It’s a blockbuster weekend of college football action ahead featuring multiple high-stakes games between high-caliber teams. The loaded slate is highlighted by a Big Ten showcase game between No. 2 Ohio State and No. 3 Oregon during the evening window. While that clash of titans is sure to draw much of the attention, there is plenty more action for viewers to enjoy throughout the day.
No. 7 Alabama battles South Carolina in one of the early window’s most intriguing games as the Crimson Tide are looking to rebound from a stunning loss to Vanderbilt. How Alabama — and its fans — respond to the program’s first loss under first-year coach Kalen DeBoer should be fascinating to watch.
The afternoon wave includes the first-ever SEC edition of the Red River Rivalry as No. 1 Texas faces No. 18 Oklahoma in the Cotton Bowl. Simultaneously, CBS will be televising No. 4 Penn State’s league showdown at USC. The Nittany Lions have an opportunity to make a national statement against a Trojans squad that desperately needs a Big Ten win.
In addition to the top-five meeting between the Buckeyes and Ducks, the night slate includes No. 9 Ole Miss traveling to Death Valley to take on No. 13 LSU in a game with significant College Football Playoff ramifications for both teams. Those in need of a nightcap can enjoy No. 18 Kansas State facing Deion Sanders and Colorado in a game with Big 12 title implications.
As Week 7 action arrives, here’s a viewer’s guide to help you navigate through all of Saturday’s games.
All times Eastern
The best games
South Carolina at No. 7 Alabama — noon on ABC, fuboTV (try for free): Both South Carolina and Alabama are coming off disastrous outings in Week 6. The Gamecocks failed to score a touchdown in their 27-3 home loss to Ole Miss, while Alabama suffered a historic upset at Vanderbilt. The Crimson Tide are back at home and should roll, but Shane Beamer’s squad has pulled off wins as an underdog in the past. Can Alabama reassert itself as a national title contender with a dominant showing, or will it find itself in a dogfight that heightens the concerns raised last week?
No. 1 Texas vs. No. 18 Oklahoma — 3:30 p.m. on ABC, fuboTV (try for free): Oklahoma upset Texas in the Red River Rivalry last season, handing the Longhorns their only loss prior to the College Football Playoff. It would be even more shocking if the Sooners pull it off this season as true freshman quarterback Michael Hawkins gets his first taste of one of the sport‘s premier rivalries. The Longhorns are heavy favorites as quarterback Quinn Ewers returns from injury, but this series is prone to wild twists and turns.
No. 4 Penn State at USC — 3:30 p.m. on CBS, CBSSports.com, CBS Sports App (Free), Paramount+ with Showtime Penn State coach James Franklin lamented the difficulties that came with traveling from Los Angeles from central Pennsylvania this week, and for good reason. Big Ten teams traveling two or more time zones away for games are just 1-7 this season. If the Nittany Lions are going to establish themselves as Big Ten title contenders, they’ll need to overcome their jet lag against USC team that is likely still angry from a controversial ending to its 24-17 loss at Minnesota last week.
No. 9 Ole Miss at No. 13 LSU — 7:30 p.m. on ABC, fuboTV (try for free): LSU’s last two weeks have featured a bye and a relatively stress-free win over South Alabama. Thus, the Tigers should be well-rested and bring their best defensively against an Ole Miss squad coming off a pair of physical SEC battles. The game is also inside the hostile confines of Tiger Stadium, which is a notoriously difficult nighttime venue for opponents. If Ole Miss can find a way to escape with a win, the Rebels will feel great heading into their bye week.
No. 2 Ohio State at No. 3 Oregon — 7:30 p.m. on NBC, fuboTV (try for free): Both teams are 5-0 with Big Ten and national title aspirations, but neither has been tested in a significant way. Ohio State has crushed everyone in its path without much problem. Oregon hasn’t been quite so authoritative but still has the makings of a potentially great team. Plus, the Ducks are at home and should have an electric home field advantage. The winner will have a great case to be ranked No. 1 on Sunday.
No. 18 Kansas State at Colorado — 10:15 p.m. on ESPN, fuboTV (try for free): This game pits workmanlike Kansas State coach Chris Klieman against the flashy sizzle of second year Colorado coach Deion Sanders. The Wildcats prefer to run the football, whereas the Buffaloes wants to air it out. It’s a wildly captivating clash of styles, and it also carries significant Big 12 title implications. This one figures to be worth staying up late to watch.
Best of the rest
- No. 10 Clemson at Wake Forest — noon on ESPN, fuboTV (try for free)
- No. 21 Missouri at UMass — noon on ESPN2, fuboTV (try for free)
- UAB at Army — noon on CBS Sports Network, CBSSports.com, CBS Sports App (Free)
- California at No. 22 Pitt — 3:30 p.m. on ESPN2, fuboTV (try for free)
- Purdue at No. 23 Illinios — 3:30 p.m. on FS1, fuboTV (try for free)
- Stanford at No. 11 Notre Dame — 3:30 p.m. on NBC, fuboTV (try for free)
- San Diego State at Wyoming — 3:30 p.m. on CBS Sports Network, CBSSports.com, CBS Sports App (Free)
- Arizona at No. 14 BYU — 4 p.m. on Fox, fuboTV (try for free)
- Mississippi State at No. 5 Georgia — 4:15 p.m. on SEC Network, fuboTV (try for free)
- Florida at No. 8 Tennessee — 7 p.m. on ESPN, fuboTV (try for free)
- Oregon State at Nevada — 7:30 p.m. on CBS Sports Network, CBSSports.com, CBS Sports App (Free)
- No. 11 Iowa State at West Virginia — 8 p.m. on Fox, fuboTV (try for free)
- No. 17 Boise State at Hawaii — 11 p.m. on CBS Sports Network, CBSSports.com, CBS Sports App (Free)
