We’re past the mid-season mark, so these games are becoming more important every week. We could look back on Week 7 as a turning point in the season for several teams.
Four ranked-versus-ranked matchups are scheduled for Saturday, including a massive showdown between No. 8 Oregon and No. 7 Washington in the Pac-12. There are also a number of ranked teams wary of an upset, but the morning games were all chalk as No. 1 Georgia, No. 2 Michigan, No. 3 Ohio State and No. 4 Florida State all picked up easy wins . No. 11 Alabama had a bit of a scare when Arkansas mounted an attack in the second half, but the Tide ultimately held on.
Here’s what we’re watching this afternoon (scroll down for live updates):
No. 8 Oregon and No. 7 Washington
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET | TV: ABC | Line: UW -3 | Total: 67.5
The Pac-12’s top two teams will face off Saturday in Seattle in a game that has implications for the major conference championship and the College Football Playoff. Both Washington and Oregon are 5-0 and will come out of the bye weeks rested. And both teams have been dominant this season.
Washington is led by QB Michael Penix Jr., who leads the nation in passing and is one of the favorites to win the Heisman. Oregon has an explosive offense that averages 51.6 points per game behind QB Bo Nix, another Heisman candidate. The Ducks rely more on a quick passing game than UW’s downfield attack, but have been incredibly efficient. Which high-octane offense will win?
Texas A&M at No. 19 Tennessee
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET | TV: CBS | Line: UT -3 | Overall: 54.5
If the Vols (4-1, 1-1 SEC) want a chance to compete for the SEC title, they need to be ready to go Saturday and look to continue that next week on the road to Tuscaloosa. On the other hand, Texas A&M (4-2, 2-1 SEC) is coming off a disappointing home loss to Alabama and is now playing its first real road game since the Sept. 9 loss in Miami. If A&M wants to compete for the SEC West crown, this is basically a must-win heading into the bye week.