Bye Week Games / Rough Saturday Schedule
It's Thursday, time to look ahead to the weekend viewing. The college football gods were not polite to us on this year's bye week. A largely uninteresting Big Ten makes Saturdays like these even more difficult.
What are your viewing plans?
TOP 25 Games and other games of note
Iowa at No. 2 Ohio State | 12 p.m. | FOX
UT Martin at No. 3 Tennessee | 12 p.m. | SEC Network
No. 14 Syracuse at No. 5 Clemson | 12 p.m. | ABC
No. 21 Cincinnati at SMU | 12 p.m. | ESPN
Indiana at Rutgers | 12 p.m. | Big Ten Network
No. 20 Texas at No. 11 Oklahoma State | 3:30 p.m. | ABC
No. 7 Ole Miss at LSU | 3:30 p.m. | CBS
No. 9 UCLA at No. 10 Oregon | 3:30 p.m. | FOX
Boston College at No. 13 Wake Forest | 3:30 p.m. | ACC Network
Memphis at No. 25 Tulane | 3:30 p.m. | ESPN2
Purdue at Wisconsin | 3:30 p.m. | ESPN
Northwestern at Maryland | 3:30 p.m. | Big Ten Network
UNLV at Notre Dame | 2:30 p.m. | Peacock
West Virginia at Texas Tech | 3 p.m. | FS1
No. 24 Mississippi State at No. 6 Alabama | 7 p.m. | ESPN
Minnesota at No. 16 Penn State | 7:30 p.m. | ABC
No. 17 Kansas State at No. 8 TCU | 8 p.m. | FS1
Washington at Cal | 10:30 p.m. | ESPN
San Diego State at Nevada | 10:30 p.m. | CBSSN
October 20th, 2022 at 9:12 AM ^
For me:
1200ET block ... this one is a bit rough
Iowa at Ohio State
Syracuse at Clemson
The Pick - I don't generally like to dedicate hours of my life watching Ohio do much of anything. Maybe Iowa shows up with a pulse to this game? But doubtful. As for rooting for Clemson to lose to another crappy ACC team that happens to be ranked, I think I've fallen for that 3 times now this year? Yikes, I choose... Lawn work? I need to go to home depot and get a key made. I've got some Adirondack chairs I need to weatherproof before winter.
300 block ... a little better
UCLA at Oregon
Ole Miss at LSU
Texas at Ok State
The Pick - For my money UCLA/Oregon feels like the play here. But really with these types of games it's about having options. Honestly, I kinda wish this were the primetime block. Either way, a good primary game and a couple good backup options/surf-around games as well.
700/Primetime ... meh again
MSST at Alabama
Minnesota at PSU
KState at TCU
The Pick - 17 KState vs 8 TCU is a game that SHOULD sound interesting to me ... it doesn't. At all. I guess PJ and Frames? Penn State and Minnesota feel like they're on the same approximate tier.
October 20th, 2022 at 11:30 AM ^
Thanks for reminding me that I actually do have an Adirondack I need to strip and stain.
October 20th, 2022 at 11:42 AM ^
Glad you threw that "and stain" in there. It changes everything. I'm less horrified!
October 20th, 2022 at 11:50 AM ^
I’m planning to take a bye week along with the team and enjoy what is supposed to be some very nice fall weather in SE michigan
October 20th, 2022 at 12:47 PM ^
Sounds like you have a beautifully convenient slate for Wife Day.
Don't blow it.
October 21st, 2022 at 11:27 AM ^
I just watch the scores on the ESPN app and tune into the ones that seem interesting. There’s bound to be a few close ones in there but I’d rather not watch every down.
October 20th, 2022 at 9:15 AM ^
I have interest in all of these games below, but I probably wont watch them closely. Ideally Clemson, UCLA and Bama go down. I really think UCLA is the only team that could lose AT Oregon.
No. 14 Syracuse at No. 5 Clemson | 12 p.m. | ABC
No. 9 UCLA at No. 10 Oregon | 3:30 p.m. | FOX
No. 17 Kansas State at No. 8 TCU | 8 p.m. | FS1
No. 24 Mississippi State at No. 6 Alabama | 7 p.m. | ESPN
October 20th, 2022 at 12:52 PM ^
Clemson winning late by one score
Bama winning late by one score
Taking the unholy trinity that is Bama Georgia and Clemson to 7-1 in one score games
Losses to these teams will only happen when another SEC team gets to be bumped into the top 4.
Further proving that college football is just a dynasty that was created by an SEC fan years ago and we get to live it year in and year out.
October 20th, 2022 at 9:15 AM ^
Man, what a slate of hot doggy doo doo games this weekend.
Iowa @ OSU? Oye. OSU @ -29.5 I'd be inclined to take the points there.
October 20th, 2022 at 9:41 AM ^
At OSU…you have to question what Iowa’s defense has left in the tank shaking their head in every Ferentz/Petras 3/out.
Now they look up and see Stroud throwing to athletes all over the field? It’s not gonna be a good day for them.
October 20th, 2022 at 10:26 AM ^
The only motivation I can see is that the BIG West is still up for grabs but would have to agree - seems like it's going to be a very long day for the Hawkeye defense after they're down 21-0 in the 2nd Q
October 20th, 2022 at 11:56 AM ^
Yeah, that Iowa offense is beyond horrible - worst I've seen at a program of that caliber in years - maybe decades
And to pour salt in the wound, was reading on the OSU sites that they expect WR Smith-Njigba and their projected starting CB - Jordan something, can't think of his name - back this week. That Smith-Njigba has played only a few snaps this year and the CB Jordan has been out the whole year. Poor Iowa - especially their defense who will be exhausted due to their incompetent offense
October 20th, 2022 at 12:10 PM ^
I'm kind of glad about the poor slate. I'll be able to fully lean into family day.
October 20th, 2022 at 11:51 PM ^
Biased, but I agree. Day has been pulling starters early most of this season in anything resembling a blowout... Iowa and the points is the smart bet if I were inclined to throw some money down.
October 20th, 2022 at 9:17 AM ^
UCLA at Oregon might be interesting. Will check in on Iowa at OSU and hope Iowa can score some TD's. Thanks for posting.
October 20th, 2022 at 9:29 AM ^
In what alternate universe does iowa score points in this game. I could see a 52-0 game. osu defense isnt all world, but... iowa is imploding on offense and osu feasts on these types of teams
October 20th, 2022 at 9:20 AM ^
Agreed, not much interesting in the B1G. I'm going to DVR the Clemson, Oregon, and TCU games and hope one of them is worthy of an evening watch. It's supposed to be glorious late fall weather in MI, so no way will I be indoors during the day.
October 20th, 2022 at 9:34 AM ^
Same here in Georgia. Heading up to Gibbs Gardens - 300 acres of a different types of plant life. The Japanese Maples in the fall are a sight to behold!
Check it out if you have a minute: https://gibbsgardens.com/
Wife Day fell on a good weekend! After Gibbs, heading out to a late lunch and some wine. Happy wife, happy life!
October 20th, 2022 at 9:25 AM ^
Vegas must know something....Oklahoma State @ home getting 6 points vs. Texas seems like a lot. Guess I know who to put points on in the 1201 S. Main College Football Pick'em!
October 20th, 2022 at 9:29 AM ^
Also would not expect Purdue to get points at Wisconsin.
October 20th, 2022 at 9:48 AM ^
If the Spartans can score on Wisconsin, Purdue can score more on Wisconsin.
October 20th, 2022 at 10:01 AM ^
OK State QB got hurt last game and is questionable to play
October 20th, 2022 at 9:28 AM ^
early block is only rough if syracuse gets crushed. id love to see clemson lose.
UCLA Oregon is interesting, mainly in that i hope UCLA loses.
Hoping for Okie state and LSU wins also. LSU has been playing better. Again, kelly is a good coach and will figure it out. Question will be .. how far can he take them (in coming years).
I'd say Notre dame has an easy one, but... what even is that for them? If UNLV has a pulse, boom.
Night games only of interest to see if Minnesota runs over psu also. Bama will hurt Miss state.
October 20th, 2022 at 9:28 AM ^
Here’s hoping Iowa has a great defensive day and finally awakens their offense to upset Ohio State.
October 20th, 2022 at 12:48 PM ^
You'd stand a far better chance of winning the lottery than Iowa's offense awakening.
October 20th, 2022 at 1:35 PM ^
They won't win, but it will be worth paying attention to how Iowa's defense holds up against OSU - OSU struggled pretty heavily against a not-great Notre Dame in the first game and they haven't faced a defense with much of anything in the way of a pulse since. I think if Iowa's D can give them some problems it bodes well for The Game. Not that we'll be taking the same approach as Iowa, but it is another data point. I assume Iowa's D will wear down and quit trying by the second half as their offense punts their way to 0 points, but first half will be worth a watch
October 20th, 2022 at 9:29 AM ^
My 4 yo granddaughter is spending the weekend with us while mommy and daddy get out of town for a needed break.
Needless to say, i'll be lucky to catch a few minutes of football here and there. 'Cus vs Clemson the Dino vs Dabo showcase.... will either be a very good game, or a complete blowout..... for some reason 'Cus shows up strong for this game.
TX vs Ok St. the new red river showdown??? is Sark getting things turned around? Does either team play defense? Will there be enough room on the scoreboard for the final score?
UCLA vs OR.... feels like someone is going to get exposed here.... are they both as good as they're billed, or are neither of them?
MN vs PSU..... as much as I'd like to see PSU drop two in a row, If Morgan isn't healthy and they're one dimensional..... PSU just has to stack the box and stop Ibrahim.....oh, wait......
Hoping for some bulletin board material out of EL this week....just to make next Saturday that much sweeter...
GO BLUE
October 20th, 2022 at 9:38 AM ^
Not a bad week to forego football completely and get 'er done in the yard.
October 20th, 2022 at 9:43 AM ^
I've got to attend a wedding on Saturday - and, what great timing. So, I doubt I'll watch much of anything "live", though I will be checking in on scores as time permits.
Of interest to me...
1. Can Iowa cover - and what do the Bucks look like? It's in the Shoe, and - can Iowa do anything in that environment.
2. Can Syracuse do something crazy good against Clemson? I hope so, but am not betting on it.
3. UCLA at Oregon. As others pointed out - it's anyone's guess, and the winner has a good chance of winding up in the Pac 12 CCG.
4. Purdue at Wisconsin. A win would be big for Purdue and set up the Purdue at Illinois game on November 12th for the West.
5. Ole Miss at LSU. Hmmm. Who can do what? The LSU faithful aren't that patient, and it's a home game for the Tigers.
6. Minny at Penn State. Just curious - not sure if that will be the equivalent of "waiting for a Nascar crash", but it's not too far from that.
7. Mississippi State at Bama. A Bulldog player passed away this week, a terrible tragedy. I would love to see Bama lose at home. There may be a lot of emotion in that one. And,
9. Kansas State at TCU. Again, just entertainment value.
Hopefully, I'll be able to catch some of the Post Game coverage during, or after, the evening games conclude - and the wedding reception ends.
Enjoy...
October 20th, 2022 at 9:55 AM ^
5. Ole Miss at LSU. Hmmm. Who can do what? The LSU faithful aren't that patient, and it's a home game for the Tigers.
I want maximum chaos in the SEC. So I'll hope that LSU wins in a sludgefart of a game that makes both teams look really bad. Then hope that Kiffin can take down Bama on Nov. 12.
October 20th, 2022 at 10:07 AM ^
Great minds think alike.
It would be great to see the "best" team in the SEC - after the CCG - have two losses. I really wonder what the CFP Selection Committee would do if that happened.
October 20th, 2022 at 10:23 AM ^
After the wedding reception ends? You know, there are apps that will allow you to watch football games on tiny little cell phones hidden in the palm of your hand. Just sayin'.
October 20th, 2022 at 10:30 AM ^
M, Yes, I've heard of those things - and, my cell phone's "footprint" is intentionally smaller - to accommodate doing what you suggested - I have an iPhone 13 mini.
But, none of those games are so interesting to me that I would feel compelled to watch the game "live." IF an interesting game looks like it's going to come down to the last few minutes - well, I might find it necessary to check that game out.
October 20th, 2022 at 9:46 AM ^
Normally my rooting interests would be entirely shaped by the notion that lower ranked teams beating higher ranked teams improves M's playoff chances. However, I feel a little conflicted looking at this week:
Is it possible, that if UCLA and TCU run the table along with Clemson, (and the BiG winner is undefeated), there could be enough carnage remaining in the SEC for a playoff without an SEC team? That would be so wonderful.
October 20th, 2022 at 10:03 AM ^
In theory, what you suggest - a CFP without an SEC team - is possible.
Practically, it would never, ever happen. A five loss SEC champion would be selected by the CFP Committee over three undefeated Power 5 conference champions. Why? Oh, it's the SEC - the football is tougher there.
You want an example of "tough" football - just look at how Auburn handled a northern team, like Penn State. How A&M manhandled App State, or Missouri destroying Kansas State. The SEC is the deepest, most talented conference ever.
And, there are rumors - that the CFP will actually move to sixteen teams. Why? So all fourteen SEC teams can play in it every year. And, when Texas and Oklahoma join the SEC - the CFP can include all sixteen SEC teams.
October 20th, 2022 at 9:47 AM ^
For me...
Noon: Probably watching the start of the OSU-Iowa game. They're the biggest rival, their offense (and yes I feel dirty saying this) is something special to watch. But once that one gets out of hand I'll just start flipping to whatever games are competitive and coming down to the final few drives.
3:30: Those top 3 are all decent looking matchups. A chance to watch DTR at UCLA for us east coasters, Ewers at Texas and even unranked LSU is favored over Ole Miss. At least one of those should be close right into the 4th quarter.
Night: Probably flipping between the first two and seeing how 'Bama and Penn St. respond.
October 20th, 2022 at 9:48 AM ^
I want to root for Syracuse, but I'm afraid it'll be the same old script. Clemson will look like dogshit and it will be a close game for the first half. Then, as always, their opponent will do some stupid shit and allow them to pull away, making it look like a more comfortable win than it really was.
October 20th, 2022 at 9:49 AM ^
With Fox and CBS having first crack at the biggest B1G and SEC games, I've noticed that the primetime ABC games this year have been lacking
October 20th, 2022 at 9:53 AM ^
Looking at this with maize colored glasses, this week can go a decent way towards increasing the chances of two B1G teams making the CFP.
If Texas and K-State can win on the road, that should eliminate the Big 12 from the CFP discussion. Texas is favored and K-State a FG dog on the road.
If Oregon (almost a TD favorite) beats UCLA, it would be hard to push them over the loser of The Game if it's close. That 49-3 stomping is hard to ignore.
I doubt Alabama loses, but it would be nice to have one November without talking about Alabama in the CFP race. It could also open up space for more Blake for Heisman talk.
October 20th, 2022 at 9:54 AM ^
Arizona St v Stanford has to be the 'Sickos game of the week', right?
October 20th, 2022 at 10:53 AM ^
Close, but that tag has to go to the Colorado St v Haw'ii game...... Woof
October 20th, 2022 at 12:25 PM ^
Yup, you’re right. Here’s the tweet that proves it:
https://twitter.com/thejasonkirk/status/1583122824147111937
October 20th, 2022 at 10:00 AM ^
Ugh. None of these games sound remotely interesting, except maybe UT vs OSU.
Good thing I've got chores to do.
October 20th, 2022 at 10:04 AM ^
This is actually a good slate of games, not sure why the complaining. Clemson vs. Cuse - 2 undefeated teams. UCLA v. Oregon - maybe UCLA finally goes down? Ole Miss @ LSU - Ole Miss first real test. Texas vs Ok State - 2 top 20 teams.
If you don't like this slate of games, don't take a look at the next few weeks either. This is the most ranked on ranked matchups we're going to get until Thanksgiving.
October 20th, 2022 at 10:05 AM ^
Taking this weekend off.
Leaves and golf is the plan.
October 20th, 2022 at 10:26 AM ^
Move into a condo. Then golf would be the whole plan.
October 20th, 2022 at 10:05 AM ^
Please don't make me watch the Purdue-Wisconsin game
October 20th, 2022 at 10:10 AM ^
I’ll be replacing my water system this weekend and may pop out if my son tells me OSU is losing. I’ve been walking around a water softener and various filters in my garage since week 2. I’ve had this Saturday circled to be pissed off and make a half dozen trips to lowes.
October 20th, 2022 at 10:23 AM ^
On a bit of a tangent, I'm thinking of "Get Smart", and the maximum amount of KAOS that could occur over the coming weeks. The odds of the following is miniscule - but, if you don't believe the impossible can be achieved, you'll never know. It's SEC specific...
This weekend - Mississippi State defeats Bama, and LSU wins over Ole Miss.
October 29th - Florida over Georgia, Kentucky over Tennessee, and Texas A&M over Ole Miss.
November 5th - Tennessee over Georgia, Bama loses to LSU
November 12th - Ole Miss over Bama,
November 19th - this is cupcake weekend for the SEC - but, Kentucky over Georgia would be icing on the cupcake.
November 24th (the weekend of the 26th) - Mississippi State over Ole Miss.
SEC CCG - Tennessee wins the East, but loses the CCG to the West Champ - whoever that turns out to be.