College Sports Thrills and Upsets Highlight Conference Realignment Season

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
11/10/2024 19h17

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College sports have seen significant changes due to conference realignment, disrupting long-standing traditions and rivalries. However, new and exciting matchups have emerged, creating fresh opportunities for teams and fans alike. Notable fixtures include Texas' debut at the Big House, Tennessee’s journey to Oklahoma, and the long-awaited clash between Michigan and USC outside the Rose Bowl after 65 years.

Next week promises a showdown between No. 1 Texas and No. 5 Georgia for SEC dominance. This week, No. 2 Ohio State will compete against No. 3 Oregon for control of the Big Ten. Ohio State has lived up to their reputation, boasting the nation's largest average scoring margin at 39.2 points, alongside the second-highest scoring offense and top-ranked defense. In contrast, Oregon's performance has been uneven, with near-upsets by Boise State and Idaho. Oregon's sixth-year quarterback Dillon Gabriel has struggled with decision-making, contributing to their 90th-ranked red-zone offense, while their defense, which was heavily challenged by Boise State, has allowed almost 40 points per game against top contenders.

Ohio State has maintained a strong record under coach Ryan Day since 2019, with only one loss prior to the regular season finale — to Oregon in 2021. With a betting line favoring Ohio State by 3.5 points, the Buckeyes are expected to secure a victory against an Oregon team that seems misaligned with Big Ten standards.

Elsewhere in college football, Cam Rising’s potential return remains uncertain, while the Scarlet Knights hope to rectify previous key errors in their game against Wisconsin's mediocre run defense. Alabama's defense has notably regressed, allowing 67 points in their past 51 minutes of play. In another matchup, Clemson aims for a decisive win over Wake Forest, whose defense ranks a lowly 126th.

Iowa is set to face another challenging game against a top-10 defense, while Washington’s quarterback Will Rogers is anticipated to excel against a defense allowing a high completion percentage. Despite Quinn Ewers' return, a close rivalry game is expected, given the history of narrow margins over the past decade.

Penn State's James Franklin faces skepticism as the Nittany Lions have frequently faltered before November when undefeated. The team’s first major test this season comes during a long road trip. Notre Dame looks to extend their winning streak against Stanford, leveraging the Cardinal's poor performance in yards per play.

Arizona, under quarterback Noah Fifita, brings a formidable passing offense against a vulnerable defense. Meanwhile, Georgia's coach Kirby Smart called out his fans for lacking energy, adding pressure as they prepare to face Texas. Tennessee, rebounding from a loss, is set to dominate Florida’s defenses.

Ole Miss has struggled with road wins in the SEC, and their defense faces a strong aerial challenge from LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier. The Cyclones’ defense looks to earn respect in their upcoming game, while the Wildcats plan to neutralize Heisman candidate Travis Hunter by exploiting Colorado’s weak rush defense.

The week's best bets signal confidence in Ohio State, Washington, and Mississippi State, as college football fans gear up for another thrilling round of games.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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