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Another exciting weekend of college football brings us into the final month of regular season play. Oh, how fast time flies. While nothing broke the internet this past weekend, many teams got one step closer to a coveted playoff spot.
The biggest game this weekend was between two SEC contenders LSU and Texas A&M. The Aggies defeated the Tigers 38-23. Despite the key victory and jump into the top 10, the Aggies now have a massive question looming, and the answer could determine their fate. Quarterback Conner Weigman was benched after six for 18 with only 64 yards passing. He was replaced by true freshman Marcel Reed, who reminded everyone of another freshman Aggie quarterback. Reed ran for three touchdowns to keep them atop the SEC. Tigers signal caller Garret Nussmeier, who is considered one of the best quarterbacks in this year’s upcoming draft class, had a rough outing, throwing for three interceptions, despite his two touchdowns and 405 yards passing. The Tigers now can be considered virtually out of the playoff race.
In the BIG 10, Oregon, Penn State, Ohio State, and Indiana all claimed victory this weekend, defeating Illinois, Wisconsin, Nebraska, and Washington, respectively. This conference is arguably the most competitive in the nation. Ohio St. travels to Happy Valley to take on Penn St. in what could become a BIG 10 instant classic.
As we turn the page to the first weekend in November, here is my projected playoff bracket:
Projected First-Round Byes:
1. Oregon (BIG 10 Champion)
2. Texas (SEC Champion)
3. Miami (ACC Champion)
4. BYU (BIG 12 Champion)
Projected First-Round matchups:
12. Boise St VS 5. Notre Dame
11. Clemson VS 6. Tennessee
10. Texas A&M vs 7. Ohio St
9. Georgia VS 8. Penn St
Games to watch this weekend:
4 Ohio State at 3 Penn State (Saturday NOON EST FOX)
As I mentioned earlier, this one has the potential to become an instant classic. Both teams feature explosive offenses and stifling defenses. This one will ultimately determine one of the two teams playing in Indianapolis for the BIG 10 title. While the Buckeyes have more talent on the offensive side, the Nittany Lions have been more consistent, winning the possession battle and limiting turnovers and other mistakes. While it may not be a whiteout game, I still expect Penn State to take the home victory.
10 Texas A&M at South Carolina (Saturday 7:30 PM EST ABC/ESPN+)
While this one may not seem like much of a contest on paper, South Carolina has played well in SEC games. They can keep it close, as they only lost to LSU by three and Alabama by two. Depending on who is under center for the Aggies, the Gamecocks can put A&M on upset alert. While the Aggies should take care of business in Columbia, don’t be surprised if we are talking about the Gamecocks upsetting a top-10 team next week.
Louisville at 8 Clemson (Saturday 7:30 PM EST ESPN)
The ACC is slowly becoming a two-headed monster in Miami and Clemson, who seemed destined to meet in the ACC championship. But the Tigers must take care of business this weekend as they are taking on a Louisville squad that has had a very up-and-down season thus far. Both quarterbacks Tyler Sough (LOUIS) and Cade Klubnik (CLEM) are both in the top 10 in the nation for touchdown passes with 20. Clemson has the second-best rushing offense in the ACC, while Louisville is ranked ninth in the conference, and that’s what the game is going to come down to. Who can run the rock more efficiently with the contest being in Death Valley, I think the Tigers notch another victory on their quest toward an ACC title.
18 Pittsburgh at 20 SMU (Saturday 8pm EST ACC Network)
These two squads are at the bottom of the top 25, but this can have a massive impact on the ACC title landscape. Pitt is 7-0 for the first time since 1982, and while they may not have Dan Marino at the helm, their current signal caller, Eli Holstein, has had a very consistent season, and he’ll be going up against one of the better defenses in the conference in SMU. The Mustangs are fourth in both yards and points allowed in the conference. This one will be a battle between Pitt’s high-powered offense and SMU’s defense. While SMU is at home, I see Pitt taking the win and continuing their undefeated season.
Have an opposing viewpoint to this opinion? Let us know. All views are welcome. Send your thoughts to our Editorial Staff – Editor Thomas Szot tszot@student.dean.edu or Dean Daily Faculty Advisor, Professor John Rooke jrooke@dean.edu
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