Ohio State and Indiana meet again in a Big Ten showdown that could reshape the conference race, while Notre Dame travels to face undefeated BYU in a clash of unbeaten teams highlighted by ESPN’s College GameDay.
The Buckeyes (5-1) will visit Indiana (6-0) at noon on Fox in a rematch of last season’s Big Ten championship game. Indiana’s quarterback Josh Hoover has thrown for 210.7 yards per game this season with 17 touchdowns and no interceptions. The Hoosiers aim for their first regular-season win over Ohio State since a 41-7 victory in Bloomington on October 8, 1988. Ohio State’s receiver Jeremiah Smith, who has caught eight of his 11 touchdown passes in Big Ten play, will be a focus for Indiana’s defense. Despite Ohio State being the favorite, the Buckeyes face a tough challenge on the road against a top-10 opponent.
Later that evening, Notre Dame (6-0) faces BYU (5-0) at 7:30 p.m. on ABC in Provo, Utah. This is the only matchup between unbeaten teams in Week 7. Notre Dame has impressed under coach Marcus Freeman, and BYU, led by Kalani Sitake, will welcome the national spotlight. The quarterback duel between Notre Dame’s CJ Carr and BYU’s Bear Bachmeier draws attention. Notre Dame has not played in Provo since a 20-17 loss on September 4, 2004.
The SEC schedule also offers significant clashes, including Alabama (5-1) at Tennessee (5-1) at 3:30 p.m. on ABC/ESPN. Alabama is coming off a narrow 20-17 loss to Georgia and faces a Tennessee team that has won the last two meetings at Neyland Stadium. Both sides enter the game with one loss, adding intensity to the Third Saturday in October rivalry.
Missouri (5-1) travels to Ole Miss (4-1) at the same time. Missouri’s offense features Trinidad Chambliss, who has 1,435 yards and 11 touchdowns this season, having taken over for Austin Simmons. This game raises questions about Missouri’s postseason potential in the SEC.
Oklahoma State (4-1) visits Houston (5-1) at 7:30 p.m. on Fox. Oklahoma State’s Drew Mestemaker has thrown 10 touchdowns with one interception over the last three games, while Houston’s Conner Weigman has 15 touchdowns with one interception this season. Houston defeated Oklahoma State 39-17 last season.
Mississippi State (4-1) faces LSU (4-2) at noon on ABC/ESPN. LSU, coached by Lane Kiffin, suffered a 35-34 overtime loss at Kentucky and now looks to avoid a third SEC defeat. Mississippi State, coming off a bye week, will rely on quarterback Kamario Taylor.
Other notable games include Florida (4-2) at Texas (4-1) at noon on ABC/ESPN. Texas lost 27-24 in the Red River Rivalry against Oklahoma in a last-minute finish, while Florida enters after consecutive losses to Missouri and South Carolina under first-year coach Jon Sumrall. The Gators beat Texas 29-21 last season. Texas coach Steve Sarkisian and quarterback Arch Manning face pressure to rebound.
Wisconsin (4-1) travels to UCLA (5-0) in a game without a set kickoff time. UCLA is coming off a 17-15 win against Oregon, and the Bruins’ Wayne Knight averages 126.7 rushing yards per game in Big Ten play. Wisconsin, coached by Luke Fickell, has shown improvement, and the teams have not met since 2010.
Miami (5-0) visits Florida State (3-3) at 7 p.m. on ESPN. The Hurricanes, led by quarterback Darian Mensah with an 84.2% completion rate and 15 touchdowns without interceptions, aim to extend their winning streak in this in-state rivalry. Florida State has allowed an average of 47 points in losses to Louisville and Alabama.
Penn State (3-3) faces Michigan (3-2) at 3:30 p.m. on CBS/FS1. Both teams are struggling, with Penn State trying to avoid an 0-4 start in Big Ten play and Michigan seeking to prevent a third straight loss. The quarterback situation in Ann Arbor, involving Bryce Underwood and Tommy Carr, remains a topic of discussion.
Week 7 offers a decisive midseason slate with several ranked teams facing off, including the Big Ten rematch between Ohio State and Indiana and the battle of unbeaten teams between Notre Dame and BYU. These games will influence conference standings and the College Football Playoff picture as the season approaches its second half.
According to Yahoo Sports.
