La Tonique’s Top 5 Games to Watch This Week
Welcome to what you need to know in College Football, a weekly series here at La Tonique!
I’ll be going over the top games of the week along with some other important storylines to follow in the world of College Football.
Lacking finish, Wisconsin’s offense has looked anemic at times.
Credit: USA TODAY
#12 Notre Dame vs #18 Wisconsin 12:00 PM EST
Undefeated Notre Dame will take on the 1-1 Wisconsin Badgers. Last week Notre Dame beat Purdue 27-13 after winning close matchups against Florida State and Toledo. Michael Mayer from Notre Dame has been one of the best tight ends in the country this year. He leads the team in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns.
After losing a tough one to Penn State, The Badgers rebounded with a 34-7 win against Eastern Michigan. Defensively, Wisconsin has been very good giving up a total of 23 points through their first two games. But, offensively, Wisconsin doesn’t have a passing touchdown yet this season.
LSU @ Mississippi State 12:00 PM EST
LSU has not been able to capture the same magic that led them to a National Championship a couple of seasons ago.
Credit: The Advocate/Hilary Scheinuk
LSU had a disappointing season last year, finishing the season 5-5 after going 15-0 and winning the national championship the year before. They take on a Mississippi State team who beat them 44-34 in their first matchup last year before losing 7 out of their last 8. This LSU Tigers team is 2-1 after an opening season loss to UCLA. Quarterback Max Johnson has already thrown 11 touchdowns this season and Wide Receiver Kayshon Boutte already has caught 6 touchdowns.
The Mississippi State Bulldogs are 2-1 after losing a weird game against Memphis. Mike Leach’s air raid office is still in effect. With the Bulldogs Quarterback Will Rogers throwing over 50 times per game. The top 2 receivers for Mississippi State so far this season are Makai Polk and Jaden Walley.
#7 Texas A&M vs #16 Arkansas 3:30 PM EST
Razorbacks’ coach Sam Pittman continues to move Arkansas in the right direction; piling up win after win.
Credit: Arkansas Razorbacks
The 7th ranked Texas A&M Aggies take on the Arkansas Razorbacks. The Aggies are 3-0 after winning 2 games in blowout fashion and beating Colorado in a close one. Their quarterback play has struggled this year but they are averaging 5.3 yards per carry on the ground.
The Arkansas Razorbacks are also 3-0 on the year and looked impressive in their win against Texas. Second-year coach Sam Pittman looks to be doing a good job so far. They have 11 rushing touchdowns on the year and are averaging 6.1 yards per carry.
West Virginia at #4 Oklahoma 7:30 PM EST
The West Virginia Mountaineers are 2-1 after beating a ranked Virginia Tech team. Leddie Brown had 161 yards rushing. Brown, who rushed for over 1,000 yards last year, already has 5 touchdowns this season.
Oklahoma supposed star Spencer Rattler has shown flashes but has yet to live up to the hype.
Credit: USATSI
The 4th ranked Oklahoma Sooners are 3-0 and have won 2 of their games close. Surviving against Nebraska last week. Marvin Mims has been the Sooners big-play receiver leading the team with 168 yards and quarterback Spencer Rattler has completed just under 75% of his throws.
Cal at Washington 9:30 PM EST
Washington Head Coach Jimmy Lake looks to build off of a blowout win against Arkansas State in which they scored 52 points.
Credit: Jennifer Buchanan/USA TODAY Sports
This Cal Washington game has a chance to be a huge PAC 12 after dark type of game. In 2019 the last time these two teams played Cal won a 20-19 contest against Washington. The Huskies have had a weird year. They are 1-2 after losing to Montana and Michigan then blowing out Arkansas State. In the Huskies’ first two games they scored a combined 17 points and scored 52 against Arkansas State.
Cal is also 1-2 on the year after losing to close ones to Nevada and TCU they beat Sacramento State.
I don’t think either of these teams is necessarily very good but I’m confident this will be a close and weird game so this is why it’s on my list.
