Matchups of the Week
We are officially in week 8 of college football and elite teams are starting to separate themselves from the pack. We are beginning to see which teams have a shot at the title, and how programs might be rebuilding towards the future. Here are a few college football matchups from Guardian Caps customers that we will be watching this weekend!
Tennessee vs Alabama
Josh Huepel has led the Volunteers to an exciting new era of Tennessee football. Under Huepel, the Volunteers are averaging over 39 points per game (11th in the country) and QB Hendon Hooker is completing almost 70% of his passes. Hooker was injured last week against Ole Miss and is questionable for Saturday’s game. Running back Tiyon Evans and offensive lineman Cade Mays are also questionable against the Tide. We could see Joe Milton start at QB on Saturday. Milton started the season at QB before Hooker won over the job in week two.
The Tide will return to Bryant-Denny Stadium after two weeks on the road. QB Bryce Young continues to be a Heisman frontrunner after his performance against Mississippi State. Young has 24 passing touchdowns and only 3 interceptions on the year. With offensive weapons like John Metchie III and Jameson Williams, the Tide will be tough to stop.
South Carolina vs. Texas A&M
South Carolina is coming off a 21-20 victory last weekend against Vanderbilt. Sophomore quarterback Luke Dotty was injured during the game, but grad-transfer Zeb Noland put together an impressive drive in the final minutes to win the matchup. Noland originally came to South Carolina as a grad assistant but laced up the cleats after Dotty was injured this summer. It is unclear who will start on Saturday.
Jimbo Fisher has Texas A&M on a hot streak. The Aggies are 5-2 on the season and ranked #17 overall. Holding over 102,000 fans, Kyle Field will create a hostile environment for the Gamecocks. Additionally, the Aggies defense is allowing less than 17 points per game.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 pm ET.
Iowa State vs. Oklahoma State
Oklahoma State will head to Ames, IA to take on the Iowa State Cyclones this weekend. Oklahoma State currently stands undefeated at 6-0. Oklahoma State defeated Iowa State last year in a close 24-21 showdown. However, the Cyclones are 7-1 in their last 8 home games and are averaging over 400 yds of offense in their last 4 games.
Coach Gundy commented that the Iowa State defense would be, “the best defense we have played or could potentially play,” so we are expecting a great game!
Kickoff is set for 3:30 ET.
Stay tuned for more info on college football matchups of the week!
