By Benjamin Ross ’28 and Elliott Gomes ’28
As soon as once more, we’re again with one other CFB weekly preview. Final week, Alabama beat Georgia in their very own yard, proving that Kirby Good simply can’t get it achieved towards the Crimson Tide. Oregon beat Penn State on the Whiteout in a fierce extra time recreation. Lastly, Virginia toppled Florida State in extra time. Hopefully nobody took my betting recommendation for that one….
3 Huge Video games
#16 Vanderbilt @ #10 Alabama, Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, AL
Keys for the Commodores: Vanderbilt’s speeding offense has been stellar this season, averaging 6.5 yds/carry and punching in a complete 18 touchdowns this season. QB Diego Pavia might be trying to lead a spirited efficiency for the Commodores, rising as one of many nation’s best passers. If Vanderbilt can get the run recreation going and play with grit, they’ll problem Alabama in a showdown for the ages.
Keys for the Crimson Tide: Final yr, Vanderbilt threw the Kelen DeBoer challenge into disarray, stunning the world and catapulting Vanderbilt to prominence. Coming off an enormous win towards Georgia, Alabama are hoping to trip the wave into one other nice win. Tyler Simpson is off to a superb begin within the shotgun for the Crimson Tide, and Alabama will hope to get Ryan Williams extra concerned on offense.
#3 Miami @ #18 Florida State, Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, FL
Keys for the Canes: One other problem for Miami. They’re off to a scorching begin with Carson Beck behind the wheel, and so they’ll be trying to present the nation that they’re a real contender. The Hurricanes might be hoping that their highly effective speeding protection can quell the two-headed dragon of Sawchuk and Castellanos and that Beck can show he’s but once more one of many nation’s greatest.
Keys for the Seminoles: With the most effective speeding assaults within the nation, the house crowd behind them, and a loss to Virginia in extra time lighting a spark, Florida State received’t go down with out a battle. Every week in the past, they have been one of many nation’s greatest groups, and the Seminoles might be desirous to work their method again as much as that spot.
#9 Texas @ Florida, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, FL
Keys for the Longhorns: Lackluster is maybe one of the best ways to explain Arch Manning’s tenure as QB for Texas. He hasn’t wowed anybody but, and after a bye week he’ll be trying to put collectively a robust efficiency. Headed into the Swamp, Manning will undoubtedly be in a hostile setting. To say that Manning is the only real key to the sport is unfair, however by now we all know that Texas have constructed a championship caliber group round him. All eyes on Manning.
Keys for the Gators: Florida are, fairly frankly, not an excellent soccer group. DJ Lagway, as we’ve got seen, has not been superb. Maybe that is the week for him to show it round. Invoice Napier might be trying to save his job and lightweight a fireplace below his group and the Florida followers. They don’t have anything to lose and may play prefer it.
3 Huge Gamers
Diego Pavia, QB, Vanderbilt Commodores
Theoretically, Alabama is subsequent on Vanderbilt’s schedule. Final yr, Diego Pavia led the Commodores to a house upset of Alabama with 252 yards and a clear 2/0 TD/INT ratio. This yr, the Crimson Tide have the house discipline benefit, however Pavia has one other yr of expertise below his belt. For Vandy to win, look to Pavia to deal with the ball and take sensible photographs downfield.
Arch Manning, QB, Texas Longhorns
Arch Manning’s begin to the season vs. Ohio State left a lot to be desired from the preseason Heisman favourite. His stat line—made worse by essential drops—regarded pedestrian at greatest. After three comparatively straightforward video games following the loss to the Buckeyes, the Longhorns will open SEC play towards the faltering Florida Gators. Look to Manning to flirt with massive performs and have a press release recreation. If he can’t do it towards Florida, he might have additional growth to fulfill preseason expectations.
Rueben Bain, Jr., DE, Miami Hurricanes
The Florida State Seminoles’ offensive line, as a unit, has not regarded good. Their common PFF grade is 64.7, a pedestrian however not horrible mark at first look, however half of their video games up to now have been performed towards FCS groups. Enter Rueben Bain, Jr., a premier defensive finish in early Heisman consideration who expects to wreak havoc on FSU. Look to Bain to report a number of sacks and probably even a turnover. Alternatively, take a look at the remainder of Miami’s D-line to feast if FSU overcommits to stopping Bain.
3 Huge Bets
Air Pressure @ Navy (-12.5)
UL Monroe @ Northwestern (-11.5)
Boise State (+20.5) vs. Notre Dame
