At this point, if you’re not watching college football every Saturday, I’m afraid I can’t help you. Just last weekend, Texas A&M beat LSU so bad that chants of “Fire Kelly” rained down from the stands. Alabama scored a touchdown with 30 seconds left to escape South Carolina. Lane Kiffin was talking trash to Oklahoma players on the field in postgame interviews, and Texas stormed back from a 17-point deficit in the fourth quarter to beat Mississippi State. Good news for everyone is that Week 10 will undoubtedly have its own crazy headlines. Let’s take a sneak peek at some Week 10 matchups in college football.
#20 Texas vs. #9 Vanderbilt
Location: DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, TX
Spread: Texas (-3.5)
Over/Under: 46.5
ML: Texas (-150), Vanderbilt (+130)
Elite Defense vs. Elite Offense
The Longhorns will bring one of the nation’s best defensive units on Saturday. The Texas defense allows just 4.2 yards per play, ranked 8th in the country. It also allows just 14.6 points per game, ranked 8th in the country. On the ground, Texas allows just 2.4 yards per carry and 80.8 rushing yards per game, which both rank 8th in the nation. One of the benefits of an elite run defense is the ability to force 3rd-and-long situations, which is why the Longhorns allow just 31.45% of third downs to be converted. Forcing opponents into 3rd-and-long also allows pass rushers more opportunities. Texas ranks 14th in sack percentage.
On the other hand, Vanderbilt boasts one of college football’s most efficient and versatile offenses. The Commodores’ offense ranks 6th in yards per play, averaging 7 yards per play. They also rank 9th in points per game, averaging 37.4 points per game. Vanderbilt has a diverse run scheme that stresses defenses both inside and outside—the Commodores average 6.3 yards per carry, ranking third in college football. One of the benefits of an elite rushing attack is the ability to create 3rd-and-short situations. Vanderbilt currently converts 50.7% of its third downs, ranking 8th in the nation.
As you can see, we have a clash of elite units on the ground. The Vanderbilt offense prides itself on running the ball, while Texas prides itself on stopping the run. One of these units must prevail on Saturday.
Playoff Implications
Some people around college football don’t like to debate the playoff picture with four games still left to play in the regular season. I am not one of those people.
For Texas, a loss in this game means that playoff hopes are officially zero. A loss drops the Longhorns to 6-3 and likely drops them from the Top 25. Additionally, they must face Georgia and Texas A&M before the end of the season.
For Vanderbilt, a loss in this game places a tremendous amount of pressure on your team. Vanderbilt would be 7-2 with games against Auburn and Tennessee left on the schedule. Please don’t overlook the Auburn game. The Tigers have four losses, but those losses are to #3 Texas A&M, #5 Georgia, #18 Oklahoma, before John Mateer’s injury, and #19 Missouri. Vanderbilt faces two significant challenges following its game against Texas.
As you can see, both teams must consider this game a must-win. Each team’s future is heavily impacted by the outcome on Saturday.
Other Games to Monitor
The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party. Georgia looks to maintain a one-loss record before heading into games against #20 Texas and #8 Georgia Tech. The Dawgs will be looking for ways to replace Colbie Young on the outside at wide receiver, while Florida will be working without its WR1 in Vernell Brown III.
Florida is a major wildcard in this game. The Gators are playing their first game without Billy Napier in 3 1/2 seasons. Despite the uncertainty, the Gators are only a touchdown underdogs to Georgia.
California vs. #15 Virginia
Don’t look now, folks, but the Virginia Cavaliers are 7-1 and in second place in the ACC standings. Virginia made its statement in the ACC with a win over Louisville a few weeks ago, and now it looks for its fifth straight conference win.
California has the luxury of hosting Virginia after the Cavaliers endure 2,800 miles of traveling. California is a 5.5-point underdog at home and is looking for its first signature win with freshman 5-star QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele.
#14 Tennessee vs. #18 Oklahoma
Both teams currently have two losses and are looking to keep their playoff hopes alive. After suffering losses to #4 Alabama and #5 Georgia, Tennessee is looking to prove its case as a playoff team. The Volunteers feature one of college football’s top passing games and pass rushes. Tennessee’s offensive line will have its hands full, as Oklahoma’s front seven is arguably college football’s best.
Oklahoma is seeking to regain momentum in its favor. Since returning from injury, QB John Mateer has thrown for 575 yards, 2 TDs, and 3 INTs in three games. Despite the Oklahoma defense totaling 8 sacks and 39 TFLs in those three games, Oklahoma is just 1-2 in those games. Before I move on, yes, you read that correctly, Oklahoma’s defense has 39 TFLs in the last three games.
A loss in this game eliminates either team from college football playoff contention, while a win keeps each team’s hopes alive.
#24 Utah vs. #17 Cincinnati
Cincinnati is viewing this game as an opportunity to prove its belonging in the upper echelon of the Big 12. The Bearcats are currently undefeated in the Big 12, while Utah is currently 3-2. Meanwhile, Utah is favored in this game by 10.5 points. The strength of schedule plays a significant role here, as Utah’s SOS is currently ranked 53rd, while Cincinnati’s is 85th.
Utah will look to win this game on the ground. Utah currently ranks 5th in yards per carry, while Cincinnati ranks 61st in yards per carry allowed.
If Cincinnati can pull off this victory, it will be very close to locking in a Big 12 Championship appearance.
