College Football Week 7: Latest Buzz Ahead of Top 25 Matchups

As the sun came up on Friday, the college football community was still buzzing over Stanford wide receiver Francis Owusu’s miraculous catch. Then Texas announced the passing of its mascot, Bevo XIV.

While all of that is noteworthy, let's not forget about Week 7 and the top-tier matchups we have on deck. With Saturday fast approaching, it’s time to look at the latest news surrounding the ranked-team showdowns ahead.

No. 7 Michigan State at No. 12 Michigan full of storylines

In what many believe to be the marquee matchup in Week 7, questions are swirling around MSU quarterback Connor Cook’s prospects facing the nation’s No. 1 defense. 

Cook currently ranks ninth in the FBS with an 82.4 adjusted Total QBR and shined during a comeback victory over Rutgers on the road in Week 6. He threw for a season-high 357 yards and two touchdowns.

While MSU’s offensive line is a bit banged up at the moment, it will be interesting to see how Cook is able to throw versus Michigan’s defense, which ranks second in passing yards allowed per game (115.5) and likes to blitz. ESPN analyst Ted Miller said the senior quarterback is ready for The Big House.

“Connor Cook, this is his moment,” Miller said. “He came back to win this game.”

Michigan has shut out opponents in each of its last three games. The Wolverines should also come with plenty of fight, as this is head coach Jim Harbaugh’s first matchup against the in-state rival, and he should have the team fired up accordingly.

Harbaugh voiced his concern over MSU's ability to come up with the clutch play in tight games in an interview with WXYT-FM (via the Detroit Free Press' Mark Snyder) on Thursday. 

“That’s a heck of a thing for your team when they’ve been in close games and you can find a way to win,” Harbaugh said. "I'm worried about a lot of things. That would be one of them, I guess.”

Fox Sports reports that it remains to be seen how many MSU starters will be unavailable Saturday. Current Spartans dealing with injuries include offensive linemen Jack Conklin, Kodi Kieler and Jack Allen. Cornerback Darian Hicks, tight end Josiah Price and tailback Madre London also have unknown statuses for Saturday. 

No. 8 Florida at No. 6 LSU: the Leonard Fournette Factor

Florida takes its 12th-ranked rush defense into Death Valley Saturday to try to limit the yards per carry of LSU’s star sophomore running back Leonard Fournette.

The Gators defense will mostly likely be getting a huge boost, as head coach Les Miles said during a press conference Wednesday that “he’d be surprised” if preseason ALL-SEC safety Jalen Mills didn’t play Saturday. 

Fournette is averaging 8.6 yards this season and has 12 touchdowns.

ESPN analyst Todd McShay predicts that Florida will load up on defense and limit Fournette to 130 or 140 yards rushing, which would be his lowest total this season. 

No. 10 Alabama at No. 9 Texas A&M and Aggies run defense

Texas A&M’s run defense appears to be vulnerable heading into this pivotal matchup with the Crimson Tide. On September 27, Arkansas ran for 232 yards versus the Aggies, exposing a major weakness.

Can the Aggies defensive line stack up against Alabama’s tough offensive big men and downhill running ability? Alabama RB Derrick Henry will look to add to his season total of 10 touchdowns in what should be a close game.

Another big question for the Aggies is whether or not quarterback Kyle Allen will be able to step up in big-moment situations like he did during their overtime winner versus Arkansas.

This SEC showdown is a huge opportunity for Allen to take a major positive step in his development toward becoming a conference star.

During Wednesday's press conference, Alabama head coach Nick Saban praised Allen's effectiveness as a passer. 

"Allen is really, really good," Saban said. "And getting better all the time."

Saban also pointed out the fact that, thanks to developing more of a running game to complement their passing, the Aggies have become more multidimensional on offense. The ability to run the ball naturally takes pressure off the quarterback, both mentally and physically.  

No. 17 Iowa at No. 20 Northwestern: How will Wildcats bounce back?

The fourth and final ranked matchup this weekend pits the Wildcats battling the Hawkeyes at home after being trounced 38-0 by Michigan last Saturday. 

Iowa is hoping to get to 7-0 for the first time since 2009, but is dealing with a couple of injuries on offense. Despite having groin and hip issues, Iowa quarterback C.J. Beathard told the Gazette's Marc Morehouse that he will definitely play at Ryan Field.

In a game that has huge implications for the crowning of the Big Ten West, Northwestern’s defense needs to pick it up and show no signs of a hangover from the Michigan game.