Games To Watch: Week 4

Will Gus be smiling after his visit to Manhattan, Kansas? (Photo Credit: Breitbart)

Written By: Nathan Skinner
                  Canes Rising Contributor


The silly part of the college football schedule is coming to an end.  The "Rent A Victim" games that annoy both fan and pundit alike are pretty much relegated to a rarity at this point, and most teams are beginning conference play.  While there are still a fair number of fleabag games to sort through, there's a lot of quality games to keep fans interested. 




 5. ECU vs. North Carolina--  This game may have not looked like much when schedules were released, but it is far important now.  ECU comes into this game riding high after their victory over ranked Virginia Tech.  ECU needs one more win against a power conference team to cement its status as THE non traditional power to watch this season.  There's a void in the "midmajor" ranks with Boise eroding, and ECU may be ready to fill that gap. Yes, ECU is in the American, which has replaced the old Big East but it's a midmajor in the eyes of football fans and media.  North Carolina needs a solid win to build momentum for their ACC slate, which looks to be a little tougher than originally thought. 

 4. Georgia Tech vs. Virginia Tech-- This game has become a solid  rivalry in the ACC Coastal division.  The path to the title game historically runs through these two gritty programs.  Virginia Tech looked nothing like the team that beat Ohio State, and lost to a talented ECU squad.  Virginia Tech has made a habit of being upset early, then finding a way to win the ACC Coastal.  Georgia Tech looked solid in their first two victories, then struggled against an underrated, and undermanned Georgia Southern team.  The team that wins the "Battle of the Techs" will have a leg up on the rest of the division.

3. Florida vs. Alabama--This may be Will Muschamp's last opportunity to save his job.  The embattled coach, who has overseen the complete erosion of what was once an elite program desperately needs to pull off an upset.  The Gators have looked sloppy and disorganized all season, with quarterback Jeff Driskel looking like someone who has no business starting for Florida International, much less the Gators.  Alabama is still unsettled at the quarterback position with Blake Sims continuing to take a majority of the first team reps in practice.  Jacob Coker, a superior athlete who is expected to take the job, is still struggling to win over teammates, and coaches.  This game is going to be a tough, physical game, with Florida looking to unleash Dante Fowler upon the 'Bama backfield. 

2. Auburn vs. Kansas State(Thursday)-- This game has a lot of sizzle, but the steak may be missing.  The explosive, fast Auburn Tigers come to Manhattan to face the tough, physical Wildcats.  Jake Waters is a player that we should all be keeping tabs on, he looks like another junior college stud unearthed by Bill Snyder.  The Wildcats have been under the national radar all season, many people don't even know that KSU is ranked. This game will tell us a lot about KSU and whether they are a contender, or pretender.  Auburn on the other hand is most likely a contender.  This team was one drive away from a national title last season, and returns a ton of talent.  They haven't been tested so far this season, dominating Arkansas and San Jose State.  Can Auburn survive on the road? Will Bill Snyder get a marquee win? We'll find out Thursday. 

1. Clemson vs. Florida State--This is another game which gained importance recently.  The suspension of superstar quarterback Jamais Winston takes a game which may have been a blowout, and adds an element of suspense.  FSU will be without Winston for one half, but a lot can happen in one half of football.  Clemson will enter the game looking to regain some lost pride after their embarrassing loss to UGA.  While Clemson has been inconsistent, they are still a talented squad, and are more than capable of ending FSU's bid to repeat as national champions.  The key to this game will be whether Vic Beasley and the rest of the Clemson defense can find a way to rattle and harass FSU starter Sean Maguire.  If Clemson can jump on FSU early, they may stand a chance.