Alabama- Texas A& M looms large
Among this week’s quintet of games with the most impact on the hunt for the College Football Playoff, there is really only one in which both participants can be considered true candidates. We’re quite sure you can figure out which one.
The other contenders are simply trying to stay out of snares. Here, then, are the Week 8 games with the most potential to affect the playoff.
NO. 6 TEXAS A& M AT NO. 1 ALABAMA
As has been pointed out often, the Crimson Tide have proved they can lose a game and still win the national championship. That said, however, with the season half completed, the loser of this game is less likely at this juncture to get the help it would need to win the Southeastern Conference West.
While an 11- 1 record without a conference title would certainly be under strong consideration by the committee, both teams will do their utmost to avoid that scenario. In short, it will be a championship atmosphere in Tuscaloosa.
The Aggies might have a stamina edge, because they had an open date last week. But they’d be advised not to count on that being much of a factor, as Alabama turned what could have been a physically taxing game at Tennessee into a romp.
The Alabama defense and special teams continue to pose a constant scoring threat, and freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts seems to be improving on a weekly basis.
A& M defensive ends Myles Garrett and Daeshon Hall will do their best to make it difficult for Hurts to settle into a rhythm, but the Tide’s strong ground attack can neutralize a lot of pass rushes. The Aggies must have a clean game from Trevor Knight, one of the few quarterbacks in the country who has had success against the Alabama defense in his career. He’d do well to avoid Tide defensive backs Minkah Fitzpatrick and Eddie Jackson.
NO. 2 OHIO STATE AT PENN STATE
With a tough challenge at Wisconsin out of the way, the Buckeyes remain on a collision course with Michigan in what looks to be a winner- take- all showdown in the Big Ten East ( on Nov. 26). But the Nittany Lions aren’t interested in OSU’s playoff aspirations.
Penn State’s trip to Michigan didn’t go well. But the Nittany Lions had their way with Maryland in their most recent action, and they’re well rested after a bye week. They’ll nevertheless need a flawless performance from quarterback Trace McSorley. That might not be easy against the OSU defense that has swiped 11 passes, led by Malik Hooker’s four. Buckeyes quarterback J. T. Barrett has proved he can win games with his feet if he has to, but he’d prefer to get more help from his receivers.
TCU AT NO. 13 WEST VIRGINIA
Even an undefeated Big 12 champ might be at a disadvantage compared with the champions of the other four power conferences. The Mountaineers have a lot of ground to cover before that even becomes a factor in the discussion, but the dream lives as long as they keep winning. TCU didn’t look the part of a conference contender in its one- point escape at Kansas two weeks ago but had last weekend off to regroup.
Horned Frogs quarterback Kenny Hill has shown flashes but remains error prone. That could be problematic against WVU’s 3- 3- 5 defensive alignment that has stymied other prolific Big 12 passing attacks.
The Mountaineers offense is keyed by running backs Rushel Shell and Justin Crawford, both of whom are averaging about 5 yards a carry, making life considerably easier for quarterback Skyler Howard.
NORTH CAROLINA STATE AT NO. 7 LOUISVILLE
The Cardinals could have used North Carolina State’s help a week ago. But since the Wolfpack couldn’t quite get the job done at Clemson, all the Cardinals can do is keep winning and hope to benefit from chaos across the country. The Wolfpack’s performance as well as the Cardinals’ own close call with Duke last week undoubtedly got Louisville’s attention in practice.
Though it was a win, Louisville had its lowest scoring output of the season against Duke. Quarterback Lamar Jackson was able to compensate for a subpar passing day with timely runs by himself and running back Jeremy Smith. Much like Barrett, however, he’d like to get the aerial attack ironed out this week. Kicking woes aside, the Wolfpack can challenge another top- 10 opponent if quarterback Ryan Finley gets another big outing from running back Matthew Dayes.
NO. 10WISCONSIN AT IOWA
The Big Ten West is in play for the Badgers, and they’d be only too happy to get another crack at either the Buckeyes or the Wolverines in the league title game. But first they have to get by the defending division champion-Hawkeyes, who were sluggish out of the gate but are in the mix with only one conference loss.
Iowa’s problem has been getting both units to be at peak efficiency in the same game. The offense struggled in lackluster wins against Rutgers and Minnesota, while the defense failed to deliver in a loss to Northwestern. The Hawkeyes will need a complete effort to stick with Wisconsin.
The Badgers are giving up just 15.2 points per game and might have a star in the making in freshman quarterback Alex Hornibrook.