By Dean Lowery ’27, Alex Jessey ‘28, Benjamin Ross ’28, Joe Parmigiani ‘28, Christian Arnold ‘28
Introduction
Issues are getting very actual, in a short time. Texas A&M is now the final undefeated SEC group in convention play. Notre Dame walked throughout Navy. Texas managed to outlive in Nashville. Now, all eyes flip in direction of Penn St.-Ohio St. All of us marvel if the Nittany Lions are able to step into their second.
Three Massive Video games
#4 Ohio St. @ #3 Penn St., College Park, Pennsylvania, Beaver Stadium
It is an enormous, traditional showdown within the Massive Ten. Penn State has been eyeing this sport all season, for good purpose. Ohio State comes into Joyful Valley as the favourite, having gained a file 7 straight within the collection. Penn State’s star QB Drew Allar stays a game-time determination, and his efficiency would possibly tip the scales within the Nittany Lions’ favor.
Keys for the Buckeyes: Will Howard should stay poised. The stakes are excessive for the Buckeyes, even when they’re favored. Early errors from the Ohio St. offense may result in this changing into a pressure-packed second half.
Keys for the Nittany Lions: Overlook the previous. This yr just isn’t the identical because the years previous. Penn St. has to look past the title model of Ohio State and give attention to successful the road of scrimmage.
#2 Georgia Vs. Florida, Jacksonville, Florida, EverBank Stadium
The Jacksonville rendition of this storied rivalry shall be placed on pause for a few years, with conferences in Atlanta and Tampa just lately introduced for the following two seasons. Coming off a bye, Georgia is on the rise, taking part in their greatest soccer and searching just like the group to beat within the SEC. Nevertheless, Florida, taking part in probably the most tough schedule within the nation, is a good 4-3 coming off a giant win over Kentucky. Can the Gators topple the unsuspecting Bulldogs?
Keys for the Bulldogs: Play their sport. The ‘Dawgs have gained six out of the final seven matchups, and may simply deal with the Gators.
Keys for the Gators: Experience the wave of emotion, and the wave of DJ Lagway. A powerful 48-20 win towards Kentucky final week may maybe present sufficient hope for the Gators to make this one a sport.
#18 Pittsburgh @ #20 Southern Methodist, Dallas, Texas, Gerald J. Ford Stadium
It’s the ACC showdown no one anticipated, within the coronary heart of Texas. Pitt is coming off of an enormous confidence-building rout of Syracuse, completely choosing aside the Syracuse offense with 3 pick-sixes within the first half alone. SMU has been discovering methods to win of their first yr within the ACC, coming off a giant time beyond regulation win at Duke. The winner of this matchup can have a really actual shot on the ACC championship and the School Soccer Playoff; the loser will doubtless watch from the sidelines.
Keys for the Panthers: Get Desmond Reid going. The Panthers have struggled to ascertain a run sport all through ACC play, and have to get one thing going on the line of scrimmage to open up deep threats.
Keys for the Mustangs: Experience the offense. SMU has averaged 50.5 factors per sport at dwelling over their final 12, and this offense looks like it has no intentions of slowing down anytime quickly.
Three Massive Gamers
Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado Buffaloes, BYE
Travis jumped into the highlight, changing Ashton Jeanty on the prime spot, after a nine-reception, 153-yard, two-touchdown efficiency. The person is maybe the perfect offensive and defensive participant within the Massive XII and is harking back to ‘97 Heisman winner, Charles Woodson. The Buffaloes at the moment are ranked, however extra group success down the stretch might be important for Hunter’s trigger.
Cam Ward, QB, Miami Hurricanes, Vs. Duke
Cam Ward has been probably the most stable participant on this checklist, nonetheless, faltered in an enormous rivalry sport, failing to place a landing on the board. Nevertheless, his Heisman marketing campaign would possibly fall squarely on his efficiency within the ACC Championship in Charlotte.
Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oregon Geese @ Michigan
The captain of the perfect group within the nation. A traditional Heisman candidate, Gabriel has been extraordinarily composed in his management of the Geese. In opposition to Illinois, Gabriel led the Geese to a 38-9 victory, tallying three touchdowns to go together with one interception. He’ll obtain a pleasant check within the coming week, as he leads the primary group within the nation into the Massive Home.
Three Groups to Watch
Properly, effectively, effectively. Who’s going to occupy the coveted fifth computerized bid? We would begin utilizing the time period “Cinderella” in soccer.
Boise State Broncos (6-1) Vs. San Diego St.
Boise St. earned an enormous victory towards Mountain West rival UNLV and can look to cruise for the remainder of the season. Maybe a rematch with the Rebels later within the season is the one factor standing between the Broncos and a playoff berth.
Military Black Knights (7-0) Vs. Air Power
A bye week for the Black Knights gave them time to suppose. A questionably small margin towards East Carolina offers followers purpose for concern, however the Black Knights look to the longer term and shall be maintaining a detailed watch on the Navy-Notre Dame. What Military does have going for them is that they’re the one undefeated group on this checklist, and that would function important relating to determination time.
Washington St. (7-1) OFF
Washington St. has quietly risen the polls, lastly cracking the rankings this week. Their one loss is to Boise St., and fairly emphatic at that, so it might doubtless take a few slip-ups from the Broncos to present the Cougars room to prevail. Nonetheless, they’re starting to show heads.
Three Worth Bets
(11-3-1 on the season)
Minnesota (-3) @ #24 Illinois
#10 Texas A&M (-3) @ South Carolina
#13 Indiana (-8) @ Michigan St.
The “Dartmouth” Ballot
Properly, the AP Ballot stinks. And the CFP ballot remains to be weeks away. Right here’s what our group got here up with.
