It seems impossible to think that we could have another week like last week — a week where five teams in the top 10 lost — but the possibility of it happening against is out there, especially with several ranked teams playing each other again. There’s a lot of good football to watch the week, so here’s a quick rundown of what you should and shouldn’t be checking out during Week 7.
Game of the week:
No. 2 Auburn at No. 3 Mississippi State, 3:30 p.m. ET
It seems like every week Mississippi State has to prove that it has staying power and this week will be a big test when it comes to credibility. These teams are fairly even except when you look at the quarterbacks. While Auburn’s Nick Marshall is a gamer, Mississippi State’s Dak Prescott has all the tools you want in a championship quarterback. He accounted for five touchdowns against Texas A&M and is a threat with both his arm and his feet. As long as he doesn't allow the spotlight to blind him, he’ll be the difference in this game. It will be close throughout, but the Bulldogs prove that they belong.
Game to watch:
No. 3 Ole Miss at No. 14 Texas A&M, 9 p.m. ET
While one Mississippi team might have staying power, the other is questionable. The Rebels got a huge win against Alabama last week, but it’s hard not to look back at their struggles against teams such as Boise State and Memphis. Texas A&M was manhandled by Mississippi State. No two ways about it. But that’s not something that will happen to a Kevin Sumlin team two weeks in a row. Look for A&M quarterback Kenny Stills to rebound after a three-INT game and expect the defense to put big pressure on Ole Miss quarterback Bo Wallace and force more mistakes.
Also check out…
No. 9 TCU at No. 5 Baylor, 12 p.m. ET
This game appears to be a lot more fun than anyone originally anticipated. TCU was a big surprise last week by not only defeating Oklahoma, but by scoring 37 points, the most any team has scored on the Sooners this season. TCU’s defense also buckled down the second half of that game and if it can manage the same type of effort against Baylor, this could be the game of the week. We all know Baylor can score, but Texas’ defense provided a bit of a blueprint as to how to slow the Bears down. Not surprisingly, it involves making QB Bryce Petty uncomfortable.
Don't waste your time with:
No. 1 Florida at Syracuse, 3:30 p.m. ET
If you listen to the Dr. Saturday podcast (and if you don’t, you should), you heard me brazenly pick a Syracuse upset. I hope everyone knows I wasn’t serious. I needed a bold prediction and that was about as bold as it could get. In reality, Syracuse is a mess. Its starting quarterback is injured, the coach calling plays has never called them before and there’s other turmoil within the coaching staff. This is not a good week for Florida State to roll into town. Yes, the Seminoles are banged up as well, but QB Jameis Winston has the ability to put this team on his back and carry it to a win. However, he shoudn’t need. If Florida State doesn’t mess around, this should be over early.
Keep an eye on:
Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia
With Todd Gurley out indefinitely while being investigated for an alleged violation of NCAA rules, all eyes will be on freshman running back Nick Chubb. Chubb has been terrific while spelling Gurley at times this season (he has 224 yards and two touchdowns), but is he ready to be a feature back especially with a lot of untested talent behind him? Missouri’s run defense was gashed against Indiana and South Carolina’s Mike Davis was able to run for more than 100 yards as well. However, the Tigers have had two weeks to prepare for Gurley and they know full well quarterback Hutson Mason is shaky at best. Chubb is a top talent, but he’ll have his hands full this weekend.
Upset alert:
No. 23 Missouri (+3) at No. 13 Georgia, 12 p.m. ET
As noted above, a Gurley-less Georgia team is going to be in a heap of trouble this weekend in Columbia, Mo., especially against a team that’s had two weeks to prepare and is coming off a big win at South Carolina. If Gurley was playing, Georgia would probably win this game. His running ability versus Missouri’s mediocre rushing defense would have been the difference. But now that Georgia’s hopes rest on a freshman running back and a shaky quarterback, Missouri has to be licking its chops. It’s interesting that Missouri will have missed playing against Gurley for two consecutive seasons (he was injured last year). Last year's game went in favor of the Tigers; don't be surprised to see it happen again.
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Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter! Follow @YahooDrSaturday
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From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - What to Watch, Week 7: Are we headed for another apocalyptic weekend?
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