Georgia. The Bulldogs are the clear frontrunners in the SEC East, and the winner of this game will have the inside track to be the best of the rest. Kentucky’s success will depend on a strong performance from quarterback Devin Leary, who currently has a completion rate of just 55%.