Games to Watch: Week 7

Last week was arguably the best week of college football that we've had all season.  Lots of big games, plenty of upsets (some that we even got right!), and plenty of chaos in the standings for the race to the College Football Playoff.

Similar to last week, this week's match-ups will provide the same excitement and intensity as we head into the second half of the regular season.

Thursday 10/9

BYU @ Central Florida ~ 6:30pm CT (ESPN)

Now, I understand that this will interfere with the Blackhawk's first game of the season, so you'll have to set this one as the "previous channel" so you can quickly flip from the hockey game to this one.  QB Taysom Hill is out with injury for the Cougars and BYU no longer has ANY shot at making the playoff.  But a UCF team that sits at 2-2 on the season is looking to win their 3rd game and move closer towards bowl eligibility.

Friday 10/10

Washington State @ #25 Stanford ~ 8:00pm CT (ESPN)

UPSET ALERT!!!  The best passing offense in the country is trying to score against the best defense on Friday night.  As much as Stanford has shown that their defense can keep them in ballgames, they haven't faced a passing game quite like WSU.  Connor Halliday set a new record for total yards in a game last week with 734 yards, and Stanford's offense only averages 24.8 PPG.

Saturday 10/11

#13 Georgia @ #23 Missouri ~ 11:00am CT (CBS)

Yes, this game will be played at the same time as the Illini game, but just in case Melvin Gordon runs for 44 touchdowns in the first half (you never know guys...) this should be a good game to have on the radar.  Todd Gurley is still one of the best Running Backs in the country and is the focal point of the Bulldog offense.  BUT NOT SO FAST!!!  Missouri's defense was clutch in last week's upset of the Gamecocks and they will have Gurley in their sights for a potential upset again this week.

#2 Auburn @ #3 Mississippi State ~ 2:30pm CT (CBS)

The big wigs at CBS really did well this week as this game is the second in a doubleheader.  Mississippi State has knocked off two teams ranked in the Top 10 that last two weeks, and they have an opportunity for the hat trick against Auburn.  Thing is, Auburn has looked quite consistent this season and are coming off 41-7 beatdown of the LSU Tigers.  Both enter in the Top 5, only one will remain.

#9 TCU @ #5 Baylor ~ 2:30pm CT (ABC)

Now that Oklahoma has lost a conference game, these two teams remain in the race for the Big12 conference championship.  Baylor's offense is really good though, and they have a great balance of running and throwing the ball.  TCU's defense made a handful of great plays in their upset of the Sooners last week, but can they contain the Bears and limit big plays?  Either way, this one should be a dandy in Baylor's new stadium.

#12 Oregon @ #18 UCLA ~ 2:30pm CT (FOX)

Sadly, a game that features two of the better teams in the PAC12 will be overshadowed by the games on CBS and ABC.  No need to worry though, that's why we here at TCR cover EVERY key matchup on a weekly basis.  Marcus Mariota is still very much in the running for the Heisman Trophy, but he needs to have a good game against the Bruins in order to get back on track.  Brett Hundley was also a contender at the beginning of the season, but he hasn't shown the "Heisman-esque" numbers that we've come to see from previous winners of the award.  Both of these teams are coming off upsets, and would LOVE to get right back in the mix for a conference championship.

Penn State @ Michigan ~ 6:00pm CT (ESPN2)

Grab a bowl of popcorn and a BEvERage of your choice and get ready to enjoy another potential Michigan loss.  James Franklin is a really great coach and we can't wait to see his dramatic reactions live on TV.  I mean come on now, it's NEVER a bad day when Michigan loses.

#3 Ole Miss @ #14 Texas A&M ~ 8:00pm CT (ESPN)

After all the hoopla and partying last week in Ole Miss, this week's matchup could be a bit dangerous for them.  But first, if you're wondering why Ole Miss and Mississippi State are both ranked #3, it's because the AP gave them the exact same amount of votes (1320 to be exact).  Yes, it's a coincidence that both Mississippi teams are the same ranking, but that's going to change after this weekend.  The Aggies haven't proven themselves on defense, but if they can make enough stops and Bo Wallace turns the ball over a few times, it can be done.