As the second half of the season begins for most teams, the story of the 2014 season has already begun to take shape. So much power in the state of Mississippi, improvements throughout several programs with "hot seat" coaches, and very few undefeated teams in only mid-October. As a battle between two of them commences this Saturday in Tallahassee, here are a handful of games that could find themselves have an impact in some less obvious ways.
Utah at Oregon State
A Thursday night late one on the PAC-12 Network between two 4-1 teams - one ranked and one that could be with a win. Even though these two are in different divisions, this game looks to shuffle the standings of each - with the winners finding themselves sneaking up into "contender" status both within the conference and as a dark horse in the CFP picture.
Rutgers at Ohio State
Another battle of 1-loss teams, this time in the Big Ten. Since losing to my Hokies, Ohio State has looked really good. Rutgers, meanwhile, has certainly exceeded expectations so far in 2014 - especially considering their administrative turmoil and limping to a 6-7 record last year. If the Buckeyes aren't on their toes, things could get bad in the Horseshoe once again...and could become a program-defining moment for the boys from New Jersey.
Georgia at Arkansas
It's not too often that a 3-3 team is in the "Others Receiving Votes" portion of the AP Poll. Well, right now, that team would be Arkansas. The Razorbacks have yet to win an SEC game this season, though they have looked respectable in all three conferences losses (and wins against Texas Tech and Northern Illinois). Georgia, meanwhile, should be feeling high after such a dominating performance against Missouri and looks to notch a second straight road win. Interestingly, the SEC East is winless against the SEC West so far in 2014...this could be one of the best opportunities for the East to avoid a total sweep (or would go a long way for the West to achieve one)!
Utah State at Colorado State
A pivotal one in the Mountain West for both teams. Much "Group of Five" focus is on East Carolina and Marshall, and rightfully so. But these Rams of CSU are sitting at just one loss and hoping to find their way into the conversation soon. The Rams can take a huge step forward with a win, while the Aggies can remain atop the conference (and become a G5 dark horse should that debate get into 2-loss teams) with a victory of their own.
Georgia Tech at UNC
I thought about putting down Duke/UVA, but with both of those teams in full control of their destinies, I opted for this one instead. An ACC Coastal clash that could send shockwaves through the conference, this could also have strength-of-schedule ramifications for other teams hanging on with just one loss. With both teams coming off tough losses (first one for GT, 4th in a row for UNC), these two teams have the potential to play heartbroken and unfocused. Alternatively, given the fight both teams showed in their losses, we could see either or both play with a sense of urgency and determination. A GT win keeps the bees on track, hoping for just one Duke loss, while a Tar Heel victory brings new life to all. Could this be 2013 all over again, with a majority of the teams still having a chance to win the Coastal Division during the last week of the season?
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