Three Big Ten games carry Playoff implications
OSU-Michigan huge; Washington aims to stay alive
College football fans have plenty of reasons to be thankful on this holiday weekend.
With a big slate of games Friday, we have in effect two full days of meaningful games to enjoy. Some are more important than others, of course, but here are the ones most worthy of your attention. NO. 5 WASHINGTON AT NO. 23 WASHINGTON STATE Friday, 3:30 p.m. ET, Fox Pregame.com line: Washington by 6
The biggest Apple Cup showdown in decades was difficult to foresee when the Cougars began the season 0-2. But here they are with a chance to win the Pac-12 North Division.
Standing in the way are the Huskies, who might have even greater heights to reach if they can win in Pullman to earn a berth in the conference finale.
Washington State is happy to be back home, but it was evident last week at Colorado that the Cougars offense isn’t as efficient with WR River Cracraft (knee) sidelined. QB Luke Falk must hope his teammates have more reliable hands Friday and that Huskies DT Vita Vea can be kept away from him. The Cougars defense must also play better, though the challenge is far different this week. Washington QB Jake Browning won’t take off himself quite as much, but RB Myles Gaskin provides the power running threat he needs to keep the passing lanes open. NO. 4 MICHIGAN AT NO. 2 OHIO STATE Saturday, noon ET, ABC Pregame.com line: Ohio State by 61⁄ 2
Yep, this is the big one. The loser will be out of the mix altogether. The winner isn’t necessarily guaranteed a place among the College Football Playoff top four, but a Michigan win would provide the Wolverines a ticket to the Big Ten title game. A Buckeyes victory could complicate matters.
The Buckeyes would appear to be in better shape in terms of available personnel, though last week’s close call against Michigan State reintroduced misgivings about the overall effectiveness of the offense. QB J.T. Barrett generally makes the key plays when he needs them, but the operation runs more smoothly when all-purpose back Curtis Samuels touches the ball. The Wolverines are well aware of this as well, of course, so he can expect additional attention from LBs Ben Jedeon and Jabrill Peppers.
Michigan’s passing attack looked far less formidable last week when QB John O’Korn was pressed into service for injured Wilton Speight. Buckeyes S Malik Hooker and Co. aren’t easy to throw against anyway, so Michigan is going to need big contributions from RBs De’Veon Smith and Chris Evans. The OSU defense must also be alert to the guest appearances by Peppers in the Wolverines’ backfield. NO. 20 UTAH AT NO. 9 COLORADO Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET, Fox Pregame.com line: Colorado by 10
The Buffaloes are one step away from their improbable Pac-12 South title. The Utes can only spoil the party in Boulder now, but they can count on plenty of positive vibes being sent their way from the Los Angeles area as a Colorado loss would hand the division to Southern California.
Buffaloes QB Sefo Liufau delivered the game of the season last week in a win against Washington State. He might have to do it again; the Utes have been more sound on the defensive side, last week’s lapses against Oregon notwithstanding. Liufau’s biggest concern figures to be Utah DE Hunter Dimick, but another solid outing from RB Phillip Lindsay would help him avoid frequent encounters. Utes QB Troy Williams can struggle with accuracy at times, and he might have more trouble if Buffaloes LB Jimmie Gilbert is permitted too much access to the backfield. MICHIGAN STATE AT NO. 8 PENN STATE Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN Pregame.com odds: Penn State by 121⁄ 2
Around the time this clash kicks off in State College, matters in Columbus will be just about settled and the Nittany Lions will have an idea whether they are still playing for the Big Ten East championship. Their followers will be rooting hard for the Buckeyes during the pregame period, but OSU’s faithful will be pulling just as hard for the Spartans if their team should prevail in the earlier game. MINNESOTA AT NO. 6 WISCONSIN Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network
Pregame.com line: Wisconsin by 15
Whether or not the Badgers need this win to clinch the Big Ten West, they know for sure that they need it to maintain any chance to reach the Playoff. The Golden Gophers can’t win the league but would love to bring home Paul Bunyan’s Axe to cap a successful campaign. NO. 16 AUBURN AT NO. 1 ALABAMA Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS Pregame.com line: Alabama by 17
OK, really this one won’t really affect the Playoff picture at all. The Crimson Tide can withstand a loss here and still make the foursome with ease as long as they handle Florida in the Southeastern Conference title game next week. The Tigers, however, won’t lack for motivation as they try to ruin Alabama’s perfect record and enhance their case for a Sugar Bowl invitation.
Nick Saban won’t say so, of course, but the Tide can be forgiven for going through the motions a bit against Chattanooga last week. That will not be the case in the Iron Bowl as both lines will be in a lather from the opening snap. Auburn hopes to have both RB Kamryn Pettway and QB Sean White available, and they’ll be needed to give the Tigers any chance to mount anything against the Tide’s star-laden defensive front. On the other side, Auburn will need a supreme effort from DE Carl Lawson to disrupt Alabama QB Jalen Hurts.