What to Watch: Week 7

Let's just get right down to it this week.

Thursday
7:30 PM
Rutgers at Louisville, ESPN.  Louisville is definitely a rising star in the college football world.  Unfortunately, they are hampered by a weak schedule, which will probably keep them from getting that crystal football.  But here they have a primetime national showcase which can get them some extra eyeballs, and also give ACC fans a preview of what to expect next year.

Saturday
Noon
Oklahoma vs. Texas, ABC.  Here in Virginia, I've avoided the state fair for almost 30 years.  But if we did it like they did in Texas, I might go every year.  This game is the centerpiece of the state fair, and always gets a national spotlight.  It's also pivotal for the career of Mack Brown.  I don't think he'll lose his job midseason if he loses this game, but I think a loss here will guarantee his retirement from Texas.

Pitt at VT, ESPNU.  Of all the teams VT has played multiple times in the 12 seasons that I've been watching, Pitt is one that they've never beaten.  Each time, the loss to Pitt was the beginning of a downhill season.  Last year, VT lost their ranking after the Pitt game, and this year, they achieved their first ranking prior to the game.  Hokies, let's give Pitt a proper welcome to the ACC, just like they got from Florida State.

3:30 PM
Boston College at Clemson, ABC/ESPN2.  This game could seal BC's conference fate, or keep them alive.  Clemson should keep on rolling.  But something tells me this could be one of those surprise games.

Florida at LSU, CBS.  I don't have anything on this game in particular, but I've learned now to not sleep on the CBS/SEC late afternoon games.  Based on the last few weeks, this time slot is always worth a look, especially since we're getting in the second half of the season, and it's easier for CBS to cherry pick the best matchups.

Virginia at Maryland, ESPNU.  Maryland got shown up as a pretender last week against Florida State, and UVA lost to Ball State.  This could be one of those awesomely bad games.

4 PM
Oregon at Washington, FS1.  This could be Oregon's first real test of the season.  A win for Washington could even out the Pac-12 playing field.  There's a reason Gameday is coming here.