A truly well-rounded team is a rarity in college football. With so many aspects of the game to master, most teams excel in certain areas and struggle in others. The ways in which two teams' strengths and weaknesses align determine the game's narrative, and the best matchups can produce truly incredible results. This week, I've picked out two ranked matchups that have potential for fireworks on Saturday.
No. 18 Colorado’s Offense (7-2, 5-1 Big 12) vs Utah’s Defense (4-5, 1-5 Big 12)
The Utes, still reeling from perhaps this year’s most controversial defeat, have now lost three quarterbacks and two pass-catchers to season-ending injuries. With its offense in tatters, Utah’s hopes rest on its defense.
Despite also suffering from injuries this year, Utah’s defense has been excellent. The Utes are currently 14th nationally in yards-per-game allowed (307.4), 11th in points allowed per game (17.1), and are tied for eighth in touchdowns allowed (16). They lead the Big 12 in all three categories. However, the Utah defense’s greatest strength is its ability to stop opponents on third downs. Utah’s opposing third-down conversion rate of 23.9% leads the nation by more than 2%. Over its last three outings, the Utes’ defense has been especially effective, allowing conversions on only 18.2% of third downs.
Colorado’s offense, which has relied heavily on big plays this year, faces a tough task this weekend. Colorado’s 42.5% third-down conversion rate is ranked eighth of the Big 12’s 16 teams and might struggle to sustain drives.
Something’s got to give in Boulder on Saturday. Utah has yet to allow more than 27 points this year, while Colorado has only a single game (a 27-10 loss to Nebraska in Week 2) in which the Buffaloes have scored less than 28.
If Colorado’s offense struggles to stay on the field, Utah’s wounded offense may be able to capitalize on good field position and keep the score close. The Buffaloes, who must win out if they want a Big 12 Championship Game or playoff berth, will look to capitalize on big plays as they’ve done all year. This game may be a low-scoring one, but the exciting matchup between the Buffs’ offense and the Utes’ defense should give fans plenty to watch on Saturday.
No. 11 Georgia’s Offense (7-2, 5-2 SEC) vs No. 6 Tennessee’s Defense (8-1, 5-1 SEC)
Through the last six games, no player in college football has more turnovers than Georgia quarterback Carson Beck’s 14. Despite possessing the best last name in college football, Beck has flat-out struggled for the majority of the season. He has as many three-touchdown games as he does three-interception games (3 of each). Two of those three-interception games came in Georgia’s last three outings.
In Beck’s defense, he’s not the only one struggling. Georgia’s receivers lead the nation in dropped passes. Dillon Bell leads the team in with only four receiving touchdowns. The Bulldogs are also dealing with some injuries, most notably at the running back position. Starting running back Trevor Etienne was ruled out for this weekend with a rib injury after playing just six snaps a week ago. Branson Robinson, who’s missed the last three games with a knee injury, is also ruled out. Cash Jones, who has only 15 rushing yards but is fifth on the team with 154 receiving yards, is questionable after being seen in a walking boot last Saturday.
This weakened Bulldogs offense will be in desperation mode this weekend, as they likely need to win out to secure a playoff berth. Pressure can do funny, often negative things to an offense, and it remains to be seen if Beck will be able to stop turning the ball over. Unfortunately for Beck, Tennessee’s defense is about the worst unit for a struggling offense to face right now.
The Volunteers’ defense ranks fifth nationally in both points (12.6) and yards (272.1) per game. Only Texas, who ranks fourth and second respectively, has been playing better defense in the SEC this year. The Volunteers have yet to allow more than 18 points in a game, and if Georgia’s offense doesn’t figure something out fast, Tennessee could make Beck’s night a very long one.
The Bulldogs have one of the nation’s best home-field advantages, but they’ll be playing under a microscope given their dire playoff situation. Meanwhile, Tennessee currently sits atop the SEC. The Vols have concerns of their own regarding the injury status of starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava, but they possess a defense that can make this game winnable regardless.
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