Games To Watch: Week 5

Will Brett Hundley play against ASU? (Photo Credit: NoCoastBias.com)

Written By: Nathan Skinner
                Canes Rising Contributor


Last week had a ton of games that had fans on the edge of their seats, but few upsets actually transpired.  Mississippi State had a huge win over LSU, but Clemson pulled a Clemson, and Kansas State and Washington State couldn't seal the deal late.  Fans should be ready for another week of close calls, and well played games.  Hopefully, teams will be able to finish the job, and throw some wrenches into the playoff machine in the process.


5. Oregon State vs. USC-- OSU has played Southern Cal close over the years, and this year should be no exception.  Even though SC has the talent advantage, OSU has the edge in the coaching department.  Oregon State coach Mike Riley is an underrated coach with a knack for developing solid quarterbacks who improve mightily during their time in Corvallis.  Sean Mannion is the latest in this line, and he's been on fire so far this year.  Southern Cal looks like a program ready to emerge once again as a power.  First year head coach Steve Sarkisian has guided the Trojans to a 2-1 record.  The Trojans are far better than their loss to Boston College would indicate.

4. Stanford vs. Washington--It's a Pac-12 party! Stanford is looking to get hot after having a rough start to the season.  The Cardinal are still a physical, gritty team that will look to pound the rock with a stable of backs.  Ty Montgomery is the best outside threat for struggling quarterback Kevin Hogan.  Washington looked pretty lousy in their season opener against Hawaii, but has rebounded nicely.  They're undefeated, and looking for a statement win.  A win over Stanford will establish U-Dub as a team to watch.  Washington has steadily improved offensively, but this will be the first major test for the Huskies.

3. Cincinnati vs. Ohio State--Who is the best program in the state of Ohio? Cinci has made a compelling case, racking up wins over Toledo and Miami(OH).  The Bearcats, led by quarterback Gunner Kiel, are explosive offensively, averaging over 44 points per game.  Kiel will have his work cut out for him, because the Buckeyes aren't a MAC level program.  While the 'Bucks aren't nearly the same team they were with Braxton Miller, they are still talented and they are still led by Urban Meyer.  Following a rough loss to Virginia Tech, tOSU crushed Kent State 66-0.  This game has the potential to be a high scoring affair, with Cinci looking to prove that they are in it for the long haul.

2.Texas Tech vs. Oklahoma State(Thursday)--If you want offense, you've come to the right place.  This will be THE shootout to end all shootouts.  Texas Tech has been an offensive machine for much of the last 15 years, and Oklahoma State can put up points in bunches.  Following their narrow loss to FSU, the Cowboys dominated UTSA and Missouri State.  J.W. Walsh continues to impress, building on his solid performance in week 1.   The Red Raiders are what they've always been: a team that can score, but can't stop anyone.  Kliff Kingbury's is giving up an average of 37 points per game, and that's against teams like UTEP, and Central Arkansas.  Last week, the Arkansas Razorbacks ran wild on this team, scoring 49 points.  Make sure you have your popcorn handy, because you won't leave your couch at any time during this one!

1. UCLA vs. Arizona State(Thursday)--This is the game this week that features two ranked teams, and it's going to go a long way to decide who will be the frontrunner in the Pac-12.  UCLA came into this season as a dark horse title contender.  They haven't looked like it, struggling against Virginia, and an undermanned Texas team.  Brett Hundley has carried the Bruins, but he's injured and may not play Thursday night.  Jim Mora Jr.'s team will rely on their defense to carry the team if Hundley can't play, but that's a lot to ask, for ASU is deep and talented.   Sun Devils coach Todd Graham is an elite offensive mind, and will have some new wrinkles for UCLA.  The Pac-12 has been all about offense for most of its history, and this game will be no different.  Can UCLA get back on track? Will ASU establish themselves as a Pac-12 contender? These questions and more will be answered Thursday night.