College football Week 7 preview: Top-10 clashes lead must-watch schedule

You, the discerning college football fan, are undoubtedly aware of this since you’ve found your way here to our weekly preview of coming attractions. But in case you just happened to stumble upon this link, we’ll just state this plainly right out of the chute. The Week 7 slate is loaded. And we do mean loaded.

For starters, there are two top-10 showdowns. Curiously, neither of them involve the SEC. But fret not, fans of the conference of greater meaningfulness, your league is well represented in this space as well. Right then, let’s get to the details of a busy Saturday.

No. 5 Ohio State at No. 4 Indiana

Time/TV: noon ET, Fox.

Why watch: The day’s first block buster gets the Big Noon slot. The Hoosiers’ first two Big Ten challenges were perhaps closer than anticipated, but those encounters with Northwestern and Nebraska could serve them well if another tight contest ensues. The Buckeyes for their part have not been severely tested since being unable to stave off the Texas rally in Week 2. This contest will feature several of the nation’s best pass catchers. Indiana WR Charlie Becker frequently brings in contested balls, and his running mate Nick Marsh is a constant breakaway threat for QB Josh Hoover. OSU of course has WR Jeremiah Smith, who already owns just about every school receiving record and is up to 916 yards and 11 TDs for the season. QB Julian Sayin also has WR Devin McCuin and TE Nate Roberts in his arsenal. Anchoring the defensive backfields, which will have their respective hands full, are Hoosiers DB Preston Zachman and Buckeyes DB Jaylen McClain.

Why it could disappoint: Based on Big Ten scoring differentials Ohio State would appear to be the team more likely to win in a romp. Then again, the Buckeyes didn’t close with a big lead the last time they faced a top-five opponent on the road.

No. 2 Notre Dame at No. 8 Brigham Young

Time/TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC.

Why watch: The prime-time headliner is a huge one for both parties. It will be a major resume booster for the winner, but it could also help the team that comes up short if the game is competitive. For a brief moment the rest of the Big 12 will be pulling for the Cougars – yes, even hated rival Utah –, as a win against the Fighting Irish would provide a lift for the entire conference. Notre Dame, of course, needs every high-end result it can get since the at-large route is its only path to the playoff. BYU will still be without RB LJ Martin, so QB Bear Bachmeier will again have to provide the bulk of the ground yards while also hitting enough passes to keep his lanes open. He’s sure to receive special attention from Notre Dame LB Drayk Bowen and DB Adon Shuler. Fighting Irish QB CJ Carr has directed an efficient machine with help from RB Aneyas Williams and WR Jordan Faizon, but he hasn’t been put in a comeback situation yet this season. He also hasn’t faced much heat, which BYU DE Tausili Akana will try to change.

Why it could disappoint: It shouldn’t, but it’s hard to know what to expect from either team on this stage. In theory Notre Dame is better equipped to protect a significant lead, but there’s a whole lot of chaos potential with this one.

No. 7 Alabama at No. 14 Tennessee

Time/TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC.

Why watch: Thankfully, some traditions have stayed intact in the era of conference expansion. The third Saturday in October means it’s time for the Crimson Tide and the Volunteers to renew acquaintances. The stakes as usual are enormous, as this contest will result in a second league loss for somebody. Alabama QB Keelon Russell might be without primary WR Ryan Coleman-Williams, who took a pounding in the Georgia loss. If RCW isn’t cleared, it will be up to fellow WR Lotzeir Brooks to stretch the field. Vols QB Faizon Brandon is also questionable, which will likely leave the offense in the hands of George MacIntyre. Should that be the case, he’ll rely heavily on RB DeSean Bishop to keep the ball moving. Big play candidates on the defenses include Alabama LB Luke Metz and Tennessee DB Dejuan Lane.

Why it could disappoint: If second-half Alabama shows up in the first half, this will be over quickly. The Vols gave themselves a shot against Texas on this field a few weeks ago but probably don’t have the fire power to mount a multiple-score rally.

No. 13 Missouri at No. 10 Mississippi

Time/TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, SECN.

Why watch: This is arguably the most important pairing on the SEC docket, possibly even more so than Alabama-Tennessee. Like the concurrent game in Knoxville it will be a second league loss for somebody, and both teams have numerous challenges ahead. But from the glass-half-full perspective it will be another high-end result for the winner. The Rebels, as Vanderbilt learned the hard way last week, are capable of putting up big numbers when QB Trinidad Chambliss and RB Kewan Lacy are at full speed. The Tigers, however, have a potent one-two punch of their own with QB Austin Simmons and RB Jamal Roberts. The defenses might be a bit overwhelmed, but names you’ll hear often are Mizzou LB Nicholas Rodriguez and Ole Miss LB Luke Ferrelli.

Why it could disappoint: If one simply compared results against Florida, this would be a walk for Mizzou. There is no transitive property in sports, as we frequently point out, and the Rebels are just as likely to romp on their own home field.

No. 19 Mississippi State at No. 21 LSU

Time/TV: noon ET, ESPN.

Why watch: Elsewhere on a busy day in the SEC, LSU returns home after becoming Kentucky’s second consecutive overtime victim. The Bayou Bengals will be greeted by the Bulldogs, who’ve had time off to regroup after being outraced by Alabama two weeks ago. Miss State fans hope the extra week will allow QB Kamario Taylor to recover from an apparent foot injury he suffered against the Crimson Tide. He’s still officially listed as questionable, however, as is top RB Fluff Bothwell, so it might be up to freshman backup QB Parker Puckett to direct the offense. Meanwhile, Tigers QB Sam Leavitt has a streak he’d prefer to end, as he has been picked at least once in every start this season and has also lost three fumbles.

Why it could disappoint: A lot hinges on the health of the Bulldogs. They’d need help from LSU if they’re shorthanded, but the Tigers have been known to provide opportunities.

Florida at No. 6 Texas

Time/TV: noon ET, ABC.

Why watch: The Longhorns have no time to grieve over their Red River reversal. The Gators, in the top 10 themselves just a couple short weeks ago, are now desperately hoping to stop a freefall with a third loss in row. Texas QB Arch Manning is in need of a clean game after a couple of terrible interceptions led directly to the Oklahoma upset. Florida QB Aaron Philo has struggled himself of late, and his leaky protection now has him on the questionable list. Backup Tramell Jones is more mobile and might be called upon anyway to provide a different look.

Why it could disappoint: The Gators were consistently beaten at the line of scrimmage in their last two outings. If that happens again, this will not be close.

No. 20 Oklahoma State at No. 18 Houston

Time/TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, Fox.

Why watch: There are a couple other games of note in the SEC, but for the final top-20 contest we pay a visit to another Big 12 site. The Cowboys are still unscathed in conference play and look to remain so, while Houston must avoid a second league loss to stay within shouting distance of the lead. There is high track-meet potential, with both teams equipped to generate big passing totals. Cougars QB Conner Weigman has only tossed one pick on the year while making excellent use of TE Patrick Overmyer and WR Amare Thomas. Cowboys QB Drew Mestemaker perhaps takes a few more risks but WRs Wyatt Young and Justin Bowick frequently reward his confidence.

Why it could disappoint: If you like offense, this game might be more aesthetically pleasing than the one happening concurrently in Provo. A turnover barrage is always possible, but this should stay interesting throughout.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: College football Week 7 preview: Top-10 clashes lead must-watch schedule