While the Oregon Ducks enjoy some much-needed rest, here are some games that Oregon fans can enjoy. Some will have Pac-12 implications, others possibly National Championship implications. There is still plenty of season left for teams to jockey if someone slips up (See Alabama). Oregon actually begins their preparation for Arizona State on Saturday(the game is next Thursday). We start in the Pac-12 with two teams looking to make a move in the Pac-12 Standings.
Washington State (4-2, 2-1 Pac-12) Vs Arizona (5-2, 2-2 Pac-12) 1pm Pac-12 Network
The Cougars have won four of their last five games, only losing to Cal by a touchdown. Arizona has had a tougher schedule losing to Stanford and UCLA, they are a stronger team then their record shows. Washington State could easily be a one loss team, their best game was an upset win over Oregon. The Wildcats need to find a way to stop the Cougars air raid attack. If they don’t, the Cougars might run away with this. Washington State wins a close game over Arizona 28-17.
15# Texas A&M (5-1, 2-1 SEC) Vs 24# Ole Miss (5-2, 2-1 SEC) 4pm ESPN
The game of the week and the only game where ranked teams play each other. Ole Miss is coming off of an upset loss last week, when Memphis beat them 37-24. Texas A&M is also coming off of a loss to Alabama, which dropped them to 15th in the polls. Ole Miss is 1-2 on the road, so playing at home will be a welcome sight for them. Texas A&M had won five straight before their loss, this will be SEC football at it’s finest physical play, with the line controlling the game. Texas A&M takes this battle 17-10.
Texas Tech (5-2, 2-2 Big 12) Vs 17# Oklahoma (5-1, 2-1 Big 12) 12:30pm ABC/ESPN 2
Oklahoma is fourth in the Big 12, while Texas Tech is right behind them at fifth. Texas Tech is scoring 49.4 points per game but allowing 36.9 points. They are racking up 623 yards per game, with quarterback Patrick Mahomes leading them through the air with 426 yards per game. Oklahoma comes into the game only allowing 152 yards passing, giving up 18.8 points and scoring 40 points themselves. The Sooners have slowed down pass happy teams this season, don’t expect anything different as they make Mahomes look medicore winning 35-21.
Oct 17, 2015; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Vince Biegel (47) during the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 24-7. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Wisconsin (5-2, 2-1 Big Ten) Vs Illinois (4-2, 1-1 Big Ten) 12:30pm Big Ten Network
Illinois is having a great season, playing better then most people expected. Both teams have been beated by Iowa in close games, and both beat Nebraska by less then three points. Illinois comes into the game as the underdog, but is 3-1 at home, while Wisconsin has both of their losses on the road. Look for the Badgers to end their road woes against Illinois in a 35-14 win.
Kentucky (4-2, 2-2 SEC) Vs Mississippi State (5-2, 1-2 SEC) 4:30pm SEC Network
SEC East Kentucky meets SEC West Mississippi State, in a game that will have a big impact on both programs. Kentucky sits at third in the SEC East, with a win they can contend for the SEC East title. Quarterback Dak Prescott leads the Bulldogs, he is having a impressive season throwing for 1,700 yards, 11 touchdowns and zero interceptions. They are in a similar predicament as they need a win to stay alive in the SEC West. Prescott is to good for the Wildcats, as the Bulldogs take this 21-7, take keep their SEC West title hopes alive.
#3 Utah (6-0, 3-0 Pac-12) Vs USC (3-3, 1-2 Pac-12) 4:30 pm Fox
Somehow after dismantling Oregon, beating Michigan and being undefeated Utah is still the underdog in this game. USC, on the other hand, has lost two straight, including a 17-12 loss against Washington, but remain the favorite in this game. It feels as thought no one is watching the Utes play lately if the Trojans are the favorite. The Utes are a more complete team, a great defense, a good rushing attack and a pretty good quarterback in Travis Wilson. Utah proves their critics wrong steamrolling USC 42-14.
Oregon comes of a bye and will travel to Arizona State on Thursday, October 29th. Kickoff is set for 7:30pm Pacific Time on ESPN.