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Texas Tech at #24 Oklahoma State
Well, we think we know what we have when it comes to these two teams. In Oklahoma State, you have a team that is better than expected, but its marquee game was still at loss. In Texas Tech, you have an underperforming team that has had two weeks to recover from an embarrassing loss to Arkansas. But keep in mind that their wins (Central Arkansas and UTEP) didn’t do anything to inspire confidence in the fan base either. If the Cowboys come out and pound the Red Raiders, we’re probably where we thought we were. It just seems weird for Tech to be a punching bag in this league, but it could happen. Find out tonight at 6:30 CT on ESPN.
#11 UCLA at #15 Arizona State
This late Thursday night showcase is one of the games that will go a long way in determining the winner of the Pac-12 South. Arizona State doesn’t have Oregon on their schedule and the if the 3-0 Sun Devils can clear this hurdle and the gauntlet that follows (at #18 USC, home against #16 Stanford), they could be clear to the Pac-12 South championship and a shot at the Ducks for a spot in the playoffs. But let’s not let our imaginations run wild as UCLA is a pretty competent team and will give ASU all they can handle. This game can be seen on Fox Sports 1 at 9:00 CT on Thursday.
Missouri at #13 South Carolina
Missouri took quite the spill at home last weekend losing to sad sack Indiana and the Tigers are rightfully out of the rankings because of it. But not all is lost for Gary Pinkel’s men as they travel to South Carolina in a game that could wildly affect the SEC East. The Gamecocks have already played three conference games, losing one to Texas A&M and winning against Georgia and Vandy. If the Gamecocks win, they are in control of their own destiny in the East as either Mizzou and Georgia will also log one more loss when they play each other in two weeks. Conversely, If Missouri wins, they would themselves be in control of their own destiny. Lots at stake in this one. You can see it at 6:00 CT on ESPN.
Arkansas at #6 Texas A&M
It’s time to figure out if Arkansas is any good. Sure, they pasted Texas Tech, but as stated above, that doesn’t really prove anything. They get a stern test when they play Texas A&M who have dominated everyone in their path, including South Carolina. The early line has A&M favored by 10 points. Seems a little low to me. See what happens at 2:30 CT on CBS.
Cincinnati at #22 Ohio State
Cincinnati is an interesting team. They have only played two games, averaging 44.5 points per game in wins over Toledo and Miami (OH). Again, they stay in Ohio and travel to Columbus to meet the Buckeyes which promises to be a much tougher test. Ohio State is probably ranked on reputation alone as they have only beaten a decent Navy team and a bad Kent State team. A loss to Virginia Tech was sandwiched in the middle. Cincy is a dangerous team and could surprise the Buckeyes in this one, giving the Big 10 yet another black eye. You can watch the drama unfold at 2:30 CT on the Big 10 Network.