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Just one week removed from the first playoff rankings, the college football landscape has drastically changed and has created even more do-or-die situations for many teams across the country.
What seemed like conference champion shoe-ins, both Georgia and Miami took losses on the road. Miami's high-powered and explosive offense, featuring Heisman candidate Cam Ward, was held to only 23 points in their 28-23 loss to Georgia Tech. The Hurricanes are now third in the ACC behind SMU and Clemson. Georgia also finds themselves in a very similar position, losing to Ole Miss 28-10, in a game that will be known as the return of Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart. The SEC remains wide open, with Tennessee and Texas A&M leading the way and Alabama reinserting themselves into the conversation with a dominant win over LSU.
The biggest surprise to me was how far Georgia dropped, as they are now 12th, leaving them just outside the bracket, despite being ahead of the 12-seed Boise State. Now Ole Miss is 11th in both the rankings and seeding, with it being projected for them to go into Happy Valley against the sixth seed Penn State. The hype train keeps on chugging for Indiana, who jumped into the top five. This week's rankings have created many more do-or-die situations across the country.
As we look ahead to another thrilling week of college ball, here are my games to watch this weekend:
3 Texas at Arkansas (Saturday NOON EST ABC/ESPN+)
The Longhorns have had an interesting season. What is now a developing quarterback controversy between Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning, and the fact that they are still trying to reclaim their dominance after their embarrassing loss to Georgia three weeks ago. Now they go into Fayetteville, where the Razorbacks of Arkansas have already pulled off a top ten upset when they defeated Tennessee 19-14. The matchup to watch in this one is Arkansas running back Ja'Quinden Jackson, who is tied for third in the SEC in rushing touchdowns against a Longhorn defense that only allowed 12.1 points per game, which is the best in the SEC. This one will also be decided by how clean Ewers throws the ball, the cleaner he plays, the better the Longhorns do.
20 Clemson at Pittsburgh (Saturday NOON EST ESPN)
As I mentioned earlier, the ACC remains wide open, and this contest virtually serves as an elimination game for both squads. Pittsburgh is currently third in the conference in total sacks and fourth in rushing yards allowed per game, while the Tigers of Clemson are second in the conference in rushing yards per game. This one will come down to who can win in the trenches. Tigers running back Phil Mafah will be my player to watch, as he will be looking to cross 1,000 yards against two of the ACC's best tacklers Donnovon McMillon and Kyle Louis. It's also worth noting that Clemson is undefeated on the road, including a win at Virginia Tech, which can be an electric environment.
Utah at 17 Colorado (Saturday NOON EST FOX)
While the Utes are on a five-game losing streak, they've only lost by roughly two possessions, meaning they can remain in the game. They're going to have to stay in this one, as the Buffaloes of Colorado look to use Utah as another step towards a birth in the BIG 12 championship. Shedeur Sanders has quieted all of the haters from last season, throwing for 24 touchdowns to only six interceptions thus far. This one will ultimately come down to the Utes defense, as both Sanders and Travis Hunter are more than capable of taking over games. While the Buffaloes should get the win at home, it won't be without a fight from the Utes of Utah.
7 Tennessee at 12 Georgia (Saturday 7:30 PM EST ABC/ESPN+)
The Vols rank inside the top five in the nation in both points allowed per game and yards allowed per game defensively, and they are going into what will be a sold-out Sanford Stadium. Despite the home-field advantage, the Bulldogs might be their own worst enemy in this one. Carson Beck, who publicized his goal of being a first-round draft pick, has dropped his draft stock by throwing nine interceptions compared to only five touchdowns in the last four games. That is simply not a recipe for success, especially in an offense filled with playmakers and a multiple offensive lineman who are guaranteed to be drafted within the first three rounds. The Dawgs must play mistake-free football, because the Volunteers of Tennessee are exceptional at taking control of the clock and have a prolific rushing attack led by Dylan Sampson. I like the Vols this week, especially with the recent abundance of turnovers for Georgia.
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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