This week’s version of games of the week features potential shootouts and possible blowouts. So here’s a look at what to keep an eye on this week in college football.
No. 2 Oregon (5-0, 2-0 Pac-12) vs. No. 16 Washington (4-1, 1-1 Pac-12)
So far, nobody has found a strategy to slow down UO’s ludicrously efficient offense. This week, the Huskies will have their shot to see if they can do it. Offensively, Washington has enough weapons to give the Ducks’ 21st ranked defense headaches. Junior running back Bishop Sankey ranks fourth in the country in both rushing yards and rushing yards per game. Junior quarterback Keith Price is averaging 279 passing yards per game, and junior wideout Kasen Williams and junior tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins are dangerous if they get open. As for Oregon’s offense, we all know what the Ducks are capable of, averaging 630 yards and 59 points per game. This game could turn out to be a major shootout in Seattle.
No. 25 Missouri (5-0, 1-0 SEC) vs. No. 7 Georgia (4-1, 3-0 SEC)
At this point last year, the Tigers were 3-2 and had already suffered a devastating 41-20 loss to Georgia in week two. This year, Missouri is 5-0 and looking to show that it belongs in the SEC. Meanwhile, Georgia is looking to show that it is still a national title contender but is struggling with a rash of injuries to key players. Second-leading rusher sophomore Keith Marshall is out with a season-ending knee injury and fellow sophomore Todd Gurley is doubtful with an ankle injury. Now more than ever, the Bulldogs' fate will be in the hands of senior quarterback Aaron Murray, who is averaging 307 yards per game.
No. 12 Oklahoma (5-0, 2-0 Big 12) vs. Texas (3-2, 2-0 Big 12)
This one is an obligatory lock for a game of the week, simply because it’s one of the most recognizable rivalries in college football. Not to mention, Texas coach Mack Brown will likely be coaching for his job. History is on the side of the Sooners, though. In the last two meetings, Oklahoma has absolutely blown the Longhorns away winning 55-17 in 2011 and 63-21 in 2012. If Brown loses in a blowout again, it could mean the end of his tenure in Austin, Texas.
Small School Game of the Week: East Carolina (4-1, 2-0 Conference USA) vs. Tulane (4-2, 2-0 C-USA)
We head to the Mercedes Benz Superdome for this week’s small school game of the week. The Green Wave have already equaled their total number of wins from the previous two seasons combined and are led by junior quarterback Nick Montana, the son of legendary NFL quarterback Joe Montana. Montana has tossed 10 touchdown passes so far, tied for 29th in the country with the likes of Alabama senior quarterback A.J. McCarron and Baylor junior quarterback Bryce Petty. Meanwhile, ECU has one of the best passing attacks in the country (ranked No. 19 nationally). Junior quarterback Shane Carden is having a fantastic season, completing 73.4 percent of his passes and has thrown for 1,537 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Reach the reporter at ejsmith7@asu.edu or follow him on twitter @EricSmith_SP
