The SEC once again takes center stage in Week 7 of the college football season. The powerhouse conference has not one but two matchups featuring four of the top 10 teams in the nation, with both games having huge conference championship implications.
Not to be outdone, the Pac-12 and Big Ten also have some tasty games featuring in-state rivals. And speaking of rivalries, one of the more prestigious ones in collegiate sports starts up again in South Bend.
So basically, Week 7 should be another spectacular week full of college football action. Let’s check out the top five games of the week and get a quick sense of why they are the ones to watch.
One top game that just missed the cut is Iowa vs. Northwestern. Check out our preview of that intriguing Big Ten matchup here.
[sc:NCAAFArticles ]The Top Five College Football Games to Watch in Week 7
UCLA Bruins vs. Stanford Cardinal
Where: Stanford Stadium, Stanford
When: Thursday, October 15, 10:30 PM ET
Line: UCLA Bruins (+6) at Stanford Cardinal (-6) – view all NCAA Football lines
TV Broadcast: ESPN
UCLA had an extra week to stew after it was stuffed by Arizona State, 38-23, at home. The Bruins could not run the ball a lick, as they averaged just 2.2 yards per carry. Meanwhile, the Sun Devils scorched them on the ground with 192 rushing yards. With upstart Utah looking like the team to beat in the Pac-12 South, the Bruins really can’t afford to drop another game.
[sc:NCAA240banner ]However, they face a tough test on the road against Pac-12 North-leading Stanford. Not only are the Cardinal – the co-favorites with Utah at +170 to win the conference – the fourth-best running team in the conference (209.8 yards per game), they’re also the second-best run defense (129.6 yards allowed per game).
Oh, and Stanford is a perfect 7-0 (6-1 ATS) in its last seven meetings against UCLA.
Writer’s Prediction: Stanford storms to a 35-21 win over the Bruins.
Michigan State Spartans vs. Michigan Wolverines
Where: Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor
When: Saturday, October 17, 3:30 PM ET
Line: Michigan State Spartans (+7.5) at Michigan Wolverines (-7.5) – view all NCAA Football lines
TV Broadcast: ESPN
No unit in college football is playing better than the Michigan Wolverines defense at the moment. Jim Harbaugh’s team has pitched a shutout in its last three games, and has won those games by a total of 97-0.
That sets the Wolverines up quite nicely for the visit of their rivals, the Michigan State Spartans, who have been anything but convincing for the last month or so. This matchup will be fascinating not only because it’s a battle between two fierce in-state rivals, but also because it could show whether these two actually have what it takes to dethrone -120 favorite Ohio State in the Big Ten East.
Writer’s Prediction: Michigan finally allows points again, but it still rolls to a big 24-17 win over Michigan State.
Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Texas A&M
Where: Kyle Field, College Station
When: Saturday, October 17, 3:30 PM ET
Line: Alabama Crimson Tide (-5) at Texas A&M (+5) – view all NCAA Football lines
TV Broadcast: ABC
Texas A&M is once again making noise in the SEC West with back-to-back wins over Arkansas and Mississippi State. While the offense isn’t close to the level of those Johnny Manziel-led teams, the defense has made huge strides under John Chavis. But before anyone truly takes the Aggies seriously as legit contenders for the conference title – they’re currently +450 to win the SEC – they need to take care of business and beat Alabama at home.
That’s always easier said than done, though, especially when Alabama’s involved. The Crimson Tide have bounced back well from their defeat to Ole Miss with three straight wins. They also solved Kenny Sumlin’s high-powered offense last season as they shut out the Aggies in a 59-0 win.
Writer’s Prediction: Alabama deals A&M its first loss with a 27-20 road win.
LSU Tigers vs. Florida Gators
Where: Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge
When: Saturday, October 17, 7:00 PM ET
Line: LSU Tigers at Florida Gators – view all NCAA Football lines
TV Broadcast: ESPN
If the season ended today, No. 8 Florida and No. 6 LSU would meet in the SEC championship game. But if the season ended today, the Gators would still be without starting quarterback Will Grier, who’s now suspended for the year for taking a performance-enhancing substance.
That puts even more pressure on the Florida front seven to stop the force of nature that is LSU’s Leonard Fournette. For the first time in four games, Fournette failed to top 200 rushing yards. But he’s the top Heisman favorite for a reason, and he’ll be looking to add a signature performance against a top team to his already compelling Heisman case.
Writer’s Prediction: LSU hands Florida its first loss, 21-14.
USC Trojans vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Where: Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend
When: Saturday, October 17, 7:30 PM ET
Line: USC Trojans (+7) at Notre Dame Fighting Irish (-7) – view all NCAA Football lines
TV Broadcast: NBC
With a home loss to Washington and the subsequent firing of head coach Steve Sarkisian, the USC Trojans’ season is quickly unraveling at the seams. The entire program is in a state of disarray, and could be inflicted even more damage with another loss at Notre Dame.
Unlike their age-old rivals, the Irish are still within a shout of the College Football Playoff, and a win over USC would keep them right in contention. The Irish will also be out for some revenge after the Trojans torched them, 49-14, in Los Angeles last season.
Writer’s Prediction: Notre Dame scores a big 35-21 win over the troubled Trojans.
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