What to watch in college football: Week 7

This week is a part two of the madness that ensued last week. Last Saturday, the entire college football landscape got blown to pieces by seven crucial upsets, and another (sort of) upset when Notre Dame beat Stanford. This week could bring us some added clarity, help us see who is the real deal, and could be the final death knell for some one-loss teams.

1. #2 Auburn at #3 Mississippi State: Saturday 1:30 PM CBS

The Bulldogs are tied at 3rd in the country with their in-state rival Ole Miss, and they are coming off a huge win against a Top 10 Texas A&M, but this game will help determine who has the inside track on the SEC West Division. Whoever loses this game is not completely out of it, but this game is significant for glamour points and for Dak Prescott’s Heisman campaign.

Prediction: Mississippi State wins 42-38

2. #3 Ole Miss at #14 Texas A&M: Saturday 7 PM ESPN

This is the second game to determine SEC West front-runner. Ole Miss is coming off an exhilarating upset over Alabama, and the Aggies may be fighting for their playoff lives at this point. Look for Ole Miss to struggle to get up for this game, usually teams do not play well following ‘rush the field’ games like what happened for Ole Miss last week.

Prediction: Texas A&M wins 35-20

3. #9 TCU at #5 Baylor: Saturday 1:30 ABC/ESPN2

I like both of these teams, but I have no idea how legitimate they are to make a serious run into the Final Four. TCU just barely beat Oklahoma, and Baylor beat Texas but was not very convincing while doing it. This will have major implications within the Big 12, and it could be a must win for the Horned Frogs, but probably isn’t for Baylor.

Prediction: Baylor wins 38-28

4. #12 Oregon at #18 UCLA: Saturday 1:30 PM Fox

Both of these teams lost last week, which does not knock them out of playoff consideration, however, a loss this week very well could, especially if it is ugly. The final result here could also end Heisman aspirations for Brett Hundley and Marcus Mariota.

Prediction: Oregon wins 38-31

5. USC at #10 Arizona: Saturday 10:30 PM ESPN2

USC got knocked out of the Top 25 with a loss to Arizona State on a last second heave to the end zone. Arizona quietly moved into the Top 10 with a 5-0 record. USC is talented but not very deep and going to Tucson I’m not sure if they will be able to hang around with Rich Rodriguez long enough to earn a win.

Prediction: Arizona wins 31-24

PS-I'm not a gambling degenerate, but the line for this game right now is USC -3. That seems very favorable if anyone likes the Wildcats this weekend at home.