Tennessee-Georgia and other top games that will define second half of college football season

Tennessee-Georgia and other top games that will define second half of college football season

The 1st half of the 2022 school soccer experienced a fantastic end. 

7 days 7 showcased six games concerning rated teams, and it was so significantly entertaining. TCU defeat Oklahoma Point out 43-40 in double time beyond regulation, Utah beat USC 43-42 in the final moment and Tennessee conquer Alabama 52-49 in the clubhouse chief for “Sport of the 12 months.” 

Are you completely ready for the future seven weeks? The very first Higher education Football Playoff rankings will be produced Nov. 1 and seven months from the Variety Clearly show on Dec. 4. There are certain to be much more upsets and unanticipated shake-ups, but seven video games in individual stand out as the can’t-skip online games on the street to the CFP. Right here are the seven games to circle on your calendar that will shape that race. 

Additional: Tennessee shakes up College Soccer Playoff image

No. 14 Syracuse at No. 5 Clemson (Oct. 22) 

The Orange have not began 6- due to the fact the Don McPherson heyday when they concluded 11–1. Now, it’s their likelihood to crack Clemson’s 37-sport household profitable streak at Demise Valley. The Orange have the closest loss in that streak – a 27-23 nail-biter on Sept. 29, 2018. The Tigers have a favorable schedule and are on the lookout to return to the CFP right after a just one-year absence. This is their hardest typical-season meeting sport still left on the plan – one other playoff hopefuls are hoping is an upset. 

No. 9 UCLA at No. 10 Oregon (Oct. 22) 

The Pac-12 has produced a powerful matchup amongst ranked teams every of the last two weeks, but this is the to start with top rated-10 showcase for a convention that has not set a crew in the CFP due to the fact 2016. Chip Kelly at last has a UCLA crew capable of beating his previous group, and this a person is receiving the ESPN “University GameDay” treatment. Oregon ranks ninth in the FBS with 42 points per activity. UCLA is 12th at 41.5 ppg. The Ducks have won the final two meetings by 3 factors. This also is an elimination video game for Oregon. 

No. 3 Tennessee at No. 1 Ga (Nov. 5) 

The Vols just beat Alabama for the initial time considering that 2006. That was also the final time they swept the Crimson Tide and Bulldogs. This is the greatest energy-on-energy matchup. Tennessee ranks next in the FBS with 47.7 factors for every activity. Georgia – the defending nationwide champion – allows 9.1 factors for each video game. The winner almost absolutely is headed to Atlanta for the SEC championship activity, and the loser will hope to again-door into the CFP. The Bulldogs have gained the very last five conferences by 28.6 details per game. If the Vols gain below, then they would vault to No. 1 in the country. 

More: Inside of the numbers of Tennessee’s upset of Alabama

No. 6 Alabama at No. 7 Ole Miss (Nov. 12) 

The Rebels have a probability to be unbeaten in this article, and what an prospect that would be for coach Lane Kiffin – the previous Alabama offensive coordinator who isn’t worried to acquire Twitter jabs at the Crimson Tide from time to time. Ole Miss’ relentless operating video game ranks third in the FBS with 271.1 yards for every sport, and the Crimson Tide have struggled on the road this season. That reported, Alabama doubled up Ole Skip 42-21 very last season, and mentor Nick Saban has guided three one particular-decline teams to the College or university Soccer Playoff. The Crimson Tide will be in any match with Bryce Youthful on the industry, but envision if the Rebels are the kinds that knock Alabama out of the CFP race. Now, imagine an SEC championship recreation involving Ole Skip and Tennessee. Will Twitter be able to cope with that? 

A lot more: Alabama drops to No. 6 after reduction at Tennessee

No. 8 TCU at No. 20 Texas (Nov. 12) 

The Longhorns are the two-loss staff worth looking at with Quinn Ewers healthier, and the subplot here is intriguing. Will the Horned Frogs roll into Austin with an unbeaten document under initially-year mentor Sonny Dykes? Of course, Gary Patterson, who elevated the TCU software in the BCS and CFP eras, is a distinctive assistant at Texas now. Horned Frogs quarterback Max Duggan ranks sixth in the FBS in passing effectiveness, so this is established up to be just one of people broad-open Huge 12 shootouts. These groups have split the final four meetings, and they could possibly have a rematch in the Significant 12 championship activity. 

No. 12 USC at No. 10 UCLA (Nov. 19) 

This rivalry presently has the most-photogenic uniform mix in all of the FBS. There is an superb likelihood both groups get to the Rose Bowl with one particular loss or considerably less, and there is a first rate probability it could be the to start with major-10 showdown in between these rivals given that 1988. In that activity, Rodney Peete led No. 2 USC to a 31-22 victory versus No. 6 UCLA, led by Troy Aikman. Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Caleb Williams will set on a demonstrate below – and the winner will still be in the playoff hunt. 

No. 4 Michigan at No. 2 Ohio Condition (Nov. 26)

This is the only recreation other than Georgia-Tennessee with the likely to be a No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup – and if that comes about, it will rekindle memories from the 2006 traditional amongst the Wolverines and Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium. The Buckeyes won that match 42-39, and it would be really hard to copy the backdrop from that game. Or it’s possible this one particular could be improved. Michigan – the defending Significant 10 champion – beat Ohio State 42-27 past 12 months. The Wolverines typical 241.7 yards hurrying with mentor Jim Harbaugh. Ohio Point out defensive coordinator Jim Knowles was employed to gradual that down, and the Buckeyes typical 543.7 yards for every video game with Heisman Trophy entrance-runner C.J. Stroud. Can Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy conclusion a Michigan dropping streak at The Shoe that dates back to 2000? Will the loser nonetheless have a shot at the CFP? This is the finest match left on the schedule. 

BENDER: Michigan sends a information in rout of Penn Condition