Week 7 of the college football season is here, and honestly, the stakes feel sky-high for some of the top teams. With a handful of pivotal matchups on deck, the College Football Playoff picture could look very different by Sunday morning.
Fans and analysts are buzzing, and for good reason. The Oregon Ducks and Ohio State Buckeyes have big chances to prove they’re truly elite, while other top squads are about to get tested in a serious way.
This weekend’s slate feels loaded. Let’s take a look at the biggest games, a few predictions, and what might be worth tuning in for.
Key Matchups to Watch
There’s a lot riding on several games this week. Bleacher Report has been all over these matchups, offering some sharp insights into what could unfold.
Oregon Ducks vs. Indiana Hoosiers
Oregon, sitting at No. 3, hosts the seventh-ranked Indiana Hoosiers. It’s a huge game for both sides, but especially for Oregon, who wants to leave no doubt they’re a top-three team.
Indiana’s had a tough time against the nation’s best, going 1-2 against top-10 opponents so far. Their only win came against Illinois, which—let’s be real—isn’t quite on the Ducks’ level.
Dante Moore, Oregon’s first-year starter at quarterback, has been a real difference-maker. The Ducks have put up at least 30 points in every game this season, which isn’t easy to do.
With the line at Oregon -7.5, oddsmakers are expecting a comfortable win. If the Ducks roll by double digits, it’ll be hard to argue they aren’t among the nation’s elite.
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Illinois Fighting Illini
Ohio State, the top dog right now, is hitting the road to play No. 17 Illinois. The Buckeyes have been lights-out on defense, holding all five opponents to single-digit scores. That’s wild.
They’re a 15.5-point favorite, and honestly, it makes sense. Illinois is solid, but they’ve shown some cracks—giving up 63 to Indiana and struggling with USC and Purdue.
With Ohio State’s defense and explosive offense, you’d have to think they’re in a great spot to cover and keep rolling.
Other Notable Games
Outside of the headline matchups, there are a few more games in Week 7 that could shake up conference races and playoff hopes. It’s not just about the top two or three teams, after all.
Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Missouri Tigers
Alabama, at No. 8, is back on the road to face the 14th-ranked Missouri Tigers. The Tide already have statement wins over Georgia and Vanderbilt, so they’re not lacking confidence.
But their defense has given up 155.5 rushing yards per game—something they’ll need to tighten up against Missouri’s backfield duo of Beau Pribula and Ahmad Hardy.
Missouri’s defense has only allowed 203.8 yards per game, but let’s be honest, they haven’t faced a team like Alabama yet. With just two power-four opponents so far, this feels like a real gut-check.
The spread favors Alabama by 3.5. It’s expected to be close, and I wouldn’t be shocked if it comes down to the final drive.
Texas A&M Aggies vs. Florida Gators
Texas A&M, sitting at No. 5, hosts the Florida Gators in what should be a fun one. The Aggies are favored by 7.5 and will want to keep their momentum going at home.
Florida’s looking for an upset to boost their own ranking, but it’ll take a big effort. Never say never, though—college football’s weird like that.
Predictions and Betting Insights
For those who like a little action on game day, here are a few picks and thoughts:
- Oregon (-7.5): The Ducks’ offense has been humming, and Indiana’s had trouble with top teams. Oregon should cover.
- Ohio State (-15.5): With that defense, it’s tough to see Illinois keeping it close. Buckeyes look strong to cover.
- Alabama (-3.5): Missouri’s defense is good, but Alabama’s been here before. The Tide get the nod, but it might be tight.
Conclusion
Week 7 of the college football season looks wild. There are some high-stakes matchups that could really shake up the playoff picture.
The Oregon Ducks and Ohio State Buckeyes? They’ve got chances to prove they’re truly elite. A few other top teams are staring down some tough games, too.
Honestly, whether you’re a die-hard fan, someone who loves crunching stats, or just like to place a friendly bet, this weekend feels like it’s got the right mix of excitement and tension.
Want more predictions or a deeper dive? You can check out the full article over at Bleacher Report.
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