At least three of the top 16 teams in the nation will lose this Saturday.
Sounds like a tip you could take to Vegas, but really it’s just a product of great matchups.
The Big 12 got fat on non-conference contests, rising to assume three of the top five rankings. Now the cannibalization begins, as Oklahoma and Texas renew their rivalry, while the two best scoring offenses in the conference—Oklahoma State and Missouri—meet in Columbia.
Not to be outdone, the SEC offers LSU-Florida on primetime network television.
For all the stunning upset Saturdays we’ve had in the past two seasons, here’s a weekend where three of the top four teams in the nation could fall, and it wouldn’t be the least bit surprising.
Number of Voters: 74
NCAA Strength of schedule based on overall record of cumulative opposition.
Click on each team for more commentary from our pollsters.
Previous: 1
Strength of Schedule: 4
Last Week: Beat Baylor 49-17
This Week: No. 5 Texas (+7)
It all kicks off with a noon EST kick from the Cotton Bowl, where the Red River Rivalry is renewed in top five fashion. With a renovated venue, an additional 16,200 fans will be able to take it all in.
The Sooners and Longhorns have brought unbeaten and untied records to this contest 23 times, and the all-time series record in those games is 11-11-1. Expect a similarly even battle on Saturday, as OU head coach Bob Stoops says both programs are stronger than they were a year ago.
Oklahoma and Texas are two of the best at creating pressure with just four down linemen. That will be important considering both defenses will have to be stacked with defensive backs to contend with the opposing quarterback’s precision.
Give Boomer Sooner the advantage along the offensive line and in the secondary. Add in a better rushing attack, and OU should prevail.
Previous: 2
Strength of Schedule: 58
Last Week: Beat Kentucky 17-14
This Week: BYE
The Crimson Tide barely retained the No. 2 position after a less than convincing home win over Kentucky. Now a bye week gives Nick Saban time to determine whether this Alabama team will be good...or great.
Without question, the most important remaining game on Alabama’s schedule is Nov. 8 at LSU. A regular season finale at home against Auburn is the only other game against a ranked opponent.
Even though they’re idle, the Crimson Tide have an important game this weekend. Florida can do Alabama a big favor on Saturday by handing the Bayou Bengals their first SEC loss.
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