College Football Games To Watch: Jameis Winston Fallout
By Erik Lambert
Sep 6, 2014; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston (5) warms up before the game against the Citadel Bulldogs at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports
While the ranked teams aren’t really matching up this week, college football should see a host of exciting contests. Here are some notable ones.
#22 Clemson at #1 Florida State
Of course this game will revolve around the absence of Jameis Winston following his latest misstep that led to a one-game suspension. That suits Clemson just fine who are anxious to avenge their humiliating defeat Florida State handed them last year. With Winston out, keep a close eye on running back Karlos Williams who figures to help carry the offensive load. For Clemson, defensive end Vic Beasley bears watching as he was largely inept in the meeting last season.
Florida at #3 Alabama
SEC matchups are never what they appear. Alabama is #3 in the nation to the surprise of nobody but they can’t afford to overlook Florida. After enduring so many injuries last year, the Gators are on the rebound. Both teams are undefeated and both teams boast strong offensive and defensive units. The key may be that Florida has already played and won an in-conference game. That and knowing head coach Will Muschamp was a subordinate to Nick Saban offer advantages.
#4 Oklahoma at West Virginia
No program has surprised college football pundits more than West Virginia of late. Their only lost of the season was a tight affair against Alabama 33-23 in which Clint Trickett and Kevin White took it to one of the better defenses in the nation. The Mountaineer get a chance to continue gaining positive attention, this time against Oklahoma. The Sooners also boast a strong defense and some powerful offense of their own. How WVU is able to manage this game and perhaps win it will do wonders for their ranking. Being at home is a definite boost.
Mississippi State at #8 LSU
How has nobody taken notice of Mississippi State yet? They are 3-0 and boast a well-balanced team that ranks 19th in the nation in points scored (43.7 per game) and 11th in points allowed (12.3 per game). Most of it likely has to do with no facing top competition yet. That is about to change as they take on powerhouse LSU. The Tigers are also 3-0 and boast the second best defense in the NCAA. Their previous two games have been shutouts. The Bulldogs are eager for national recognition. Beating their longtime SEC foe on the road would do just that.
Virginia at #21 BYU
BYU is riding a wave of optimism courtesy of a dominant rushing attack led by quarterback Taysom Hill. They are ranked at #21 in the country and hope to continue that climb, but they would be making an enormous mistake if they overlook Virginia. The Cavaliers only won two games last season, but one of those victories was against the Cougars. UVA is a much better team in 2014 with a strong defense leading the way. BYU must be careful to protect the football because that is how Virginia kills their opponents. They forced four against Louisville last week.