SOONERS VS. LONGHORNS IS CLASH TO WATCH
GAMES TO WATCH IN WEEK 6:
NO. 5 OKLAHOMA VS.
NO. 20 TEXAS IN DALLAS
Oct. 6, Noon ET, Fox
The Red River rivalry wasn’t looking nearly as attractive a
month ago as the Longhorns were dropping their season opener at Maryland and
the Sooners (5-0, 2-0 Big 12) were on an early roll. Texas (4-1, 2-0) has since
rebounded with four consecutive wins, admittedly not all comfortable, while OU
has looked dominant at times but vulnerable at others during its start.
Sooners QB Kyler Murray has been as good as advertised; his
late arrival to practice that delayed his appearance in the Baylor game
notwithstanding. Overall he’s accounted for 21 total TDs, 17 by air. The
Longhorns defense has made progress since the early setback, but it has yet to
see an offense like this. Texas QB Sam Ehlinger has also improved his
efficiency. But the Longhorns don’t want to get into a shootout, which means
Ehlinger is going to need ground support.
Prediction: It’s a rivalry game, so unusual
events are almost certainly in the offing. But in the end, the Sooners should
make enough plays to stave off their archrivals. OKLAHOMA, 38-24
NO. 4 CLEMSON AT
WAKE FOREST
Oct. 6, 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
The Trevor Lawrence era at Clemson got off to a rocky start
last week. The Tigers (5-0, 2-0 ACC) survived with a late rally against
Syracuse, but what was shaping up to be a smooth ride through the ACC has hit a
speed bump. The journey continues with this trip to Winston-Salem, N.C., where
the Demon Deacons (3-2, 0-1) have some dangerous playmakers.
The availability of Lawrence, who left the game against the
Orange with an apparent concussion, wasn’t known at press time. Chase Brice
delivered the key throw he needed to preserve the Tigers’ winning drive, a huge
confidence boost if he has to start. It also helps that he has a talented array
of options at running back, but the Wake Forest defense will try to take the
ground game away first. Demon Deacons QB Sam Hartman and WR Greg Dortch are
coming off huge days against Rice, but the Tigers aren’t likely to let them
connect often.
Prediction: Clemson fans can take comfort in the
fact that even if their QB is making his first start, he’ll be facing the Wake
secondary. CLEMSON, 45-24
NO. 6 LSU AT
FLORIDA
Oct. 6, 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS
September couldn’t have gone much better for LSU (5-0, 2-0
SEC), arguably the biggest surprise of the season thus far with wins against
two ranked opponents and a rapid rise up the polls. Things haven’t been quite
as smooth for the Gators (4-1, 2-1) and first-year coach Dan Mullen. But their
lone loss to still undefeated Kentucky isn’t looking so bad, and they return
home after knocking Mullen’s former team, Mississippi State, out of the top 25.
LSU hasn’t been lights-out on offense, but QB Joe Burrow is
coming off his best outing as a Tiger with three scoring passes against
Mississippi. But the Gators defense that just shut down Mississippi State
should be harder to solve. Florida figures to have an equally difficult time
acquiring points. Gators QB Feleipe Franks is completing just 57.1 percent of
his throws, and the LSU secondary has snared seven interceptions
through five games.
Prediction: This has the look of a pitchers’
duel, a scenario that probably gives the Gators their best shot at pulling off
the upset. But an early big play or two from the Tigers will force miscues from
the home team. LSU, 27-13
NO. 15 KENTUCKY AT
TEXAS A& M
Oct. 6, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN Speaking of Kentucky, the
upstart Wildcats (5-0, 3-0 SEC) already have two key SEC East victories in hand
and appear poised to make a run at Georgia for the division crown. But hang on.
UK is still sailing in uncharted waters as football contenders in the
conference. The Aggies (3-2, 1-1), who’ve already had close encounters with a
couple of top-five squads, can’t be taken lightly.
The winning formula for the Wildcats has been fairly basic,
playing stout defense and letting RB Benny Snell pound away with a strong
ground game. The Aggies have shown more explosiveness at times with QB
Kellan Mond posing a dual threat. But they had trouble putting away a
struggling Arkansas team in last week’s rivalry contest and might be slow to
regain their rhythm.
Prediction: Kyle Field under the lights is a
tough place for visitors. The Wildcats’ superb season is about to hit a snag. TEXAS
A& M, 31-24
NO. 7 NOTRE DAME
AT NO. 23 VIRGINIA TECH
Oct. 6, 8 p.m. ET, ABC
Notre Dame by 5 with the huge clash with Stanford in the
rearview mirror and a new starting quarterback adding punch to the offense, the
Fighting Irish (5-0) have their fans dreaming big. Upsets are part of college
football, of course, but the second half of Notre Dame’s schedule appears quite
manageable if it can get past this road trip. The Hokies (3-1) are playoff long
shots at best at this point, but they rebounded from the inexplicable loss at
Old Dominion with a solid performance at formerly unbeaten Duke. Night visitors
to Blacksburg will always get Tech’s best shot, and a name brand program like
Notre Dame will create a festive atmosphere.
In addition to another terrific performance from QB Ian
Book, the Notre Dame offense got another boost with the season debut of RB
Dexter Williams. Hokies starting QB Josh Jackson remains sidelined with a leg
injury, but Ryan Willis was solid with three scoring passes and no picks
in the Duke win.
Prediction: Lane Stadium will be rocking out to
“Enter Sandman” and the Hokies will be fired up when the ball is kicked. But
the Fighting Irish will get past the early emotions and take charge after
intermission. NOTRE DAME, 34-20
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