College Football Week 6: 10 Biggest Games To Watch
We enter the second week of October in the 2010 College Football season with a number of intriguing games. Last week were treated to a entree of several big games including a pair of top 10 matchups. No.1 Alabama welcomed No.7 Florida coldly into Tuscaloosa with a 31-6 decisive win and No. 4 Oregon rallied from an early 21-3 deficit to win handily over No. 9 Stanford.
The biggest games this week range among a variety of storylines. You have your typical top 25 matchups, battle between former rivals, a midweek conference showdown amongst others. Although this week doesn't quite have the headline power as last week, it is sure to be another enticing week of College Football.
Here are the top 10 biggest games of Week 6...
10. Temple at Northern Illinois 12:00 PM
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That's right. The 10th biggest game of the week is a battle for MAC supremacy. I'm sure you could make a number of arguments for other games to be on this list. USC @ Stanford, Colorado @ Auburn. But this showdown could very well be the first of two meetings this season, the other being in the MAC Championship Game.
These teams were preseason favorites to win their respective divisions and meet for the title. This Saturday they'll face off in what should be a very good conference game.
Temple comes in without star running back Bernard Pierce but may have found a suitable fill in with Matt Brown. The sophomore running back in his first start of the year rushed 28 times for 228 yards and four touchdowns in a 42-35 win over Army. The Owls have defeated one BCS opponent this year (UConn) and pushed another one to the limit on the road (Penn State).
Northern Illinois will have the luxury of playing on campus for this game but has a decent resume of their own. After falling 27-10 to Iowa State in the opener, they have gone 3-1 with headlined by a 34-23 win at Minnesota.
NIU also gave Illinois all it could handle before falling 28-22 in Champaign. The Huskies are led by quarterback Chandler Harnish, who has completed nearly 70 percent of his passes for six touchdowns.
Expect a back and forth game between these battle tested MAC contenders.
9. Indiana vs. No. 2 Ohio State 12:00 PM
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There isn't so much intrigue between the head-to-head matchup of the Hoosiers and Buckeyes, but rather the performance of Ohio State's junior quarterback Terrelle Pryor.
Last week, Pryor strained his left quadriceps early in the third quarter at Illinois and had to leave the game. In his absence, backup Joe Bauserman performed far from admirably, headlined by an interception thrown to no Buckeye receiver in sight.
Luckily for Ohio State, Pryor returned to the game, but was held back by ultra-conservative play calling in the fourth quarter in a 24-13 win.
Pryor says he will be fine by the game time, but fans and media around the country will be looking to see how the scrutinized quarterback will fare. Lucky for him, he goes against a rather weak Indiana defense. Even if he is not at full strength, Pryor should still be able to make plays down the field and reach the red zone.
Indiana does have a potent offense and nearly outscored Michigan in a shootout before falling 42-35. Led by quarterback Ben Chappell, who lit up the Wolverines for 480 yards and three touchdowns.
However, in the Big Ten opener, the running game showed a whole lot of nothing. It can't expect to fare much better against an elite defense such as the Buckeyes.
While the game may not be in doubt after halftime, many pundits will be watching to see how Terrelle Pryor fares and see how much of an impact his injury really does make.
8. No. 11 Arkansas vs Texas A&M 3:30 PM
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Former Southwest conference rivals renew their rivalry once again as the No.11 Razorbacks take on the Aggies at Cowboys Stadium in the "Southwest Classic." Last year marked the first time these teams had played each other since 1991, the year before Arkansas left for the SEC.
Flash forward to 2010 and we have a game between teams coming tough losses after blowing a fourth quarter lead or tie. Arkansas had No.1 Alabama on the ropes before a late interception set up the game winning Crimson Tide touchdown.
Texas A&M traveled to Stillwater to take on Oklahoma State in a battle of undefeateds. The Cowboys and Aggies battled back and forth before QB Jerrod Johnson led an A&M drive that tied it 35-35 late. Johnson and company got the ball back, but threw a costly interception in the final 30 seconds which allowed OSU to kick the game-winning field goal.
Arkansas comes in here with more to lose, but Texas A&M has an opportunity to go to 4-1 before restarting conference play next week against No. 24 Missouri.
Star quarterback Ryan Mallet is looking to redeem himself after his costly interception last week and get the Razorbacks back on the right track before playing against Auburn in what could be a top 10 matchup next week.
After this game one of these teams will take a major step forward, while the other will drop back a step with two losses.
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7. No. 10 Utah vs. Iowa State 7:00 PM
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Sound the sirens, the Utah Utes are on upset alert this week against the surprising Iowa State Cyclones.
Why you ask? Utah, while very talented on both sides of the football, were taken to overtime by a vastly overrated Pittsburgh team the opening week. Since then, they have played UNLV, New Mexico, and San Jose State. Not exactly murderer's row right there.
Iowa State did drop a game at Iowa early and a closely contested game against undefeated Kansas State at home, but have an impressive win against the high-powered offense of Texas Tech.
The Cyclones also defeated MAC favorite Northern Illinois with ease the first week as well. They are led by senior quarterback Austin Arnaud, who returned from injury in their surprise win over the Red Raiders.
Utah is led by quarterback Jordan Wynn, who like his opponent, also missed some action due to injuries. He's now back along with an arsenal of weapons on offense such as running backs Eddie Wide and Matt Asiata, and receiver Jereme Brooks.
Utah comes into Ames against an underrated yet battle tested team in the Cyclones. They'll also be playing under the lights at Jack Trice Stadium. The fans will be loud and rowdy with a top 10 team coming into town. The Utes better not overlook this Iowa State team or it could cost them.
6. Oregon State vs. No. 9 Arizona 6:00 PM
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The Oregon State Beavers have had the toughest road schedule in the country so far. Including this week's game against Arizona, this will mark the third straight game they have played a top 10 school on the road.
They opened the season in Dallas at Cowboys Stadium at a neutral site game against No. 5 TCU and two weeks later traveled to Boise State to play the No. 4 Broncos on the famed blue turf. Despite playing hard in both contests, they were unable to claim victory in either game.
Arizona has put themselves on the map thanks to 34-27 upset win over then No. 9 Iowa that did not resonate to most of the country until the next morning. Strong armed quarterback Nick Foles has led the Wildcats this year thanks to a balanced passing attack, where six receivers have at least 10 receptions or more and a strong running game by Nick Grisby.
Oregon State, despite its tough schedule, remains a dark horse Pac-10 contender thanks to the dynamic Rodgers twins, James and Jacquizz. They held off a very pesky Arizona State team last week and look to finally get a victory over a top 10 opponent in their third try of the season.
In a very balanced Pac-10 conference, every win matters and Oregon State won't be intimidated going into Tuscon considering its previous road opponents. Arizona should win this game, but cannot fall asleep in this late afternoon local time contest.
5. No. 7 Nebraska vs. Kansas State Thursday 7:30 PM
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The first battle of undefeateds this week comes before Saturday as the Cornhuskers travel to Kansas State to take on the upstart Wildcats. This week was supposed to be the trap game for Nebraska as they face Texas next week.
However, due to two straight Longhorn losses, this game appears to be of more importance as they try to fend off their division rival.
Nebraska has shown flashes of the glory days of Tommy Frazier with freshman quarterback Taylor Martinez who has 496 rushing yards in eight touchdowns to go along with 500 yards passing on the season.
They are also led by senior running back Roy Helu Jr, who is second on the team in rushing behind Martinez, but is an integral part of the offense. The Blackshirts are also back this season as they are one of the stingiest defenses in the nation, showcased in their win over Washington.
Kansas State has quietly gone undefeated and is lurking outside the top 25. Despite four solid victories, the Wildcats are looking for the marquee win to show they a Big 12 north contender. They have a more balanced offense compared to Nebraska, but are a run first team led by senior running back Daniel Thomas.
Both teams came off sloppy victories last week as Nebraska slept walked through a 17-3 win over South Dakota State and Kansas State held on against UCF 17-13.
Both of these teams need to regroup as essentially the loser will be two games behind the other in the division standings. Kansas State will be fired up for this home game as they look to give Nebraska a loss in their last meeting as Big 12 foes.
4. No. 23 Florida State vs. No. 13 Miami FL 8:00 PM
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If anyone can recall the high scoring affair last September between these two teams in Tallahassee should expect nothing less in their rematch this Saturday in Miami. Pundits were a bit quick to declare these teams "back" after their game last season, but this year it appears the hype is warranted.
Miami FL comes ranked in the top 15 once again after dominating wins over Pittsburgh and Clemson on the road. Despite being dominated by Ohio State vaunted defense, quarterback Jacory Harris and the offense have been on fire since then.
The somewhat out-of-control Harris still is a risk to throw an unwarranted interception, but has been efficient with almost 900 yards passing and 10 touchdowns. The team is aided by a dangerous return game which returned a kickoff and punt for touchdowns against Ohio State.
Christian Ponder leads a Florida State team that has flourished on both sides of the ball. Outside of a lopsided loss at Oklahoma, the Seminoles have smothered opponents, only allowing just under an average of 12 points a game in their four victories.
Ponder and the Seminoles are looking for revenge after failing to score the game winning touchdown inside the five yard line with seconds to play last year. After laying duds in their big marquee games, these teams look to take out one another and build their resume.
This game has huge implications as the winner will have inside track to winning its division and a trip to Charlotte for the conference championship.
3. No. 12 LSU vs. No. 14 Florida 7:30 PM
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Neither of these teams should be undefeated, but one still is.
If there is a will, there is a way and if there is hat, then it probably is covering the lunatic head of Les Miles. There isn't a luckier coach in America who can get away with poor clock and game management over the course of a season.
LSU somehow let a depleted North Carolina squad rally from 20 points down to come within a six yard touchdown pass of pulling off the upset win. They let an inferior West Virginia squad hang around until the end. Last but not least, they somehow manage to burn 30 plus seconds between third and fourth down inside the five only to snap the ball away to supposedly lose the game.
But thanks to a substitution penalty on Tennessee amidst all the confusion, they were able to score on an untimed down to win a game they deserved to lose. To quote Les Miles: "It's just another day in the SEC."
To give the Tigers some credit, they have a strong and stingy defense that ranks fifth in points allowed. Offensively is where their problems lie. Outside of playmaker Patrick Patterson, it is clear that quarterbacks Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee aren't the answer.
Florida comes in to this game humbled after being outclassed in a 31-6 loss to Alabama. It appears the offensive output against Kentucky was just a myth as quarterback John Brantley struggled once again. The Florida defense did a solid job containing the Alabama offense and Heisman winner Mark Ingram, but was done in by poor field position set up by turnovers.
This should be a defensive showcase as these two dominant defenses try to pound the others offense into the ground. Expect a low scoring down to the wire game as LSU hopes to welcome Alabama next week still undefeated and Florida looks to avoid dropping a second straight game.
2. No. 17 Michigan State vs. No. 18 Michigan 3:30 PM
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The question all along may finally be answered.
Are the Michigan Wolverines for real?
Michigan gets its toughest test of the season when they play the also undefeated in-state rival Michigan State Spartans. Both teams have shown flair for the dramatic in games this season.
But while some uncertainties still lie around both these teams, after Saturday's game things should become a lot clearer.
Michigan has been led by the Heisman front runner, sophomore quarterback Denard Robinson. Robinson has been what Rich Rodriguez has been looking for since his arrival in Ann Arbor.
"Shoelace" has amassed more rushing yards than a number of FBS teams and has two 200 yards passing/rushing games this year. However, the real test this week comes with the defense, who outside of the UConn game, has been as resistant as a paper bag.
Michigan State has come off two defining victories in the past week. Two weeks ago, facing a 49-yard field goal to tie the game in overtime against Notre Dame, head coach Mark Dantonio called "Little Giants" aka a fake field goal and successfully converted it to win the game.
Last week, while hosting then No. 11 Wisconsin, the Spartan run game punished the Badger defense with 160 plus yards rushing from backs Le'veon Bell and Edwin Baker en route to a 34-24 upset. Quarterback Kirk Cousins also threw for 269 yards and had three touchdowns to help the offense.
While Michigan State overcame its first test last week, the Spartans now travel to Ann Arbor to take on a relatively untested Michigan squad. Last season the Wolverines started 4-0 before dropping their last seven of eight contests. The first loss that started the streak?
An overtime loss to Michigan State.
1. No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 19 South Carolina 3:30 PM
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The biggest game of the weekend for the third straight week involves the No. 1 team in the land: The Alabama Crimson Tide. Alabama takes on its fourth ranked opponent of the year and third consecutive when the Tide travels to Columbia to face the South Carolina Gamecocks.
Alabama is coming off a showcase victory in which the team faced its SEC Championship opponent Florida Gators and gave them a good old-fashioned beat down. Despite Mark Ingram being held to only 47 yards rushing, the Alabama defense forced several turnovers against an inefficient Florida offense.
However, quarterback Greg McElroy and receiver Julio Jones look to make more of a statement this week as the Gator defense held them in check.
Alabama was tested their last road game against Arkansas where they returned a costly Ryan Mallett interception inside the 15 yard line and scored a few plays later. They can't expect to fall behind again and rally against South Carolina thanks to Spurrier's emphasis on the run.
The Gamecocks are led by freshman running back Marcus Lattimore, who has rushed for 366 yards and six scores.
They nearly were able to pull out a victory at now No. 8 Auburn 35-27. Despite the relatively close game, Lattimore was held to under 40 yards of rushing or things might have gone the Gamecocks way.
If South Carolina can avoid turnovers and get solid production from Lattimore on the ground, the Gamecocks can make a game of this. They have had two weeks to prepare thanks to a well placed bye in the schedule and with the upset can set themselves as a serious contender in the SEC.
However, if they get sloppy on offense and don't protect the ball, Alabama is going to roll all over the Gamecocks.
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