#5 Georgia @ #1 Texas
Another week and another game in the SEC that could be one of the best of the year. This has all the makings of an instant classic in Austin.
Georgia does not have their usual “juice” through six football games. Yes, they have beaten everyone they were “supposed” to. The Dawgs almost surmounted one of the greatest comebacks in CFB History against Alabama a few weeks back. However, this team seems to be missing something. What is it? They have a Heisman contender at QB in Carson Beck, but they do not have playmakers at any other position on offense. They have an All-American at safety on defense in Malakai Starks, but they do not have an elite group of corners or linebackers like they have in years past. Georgia is missing the collective group of stars that they have had on both sides in years past, and they need these new faces to step up if they want to have a chance against Texas.
On the opposite sideline, Texas is heads and shoulders better than every other team in the country. They have two of the top five quarterbacks in college football with their starter Quinn Ewers and backup Arch Manning. Ewers came back from injury last week against Oklahoma and was back to his dominant ways. The o-line is great, pass catchers are electric, and the Longhorns continue to be able to run the football. This defense is also super scary. It does not matter the position group, the Longhorns defense is elite at every single position, but especially up front. Georgia, who has not been able to run the ball as they have in the past, will have a very tough time this Saturday trying to get anything against this Texas defensive front.
This game kicks off Saturday at 7:30pm on ABC.
FINAL SCORE PREDICITION: 34-27, Texas
Virginia @ #10 Clemson
Clemson continues with their cupcake conference schedule this week against the Virginia Cavaliers. UVA is better than a lot of Clemson’s opponents, but still not good.
The biggest storyline in this game is UVA’s Head Coach Tony Elliott making his return to Clemson. The Tigers former Offensive Coordinator has led the Cavaliers to a 4-2 mark this season. Perhaps the most the impressive about this team has been their defense. They are not the best unit in the ACC by any means, but they allow UVA to stay in all their games. This Cavalier Defense has only allowed 30 points once and that was in a win against Wake Forest. On the offensive side, expect sophomore QB Anthony Colandrea to do it all. He can throw and run the ball well, and he will have to play one of his best games of the year for UVA to have chance.
Clemson looked PHENOMENAL in the last 45 minutes of action last week against Wake Forest. Yes, it was a very bad Demon Deacons bunch, but the Tigers beat down a bad opponent and that is worth noting. Cade Klubnik has becomeand continued to be the dual-threat option everyone expected out of high school. Phil Mafah has been the bell cow out of the backfield for the Tigers. Most importantly, the Clemson Defense is still really good. Unlike most ACC opponents, UVA does have a solid QB. So, Clemson must keep him under pressure the whole game and continue to be an elite unit like they were against Wake Forest.
This game will kick off on Saturday at noon on the ACC Network.
FINAL SCORE PREDICITION: 42-20, Clemson
South Carolina @ Oklahoma
This has a chance to be one of the best games of the Week 8 slate. Both of these teams are coming off losses but are in very different circumstances.
South Carolina has had a very odd season. They have surpassed a lot of preseason expectations, but also have had some let downs at times. Obviously, the Gamecocks team that showed up two weeks against Ole Miss was exactly who everyone thought South Carolina would be this season. However, the Gamecocks team that rolled into Alabama last Saturday was a different animal. LaNorris Sellers has true potential at the QB position. Kyle Kennard is a top five pass rusher in the country. Rocket Sanders looks healthier. Most importantly, the pass catchers for South Carolina are showing improvement. Consistency is the name of the game for this team, but they are a very talented group and are built for games like this one on Saturday.
Oklahoma has not been good on offense. It all starts at the quarterback position. The Sooners are dealing with a modern age college football issue. Sophomore QB Jackson Arnold was having a very solid year before getting hurt after four games played. Now, it appears he may take a redshirt and look to enter the portal. With that, freshman QB Michael Hawkins Jr. will likely be the signal caller the rest of the way. He has not done anything particularly well, but he does not turn the ball over. The Sooners offense cannot move the ball, but their defense is excellent. They are able to stop the run and limit big plays. The most interesting matchup Saturday will be seeing LaNorris Sellers go against this Oklahoma Defense.
This game will kick off on Saturday at noon on the SEC Network.
FINAL SCORE PREDICITION: 23-17, South Carolina
