10 One-on-One Matchups to Watch in Week 10

As Week 10 of the college football season approaches, several interesting one-on-one matchups are set to take place.

Some of the nation’s top quarterbacks will square off against some of the elite defensive backs and secondaries. On the ground, running backs will go head-to-head with some of the best linebackers the country has to offer.

Although it may be hard to tell who has the advantage during these matchups, there’s no doubt it will be entertaining.

Here are 10 of the best this weekend has on tap.

QB Aaron Murray (Georgia) vs. DB Vernon Hargreaves III (Florida)

It's been a tough year for Murray and the Bulldogs.

Week 9 Matchup: Georgia (4-3) vs. Florida (4-3), Nov. 2, 3:30 p.m. on CBS

The Skinny

Quarterback Aaron Murray has had a pretty tough year.

Although the senior has played phenomenally (62.1 CMP%, 1,938 YDs, 17 TDs, 6 INTs), he has had to deal with a string of injuries that have taken several key Bulldogs out of play. In the process, it’s made Murray’s job a lot difficult.

That became evident in back-to-back losses against Missouri and Vanderbilt.

Although the Gators offense has had just as miserable a time as Murray, the secondary has been playing some unreal football. The unit ranks No. 5 against the pass, allowing just 172.4 yards per game. Furthermore, Florida has allowed just four passing touchdowns while limiting opposing quarterbacks to a rating of 91.6.

Defensive back Vernon Hargreaves III is a large reason for that.

Thus far, the freshman has recorded 19 tackles, three interceptions and broken up seven passes. He has made life miserable for wide receivers all year long. Most recently, he held LSU’s dynamic duo of Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham to just six catches for 105 yards and no touchdowns.

Will Murray regain his composure or continue Georgia’s struggles?

RB Andre Williams (Boston College) vs. Virginia Tech Run Defense

Williams has been a force on the ground this season.

Week 9 Matchup: Virginia Tech (6-2) at Boston College (3-4), Nov. 2, 12 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN2 (Coverage Based)

The Skinny

Eagles running back Andre Williams has had one heck of an October.

In three contests, the senior has rushed for a whopping 505 yards and six touchdowns on 80 carries. That includes a 263-yard, five-score showing against Army on Oct. 5.

Things might get a little bit tougher against a Hokies team that has pretty much relied entirely on its defense.

Through eight games, the team ranks No. 5 against the run, allowing just 91.0 yards per game. Furthermore, Virginia Tech gives up just 2.59 yards per carry and has conceded just five scores on the ground.

In fact, the unit has allowed just one opposing running back to crack 80 yards or more.

Yards will certainly come at a premium for Williams on Saturday.

WR Brandin Cooks (Oregon State) vs. S Su'a Cravens (USC)

Cooks has been having one heck of a season.

Week 9 Matchup: USC (5-3) at Oregon State (6-2), Nov. 1, 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2

The Skinny

No receiver has done it better than the Beavers’ Brandin Cooks.

Through eight games, the junior has brought in 85 passes for 1,256 yards and 13 touchdowns. He leads the nation in receptions, yards, touchdowns and yards per game.

It certainly helps when you have one of the nation’s best quarterbacks, Sean Mannion (69.1 CMP%, 3,263 YDs, 30 TDs, 3 INTs), tossing you the ball.

However, on Friday, the Trojans’ Su’a Cravens might have something to say about that.

Thus far, the freshman has recorded a team-high three interceptions to go along with 38 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and two fumbles forced. He’s a big part for a secondary that ranks No. 30, allowing just 211.9 yards per game through the air.

Cravens suffered a groin injury in last weekend's win over Utah. However, according to USCfootball.com's Ryan Abraham, he's probable for this weekend. 

Although Cravens has had his slip-ups this season, he’s also had many great performances. Slowing down Cooks will easily be his biggest test.

Who will come out on top?

Navy Rushing Attack vs. Notre Dame Run Defense

The Irish (left) will have to win the battle in the trenches.

Week 9 Matchup: Navy (4-3) at No. 25 Notre Dame (6-2), Nov. 2, 3:30 p.m. ET on NBC

The Skinny

Not too many teams can run the ball as well as the Midshipmen.

Through seven games, the team ranks No. 10 in rushing yards, averaging 289.1 per game. In fact, Navy has racked up more than 200 yards on the ground in all but one contest—that includes topping 350 yards on three occasions.

It’s the kind of rushing attack that will serve as a great measuring stick for an Irish defense that has recently regained its swagger.

On the year, Notre Dame rank No. 42 against the run (144.1 YPG). The unit has conceded just five touchdowns on the ground while giving up just a little over four yards per carry.

The Irish have won three straight and are looking to make a charge towards an at-large BCS berth.

Stopping the Midshipmen rushing attack is vital to those chances.

RB Melvin Gordon (Wisconsin) vs. LB Anthony Hitchens (Iowa)

Hitchens (31) has been a big part in a tough Iowa run defense thus far.

Week 9 Matchup: No. 24 Wisconsin (5-2) at Iowa (5-3), Nov. 2, 12 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN2 (Coverage Based)

The Skinny

Running back Melvin Gordon has easily been the brightest part of the Badgers season.

The sophomore has racked up 1,012 yards and 11 touchdowns on just 107 carries through seven games. Furthermore, he’s rushed for at least 140 yards and a score in all but one game. That includes a 140-yard, three-touchdown performance in his last outing against Illinois.

Can he keep it going against a stifling Hawkeyes run defense?

Linebacker Anthony Hitchens has made the biggest impact, leading the team in tackles (79) while also being a force in the opponent’s backfield. The senior has 7.5 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks and a fumble forced.

His strong play is a large reason why Iowa is ranked No. 24 against the run (128.6 YPG) while conceding just two scores on the ground.

It will be interesting to see who gets the upper hand this weekend.

QB Devin Gardner (Michigan) vs. DE Shilique Calhoun (Michigan State)

Calhoun (left) has been trouble for opposing quarterbacks all season long.

Week 9 Matchup: No. 21 Michigan (6-1) at No. 22 Michigan State (7-1), Nov. 2, 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC

The Skinny

While all the attention was on wide receiver Jeremy Gallon’s record-breaking performance—369 receiving yards—during the Wolverines’ 63-47 win over Indiana, quarterback Devin Gardner also had himself a game. 

The junior threw for 503 yards and two touchdowns on 21-of-29 passing and added another 81 yards and three scores on the ground. He set school records for total yards and passing yards while matching another for total touchdowns.

Gardner will be looking to keep up that hot play this weekend.

Unfortunately, getting by the Spartans defense—No. 3 against the pass (160.6 YPG)—will be no easy task. Especially with defensive end Shilique Calhoun.

Through eight games, the sophomore has been nothing but trouble. He has 16 tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, one interception, a fumble forced and two fumble recoveries.

More impressively, Calhoun also has three defensive touchdowns to his name.

Expect Gardner to have his hands full this weekend.

QB Dak Prescott (Mississippi State) vs. South Carolina Secondary

Prescott has the Bulldogs looking at a bright future.

Week 9 Matchup: Mississippi State (4-3) at No. 14 South Carolina (6-2), Nov. 2, 12:21 p.m. ET on ESPN3

The Skinny

In just his second season, quarterback Dak Prescott has been quite the story.

Through seven games, the sophomore has relied on both his arm and legs to keep opponents off guard. He has thrown for 1,158 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions on 57.3 percent passing while rushing for another 490 yards and eight scores on the ground.

It’s the play of Prescott that has many believing Mississippi State will grow into a conference contender in the near future.

However, this weekend, the youngster might run into some growing pains against the Gamecocks secondary.

Thus far, the unit ranks No. 23 against the pass, allowing just 205.5 yards per game. In fact, South Carolina has held three of the last four opposing quarterbacks under 200 yards through the air—that includes limiting Arkansas to just 30 passing yards on Oct. 12.

Does Prescott have the ability to overcome a tough challenge on the road?

RB Alex Collins (Arkansas) vs. Auburn Run Defense

Collins (center) has been the lone bright mark for the Razorbacks this year.

Week 9 Matchup: No. 11 Auburn (7-1) at Arkansas (3-5), Nov. 2, 6 p.m. ET

The Skinny

Although things haven’t been going to great for the Razorbacks, the same can’t be said about their running back, Alex Collins.

Through eight games, the freshman has racked up 797 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. At one point, he topped the century mark in four of five contests. 

But while he hasn’t topped 100 yards in three games now, Collins recently rushed for 77 yards on 18 carries against Alabama’s stifling defense. That has to count for something, right?

On the other hand, the Tigers come in with a tough defense of their own.

Thus far, the team ranks No. 36 against the run, allowing 140.0 yards per game on the ground. Furthermore, Auburn allows just 3.9 yards per carry.

Can Collins finally break through and rush for 100 yards? Or will the Tigers continue their impressive 2013?

QB Tajh Boyd (Clemson) vs. S Anthony Harris (Virginia)

Can Boyd get back on track this weekend?

Week 9 Matchup: No. 8 Clemson (7-1) at Virginia (2-6), Nov. 2, 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN

The Skinny

After losing to Florida State on Oct. 19, it’s understandable that the Tigers may feel like they have nothing left to play for. It certainly showed during a sloppy 40-27 win over Maryland last weekend.

However, even with all that said, Clemson still has one of the better quarterbacks in the nation in Tajh Boyd.

Through eight games, the senior has thrown for 2,243 yards, 17 touchdowns and five interceptions on 63.9 percent passing. He’s also added another 219 yards and six scores on the ground.

As long as Boyd is under center, the Tigers have all the potential to make a run at a berth in a BCS bowl.

Although the Cavaliers may be 2-6, the team’s secondary is no joke. 

Led by safety Anthony Harris, the unit ranks No. 29 against the pass, allowing just 211.8 yards per game. Furthermore, Virginia has conceded just 10 passing touchdowns and held opposing quarterbacks to a rating of 110.3.

For his part, Harris is tied for first in the nation with five interceptions. He also has 62 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, a sack, a forced fumble and one blocked punt to his credit.

With Boyd and Clemson in a vulnerable state, Harris and the Cavaliers secondary will be looking to capitalize.

QB Jameis Winston (Florida State) vs. Miami Secondary

Winston will be looking to improve his Heisman candidacy this weekend.

Week 9 Matchup: No. 7 Miami (7-0) at No. 3 Florida State (7-0), Nov. 2, 8 p.m. ET on ABC

The Skinny

Quarterback Jameis Winston has been nearly impossible to stop this season.

Through seven games, the redshirt freshman has thrown for 2,177 yards, 23 touchdowns and four interceptions on 69.9 percent passing. He’s accounted for at least three scores in six contests already.

Winston has made it look easy, leading the Seminoles to 52.6 points per game while building quite the Heisman campaign.

The Hurricanes secondary would like to change all that.

Thus far, the unit ranks No. 17 against the pass (200.6 YPG). Miami have allowed just six touchdowns through the air and have held opposing quarterbacks to a quarterback rating of just 104.7.

Furthermore, the team has already recorded 12 interceptions.

For a quarterback that has passed one test after another, Winston finds himself with yet another difficult task set before him.

All stats and rankings used in this article are courtesy of NCAA.com.

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