By Chris Carlson: Week 6 gave us fans another string of highly-competitive games along with 5 ranked teams going down. The SEC normally known for defense has looked like the Big-12 three games into their shortened regular season. Week 7 has one great matchup in the SEC which will be shown on CBS in primetime. Otherwise the under the radar games and a few upsets will have to come through to make this week overachieve in what looks to be a mediocre schedule. It doesn’t help that 3 more games were postponed this week after each week saw a decrease, let’s hope it’s not a trend.
Marquee Matchup
#2 Alabama vs. #3 Georgia: Welp, legendary head coach Nick Saban has covid-19 and the first thing that comes to mind after health, is what affect will his absence have? The Bulldogs defense is legit and on paper is better that Alabama thus far. The Crimson Tide have been underwhelming on defense but there’s plenty of praise to heap on the offensive side of the ball with 3 playmakers at WR in (Waddle, Metchie, Smith), a competent QB in Jones, and a workhorse RB in Harris. Although, Georgia has made some strides at quarterback we can’t just assume QB Stetson Bennett will deliver in this big spot to level he did against Tennessee. This game will come down to turnovers and touchdowns in the redzone. This is a 50-50 matchup and the Bulldogs are due for a win just based off the last two meetings coming down to the wire.
The Pick: Georgia 30 Alabama 27
Under The Radar
#14 BYU vs. Houston: It’s a slow Week 7 but this game could sneak up and bite us in a good way. QB Zach Wilson has been dynamic and BYU has been a program knocking on the door so this could be the season they gain national attention. Houston, like Memphis versus SMU, has only 1 game under their belt because of the Coronavirus so it’s difficult to get a good gauge on where they stand. BYU will try to win the battle of ball control with a dose of ground and pound but use play-action to ignite the passing game.
The Pick: BYU 34 Houston 30
Saturday Upset Special
Boston College will pull off the upset as a 12-point underdog to #23 Virginia Tech.
Hardcore Barnburners
Ole Miss vs. Arkansas: Close losses from both teams against powerhouse programs in Alabama and Auburn last week lends itself to being a game both will be desperate to win.
UCF vs. Memphis: Both teams took early losses both teams expected to win out, which one of these programs will bounce back?
Against The Spread
Miami should win against Pittsburgh but look for Pitt to lose by less than the 13-points as a dog. (Also, as a 12-point underdog look for Boston College to lose but cover versus #23 Virginia Tech.)
Quick Hits Recap
-The Georgia Bulldogs outrushed Tennessee last week 193 to -1 in a resounding 44-21 win.
-Alabama RB Nagee Harris had 23 carries for 206 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns in a 63-48 shootout victory
-Oklahoma defeated Texas 53-45 in 4 overtimes making it the highest scoring contest in a rivalry that’s seen 116 meetings.
-In a losing effort Longhorn QB Sam Ehilinger put up a combined 399 total yards with 6 TD’s.
-North Carolina had two RB’s that produced 399 rushing yards, Michael Carter 214 and Javonte Williams 137 both with 2 touchdowns a piece in a 56-45 win over Virginia Tech.
-Aggies RB Isaiah Spiller became the first player to rush for 150 yards with 2 TD’s when facing a Top-25 AP opponent since 1990.
-Missouri Tiger quarterback Connor Bazelak threw for 406 yards and 4 TD’s in an upset victory 45-41 over LSU. LSU has given up a school record 96 points through 3 games.
Written by Chris Carlson Host of The College Ball Show Podcast available at blogtalkradio.com/ropeadoperadio or Follow on Twitter @RopeADopeRadio