Spread Offense 10/27/17: College Football Week 9 Preview

By Pat Luhta, @PLuhta


WEEK 9 TOP TEN

10. Wisconsin (last week: 10)
9. Oklahoma (last week: 8)
8. Notre Dame (last week: 9)
7. Clemson (last week: 7)
6. Miami (last week: 6)
5. Ohio State (last week: 5)
4. TCU (last week: 4)
3. Georgia (last week: 3)
2. Penn State (last week: 2)
1. Alabama (last week: 1)

After a week in which we saw 7 teams in the top 25 lose to unranked teams, including 4 teams in the top 10, this past Saturday went chalk. The only movement in my top 25 is a flip flop of Notre Dame and Oklahoma after the Fighting Irish put on a dominating performance against USC while Oklahoma needed a last minute touchdown to beat Kansas State.

The rest did what they were supposed to do and took care of business. Penn State extracted revenge on Michigan after their 49-10 loss to the Wolverines last season to the tune of 42-13. Alabama remained dominant while once again letting Tennessee know just how far away they are to becoming competitive rivals again. TCU did what every team does to Kansas and Miami held off Syracuse, who was looking for their 2nd straight big upset.


HEISMAN WATCH

5. Josh Adams, RB, Notre Dame
4. Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin
3. Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
2. Bryce Love, RB, Stanford
1. Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State

Much like my top 10 ballot, there's not much change to this list. The only thing different from last week is that reigning Heisman winner Lamar Jackson has fallen out of the top 5 and has been replaced by RB Josh Adams. The Notre Dame RB ran all over USC last Saturday, gaining 191 yards on the ground with 3 TD's. On the season, Adams has 967 yards on only 105 carries(9.2 YPC) with 8 touchdowns.

1-4 holds steady, as Saquon Barkley furthered himself as the clear cut favorite after an 108 yard, 2 touchdown game against Michigan.


WEEK 9 PREVIEW


#11 Oklahoma State at #22 West Virginia - 12:00 PM

2 of the nation's best passing attacks will be on display in this game, as both Oklahoma State and West Virginia love to air it out. OKSU's QB Mason Rudolph has thrown for 2,650 yards and 19 touchdowns in their 7 games this season and he will look to have a lot of success against a WVU defense that gives up 460 total yards a game. But while West Virginia gives up more total yards per game, Oklahoma State gives up more passing yards per game as the Cowboys give up just under 400 yards through the air. That's where the Mountaineers offense could find their big advantage, QB Will Grier has over 2,400 yards passing this season with 24 touchdowns. This game may come down to whoever has the ball last, but expect a lot of passing and a lot of scoring in this game.

PREDICTION: Oklahoma State 44-34


#3 Georgia vs Florida - 3:30 PM

The world's largest outdoor cocktail party takes place annually in Jacksonville, FL. For Florida, they are hoping the "throw out the records in a rivalry game" cliché hold true here, because on paper this seems like a big mismatch. Florida is still struggling on offense, the Gators have only scored 17 points in each of their last 2 games, both resulting in a close loss. Georgia on the other hand, has been putting up 40+ points consistently this season and are a bit more rested as they had a bye last weekend. The Bulldogs know that scoring 20 points or more will result in a win, unless Florida can find an offense, so look for Georgia to stay aggressive to get the lead and protect the lead by not turning the ball over once they have it as they may be the only way that the Gators have a chance to pull this one off.

PREDICTION: Georgia 31-13


#14 North Carolina State at #9 Notre Dame - 3:30 PM

Two of the hottest teams in the country right here, with Notre Dame currently on a 5 game win streak and North Carolina State winning their last 6. Notre Dame's bread and butter has been the run game, RB Josh Adams is putting himself in Heisman discussion and QB Brandon Wimbush adds some running ability on option plays. North Carolina State has a bit more balanced of an offense, QB Ryan Finley rarely turns the ball over and RB Nyheim Hines has rushed for over 100 yards in each of the last 3 games. The determining factor in this game could come down to the trenches, where a couple of potential top 10 NFL picks will be facing off. Notre Dame OT Matt McGlichey may be the best offensive lineman in the country, as many project him to be the first OL selected in the draft. NC State's DE Bradley Chubb will be a tough task though as he too is a top NFL prospect and can disrupt both the run and pass game. North Carolina State will need a balanced offense with no turnovers and for Bradley Chubb to be a difference maker in order to win here while Notre Dame needs to continue to run the football effectively in order to win.

PREDICTION: Notre Dame 31-20


#2 Penn State at #6 Ohio State - 3:30 PM

This will be the game of the week right here as a battle for Big Ten East division along with a playoff spot hangs in the balance. The Ohio State Buckeyes have seemed to turn it around after their lopsided loss to Oklahoma in week 2, putting up 50+ points in 4 of the last 5 games. There is still skepticism out there though as they have not played a ranked team so their offensive output may be due to competition, this will be the big test to see if the offense is for real or just fool's gold. Penn State goes as RB Saquon Barkley goes, as the Heisman frontrunner commands full attention from the opposition and even then, he's usually not contained. QB Trace McSorley can beat the defense with his legs as well as he is a real good decision maker when it comes to the option run. He can also pull back make plays with his arm, with TE Mike Gesicki and WR DaeSean Hamilton being his main targets. Ohio State's defensive front 7 will be a huge factor here, they will need to keep containment on Barkley and McSorley while making sure they do not give up the big play. Two evenly matched teams with a ton at stake here, doesn't get much bigger than this for a regular season game.

PREDICTION: Ohio State 26-24

Spread Offense 10/5/17: College Football Week 6 Preview

By Pat Luhta, @PLuhta

Per usual, let's start off with my current top 10 ballot and a little week 5 recap.

WEEK 6 TOP TEN

10.Washington State (last week: NR)
9. Ohio State (last week: 10)
8. TCU (last week: 9)
7. Michigan (last week: 8)
6. Washington (last week: 7)
5. Oklahoma (last week: 4)
4. Georgia (last week: 5)
3. Penn State (last week: 3)
2. Alabama (last week: 2)
1. Clemson (last week: 1)

The big "upset" over the week was Washington State defeating USC. The Trojans have been flirting with disaster all year basically and their issues with turning the ball over finally caught up to them. Of course, this was the week that I thought they would put it all together and really show how talented they are, but they continued their sloppy play and they did so against a team that was talented enough to take advantage of their mishaps. Hats off to Washington State for capitalizing on the moment and making a big statement, they jump into my top 10 now after that win.

Aside from that, the only real movement other than USC exiting the top 10 and those behind them moving up a spot was a flip flop of Oklahoma and Georgia. Georgia put it on Tennessee 41-0 and if you watch them, you can tell how good their skill position players are along with how tough that defense is and right now I can't leave them out of the top 4. Nothing against Oklahoma and we still have a lot of games left to be played, but Georgia has been impressive with knocking teams around so far and if season ended today then I can't leave them out of the playoffs.

Clemson once again shows that they are the #1 team in the country, a solid beat down of Virginia Tech at Lane Stadium further proves that this team is as good, if not better, than they were last season.


HEISMAN WATCH

5. Bryce Love, RB, Stanford
4. Luke Falk, QB, Washington State
3. Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
2. Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
1. Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State

Saquon Barkley takes over the #1 spot as he once again took over the game for Penn State. The Iowa game last week seemed to be a turning point, where PSU is getting away from anything other than making sure Barkley touches the ball as often as possible and he started the game on Saturday against Indiana with a 98 yard punt return. His 56 yards rushing is a bit deceiving, he also had 51 yards receiving on 4 catches and the already mentioned 98 yard punt return, Penn State is finding ways to get him as many touches as possible and he is the reason why Penn State is currently undefeated and a playoff team.

Sam Darnold is officially out of the top 5 after yet another rough outing. USC had all the capability in the world to defeat Washington State but Darnold's poor QB play, topped off with a fumble to end the game, lost them the game. Replacing him is Stanford RB Bryce Love, who has been tearing it up this season and just had himself a 301 yard 3 TD game against Arizona State last Saturday. On the season, he's already over 1,000 yards rushing and the worst game he's had has been a 160 rushing yard performance.








WEEK 6 PREVIEW



#17 Louisville at #24 NC State - Thursday 8:00 PM

NC State started the season with some hype as the "sleeper" pick in the ACC, and that hype train was quickly derailed in week 1 after a 35-28 loss to South Carolina. Since then though, the Wolfpack have regrouped nicely and have won their last 4 games. With some hype around them coming back, it is now their chance to validate themselves as they welcome a tested and proven Louisville team. They'll need QB Ryan Finley to continue his mistake free play, having yet to throw an interception on the season, and will need to find a way to slow down Louisville's QB, Lamar Jackson. Jackson is the defending Heisman trophy winner and absolutely scorched the Wolfpack last season, putting up 4 first half touchdowns en route to a 54-13 win. NC State must find an answer for him, they'll need to slow him down big time and also be able to put up points on offense in order to pull the upset off.

PREDICTION: Louisville 48-24


#13 Miami at Florida State - 3:30 PM

This may not seem like a big game, but rivalry games are so tricky to predict that this may end up being a lot better than some people may think. Florida State has won the last 7 games against rival Miami, but that streak is very much in doubt. The Seminoles have been struggling ever since QB Deandre Francois went down with a season ending injury, losing to NC State then escaping with a win against Wake Forest. Miami comes in with a 3-0 record, as it seems Head Coach Mark Richt has this team thinking of a possible ACC Championship this season. Miami hopes to have starting RB Mark Walton healthy and available for this game, and this could really help out FSU if he is either unable to play or plays but is hampered by his ankle injury. The Hurricanes definitely have playmakers elsewhere though with the passing game of QB Malik Rosier and they are also getting back WR Ahmond Richard for this game as well. Florida State will need star safety Derwin James to be everywhere out there and on offense, the Seminoles have to get the running game going. Last year's contest came down to a blocked extra point, expect anything when these rivals meet up.

PREDICTION: Miami 23-20


#23 West Virginia at #8 TCU - 3:30 PM

The lone Saturday game of the week that features 2 ranked teams here, TCU looks to remain perfect as they host the West Virginia Mountaineers. TCU is coming off a huge win at Oklahoma State two weeks ago and after a bye week last weekend, looks to continue their momentum here. This game will be about the offenses, West Virginia has the 2nd ranked offense in the entire country and QB Will Grier and RB Justin Crawford look to balance it out and do what Oklahoma State was unable to, put up the necessary points against the Big 12's 2nd best defense. TCU will also rely on their QB-RB combo, with QB Kenny Hill and RB Darius Anderson leading the way for the Horned Frogs offense. If they play like they did against Oklahoma State then this will be extremely tough for West Virginia to pull off the upset. This game should have plenty of offense and do not be surprised if we see another road upset in the Big 12 here.

PREDICTION: West Virginia 44-37


Michigan State at #7 Michigan - 7:30 PM

Much like the Miami-Florida State game, this is also a rivalry which on paper seems to be a lopsided game. Michigan State is 3-1 this season, totaling their wins from a horrific 2016 season. QB Brian Lewerke seems to have a lot of upside and they'll need him to come up big against a tough Michigan defense in order to bring the Paul Bunyon Trophy back to East Lansing. The biggest issue for MSU this season has been their running game, Lewerke is also the leading rusher on the team even though he only has 248 yards total in 4 games and RB LJ Scott is averaging under 4 yards a carry. It won't get any easier to establish a run game for MSU, as they'll face a Michigan defense that's only allowing 69.3 yards a game(and that includes a rush heavy triple option Air Force team.) Michigan will be without QB Wilton Speight as John O'Korn will get the start, and he'll basically be asked to just manage the game and make some plays when available while the run game and defense will be tasked to win the game. For the first time ever, this rivalry will be played under the lights, and is the primetime game of the week.

PREDICTION: Michigan 27-13

TV Tonight 12.28

By Raven Williams, @nevaRWilliams

NBA
Clippers @ Pelicans (NBA TV, 8pm)
Raptors @ Warriors (NBA TV, 10:30pm)

NHL
Flyers @ Blues (NBC Sports, 8pm)

COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Russell Athletic Bowl: West Virginia vs Miami (ESPN, 5:30pm)
Foster Farms Bowl: Indiana vs. Utah (FOX, 8:30pm)
Advocare V100 Texas Bowl: Texas A&M vs. Kansas State (ESPN, 9pm)

COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Wake Forest @ Florida State (ESPN 2, 5pm)
Nebraska @ Indians (Big Ten, 6:30pm)
DePaul @ Villanova (FOX Sports 1, 6:30pm)
Virginia @ Louisville (ESPN 2, 7pm)
Monmouth @ North Carolina (ESPNU, 7pm)
Georgetown @ Marquette (FOX Sports 1, 8:30pm)
UCLA @ Oregon (ESPN 2, 9pm)
Cincinnati @ Temple (ESPNU, 9pm)

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Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (NBC, 8pm)
The Goldbergs (ABC, 8pm)
Undercover Boss (CBS, 8pm)
Lucha Underground (El Rey, 8pm)
Speechless (ABC, 8:30pm)

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (NBC, 9pm)
Modern Family (ABC, 9pm)
MacGyver (CBS, 9pm)
Vikings (History, 9pm)
Total Divas (E!, 9pm)
Blackish (ABC, 9:30pm)

Chicago P.D. (NBC, 10pm)
Match Game (ABC, 10pm)
Criminal Minds (CBS, 10pm)

TV Weekend 11.18 - 11.19

By Raven Williams, @nevaRWilliams

Caught On Camera With Nick Cannon (FRI, NBC, 8pm)
Last Man Standing (FRI, ABC, 8pm)
MacGyver (FRI, CBS, 8pm)
Hell's Kitchen (FRI, FOX, 8pm)
The Vampire Diaries (FRI, The CW, 8pm)
New Japan Pro Wrestling (FRI, AXS TV, 8pm)
Dr. Ken (FRI, ABC, 8:30pm)

Dateline NBC (FRI, NBC, 9pm)
Shark Tank (FRI, ABC, 9pm)
Hawaii Five-0 (FRI, CBS, 9pm)
The Exorcist (FRI, FOX, 9pm)
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (FRI, The CW, 9pm)
Z Nation (FRI, Syfy, 9pm)

Blue Bloods (FRI, CBS, 10pm)
Van Helsing (FRI, Syfy, 10pm)
ELeague (FRI, TBS, 10pm)

--

Saturday Night Live Classic (SAT, NBC, 10pm)
Saturday Night Live: Kristin Wiig, The XX (SAT, NBC, 11:30pm)

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COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Memphis @ Cincinnati (FRI, CBS SportsNet, 8pm)
UNLV @ Boise State (FRI, ESPN 2, 9pm)

Ohio State @ Michigan State (SAT, ESPN, 12pm)
Wisconsin @ Purdue (SAT, ABC, 12pm)
Kansas State @ Baylor (SAT, ESPN 2, 12pm)
Maryland @ Nebraska (SAT, ESPNews, 12pm)
Texas San Antonio @ Texas A&M (SAT, ESPNU, 12pm)
Oklahoma State @ TCU (SAT, FOX Sports 1, 12pm)
Iowa @ Illinois (SAT, Big Ten, 12pm)
Florida @ LSU (SAT, SEC, 1pm)

Florida State @ Syracuse (SAT, ABC, 3:30pm)
Indiana @ Michigan (SAT, ESPN, 3:30pm)
Texas @ Kansas (SAT, ESPN 2, 3:30pm)
Virginia Tech @ Notre Dame (SAT, NBC, 3:30pm)
Missouri @ Tennessee (SAT, CBS, 3:30pm)
Texas Tech @ Iowa State (SAT, FOX Sports 1, 3:30pm)
Northwestern @ Minnesota (SAT, Big Ten, 3:30pm)
Buffalo @ Western Michigan (SAT, ESPNU, 3:30pm)

Clemson @ Wake Forest (SAT, ESPN, 7pm)
Chattanooga @ Alabama (SAT, ESPN 2, 7pm)
Arkansas @ Mississippi State (SAT, ESPNU, 7pm)
South Florida @ SMU (SAT, CBS SportsNet, 7pm)
Alabama A&M @ Auburn (SAT, SEC, 7:30pm)
Arizona State @ Washington (SAT, FOX, 7:30pm)

Oklahoma @ West Virginia (SAT, ABC, 8pm)
Penn State @ Rutgers (SAT, Big Ten, 8pm)
Tulsa @ UCF (SAT, ESPNews, 8pm)
New Mexico @ Colorado State (SAT, ESPN 2, 10:15pm)
USC @ UCLA (SAT, ESPN, 10:30pm)

NFL
Top 10: Mic'd Up Guys (FRI, NFL Network, 8pm)
A Football Life: Steve Smith Sr. (FRI, NFL Network, 9pm)

NBA
Pistons @ Cavaliers (FRI, FOX Sports Ohio, 7:30pm)
Warriors @ Celtics (FRI, ESPN, 8pm)
Clippers @ Kings (FRI, ESPN, 10:30pm)

Timberwolves @ Grizzlies (SAT, NBA TV, 8pm)
Bulls @ Clippers (SAT, NBA TV, 10:30pm)

COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Michigan vs. SMU (FRI, ESPN 2, 7pm)
Northern Iowa vs. Oklahoma (FRI, ESPNU, 7pm)
Central Florida vs. Charleston (FRI, ESPNU, 9:30pm)

NHL
Rangers @ Blue Jackets (FRI, FOX Sports Cincinnati, 7pm)

Maple Leafs @ Canadiens (SAT, NHL, 7pm)

NASCAR & RACING
Camping World Truck Series: Ford EcoBoost 200 (FRI, FOX Sports 1, 8pm)

MMA & BOXING
UFC Fight Night: Bader vs. Nogueira 2 - Prelims (SAT, FOX Sports 1, 7pm)
UFC Fight Night: Ryan Bader vs. Rogerio Nogueira 2 (SAT, FOX Sports 1, 9pm)
Bellator MMA Live (SAT, Spike, 9pm)

SOCCER
English Premier League: Tottenham Hotspur FC vs. West Ham United FC (SAT, NBC, 12:30pm)
Bundesliga: Borussia Dortmund vs. FC Bayern Munich (SAT, FOX, 12:30pm)

Spread Offense, Week 9: The Cure for Complacency

By Pat Luhta, @PLuhta

The past few weeks in college football have felt like treading water. Only a few games of note each week, no real shake ups in the top 10, just sort of staying afloat in one spot. When a pattern like this keeps up then it's easy to get complacent and start to not enjoy or really get interested in the games each week.

College football fans should have no worries about that going forward though, as week 9 snaps everyone out of that funk. Big games and some rivalries are slated for this weekend which fill each time slot, guaranteeing that a big game will be going on at all times. Week 9 takes us down that last turn as we go into the home stretch of the regular season, this week is definitely something that will keep fans glued to their TV's.

SATURDAY OCT. 29TH

People are starting to take notice of #10 West Virginia, with good reason. The Mountaineers are undefeated, putting up 15 points per game more than they are giving up and have now entered the playoff discussion. Dana Halgorsen has his squad playing well, and this weekend will be another test for them as the Oklahoma State Cowboys welcome WVU to Boone Pickens Stadium for a noon kickoff. While Oklahoma State is looking to get back into the Big 12 hunt along with regaining their top 25 status, they are currently 5-2 but one of those losses was on a controversial last play against Central Michigan. OKSU will need QB Mason Rudolph to play a very good game, the Cowboys' offense is a pass heavy spread so he will have to perform in order to get this upset win. West Virginia, however, has one of the better defenses and will look to put pressure on Rudolph all game. In  last week's game against Kansas, Rudolph was sacked 5 times and WVU will look to blueprint that game plan in order to get to him multiple times. The Mountaineers have done a great job of shutting down teams that are known for their high powered offense, giving up only 17 points to Texas Tech and 10 points to TCU, so being able to hold Oklahoma State to well under their season average of 41 points a game could end up being the deciding factor.

Also at noon, we have an in-state rivalry up in Michigan. In week 3 of this season, Michigan State beat Notre Dame handily and it was then that everyone circled October 29th as an undefeated showdown with the Michigan Wolverines. Then a streak of 5 straight losses happened and instead of welcoming their rival to East Lansing at 7-0, they do so with a 2-5 record. Michigan held up their end of the deal, the #2 team in the country is undefeated and will look to end a 5 game losing streak to their rival and knowing their Head Coach, they aren't going to take it easy on the Spartans even if they put the game away early. Michigan State will have to hope for the "throw the records out in rivalry games" cliché, win the turnover battle and somehow move the ball on offense. Michigan needs to go out there and put an end to this one early, MSU has nothing to lose so the Wolverines have to bury them quickly and keep them down.

At 3:30, we have the "World's largest outdoor cocktail party", and yes I will always refer to this game as such regardless of the push to change it's name. #14 Florida and Georgia meet in Jacksonville for this annual rivalry game, with the Gators looking to remain atop the SEC East standings. For Georgia, this could notch their first big win under 1st year head coach Kirby Smart, and they really need this one after losing 3 of their last 4 games. The Gators have a healthy Luke Del Rio at QB now, which gives the offense the potential to put up a lot of points. Stagnant while he was out with injury, the offense broke out big time last week by putting up 40 points against Missouri. For Georgia, they are in a transition year now with freshman QB Jacob Eason, hoping to get him the necessary experience to prepare him for the next 2 seasons when they feel they can make a run at the SEC title. Florida's offense should make them the favorite to win this one, but a win for Georgia would be a big statement going forward.

And the game most will be watching at 3:30 is a Pac-12 showdown, as #4 Washington plays at #17 Utah. The Huskies seem to be a year ahead of schedule, with QB Jake Browning having as Heisman contending season. Washington is currently a playoff team and a win would solidify their ranking even more since some believe that a 1 loss Louisville is currently more deserving of that 4th playoff spot. The Utes are a hiccup against Cal away from also being undefeated and this game is personal for QB Troy Williams. Williams was at Washington to start his collegiate career but transferred after the 2014 season. He is looking to prove what he can do out there, but it will not be easy against one of the best defenses in the country.

Utah, however, has been a chameleon when it comes to winning games, winning close games(31-27 against USC), defensive games(19-14 against Oregon State) and offensive shootouts(52-45 against UCLA.) If there's a team that can figure out a way to beat Washington regardless of the type of game it is, Utah is that team. They are equipped to play close games going into the 4th quarter while Washington hasn't been challenged this year, winning every game by at least 24 points. That, along with the Utah home crowd, could be a big factor if it is a close game in the 2nd half.

At 7pm, the Big Ten West takes the stage with the #7 Nebraska Cornhuskers facing the #11 Wisconsin Badgers. The undefeated Cornhuskers can all but ensure a trip to Indianapolis with a win here to play in the Big Ten title game, while the Badgers need this win to keep their Big Ten title hopes alive. Nebraska should have star WR Jordan Westerkamp back for this game, which will be a huge plus for them as they go up against one of the stingiest defenses in the country. The Badgers have given up the fewest TD's in the country, having played against 4 teams that were ranked in the top 10 at the time of their games makes it even more impressive. Wisconsin defense does so well because they control the trenches, so Nebraska will need some very good offensive line play and will turn to dual threat QB Tommy Armstrong to play mistake free ball. Nebraska looks to remain unbeaten while Wisconsin's backs are against the wall, a ton is at stake in this game.

Then the 8pm primetime slot is an ACC battle amongst teams that have recently dominated the ACC Atlantic division. The #3 Clemson Tigers go on the road to Tallahassee to face the #12 Florida State Seminoles. Florida State has battled back well after a blowout loss against Louisville and a heartbreaking loss to North Carolina earlier in the season. They look to get back into the top 10 and remain alive for a ACC title game berth here as a loss all but eliminates them from contention. Giving up the big play has haunted the Seminoles all season and they now face a Clemson offense that is capable of putting up big numbers. Last we saw of Clemson though, they escaped with an OT win at home against North Carolina State. They have been Jekyll and Hyde all season on offense, they looked every bit as good in their win over Louisville as they did bad in their win against NCSU. Heisman candidate Deshaun Watson can get the offense rolling again here though and a win against Florida State really puts them in the driver's seat for the ACC Atlantic title.

 Louisville will also be watching this game intently as a Florida State win not only puts the Seminoles back in the division hunt, but the Cardinals get that much needed Clemson loss since the Tigers own the head to head tiebreaker. Doak Campbell stadium will be alive and rocking Saturday night when these two ACC heavyweights do battle, the ACC Atlantic picture will become very clear with a Clemson win and very murky with a Florida State win.

TV Weekend 9.19.14 - 9.20.14

By @neveRWilliams

COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Connecticut @ South Florida (Friday, ESPN, 8 PM)

Georgia Tech @ Virginia Tech (Saturday, ESPN, 12 PM)
Western Illinois @ Northwestern (Saturday, ESPNews, 12 PM)
Iowa @ Pittsburgh (Saturday, ESPNU, 12 PM)
Bowling Green @ Wisconsin (Saturday, ESPN 2, 12 PM)
Eastern Michigan @ Michigan State (Saturday, Big Ten, 12 PM)
Troy @ Georgia (Saturday, SEC, 12 PM)

Florida @ Alabama (Saturday, CBS, 3:30 PM)
Utah @ Michigan (Saturday, ABC, 3:30 PM)
Virginia @ BYU (Saturday, ESPN, 3:30 PM)
Texas A&M @ SMU (Saturday, ESPN 2, 3:30 PM)
North Carolina @ East Carolina (ESPNU, 3:30 PM)
Louisville @ Florida International (Saturday, FOX Sports 1, 3:30 PM)
Rutgers @ Navy (Saturday, CBS SportsNet, 3:30 PM)
Texas State @ Illinois (Saturday, ESPNews, 4 PM)
Massachusetts @ Penn State (Saturday, Big Ten, 4 PM)
Indiana @ Missouri (Saturday, SEC, 4 PM)

Mississippi State @ LSU (Saturday, ESPN, 7 PM)
Northern Illinois @ Arkansas (Saturday, ESPNU, 7 PM)
Miami (Ohio) @ Cincinnati (Saturday, CBS SportsNet, 7 PM)
Oklahoma @ West Virginia (Saturday, FOX, 7:30 PM)
Clemson @ Florida State (Saturday, ABC, 8 PM)
Miami @ Nebraska (Saturday, ESPN 2, 8 PM)
Oregon @ Washington State (Saturday, ESPN, 10:30 PM)
San Diego State @ Oregon State (Saturday, FOX Sports 1, 10:30 PM)
Louisiana-Lafayette @ Boise State (Saturday, CBS SportsNet, 10:30 PM)

MLB
Indians @ Twins (Friday, STO, 8 PM)
Tigers @ Royals (Friday, ESPN 2, 8 PM)
Giants @ Padres OR Rangers @ Angels (Friday, MLB Network, 10 PM)

Tigers @ Royals (Saturday, FOX, 1 PM)
Phillies @ Athletics OR Blue Jays @ Yankees (Saturday, MLB Network, 4 PM)
Indians @ Twins (Saturday, STO, 7 PM)
Reds @ Cardinals (Saturday, FOX Sports 1, 7 PM)
Rangers @ Angels OR Giants @ Padres (Saturday, MLB Network, 10 PM)

NFL
A Football Life: Brandon Marshall (Friday, NFL Network, 9 PM)

MMA
Bellator MMA Live (Friday, Spike, 9 PM)

SOCCER
MLS: Colorado Rapids @ Real Salt Lake (Friday, NBC Sports, 10 PM)
MLS: Vancouver Whitecaps FC @ Portland Timbers (Saturday, NBC Sports, 5 PM)
MLS: Seattle Sounders FC @ New York Red Bulls (Saturday, NBC Sports, 7:30 PM)

NASCAR
Nationwide Series, VisitMyrtleBeach.com 300 (Saturday, ESPNews, 7:30 PM)

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Girl Meets World (Friday, Disney, 8:30 PM)
WWE Friday Night Smackdown (Friday, SyFy, 8 PM)
Big Brother (Friday, CBS, 8 PM)
Utopia (Friday, FOX, 9 PM)
The Knick (Friday, Cinemax, 10 PM)
Z Nation (Friday, SyFy, 10 PM)

Doctor Who (Saturday, BBC America, 8 PM)
On The Run Tour: Beyonce and Jay Z (Saturday, HBO, 9 PM)
Hell On Wheels (Saturday, AMC, 9 PM)
Outlander (Saturday, STARZ, 9 PM)
Intruders (Saturday, BBC America, 10 PM)