By Adam FusfeldThe Daily Northwestern
No. 5 Texas at No. 17 Nebraska
Time: Saturday, 11:00 a.m.Place: Lincoln, NETV: ABCLine: Texas -6Records: Texas 6-1, Nebraska 6-1
Why to Watch: Coming off a game in which he threw for a school-record six touchdown passes, redshirt freshman quarterback Colt McCoy must face Nebraska in a classic Big 12 rivalry. This time, the game has as much meaning as ever, as these are the only remaining undefeated teams in Big 12 play. Also, the Cornhuskers and Longhorns both are among the nation’s top 10 in points. Still not convinced? Consider that Nebraska is first in the Big 12 in rushing offense, total offense and scoring defense, while the Longhorns rank first in the conference in rushing defense, total defense and scoring offense.
No. 13 Georgia Tech at No. 12 Clemson
Time: Saturday, 6:45 p.m.Place: Clemson, SCTV: ESPNLine: Clemson -7Records: Georgia Tech 5-1, Clemson 6-1
Why to Watch: The highest scoring team in the nation plays at home against a very solid Yellow Jackets defense in what could not only be the best game of the week, but the best game in the ACC this year. Clemson’s surprising year has featured only one loss – which came on a missed extra point against Boston College back in early September. Georgia Tech, meanwhile, has yet to lose since its early season game against Notre Dame. As the expression goes, something’s got to give in this game, and the team that escapes without suffering its second loss of the season could very well find itself at the top of the ACC at season’s end.
No. 22 Boston College at Florida State
Time: Saturday, 2:30 p.m.Place: Tallahassee, FlaTV: ABCLine: Florida State -4.5Records: Boston College 5-1, Florida St. 4-2
Why to Watch: Does anyone remember the last time the Seminoles were unranked? This week is their big opportunity to make a push back into the Top 25 with a huge win over conference-foe Boston College. The home crowd isn’t the only thing on the Seminoles’ side this weekend, as they could be facing a team without its starting quarterback. Junior Matt Ryan will be a game-time decision, and won’t be 100 percent if he takes the field. Ryan has been playing with a bad ankle all year, and must overcome the foot injury he suffered in last week’s win over Virginia Tech, which likely gave the Eagles a huge confidence boost. Perhaps the Seminoles will get the same boost from their blowout of Duke last week.
No. 19 Rutgers at Pittsburgh
Time: Saturday 4:45 p.m.Place: Pittsburgh, Pa.TV: N/ALine: Pittsburgh -6.5Records: Rutgers 6-0, Pittsburgh 6-1
Why to Watch: In case you haven’t noticed, The National Preview is enamored of Rutgers. In the interest of not directing the valued reader toward another SEC battle, this game is highly recommended. Rutgers blew out likely bowl-bound Navy last week 34-0, stopping the nation’s best rushing attack. Now it faces another difficult test in Pittsburgh – a team that has flourished against a lot of mediocre teams. Statistically speaking, the Scarlet Knights have one of the best defenses in the nation including the nation’s fourth best pass-efficiency defense, while Pittsburgh ranks eighth nationally in points scored and has the nation’s most efficient quarterback in senior Tyler Palko. Though Pittsburgh has dominated this rivalry over the last decade, Rutgers seems to be improving each week, especially in its passing game. This game might be decided by how many points Rutgers can put on the board to counter the dynamic Panther offense.
No. 7 Tennessee at Alabama
Time: Saturday, 2:30 p.m.Place: Knoxville, Tenn.TV: CBSLine: Tennessee -11Records: Tennessee 5-1, Alabama 5-2
Why to Watch: Two middle-of-the-pack teams in the stacked SEC face off in a game that could be much closer than it appears. The Volunteers have the best passing and total offense in the conference, thanks to stellar play from junior quarterback Erik Ainge. Alabama, on the other hand, is an easy team to overlook, as it has beaten up on mediocre teams and lost to conference foes Arkansas and Florida. However, the Crimson Tide are best in the SEC at forcing turnovers and face a Tennessee team that has shown the tendency to give the ball away, especially against good teams. Although many will expect a blowout, these two often play close and it may not be any different this year.
Reach Adam Fusfeld at [email protected]
