No. 7 South Carolina vs. No. 2 Florida
This week’s top matchup will be a struggle between two of the nation’s top teams. The Gamecocks and Gators each boast superb defensive units, as each team has allowed just 12.3 points per game to opponents. South Carolina is coming off its first loss of the season against LSU, making this Saturday’s game a must-win for both its SEC and National Title hopes. Winning will be no easy task, as Florida is 6-0 and is allowing just 7.7 points per game at The Swamp. A win for either team will greatly improve its chances moving forward in the conference as well as in the BCS poll.
Game at 2:30 CT on CBS
No. 6 LSU at No. 18 Texas A&M
LSU is coming off of a huge win against South Carolina that might have saved its season. The Tigers were able to answer questions about their ability to compete against elite SEC teams and their offense will have a chance to continue to quiet doubters against a Texas A&M team that allowed 57 points last week against LA Tech. The Aggies will have a chance to make a statement, as they face their biggest opportunity to prove their recent hot streak makes them a legitimate SEC contender. Johnny Manziel has had a remarkable season at quarterback for A&M, leading the SEC in rushing with 676 yard. Each team is coming off of a win against a ranked opponent and both will look to win another this week.
Game at 11:00 CT on ESPN
No. 4 Kansas State vs. No. 13 West Virginia
West Virginia came up empty last Saturday in an ugly 49-14 upset against Texas Tech. Geno Smith is still likely the Heisman frontrunner, as he has thrown for 2,271 yards and 25 touchdowns without an interception in 2012, and gives the Mountaineers the chance to win any game. This will be an especially tough game to win, as Kansas State is among college football’s most balanced teams. Defensively, the Wildcats are allowing just 16.5 points per game, while on offense they are scoring 40.8 per contest. Collin Klein, another Heisman hopeful, has broken out this year with 1074 passing yards and 510 rushing yards,and has accounted for 17 total touchdowns. The winner of this game will be sitting in the driver’s seat for the Big 12 title.
Game at 6:00 CT on Fox
No. 17 Texas Tech vs. No. 23 TCU
Seth Doege is having a strong year for the Red Raiders, throwing for 1,891 yards and 21 touchdowns. He will have a tough assignment this week though, as TCU has a smothering defense that is allowing just 14.5 points per game. After losing their first game without suspended quarterback Casey Pachall, the Horned Frogs got back on track last week in a 49-21 drubbing of Baylor. These two teams sit in a tie for second place in the Big 12 and a win for either would be huge in creating separation in the conference standings.
Game at 2:30 CT on ABC