College Football Week 7 Games to Watch

By Staff Writer PJ Moran:

Here are the top five games to watch during Week 7 of the 2013 college football season:

5. No. 19 Northwestern at Wisconsin

Both of these teams are coming off of close losses, and ironically they both came against Ohio State. Two weeks ago Wisconsin only lost by seven in Columbus, and last weekend Northwestern lost to the Buckeyes in a heartbreaker at home. However, they are both still in the thick of it in the Big 10, so this game is absolutely crucial. The key will be if Northwestern can slow down Wisconsin’s lethal running game.

Edge: Wisconsin

Last week’s loss took a huge emotional toll on Northwestern, so it’s almost cruel that they now have to travel to Wisconsin. The Badgers may be only one game over .500, but they are a very good team. Melvin Gordon is one of the best running backs in the country, and James White isn’t too shabby either. Look for Wisconsin to take this one and catapult back into the rankings.

4. No. 25 Missouri at No. 7 Georgia

Missouri is ranked for the first time this season, and their reward is a trip to Athens to take on the Bulldogs. Missouri has been dominant to start the season, but all five of their wins have come against subpar teams. They’ll have their hands full on Saturday against Aaron Murray the Georgia offense. Missouri has one of the nation’s best pass rushes behind Michael Sam, but if anyone can handle the pressure it’s Murray. Georgia did narrowly beat Tennessee in overtime last weekend, but make no mistake: they are one of the best teams in the nation.

Edge: Georgia

This may be a game between ranked teams, but I think Georgia will win this one pretty easily. Missouri has not seen a team like Georgia all year, so it will be tough for them to slow down their offense. Add in the fact that this game will be played at Georgia, and it’s game over.

3. No. 17 Florida at No. 10 LSU

Another week, another SEC showdown to land a spot on the list. This time around, the Gators will be taking a trip to Baton Rouge to take on LSU. This is surprisingly Florida’s first game against a ranked opponent this season, so we’ll see if they can handle a team of LSU’s level. Tyler Murphy has been great filling in for Jeff Driskel, but LSU’s defense will be his first real test. LSU’s offense will also be a challenge for Florida, as Zach Mettenberger is playing like a Heisman candidate. These teams don’t like each other too much, so expect a hard-fought battle from start to finish.

Edge: LSU

LSU might only be ranked tenth, but it’s not secret that they are once against one of the premier teams in the country. Mettenberger has been better than anyone expected, and the defense remains as solid as ever. Florida is a tough team, but look for Murphy to struggle in this one. Tigers win.

2. No. 12 Oklahoma vs. Texas

Ah, the Red River Rivalry. This neutral-field war is one of the nation’s best rivalries, but this chapter might not be as epic as year’s past. Texas has stumbled out of the gate to a 3-2 record, and starter David Ash has been ruled out with a concussion. Still, Case McCoy is a viable starter, and Mack Brown will have his team ready to go for this one. It won’t be easy for Texas going against Blake Bell and the Sooners. Behind Bell and the nation’s sixth-ranked defense, Oklahoma is a national championship contender. This game is setting up to be a blowout, but you never know in the Red River Rivalry.

Edge: Oklahoma

No surprise here, but Oklahoma will win this one. Texas has looked better as of late and will give it their all for this game, but the Sooners are just too good. They are one of the nation’s most well rounded teams, and they are not the type to be caught off guard and upset. This game is must-watch television, but the final score might not be too close.

1. No. 2 Oregon at No. 16 Washington

The game of the week for Week 7 belongs to the Pac-12, as Oregon visits Washington. Oregon has easily been the most dominant team in all of college football this season, with the second-ranked offense and defense in the nation. Marcus Mariota is the Heisman front-runner, and even with a hobbled De’Anthony Thomas the running game will be almost impossible to slow down. However, Washington are no slouches themselves. They showed how good they are last Saturday, when they only lost by three points at Stanford. Keith Price has established himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the country. Even though Oregon is playing at a historically high level, this game could honestly go either way.

Edge: Oregon

Washington is a great team and will have the house packed for this game, but Oregon will find a way to win in the end. The offense is just too good. They have scored at least 55 points in every game this season, and there is no reason to think that they won’t do it again in this one. Keith Price and Washington will be able to keep this game close, but unless he has the game of his life then they won’t be able to pull out a win. Oregon wins in a close game.