By Dean Lowery ’27, Alex Jessey ‘28, Benjamin Ross ’28, Joe Parmigiani ‘28, Christian Arnold ‘28
Introduction
Well, Oregon now has the biggest win of the season. The Mighty Ducks made some special teams mistakes, but ultimately, they were able to make a stand when it mattered. This week features a tremendous pair of SEC games. The third weekend of October is sure to delight fans around the country.
Three Big Games
#7 Alabama @ #11 Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, Neyland Stadium
Well, well, well. “The Third Weekend in October” might just be a must win game if these teams want to make it to Atlanta. Neyland will most certainly be rocking, but can Tennessee contain Jalen Milroe?
Keys for the Crimson Tide: After close games and an upset loss, Alabama will look to bounce back, but that is no easy task. They’ll need to cut down on turnovers, and their offensive weapons, Milroe and Williams, will need to be productive.
Keys for the Vols: Things haven’t been easy for the Vols in recent weeks either. If they want to beat the Crimson Tide, Tennessee is going to need stellar QB play from Iamaleava, continued success on defense, and a lot of grit.
#5 Georgia @ #1 Texas, Austin, Texas, DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium
The SEC’s newest rivalry is certainly bound to be a great one for years to come. However, this game holds massive implications for this year’s playoff race. Both of these teams will either take a huge step back or forward in their playoff chances depending on this game’s outcome.
Keys for the Dawgs: Georgia is coming into another hostile environment, this time looking for more success. Will they be able to prove their might as one of the nation’s best teams, or will they fall again?
Keys for the Longhorns: Texas have cruised this season. They are undoubtedly the country’s number 1 team, but they need to prove it this week. Quinn Ewers, the explosive offense, and their dominant defense will need to show out on national television.
Nebraska @ #16 Indiana, Bloomington, Indiana, Memorial Stadium
Football, eh? The Hooisers have completely gone under the B1G radar, and are in a position to compete for the B1G crown. However, they’re largely unproven. That being said, they’ve been convincing in all their matchups to date.
Keys for the Huskers: It’s the biggest game yet for star freshman QB Dylan Raiola. He needs to bounce back from a rough outing last week against Rutgers. The biggest challenge for the Huskers may be stopping Indiana’s offense: Indiana leads the Big Ten in points per game and total yards.
Keys for the Hoosiers: Indiana has looked flawless through six games, and finally faces a true test at home. To continue their run to the playoff, they’ll need to clean up on defense against a tough Huskers offense. Indiana has never trailed this season, and they’ll need their prolific offense to keep that streak alive.
3 big players
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State Broncos @ UNLV (Oct. 25)
No doubt it's the favorite at this point. 217 yards and a touchdown add to an already-loaded resume. Barring injury, this man will win the Heisman trophy. Huge matchup this week though, and his team will need all 215 pounds.
Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado Buffaloes @ Arizona
The potential #1 overall pick has been playing his heart out. A home loss to K-State hurts the Buffs’ Big 12 chances in a major way. 34/40 from Sanders ain’t too shabby either. Sanders needs a bounce-back game this week at Arizona.
Cam Ward, QB, Miami Hurricanes @ Louisville
Sneaky trap game here. The ‘Canes should be weary of Louisville, they’ve been giant killers before. Ward does have the name-brand advantage over the other two contenders for the Heisman. Could be a factor down the stretch.
Three Teams to Watch
Well, well, well. Who is going to occupy the coveted fifth automatic bid? We might start using the term “Cinderella” in football.
Boise State Broncos (5-1) @ UNLV (Oct. 25)
As mentioned previously, this one is going to be huge. UNLV can reenter the conversation, and would hand Boise St. their first conference loss, while avoiding one of their own. On the other hand, Boise St. has a chance to knock UNLV out of playoff contention. Should be a fun one.
Navy Midshipmen (5-0) vs Charlotte
Coming off the bye week Navy has finally gotten the recognition they deserve coming in at 25th in the polls. They look to continue their dominance this week vs Charlotte before hosting Notre Dame the following weekend in a game of ranked foes.
Army Black Knights (6-0) vs. ECU
Army, similar to the Navy, popped in the polls this week in the 23 slot. While Boise St is the favorite for the 5th automatic bid, don't count out the Black Knights. They have yet to have a game with 17 points and we don't expect that to change this week vs ECU.
3 value bets
(6-3 on the season)
Army (-16) vs East Carolina
Missouri (-4) vs Auburn
Kansas St. (-2.5) @ West Virginia
The “Dartmouth” Poll
Well, the AP Poll stinks. And the CFP poll is still weeks away. Here’s what our team came up with.
