If you took a quick look at the college football schedule before the season started, you couldn’t help but notice that the Oct. 8 roster looked pretty tempting. It still is, but some of the games we’ve bookmarked don’t make it to our list of recommended viewing options.
That annual matchup in Dallas, which one writer for this publication, who will remain anonymous, called the potential game of the year, could still be exciting and fun, but it’s now largely irrelevant in the overall championship picture. Similarly, the highly-anticipated matchup between Alabama and Texas A&M, fueled by the coaches’ offseason exchange of verbal criticism, has lost some luster as the Aggies come to Tuscaloosa with two losses and a subpar offense. performance.
As always, this is not to say that these contests and others don’t have the capacity to surprise and entertain, so keep that remote close at hand. But we think these six matchups have better potential as you plan your Saturday.
No. 18 TCU at No. 17 Kansas
Saturday, FS1, noon ET
Follow all the matches: Live NCAA College Football Scores
Why watch: Just as we all predicted, there’s a battle of Big 12 ranked teams on the Week 6 schedule. Sure, we thought it might be ‘Red River,’ but here we are. The undefeated Jayhawks, 5-0 for the first time since 2009, host the red-hot Horned Frogs, who are riding high after beating Oklahoma. The game will feature two of the most dynamic QBs in the league. TCU’s Max Duggan put on a show against Oklahoma last week, while KU’s Jalon Daniels is averaging 262.4 yards of total offense. Both signal-callers also have excellent backfield support in the likes of Horned Frogs RB Kendre Miller and Jayhawks’ RB Devin Neal.
Why it might disappoint: The Jayhawks enjoyed a bit of luck last week as they escaped Iowa State with a three-point win. Their luck could run out when they take on a TCU team that has committed just one turnover all season and has an explosive offense.
No. 11 Utah at No. 19 UCLA
Saturday, Fox, 3:30 p.m. ET
Why watch: The Bruins’ first four wins didn’t get them much attention from poll voters, but last Friday they appeared to be part of a Top 25 team that ousted previously undefeated Washington. They now host the defending champion Pac-12 Utes, who have been just as impressive since losing their first game in Florida. While UCLA’s big offensive night with veteran QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson at the controls and RB Zach Charbonnet chewing up yards wasn’t much of a surprise, the defensive effort led by LB Laiatu Latu against Washington was telling. That side of the ball faces another major test against Utah QB Cameron Rising and RB Tavion Thomas. The Bruins also have to watch out for TE Dalton Kincaid, an excellent red zone weapon for the Utes with five TD grabs.
Why it might disappoint: It’s the Utah defense, backed by DB Cole Bishop and RJ Hubert, that will test the Bruins’ mettle. Utah doesn’t allow much through the air. If the Bruins can match the Utes’ toughness in the trenches, it could be a low-scoring affair.
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No. 8 Tennessee at LSU
Saturday, ESPN, noon ET
Why watch: The Volunteers had a week off to enjoy their long-awaited return to the top 10. They risked their lofty ranking in Baton Rouge, where the Tigers return home on a four-game winning streak. Tennessee’s winning formula this year isn’t hard to figure out, with QB Hendon Hooker directing a high-octane passing attack that could win back WR Cedric Tillman following an ankle procedure. They will face a stingy secondary from LSU backed by Jay Ward, whose first-ever touchdown and touchdown sparked last week’s rally at Auburn. How the Tigers are doing it is a mystery, though quarterback Jayden Daniels takes good care of the ball, and could find his passing touch against Tennessee’s leaky defense.
Why it might disappoint: It probably won’t, as LSU has already been to a couple of contests this season. But it’s fair to wonder if the Tigers have the firepower to mount a rally should Tennessee take a several-score lead.
No. 25 Arkansas at No. 23 Mississippi State
Saturday, SEC, noon ET
Why watch: The Razorbacks held a spot in the Top 25 by a thread after Alabama handed them their second straight loss. Life in the SEC West is unforgiving, of course, as they face another ranked team. The Bulldogs want to avoid a second conference setback, but they are coming off an impressive takedown by Texas A&M. Mississippi State quarterback Will Rogers has kept the offense going, and he’s hoping to have another big day against the Hogs’ secondary that has struggled to contain SEC-caliber receivers. Arkansas QB KJ Jefferson, assuming he’s available, and RB Raheim Sanders will do their best to control the clock, but they’ll likely see a lot of Bulldogs LB Jett Johnson, who ends up around the ball often.
Why it might disappoint: If Jefferson can’t go, the Razorbacks will likely have to go with Cade Fortin, who took over late in Alabama’s loss and completed just 4 of 10 passes for 35 yards. Playing in Starkville in the middle of the cowbells is tough enough, and the challenge would be much greater for Arkansas with a backup QB in action.
State of Florida at No. 14 State of North Carolina
Saturday, ACC, 8 p.m. ET
Why watch: These two ACC Atlantic hopefuls coming off crippling losses within the division now find themselves in what amounts to a playoff as they try to stay in the hunt. NC State quarterback Devin Leary had a frustrating second half at Clemson. He and top WR Thayer Thomas might find FSU’s secondary a bit more forgiving, but more running support will be needed. Seminoles quarterback Jordan Travis made some big plays in the loss to Wake Forest, but RB Traeshaun Ward was largely controlled. The defense took a hit allowing 10 of 18 third-down talks and all three of the Demon Deacons’ fourth-down attempts.
Why it might disappoint: It shouldn’t with both teams in win mode, but desperation could also lead to critical mistakes.
No. 16 Brigham Young vs. Notre Dame (Las Vegas)
Saturday, NBC, 7:30 p.m. ET
Why watch: The Cougars still have an outside chance to earn an invitation to a major bowl in their final season without league affiliation. They face off in the desert with fellow independent Notre Dame, who are hoping to improve their own postseason prospects after digging an 0-2 hole. The Fighting Irish found some success on offense in their last outing two weeks ago at North Carolina, though that might have been simply taking advantage of the Tar Heels’ porous pass defense. Quarterback Drew Pyne and TE Michael Mayer will have it harder with LB Max Tooley and the Cougars’ seven defensemen. BYU QB Jaren Hall has 12 TD shots with just one pick this season, but he could take criticism from the Notre Dame front end who is averaging more than three sacks per game.
Why it might disappoint: The Irish may not yet have all the pieces in place. If the team that lost its first two games shows up and nearly blew the win against California, it could be a long night.
