FOX Sports South's college football writers and guests offer a weekly preview of the upcoming slate. This week, Zach Dillard, Cory McCartney and Jay Clemons look at a must-have ACC matchup, a renewed rivalry in Jacksonville and more.
No. 7 Miami at No. 3 Florida State: In a game that could decide the ACC's top national title contender, a stumbling but undefeated Miami team heads to Tallahassee to face a budding offensive powerhouse operated by redshirt freshman QB Jameis Winston. Can the Hurricanes overcome their recent struggles to UNC and Wake Forest in time to give FSU a fair shake? (Safe to say, the conference as a whole will — or should — be putting all of its eggs into the Jimbo Basket.)
Georgia vs. Florida: Can Will Muschamp, who went 0-4 as a player and is now 0-2 as a coach in this rivalry, finally get over the hump with a injury-riddled roster? Georgia isn't in much better position on the depth chart, but Aaron Murray and the Bulldogs do get one big piece back (Todd Gurley). This one could hold enormous implications if the SEC East stays on its topsy-turvy course.
No. 15 Texas Tech at No. 18 Oklahoma State: Can the Red Raiders — and their coach who is now 30-4 as a headman or play-caller — get back to their winning ways following a loss to Oklahoma?
No. 21 Michigan at No. 22 Michigan State: In a down year for the Big Ten, these two teams meet with plenty still to gain. Has Devin Gardner put the Penn State loss in the rearview mirror?
Todd Gurley, Georgia: The Bulldogs' star makes his return after a three-game absence just in time for his program's biggest rival. Will it be enough against a tough Florida defense. In three games against ranked opponents this season, Gurley has rushed for 359 yards and three touchdowns, all while battling injuries.
Shilique Calhoun, Michigan State: Can the Spartans' pass-rusher (four sacks) help throw Gardner's timing off?
Desmond Roland, Oklahoma State: After a career day of 219 yards and four scores against Iowa State, can Roland find running room against the Red Raiders?
Iowa at Wisconsin: In some projections, Wisconsin is a BCS bowl contender. Can the Hawkeyes trounce all hopes of that happening this weekend?
Tennessee at No. 9 Missouri: Will there be a hangover effect following Missouri's fourth-quarter letdown against South Carolina? The Volunteers have shown they can hang with some of the SEC's better teams (though not Alabama).
Florida Atlantic at Tulane: Yes, this game is now officially on the radar. (But can anyone name which team is the upset victim?)
