The national college football slate for Week 7 features several notable matchups on Saturday. Here is what is on tap this week:
No.8 Oregon (5-0, 2-0 in the PAC-12) at No.7 Washington (5-0, 2-0 in the PAC-12), 2:30 p.m. CT on ABC
This game feels like a playoff game. Both teams are in contention for the PAC-12 title as the top-ranked teams in a conference, with seven among the top 25. Both can move the ball up and down the field and score at will behind Heisman-candidate quarterbacks, which should make for one of the season’s most entertaining games.
***
Iowa (5-1, 2-1 in the Big Ten) at Wisconsin (4-1, 2-0 in the Big Ten), 3 p.m. CT on FOX
Iowa and Wisconsin are each entering the week just outside the top 25. Iowa continues to struggle offensively and recently won a game in which its quarterback, Wisconsin transfer Deacon Hill, completed just 29% of his passes. The Hawkeyes have an elite defense, but Wisconsin has scored at least 35 points in three of its five games and has gained almost twice as many yards per game this season. That efficiency should give the Badgers the upper hand between the top teams in the Big Ten West.
***
No.10 USC (6-0, 4-0 in the PAC-12) at No.21 Notre Dame (5-2 Independent), 6:30 p.m. CT on NBC
USC and Notre Dame will renew their historic rivalry in South Bend. Notre Dame has lost two of its last three but has an offense that can score and the better defense in this game. USC is one of the top offenses in the nation, but the defense has been known for allowing teams to hang around, and Notre Dame is a team that can capitalize on that if given the opportunity.
***
No.25 Miami (4-1, 0-1 in the ACC) at No.12 North Carolina (5-0, 2-0 in the ACC), 6:30 p.m. CT on ABC
This would have been a matchup of unbeaten teams had Miami not outsmarted itself and blown the game when it was all but over against Georgia Tech last week. The questionable play call allowed Georgia Tech to score the winning touchdown, knocking Miami to 0-1 in conference play. Meanwhile, North Carolina’s only close call came in Week 2 against Appalachian State. Both teams put up over 500 yards of offense per game, so it may come down to who has the ball last or which defense can force a mistake.
***
No.18 UCLA (4-1, 1-1 in the PAC-12) at No.15 Oregon State 5-1, 2-1 in the PAC-12), 7 p.m. CT on FOX
UCLA rebounded from a low-scoring loss to Utah with a crucial win over Washington State, while Oregon State earned a road win against Cal to stay on the heels of the top contenders in the conference. Clemson transfer D.J. Uiagalelei has reestablished himself as an elite player and looks to continue the trend and keep Oregon State in the title hunt, while UCLA — along with freshman Dante Moore — could also use a win to help its chances in the conference.
