The South Carolina Gamecocks are currently on a much-deserved bye following last week's huge upset win over the Florida Gators.
While us Gamecock fans are likely already looking forward to next week’s huge game against No. 14 Tennessee at home, there are plenty of college football games across the country that are worth tuning into. Let’s take a look at the best games to watch during South Carolina’s bye week in Week 7.
Tennessee vs. South Carolina: Early point spread suggests it'll be a close matchup
Best college football games to watch in Week 7
No. 4 Ohio State at No. 5 Indiana: Noon ET on Fox
A rematch of last year's Big Ten title game that resulted in a 13-10 Hoosier victory, Curt Cignetti is looking to get two straight over the Buckeyes. Indiana hasn't really been tested yet this season, and it'll be interesting to see how the Hoosier defense does against a brilliant Jeremiah Smith and the Buckeye offense.
If Indiana gets a win over Ohio State in Bloomington, it'll mark the first time since 1988, which was also the last time the Hoosiers got consecutive victories against the Buckeyes.
The best part? We could see these two meet again in the Big Ten title game in a couple of months.
Florida at No. 7 Texas: Noon ET on ABC
South Carolina handed the Gators their second straight loss of the season, and Jon Sumrall has a tough task going on the road to face Texas. Florida is banged up in this one too, as starting quarterback Aaron Philo is out, his backup Trammel Jones Jr. will start in his place. Receivers Bailey Stockton and Vernell Brown III are also expected to be game-time decisions.
For Arch Manning and Texas, taking care of the football will be key. His two interceptions against Oklahoma last week, including a pick-six cost Texas the game. Manning threw two interceptions last season against Florida. The Gators upset the Longhorns last year 29-21 in the Swamp that cost Texas a shot at the College Football Playoff, but the Longhorns are favored at home.
We'll see if Florida can play more like it did against Ole Miss earlier this season.
No. 16 Mississippi State at No. 22 LSU: Noon ET on ESPN
Unfortunately Mississippi State star quarterback Kamario Taylor and running back Fluff Bothwell are both out for this one. But LSU is reeling, coming off of a stunning overtime loss to Kentucky last week.
The good news is the Tigers play well in Baton Rouge, but Sam Leavitt has struggled to throw the ball effectively all season. If Jeff Lebby's defense can give LSU problems, the pressure will start to mount once again for head coach Lane Kiffin.
No. 6 Alabama at No. 14 Tennessee: 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC
Gamecock fans, here's a great way to get some advanced scouting done ahead of South Carolina's game against Tennessee. Alabama is favored in this one, but the Vols have played well at home so far this season.
Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel will go with George MacIntyre for a second straight week, and he has to go up against an Alabama defense looking to improve from last week's loss to Georgia. Tide quarterback Keelon Russell has been playing lights out all year, so this one has the potential to be a shootout. Rivalry games are always fun, and this one should be on Saturday.
No. 13 Missouri at No. 9 Ole Miss: 3:30 p.m. ET on SEC Network
Missouri has been playing lights out in the last two weeks, with dominant wins over Florida and Texas A&M. Tiger quarterback Austin Simmons has also been playing well, he's thrown for 1,434 yards with 14 touchdowns and an interception so far this year.
The Tiger defense has given up an average of 11.5 points per game in the last two weeks, but will have a tall task matching up against Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss. If running back Kewan Lacy can play well, the Rebel offense is one of the best in the country.
Florida State at No. 3 Miami: 7 p.m. ET on ESPN
This is a historic rivalry with a long and storied history. But Florida State's recent struggles causes this one to lose its shine this season. Mike Norvell's Noles lost big to Louisville on the road last week, and he'll be looking for his team to be competitive in the rivalry game.
Unfortunately for FSU's defense, it has to go up against the red-hot Miami Hurricanes offense, led by quarterback Darian Mensah. He's been playing lights out all season, throwing for 1,438 yards and 15 touchdowns, and his 84.2% completion rating leads the FBS. With weapons like Malachi Toney and Mark Fletcher around him, this Miami offense can score early and often. We'll see if FSU can keep this one close.
No. 2 Notre Dame at No. 8 BYU: 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC
It's the first time Notre Dame has played in Provo, Utah since 2004, which saw a 20-17 BYU victory. The Cougars have been playing great with quarterback Bear Bachmeier under center, but he has a tough task going up against a stacked Notre Dame defense.
The Irish have only allowed 11 points all season, good for fourth in the country. If the Cougars can get an upset win over the Irish, BYU will become a surprise CFP favorite. A big win for Notre Dame on the road will also boost the Irish's CFP resume.
ALSO READ: Midseason grades for South Carolina football as Gamecocks enter a bye
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