College football fans, buckle up—Week 7 is here, and it’s loaded with action. We’re diving into some of the most intriguing matchups and, yeah, a few bets that might just be worth your time.
There’s the classic Red River Rivalry with Texas and Oklahoma. Colorado faces Iowa State in a Big 12 clash. And don’t sleep on Kent State vs. UMass—sometimes the weirdest games are the most fun. Let’s see what’s what.
The Red River Rivalry: Texas vs. Oklahoma
This game is always a spectacle, and this year feels no different. Texas and Oklahoma are about to go head-to-head in a matchup that could get tense fast.
Oklahoma’s defense? It’s a force, especially when it comes to shutting down inside zone runs. Texas has had trouble with outside zone and counter plays, so that’s a concern.
Key Factors for Texas
The Longhorns have been hot and cold, especially when they get close to scoring. Steve Sarkisian’s crew is only averaging 3.7 points on 32 drives past the opponent’s 40-yard line. Not exactly what you’d expect from a team with this much hype.
Arch Manning has had his struggles, particularly against Cover 2 looks. Oklahoma doesn’t use that coverage much, but it’s still been a headache for him.
*Key points for Texas include:*
- Inconsistent offense: Struggled with outside zone and counter concepts.
- Scoring opportunities: Averaging only 3.7 points on drives beyond the opponent’s 40-yard line.
- Arch Manning: Mid-FBS ranks against Cover 2 defenses.
Oklahoma’s Advantages
Oklahoma’s defense leads the nation in rush efficiency. That’s huge. But they’ve had issues with missed tackles—26 in recent games. That could open the door for Texas to break a big play or two.
There’s also some uncertainty at quarterback. John Mateer is still recovering from surgery on his throwing hand, so who knows how much he’ll play or how sharp he’ll be.
*Key points for Oklahoma include:*
- Top defense: Nation’s best in rush efficiency.
- Missed tackles: A concern, with 26 missed tackles in recent games.
- John Mateer: Unclear role due to a surgically repaired throwing hand.
If you want to go way deeper on the Red River Rivalry, check out the full article.
Big 12 Showdown: Colorado vs. Iowa State
This one could get weird. Colorado takes on Iowa State—both teams have been all over the place this season, so it’s tough to know what to expect.
Colorado’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Colorado has had moments of looking really solid, but they can’t seem to string together a full game. They barely missed covering against TCU last week, losing by two touchdowns thanks to a late score. Maybe they’re due for a little luck to swing their way.
*Key points for Colorado include:*
- Unlucky ATS: Missed covering against TCU by a narrow margin.
- Positive regression: Due for better performance against the spread.
Iowa State’s Challenges
Iowa State hasn’t looked great lately. Cincinnati exposed some real flaws, and the Cyclones’ overall resume just keeps slipping. Facing a Colorado team with something to prove isn’t ideal.
*Key points for Iowa State include:*
- Exposed defense: Struggled significantly against Cincinnati.
- Declining resume: Facing a tougher challenge against Colorado.
Kent State vs. UMass: Betting on the Underdogs
This might be the strangest pick of the week: Kent State is actually favored over UMass. The Golden Flashes have gone 1-25 in their last 26, but weirdly, they’re showing a pulse this year.
Why Kent State is the Favorite
True freshman quarterback Dru DeShields has been a pleasant surprise. Plus, Kent State’s schedule has been brutal—they’ve taken on some giants, and that’s got to toughen you up a bit.
*Key points for Kent State include:*
- Dru DeShields: Emerged as a capable quarterback.
- Tough schedule: Faced ranked opponents like Oklahoma, Texas Tech, and Florida State.
UMass’s Struggles
UMass just can’t catch a break. Injuries are everywhere, and the team has dropped games to some pretty weak competition. They’re underdogs for a reason.
*Key points for UMass include:*
- Injuries: Significant issues affecting performance.
- Poor performance: Lost to weaker teams like Western Michigan and Bryant.
Want a deeper dive into Kent State vs. UMass? Here’s the full article.
Group of 5 Spotlight: Oregon State vs. Wake Forest
Here’s one flying under the radar: Oregon State faces Wake Forest. The Beavers are still looking for their first win, while Wake Forest is trying to keep things rolling despite some ugly wins.
Oregon State’s Desperation
Oregon State is 0-6. That’s rough. But they’re not giving up—there have been flashes of improvement, and they’ve actually outgained some opponents lately. Coach Trent Bray has them fighting.
*Key points for Oregon State include:*
- Desperate for a win: Looking to break their losing streak.
- Positive regression: Due for better luck and performance.
Wake Forest’s Vulnerabilities
Wake Forest is 3-2, but those wins haven’t come against anyone impressive. Injuries are piling up, especially at running back and quarterback, and that could catch up to them fast.
*Key points for Wake Forest include:*
- Weak competition: Wins against weaker teams like Kennesaw State and Western Carolina.
- Injuries: Key players are banged up and may be limited.
Player Prop Bet: Dierre Hill Jr. Under 45.5 Rush Yards
Here’s a player prop that caught my eye: Oregon running back Dierre Hill Jr. He’s got talent, but the backfield is crowded. With Noah Whittington back, Hill’s carries could drop, so the under on his rushing yards seems tempting.
*Key points for Dierre Hill Jr. include:*
- Crowded backfield: Competing with multiple players for carries.
- Tough matchup: Facing an Indiana defense that ranks 17th nationally in rushing yards allowed per game.
Conclusion
Week 7 of the college football season is packed with matchups that are honestly hard to ignore. You’ve got the Red River Rivalry, which always delivers drama, and then those off-the-radar games like Kent State facing UMass.
Fans and bettors alike are in for a ride. If you’re after more in-depth takes or just some betting tips, the full article on Action Network is worth a look.
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