College Football Week 5: Best Games
This week is kind of light on big games in the college football world, but here are a few matchups to watch.
13 Texas A&M @ 2 Alabama
As a top 15 matchup, I'm pretty much obligated to put this on the list, but I was not impressed with the Aggies last week. They played a tight one against a not very good Vanderbilt team. Their offense struggled, and the defense had to hold down the fort. Meanwhile, Alabama rolled over Missouri. Wouldn't expect this to be close.
25 Memphis @ SMU
Two of the AAC's best offenses meet once again. Memphis has had a few weeks off after defeating Arkansas State. SMU has used a dynamic passing attack to get off to a 3-0 start. Last year's meeting was a thrilling, high-scoring affair, which Memphis won. I expect the same thing this year, since both teams have great offenses, but Memphis has the far better defense.
7 Auburn @ 4 Georgia
Georgia fell in the polls after a slow start against Arkansas. Their defense and backup QB Stetson Bennett came out in the second half to lead a comeback victory. The Dawgs gave up some big passing plays in the first half, which they'll have to cut down on this week. Auburn used its passing attack to pull away from Kentucky in the second half. Their defensive front 7 struggled a little but got better as the game continued. The Tigers will need to put pressure on the Bulldogs' offense. One way to do that would be getting off to a hot start on offense themselves, but Big Kat Bryant and the pass rush could also help. Both secondaries could be considered a strength for their teams, but they'll be challenged by some good receivers in this one.
Arkansas @ 16 Mississippi State
Was last week just luck or is Mississippi State for real? That's the only reason this game is here. Arkansas is not winning this game. I'm only interested in seeing how the Bulldogs respond. If they have another outstanding offensive performance, we may have to consider them contenders. For now, they're an intriguing team to watch.
12 North Carolina @ Boston College
Boston College seems different this year. There's a feeling that they actually believe they can be in some games. QB Phil Jurkovec has brought a better sense of control to the offense, even if it's a bit inconsistent still, and their running game hasn't missed a beat. North Carolina struggled for 3 quarters of its opener against Syracuse and has had a lengthy layoff due to COVID. That could either hurt them or be an advantage. The Tar Heels need their offense to get off to a better start in this one. I think Boston College is a better team than Syracuse this year, and this game has a chance to be closer than the current 14 point spread.
18 Oklahoma @ Iowa State
Spencer Rattler got his first real college test last week and was shaky throughout. While the Sooners' offense seemed to roll in the first half, he made some untimely mistakes in the second half that helped Kansas State pull off the upset. He seemed to be bothered by the Wildcats' pass rush and forced some things that weren't there. Iowa Sate has not been good enough on offense, but has a very stingy defense. DE JaQuan Bailey is a very disruptive pass-rusher, who could cause similar problems for Rattler. QB Brock Purdy has made some bad mistakes so far this season as well. Oklahoma is the better team, so I expect them to win this one, but quarterback play will be the key.