Games to watch this weekend
LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger prepares to pass the ball under pressure from Clemson defensive end Malliciah Goodman. (Dec. 31, 2012) Credit: AP
We’re at the halfway point of the season and as usual it’s another weekend that has serious national title implications. Georgia, Florida, LSU, Oregon and Oklahoma are all in contention for conference/national titles. They also all have tough games. The top 5 could be drastically different next week.
Missouri’s 5-0 start is not surprising considering the level of competition (Murray State, Toledo, Indiana, Arkansas State, Vanderbilt). But the Tigers have been impressive in their wins. And with Georgia’s defense leaking, the Tigers are in prime position to spring the upset of the week. Missouri QB James Franklin, who’s proven to be a dual threat, needs to play big for the Tigers to come out on top. Franklin has tossed 9 TDs over his last four games, including 4 in last week’s win at Vanderbilt. But that was Vanderbilt.
Offensively, Florida has flourished under the play of QB Tyler Murphy. Murphy took over after Jeff Driskel broke his leg against Tennessee. Murphy has thrown for 530 yards, 5 TDs and 1 interception in two-plus games this season. But will he hold up (mentally)? The atmosphere in Louisiana is sure to be uncomfortable for him.
As for LSU, Mettenberger has been great all season. Even in the Tigers’ 44-41 loss at Georgia on Sept. 28, he completed 62 percent of his passes and tossed 3 TDs and no interceptions. He’ll certainly be tested by the Gators, but if he plays anywhere close to the way he has through the first six games, it will be a long afternoon for Florida.
As potent as the Ducks have been this season, Washington could have a slight upper hand in this one thanks to a tougher schedule. Big wins over Boise State and Arizona and the tough loss at Stanford have toughened up Washington. Huskies QB Keith Price completed 33 of 48 passes for 350 yards, 2 TDs and 1 interception. But Price put his team in a hole with a fourth-quarter interception deep in Stanford’s territory. He can’t afford to make a mistake like that against Oregon.
Oregon QB Marcus Mariota has been off-the-charts great this season. Mariota has thrown for 1,358 yards, 14 touchdowns and no interceptions. He’s also breaks off big runs when he needs to. He had a 71-yard TD run against Virginia and at least three other runs of 20 of more yards. If the Huskies are going to keep pace with Oregon, they have to find a way to slow down Mariota. We all know that is easier said than done.
