3:30 Kickoff: Arkansas at Alabama, Oklahoma State at Texas A&M, Florida State at Clemson
By Ty Duffy
These can’t be road tests, since ROAD TEST SATURDAY was last weekend. Shall we go with HOME STAND SATURDAY?
Arkansas at Alabama: Alabama is 22-1 at home since 2008. Under Nick Saban’s guidance, their defense has held teams to 10 or fewer points 18 times. The Crimson Tide should have the advantage on both lines of scrimmage. An upset seems improbable, but Alabama’s passing game not providing enough punch to push them past the spread seems plausible. Big scoring plays have defined these games. In a shocker, Gary Danielson is intrigued by this one.
Oklahoma State at Texas A&M: This is a top ten matchup, and probably a Big 12 title elimination game, with the winner getting a shot to take down Oklahoma. The Aggies, with 11 sacks through their first two games, will try to pressure Brandon Weeden. They want to force mistakes (six INTs already this year) and stop him hitting Justin Blackmon on a deep route they can’t cover. The key for T. Boone Pickens U? Stop the run. Get Texas A&M off the field. Oh, and realignment, realignment, realignment…
Florida State at Clemson: Florida State’s defense looked special last weekend. The problem is their offense. EJ Manuel is still listed as questionable. FSU has three wide receivers out and five listed on the injury list. They also have no discernible running game. Clemson’s offense exploded last week, with the caveat that it came against Auburn. Both teams are due for a let down. FSU has not won in Death Valley since 2001.
Craig James Watch: America’s favorite analyst will be covering Ohio State vs. Colorado. Prediction: After consulting with Spaeth Communications and his political advisors, he ate a large, manly meal somewhere and worked it off in a gym (He used to be an athlete).
[Photo via Getty]
Previously: College Football Week Four Preview
Previously: Let’s Let Florida State Win the ACC Before Discussing Whether They’re Too Good For It