College football is now in full swing. There are always things to watch every week of the season. Here are 5 things to watch in college football week 7.
1. Oregon at Washington
One of the premier games of the week will feature a rivalry with Oregon traveling to Seattle to take on Washington. The Ducks are 5-0 with a win over Colorado as their most notable accomplishment on the season. Bo Nix has continued to show improvement in his second year with the Ducks after transferring from Auburn. He already has 1,549 passing yards and 15 touchdowns. The Ducks score 51.8, but even more impressively, only allow 11.8 points, which makes them rank near the best in the country on both sides of the ball.
Washington has a few solid wins on the season, but like Oregon, are looking for their first marquee win of the season. Michael Penix has followed up a great 2022 season with a great start to 2023. He has 1,999 passing yards and 16 touchdowns on the season. They score 46 points per game and only allow 18.4, as they are a balanced team as well.
These two rivals will be playing for key positioning in a tough Pac-12, with several teams vying for a spot in the Pac-12 Championship Game.
2. Can USC’s Defense Step Up?
USC’s defense has been criticized heavily this season and last. They are allowing 27 points per game, but have given up 41 in each of their last two contests. USC’s offense is carrying them to victory, as they are putting up 51.5 points per game. At a certain point though, the defense could cost them a game, much like they did in 2022.
The Trojans are going to need their defense to step up this week, on the road against Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish are 5-2 and have been battle-tested this season with a tough schedule. Sam Hartman has led Notre Dame to averaging 36.7 points per game. It is fair to expect they can put up more than their average against USC’s defense and they have the ability to move the ball on the ground and through the air. The only question remains is whether Notre Dame’s offense can do enough for them to knock off a top team.
3. Miami at North Carolina
Miami made headlines in week 6 for giving a game away to Georgia Tech when they didn’t kneel to ice the game. If they would’ve taken a knee, the Hurricanes would be heading into this game undefeated. They average 39 points per game and allow 14.6. Their defense has plenty of future pros, who will have to make things tough for North Carolina star quarterback Drake Maye.
North Carolina is undefeated so far this season and they just had wide receiver Tez Walker ruled eligible by the NCAA. Maye leads the offense that scores 36.6 points per game. The defense is much improved over last season, as they give up fewer than 20 points per game. Miami has more talent on the defensive side of the ball than any team they have faced this season, so the Tar Heels will have to make sure they are on top of things in this game to get the win.
4. Can UCLA Pull of a Second Straight Upset?
UCLA beat a ranked and undefeated Washington State team in week 6. The Bruins’ sole loss of the season was to Utah. They have been trying to get consistent play at quarterback this season, but still average over 30 points per game. Their defense has been impressive, as they concede just 12.2 points per game. Now, they are preparing to take on Oregon State, who is also ranked.
The Beavers had a good defense last season and that is still true this season, as they allow fewer than 20 points per game. This season is different though, as they have more of an offense. Clemson transfer D.J. Uiagalelei has led the offense to averaging 38.5 points per game. He has passed for 1,307 yards and 13 touchdowns. Both teams are still alive in a tight Pac-12 race and every game matters.
5. Wyoming at Air Force
Wyoming defeated Fresno State, which really opened things up for the group of five conference spot in the New Year’s Six Bowl. The Cowboys are 5-1, with their lone loss coming to Texas. Wyoming doesn’t have the best passing attack, but continue to win games by running the ball and playing solid defense. They will have another big game this week as they travel to Colorado to take on Air Force.
Air Force is 5-0 this season, with their best win likely being over San Diego State. The Falcons rank first in the FBS for rushing yards at 329.8 per game. Running the ball still allows them to score plenty of points, as they average 38.8 points per game. Their defense is one of the best in the country, allowing just 12.2 points per game. A win in this game could put them in the conversation to make a New Year’s Six Bowl at the end of the season if they can keep things moving in the right direction.
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- Source: https://thegamehaus.com/college-football/5-things-to-watch-in-college-football-week-7-4/2023/10/08/
