Week 5 College Football Watch List
After a crazy week of college football that saw several Top 10 upsets, we are in store for another exciting week full of Top 25 matchups.
All times are in Eastern Time.
No.8 Arkansas (4-0) @ No.2 Georgia (4-0)
10-2-21, 12:00 PM, ESPN
The Razorbacks had a difficult test last week against a veteran Texas A&M team, and their defense was stifling, holding the Aggies to 4/14 on third down. On the other side of things, Georgia continued their dominance with a 62-0 shutout win over Vanderbilt. Georgia will have their biggest test yet, and this game will show us if the Bulldogs have taken that next step in their program. The Razorbacks have taken the College Football world by storm, but can they keep their hot streak alive?
Keys to the Game:
The most intriguing matchup is between Arkansas's star receiver Treylon Burks and Georgia's Derion Kendrick. Kendrick is one of the best corners in the country, but he will need to be on his game if he intends to stop one of the most physically dominating receivers in the country. The Razorbacks have a rock-solid offensive line, holding DeMarvin Leal to no sacks or tackle for loss last week, but they will not be able to single in on one player against Georgia because the Bulldogs defensive front seven is littered with first round prospects. Georgia will likely play with more bodies around the line of scrimmage until KJ Jefferson proves he can beat the Georgia corners. Burks was able to terrorize the Aggies secondary last week, but he will face a much more disciplined secondary this Saturday. The biggest question for Arkansas is if their offense can move the ball against the best defense in the country. The Bulldog’s defense has held three of their four opponents this season to less than 200 total yards of offense, and that has come against three Power Five schools.
Players to Watch:
No.16, WR Treylon Burks, Arkansas
No.1, QB KJ Jefferson, Arkansas
No.10, LB Bumper Pool, Arkansas
No.3, RB Zamir White, Georgia
No.44, DE Travon Walker, Georgia
No.17, LB Nakobe Dean, Georgia
Score Prediction: 37-17, Georgia
No.7 Cincinnati (3-0) @ No.9 Notre Dame (4-0)
10-2-21, 2:30 PM, PEAC, NBC
These two teams are coming off impressive wins on the road against a couple Big Ten teams. The Bearcats have early season playoff hype, but they will be facing a legit Notre Dame team on the road. This is a make-or-break game for Cincinnati, and a win of this magnitude could propel them into the playoffs race, whereas a loss would shut the door on the first Mid Major team making the playoffs. Notre Dame came away with a dominating road win over Wisconsin after a sloppy start to the season. The biggest question is will Notre Dame be able to generate points without defensive takeaways?
Keys to the Game:
Notre Dame has been out rushed by 207 yards through the first four games, and that has been a direct factor of their poor offensive line play. With the Irish's lack of a consistent run game and no consistent downfield threat on the outside, Notre Dame has not been unable to move the ball downfield consistently. Cincinnati is an offense that has sustained some success, but they have not had a real test yet this season. Notre Dame relies on turnover and short fields to score, so if Desmond Ridder and the Bearcats offense can take care of the ball, they should feel good about their chances. However, Desmond Ridder will be forced to make many difficult throws in this game, and if the first half inconsistencies continue, the obstacle could be too large to overcome.
Players to Watch:
No.32, RB Kyren Williams, Notre Dame
No.87, TE Michael Mayer, Notre Dame
No.14, FS Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame
No.9, QB Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati
No.1, CB Ahmad Gardner, Cincinatti
No.21, DE Myjai Sanders, Cincinatti
Score Prediction: 33-27, Notre Dame
No.12 Ole Miss (3-0) @ No.1 Alabama (4-0)
10-2-21, 3:30 PM, CBS
The LJ Game of the Week
Many believe the Ole Miss train has left the station too early, but when these two teams met in 2020, they combined for 1370 yards and 111 points as the Rebels proved they could keep up with Bama's offense. The question however lies with the Ole Miss defense, which has allowed over 350 yards in two of the team’s first three games. Bryce Young and the Alabama offense have gotten off to what many would call an exceptional start, but Nick Saban knows that his quarterback can take it to a whole other level.
Keys to the Game:
Ole Miss has explosive weapons all over the field on offense, but the offensive line is a question mark. Alabama has one of the best defensive lines in the country led by the most well-rounded pass rusher in the country, Will Anderson. Ole Miss's offensive line has been solid throughout the early part of the season, but they will be facing a different monster up front in Alabama. Even with the talent on the defensive side of the ball, Alabama's young defense has made costly mistakes, committing 35 penalties in four games. Ole Miss has an extremely explosive offense, and if they are aided by Crimson Tide miscues, the Rebels offense could run it up and down the field. On the offensive side of the ball, Alabama has struggled to get a consistent running game going. If the Ole Miss defense can take away the Alabama run game, they would force the outcome to rest on the arm on the arm of Bryce Young. However, Young is the best quarterback in the country, so the Rebels will have their hands full either way you put it.
Players to Watch:
No.2, QB Matt Corral, Ole Miss
No.9, RB Jerrion Early
No.11, WR Dontario DrummondNo.9, QB Bryce Young
No.8, LB Christian Harris
No.31, DE Will Anderson
Score Prediction: 47-38, Alabama
Other Games to Watch
No.14 Michigan (4-0) @ Wisconsin (1-2)
9-2-21, 12:00 PM, FOX
Score Prediction: 27-24, Wisconsin
Indiana (2-2) @ No.4 Penn State (4-0)
9-2-21, 7:30, PM, ABC
Score Prediction: 33-23, Penn State