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We have collectively arrived at the bittersweet end of the College Football season. Rivalry Week saw Michigan send shockwaves through the sport by beating Ohio State. USC, TCU, and Georgia all advanced to move to playoff intrigue to Conference Championship week. If Georgia, Michigan, TCU, and USC win, the playoff field is cleanly set. A loss by TCU or USC would move Ohio St. back into the conversation.
Our Footballguys staff gathers to prepare you for this week’s action.
What Game Are You Watching?
4 USC vs #11 Utah
Jason Wood - As Jeff noted, it's Championship Week, so most of the games will have importance. But the truth is there are really only five teams vying for the four playoff spots, as Ohio State sits fifth and isn't playing in the Big Ten championship. Ohio State needs help and most likely gets in if USC loses to Utah. Some think Ohio State could get in ahead of TCU if they lose to Kansas State, but I disagree. TCU is in as long as they don't get boat raced. Either way, all eyes are on the Trojans in their rematch against Utah for the Pac-12 championship. USC's only loss came in Week 7 against Utah by a whopping one point (43-42), so a victory here would avenge their one blemish and lock them into the playoff. But a loss, even a close one, probably puts the Buckeyes in because they'll only have one loss, and it's against the No. 2 team in the country (Michigan).
Kevin Coleman - The game to watch will be this Friday as #4 USC takes on #11 Utah in a rematch that saw Utah win on a two-point conversion the first time these teams met. This is a massive game for USC. With a win, they will make their first appearance in the CFP, and they will officially be back as a national program. Lincoln Riley has turned around this USC program in just one year, and an appearance in the playoff will justify his move from Oklahoma to the Trojans this past summer. The keys to this matchup are injuries. In their first matchup, Cameron Rising had eight designed runs for over sixty yards and three touchdowns. This time around, he is dealing with a nagging knee injury that will limit his mobility. Utah could also be playing without or with a limited Dalton Kincaid. Kincaid is Utah’s best weapon, and if he is limited, it will be a tough matchup for the Utes.
Christian Williams - The game to watch will be this Friday as #4 USC takes on #11 Utah in a rematch that saw Utah win on a two-point conversion the first time these teams met. This is a massive game for USC. With a win, they will make their first appearance in the CFP, and they will officially be back as a national program. Lincoln Riley has turned around this USC program in just one year, and an appearance in the playoff will justify his move from Oklahoma to the Trojans this past summer. The keys to this matchup are injuries. In their first matchup, Cameron Rising had eight designed runs for over sixty yards and three touchdowns. This time around, he is dealing with a nagging knee injury that will limit his mobility. Utah could also be playing without or with a limited Dalton Kincaid. Kincaid is Utah’s best weapon, and if he is limited, it will be a tough matchup for the Utes.
Kyle Bellefeuil - I'm piling on here with all eyes on the Friday night matchup between No. 4 USC and No. 11 Utah. Their first matchup was an exciting bout, with Utah coming out on top 43-42. USC will be looking for revenge and can lock in a spot in the CFP with a victory. The Utah defense will have its hands full, containing Heisman favorite Caleb Williams and the potent Trojan offense. If it's anything like the first game, this battle for the Pac-12 title should be an entertaining one. Bring on Championship Week!
What Player Are You Watching?
QB Caleb Williams, USC
Jason Wood - Caleb Williams will win the Heisman if he shows well this weekend. I've seen him play plenty of times but would love to see him perform in the biggest game of his career.
QB J.J. McCarthy, Michigan
Kevin Coleman - J.J. McCarthy had a career game against Ohio State last week, throwing for 263 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Wolverines to a massive win over the Ohio State Buckeyes. The key question is whether or not this was a one-time performance or a lasting change for him as a quarterback. With Blake Corum injured and likely out for the rest of the season, according to recent injury reports, the Wolverines need McCarthy to continue his rise if they have any shot at competing for a national title this season.
QB Max Duggan, TCU
Christian Williams - TCU quarterback Max Duggan is the player to watch this weekend. TCU has an opportunity to finish the season undefeated, but Duggan's composure is crucial to that achievement. In their last matchup with Kansas State, TCU ran the ball well. Kendre Miller finished with 153 yards and two scores. This time, it's likely that Duggan will have to carry the load a bit more. Beating a team twice in one year is always tricky, but Duggan's athleticism, efficiency, and growth as a passer may come to a head this weekend and earn him a seat in the Heisman discussion.
RB Donovan Edwards, Michigan
Kyle Bellefeuil - It's just been announced Blake Corum will undergo season-ending knee surgery, meaning it's Donovan Edwards' time to shoulder the load on the ground for Michigan. Edwards stepped up in a huge way against Ohio State last week, rushing for 216 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries. Edwards' big play ability was on full display as he had touchdown runs of 75 yards and 85 yards in the fourth quarter to shut the door on the Buckeyes. I'm looking for Edwards to be electric once again for the Wolverines in the Big 10 title game against Purdue on Saturday.
What is your favorite story from the 2022 college football season?
TCU
Jason Wood - Maybe it's recency bias, but watching TCU kick a game-winning field goal to preserve their undefeated season against Baylor was something I won't soon forget. Not only did they have to fight back from a deficit, but watching the team march out the special teams unit and make a long kick without taking a time out, was stunning. The coaches and players all said it was a very calm situation because they practice that scenario weekly. But anyone that's watched football long enough knows those last-second machinations often lead to a penalty for offsides or 12 men on the field, and any penalty would've led to a 10-second runoff and a TCU loss.
Kevin Coleman - The TCU Horned Frogs possibly heading to the College Football Playoff has been my favorite story this season. Before the season, during our Big 12 preview, I picked them to go to the Big 12 Title game, but I had no idea they would be this good this season. Sonny Dykes has done wonders for this program and deserves all the praise and recognition he is getting this season. On top of that, Max Duggan coming back from possibly being benched to being a Heisman candidate at times during this season is a story you just have to love. This TCU team is full of underdog stories, and this season has been awesome to watch.
Kyle Bellefeuil - As Jason and Kevin have said, the season TCU has put together has been a joy to watch. The Horned Frogs have had some exciting games where points were plentiful and also some close calls where it came right down to the wire. Their matchup against Kansas State in the Big 12 title game this weekend should be yet another exciting game to watch. One more Horned Frog victory, and they're on to the CFP.
Florida State
Christian Williams - Watching Florida State's return to prominence this season was a treat. Head coach Mike Norvell was likely approaching hot-seat territory heading into the season, and the roster wasn't oozing talent. But they've played above expectations, with Jordan Travis' ascension and sometimes special play leading the Seminoles to a 9-3 record. Looking past 2022, the ACC is full of ambiguity; there are more questions than sure things among the "usual" contenders. The Seminoles could be in for a massive 2023 season, and they deserve credit for their performance this year.
