Can Miami slow down talented Clemson quarterback DeShaun Watson?
No one else has. So far, Watson has been the best weapon on the Clemson team.
He’s coming off a 420-yard effort against Boston College, and he’s the top argument that the Tigers could stay undefeated. But Watson has thrown seven interceptions this year, and the Hurricanes lead the nation in turnover margin. After losses to Cincinnati and FSU, Miami could use a signature win. And they have a pretty good quarterback of their own in Brad Kaaya, the ACC leader in total yards. But Watson lives on the big plays. For Miami to have a chance, it’ll have to stop those.
Can FSU’s defense adjust to the Georgia Tech offense in a week?
Maybe this year’s version of it. As daunting as it can be for an opposing defense to get ready for Tech’s option offense, other teams seem to be managing. A preseason top 20 team, the Yellow Jackets have lost five games in a row. But Tech still is eighth in the country with 286.8 yards per games and third with 23 rushing touchdowns. Watch for quarterback Justin Thomas, but this is an FSU team that is finding its offense, and Tech has struggled to stop the run. If FSU can take a lead, it should be all right.
Just how good can this season be for Florida?
It can be very good. The Gators still have a couple of formidable opponents in Georgia and LSU, but will they face a tougher task than playing LSU in Death Valley days after finding out they had lost their quarterback? Florida still has a good shot at the SEC East, and a trip to the title game would be a fine way for coach Jim McElwain to say hello.
Does USF have a realistic shot at bowl game?
Even with back-to-back wins, the task will be difficult for USF, which has Navy, East Carolina and Cincinnati still to play. That leaves rival Central Florida, a very good Temple team and … SMU. In other words, the Bulls are going to have to beat someone you might not expect. And they’re going to have to win the ones where the opponents are their size.
If you could schedule the game, could this UCF football team lose to the 0-11 Knights of 2004?
Are you kidding? Of course this team could lose. This season is far worse. Furman? UConn? Back in 2004, sure, the Knights were bad. But they lost by only two points to Northern Illinois and by only one to Ohio. That was George O’Leary’s first season. Could this one be his last?
Is FAU good enough to take advantage of UTEP’s flaws?
The Miners have had a tough season, winning only over a minor-league Incarnate Word and over winless New Mexico State. Injuries have contributed to UTEP’s slide, in particular the one to tailback Aaron Jones. But FAU has won only one game this year. If it doesn’t get this one, the season truly will be dark.
Does FIU have an answer for Old Dominion’s David Washington?
Washington came off the bench last week to throw for 365 yards and lead ODU to a fourth-quarter comeback win over Charlotte. Still, FIU should be able to take this one if it gets a nice afternoon out of quarterback Alex McGough.
Is the FSU offense about to become a three-headed monster?
Everyone knows about running back Dalvin Cook, and so far, Everett Golson has had his moments. But now comes wide receiver Kermit Whitfield, who showed big-play ability against Louisville. In FSU’s last two games, Whitfield has caught 18 passes for 267 yards. In other words, it isn’t just about stopping Cook anymore.
It seems like Miami used to beat highly ranked opponents such as Clemson all the time. Does that still happen?
Not much, which explains all those “Fire Al Golden” banners flying overhead. Part of it seems to be Sun Life Stadium, which isn’t nearly as electric as the old Orange Bowl. Part of it seems to be coach Al Golden, who hasn’t built his team into a dragon-slayer. And part of it is that these Hurricanes can’t match the memory of what this program used to be. For a night, UM has a chance to get it back. But can it do it for four quarters?
How effective will Marlon Mack be for USF considering his hamstring?
It hasn’t slowed Cook a lot, has it? For Willie Taggart’s running offense to work, Mack is essential. He doesn’t have to go for 179 yards like he did against Syracuse, but he has to be counted on for a few first downs along the way. Otherwise, Quinton Flowers will be running for the corners all day.
