National Game of the Week: #15 USC @ #7 Oregon
While this game is not likely to impact the race to make the Big 10 Championship Game, the loser is probably out of the running for the CFP. USC has been volatile under Lincoln Riley, and the highs have not been high enough or consistent enough for their fans. This year, they have been the opposite of volatile- a good team that might be very good, but isn’t not great and cannot beat top teams on the road. Their two losses have come in their two games against ranked opponents away from home. They also have two wins over ranked teams at home, so they’re clearly good enough to be competitive and have earned their #15 ranking. Oregon has been less predictable. They have looked great at home (Minnesota) and on the road (Rutgers), looked shaky at home (Wisconsin) and on the road (Iowa), but have beaten everyone except Indiana. USC is probably the second best team they have played. Will the home field advantage be enough to keep them on track for the CFP?
Also of note
- #22 Missouri @ #8 Oklahoma- The Sooners’ win against Alabama last week was a reminder that they belong firmly in the CFP discussion. Missouri remains in the top 25 because their three losses have all come against very tough teams (Alabama, Vanderbilt, Texas A&M). I think OU can keep rolling here, but it won’t be easy.
- Pitt @ #16 Georgia Tech- Pitt lost decisively against Notre Dame, but remains 5-1 in conference and in the ACC title mix. Georgia Tech barely escaped Boston College with a 36-34 win a week after getting upset by NC State. Can they get back to the form that started 8-0?
- Not most of the SEC- We have reached the “9th conference game” week where the 8-game SEC schedule gives lots of teams a chance to recover. Georgia plays Charlotte, Texas A&M plays Samford, Alabama plays Eastern Illinois. The list goes on and it’s shameful all the way down. Boo, SEC.