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We highlight the college football games of Week 7 that are the most important or should be the best games to maximize your viewing pleasure.
The 25 Best College Football Games Of Week 7
Week 6 looked like it was going to be one of those weeks where it was rather tame. That wasn’t the case. UCLA, which seemed destined to go winless for the first time in its storied history, knocked off Penn State. Florida chomped Texas in the Swamp. Texas A&M broke Mississippi State. Texas Tech established Big 12 dominance. What does this week have in store?
On paper, this could be the best week of the season! All eyes are on the right thumb of John Mateer ahead of the Red River Shootout. Can Missouri take the next step? Indiana was the last Big Ten team to beat Oregon in Eugene. Are we in for a repeat performance? There are a lot of good games on the schedule this week. Those are just the beginning! All times listed are Eastern time.
25. Clemson at Boston College
Where to watch: ACC Network, 7:30 pm
This is where we get to see Cade Klubnik morph into the Heisman contender that he was thought to be. The soft underbelly of the Clemson schedule is about to prop the Tigers up and make them look like a real football team again. A three-loss ACC team backdoored its way into the College Football Playoff last year. I’m not dumb enough to think that kind of carnage (and sheer disrespect of the regular season) can’t happen again. Clemson is a heavy favorite (75.1%) according to FPI and a heavier favorite according to Vegas (-14.5). Boston College always seems a little tougher at home. Can Clemson stand up to that this year? I’ve seen a lot of things from this team that I never expected to see.
24. East Carolina at Tulane
Where to watch: ESPN, 7:30 pm (Thursday)
ECU is sitting at 3-2, with both losses to Power 4 schools. Tulane beat two of its two Power 4 foes, but the point is that both teams are undefeated in conference play. With the representative for the College Football Playoff likely coming from the American, this game has serious implications for that coveted fifth conference champion slot. FPI only gives Tulane a slight edge (57.1%), while Vegas is much more confident in the Green Wave by giving them 7.5 points. Considering Tulane beat both Northwestern and Duke on this field, it would be really ambitious to expect East Carolina to succeed where those two teams failed.
23. Arkansas at (12) Tennessee
Where to watch: SEC Network, 4:15 pm
A Tennessee defense that has struggled could have problems with Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green. They did last year when the Piggies stunned the Vols in Fayetteville. This won’t be a repeat performance, but it could be a little too close for comfort if Green gets loose again. Tennessee’s receivers are going to be a huge problem for Arkansas. The Vols had some talented receivers last year. This group looks even better! Tennessee is a heavy favorite according to FPI (82.6%). Vegas has scaled it back a bit at -11.5. Whatever the case, it will be an uphill battle for Arkansas. I’ll be watching just to see if Tennessee has revenge on the mind and obliterates Arkansas.
22. Kansas at (9) Texas Tech
Where to watch: FOX, 7:30 pm
Texas Tech has been one of the most physical teams I’ve seen this year. Both lines are monsters! Kansas is going to have major issues with Tech’s physicality. I’m curious to see if Jalon Daniels is really back to his 2022 form, or if the level of competition just hasn’t been that great. The Jayhawks go as Daniels does. If Tech can shut him down, this may turn into a blowout. This isn’t must-see TV, but it could be a good game if Daniels gets loose. Tech is a heavy favorite in Vegas (-14.5), but FPI is a little less convinced. It has Tech as a 74.4% favorite.
21. Northwestern at Penn State
Where to watch: FS1, 3:30 pm
Many aren’t expecting a good game, but I mentioned this earlier in the week. What if Northwestern isn’t as bad as we thought? Tulane is a playoff contender. The Wildcats held a potent Oregon offense to 34 points. We can make a strong case that Preston Stone has been closer to the caliber of Drew Allar. I wouldn’t take much for granted with the Penn State defense right now. I thought that Penn State might bounce back last week against UCLA, but I still picked the Bruins against the spread. I’ll do the same here with Penn State, a massive 21.5-point favorite. I have a feeling this game stays close for a while.
20. Rutgers at Washington
Where to watch: FS1, 9 pm (Friday)
Come for the Sailgating, stay for the fun quarterback duel between Athan Kaliakmanis and Demond Williams Jr. Washington has ascended back to the middle of the Big Ten pack behind Williams. Meanwhile, the growth of Kaliakmanis as a passer under the tutelage of Greg Schiano has been impressive to watch. That hasn’t resulted in big wins for Rutgers yet, but they could be on the way. FPI has Washington as a heavy favorite (75.8%). Vegas agrees, with the Huskies as 10.5-point favorites.
19. Iowa at Wisconsin
Where to watch: FS1, 7 pm
This game has the lowest over/under (35.5 points) of any game this season. Both offenses are offensive to the idea of the forward pass, and both defenses are salty, strong units. This may be one of the worst games you have ever watched, or one of the best if you like the idea of a 16-13 game. Defense should win this game. FPI agrees, with Iowa holding a 62.6% chance at a road win. Is it me, or does FPI have favored road teams all around 60% this week? It’s weird, right? Vegas has Iowa as a 3.5-point favorite. I’m a big fan of the under. I wouldn’t be shocked if we didn’t see an offensive touchdown in this game from either team.
18. UCLA at Michigan State
Where to watch: Big Ten Network, noon
What if UCLA beating Penn State wasn’t a fluke? What if Tim Skipper is the guy to turn this program around, not some big name that the boosters want? I’ll pay to play the “what if” game. This is going to be an interesting matchup since this UCLA team is not devoid of talent. Aidan Chiles was harassed in Lincoln all game last weekend. If Michigan State can keep him upright, he could be in for a special game. FPI is not amused by UCLA’s latest upset and strong play over the last two weeks. It still favors Michigan State at 76.5%. Vegas has Sparty as 8.5-point favorites. That should still make for an interesting game.
17. Virginia Tech at (13) Georgia Tech
Where to watch: ACC Network, 3:30 pm
It’s Techmo Bowl! Except not as exciting as the old games for Nintendo and Super Nintendo. What do these two teams have in common? They both lost to Wake Forest. The difference is that the officials let Georgia Tech keep playing long enough to win against Wake. Tech is heavily favored (79.8% FPI, -14.5 in Vegas), but the Bees haven’t beaten a Power 4 opponent by more than seven points this year. I expect a closer game.
16. North Carolina State at (16) Notre Dame
Where to watch: Peacock, 3:30 pm
Once again, NBC paid too much for the PGA rights to be bothered with showing a Notre Dame game. NOTRE DAME! What is this world coming to? A streaming service is required to watch the Irish play its fifth Power 4 school in six games. I’m curious to see CJ Bailey against the Notre Dame defense that has struggled against good passing quarterbacks (Carson Beck and Marcel Reed). Hollywood Smothers is a very good back, but Notre Dame’s rush defense has been pretty good. According to FPI, Notre Dame only has a 7.7% chance of losing this at home to 4-2 NC State. Vegas agrees, with the spread up to -21.5. I do think that the Pack can hang around in this one with the offense they have. The over 60.5 is looking pretty good right now.
15. Pittsburgh at (25) Florida State
Where to watch: ESPN, noon
Laugh if you want, but the human turnover (Eli Holstein) is no longer the Pitt quarterback. True freshman Mason Heintschel threw for 323 yards and four touchdowns in his first start against Boston College. You know this was done on purpose. Get Heintschel in there in a favorable situation and let him build some confidence. Pitt has nothing to lose and is likely going to see what they have in Heintschel. I’m curious to see how he does against this defense. Pitt should also have Desmond Reid back. Despite this, FPI still has Florida State at 77.1% to win. Vegas has the Seminoles as a 9.5-point favorite. Don’t be shocked if it’s closer than that.
14. (1) Ohio State at (17) Illinois
Where to watch: FOX, noon
It’s time to bring the Illibuck out of hiding. It has been eight years since the teams last played, thanks to super-mega-big-ass-conferences ruining perfectly good rivalries. This poor little wooden turtle has been tucked away in a Columbus trophy case since 2017. Illinois hasn’t won the Illibuck since 2007. This is probably the best chance that Illinois has had since then. Illinois hasn’t lost to Ohio State by less than 24 points since 2011. If you want a loss by fewer than double figures, you need to go all the way back to 2006.
Ohio State is a massive 82.3% favorite according to FPI. Vegas is roughly the same, favoring the Buckeyes at open by 16.5. The line is down two points with some money coming in on the Illini. I would view this as a risky bet. Illinois may keep this close, but the recent history is concerning.
13. (22) Iowa State at Colorado
Where to watch: ESPN, 3:30 pm
Remember Iowa State? It wasn’t long ago that they were considered a Big 12 contender. Losing to Cincinnati changes the perspective a little bit, but there is still wiggle room with unbalanced schedules. This is going to be a tougher game in the Rockies for Iowa State, but we’ll see if they are still a team to be reckoned with, or just a thorn in the side of Big 12 teams looking for something more. Vegas isn’t a big believer in the Cyclones, favoring the visitors by just 2.5 points. FPI is a little more optimistic for the Cyclones, giving them a 63.1% chance of a victory.
12. (18) BYU at Arizona
Where to watch: ESPN2, 8 pm
Is Bear Bachmeier going to feel at home since Arizona has “Bear Down” on the field? That would be a legitimate concern of mine. Bachmeier has already passed road tests at Colorado and East Carolina. Arizona may be better than both of them. This is not the same Arizona team that was bullied by the Big 12 last year. They have some fight in them this year. Vegas agrees, with BYU nursing a -2.5 favorite. FPI believes in BYU a little more, having the Cougars as a 69.6% favorite. It should be a great game in the desert as the day winds down.
11. (10) Georgia at Auburn
Where to watch: ABC, 7:30 pm
Did Auburn grow an offensive line in a lab during the bye week? If not, Jackson Arnold will be running for his life (again) and struggling (again). This isn’t all on Arnold. This line hasn’t given him a chance to do anything. Sometimes he holds the ball too long, and sometimes he doesn’t respond well under pressure. Most 21-year-olds are like that. I know a lot of people are calling for an Auburn upset. Based on what? Yeah, the defense has been better than advertised, but having an awful offensive line makes everything impossible. Take it from an Oklahoma fan. I’ve seen this movie before.
Not many teams have been able to get after Gunner Stockton, but Auburn may be able to. FPI gives Georgia a modest 64.5% chance of a road win. Vegas has this closer, with the Bulldogs only favored by 3.5 points. I get it. It’s going to be tough to score on Auburn. Auburn may not score at all! Unless the offensive line drastically improved during the bye week, or Auburn redesigned a lot of short pass plays to alleviate the line concerns, Georgia’s defense is going to tee off.
10. (15) Michigan at USC
Where to watch: NBC, 7:30 pm
Which wins, a good offense or a good defense? It’s an age-old question that rarely has a concise answer. Why? Football is messy. Not all good offenses are created equal. Neither are strong defenses. This USC team is built like so many Lincoln Riley teams before this one. The offense borders on elite at times. The defense is based on a riverboat gambling scheme of taking big risks for big results because it doesn’t trust its players to make plays.
9. South Carolina at (11) LSU
Where to watch: SEC Network, 7:45 pm
There are so many things to unpack for this game. First off, South Carolina was robbed blind of this win last year in Columbia by an overzealous herd of zebras trying to keep LSU in the playoff picture, never realizing that they alone caused the conference to lose out on another spot in the College Football Playoff. The officiating in that game cost South Carolina a spot in the CFP. Next, is Garrett Nussmeier playing with an injury? You know that we’ll never get a straight answer out of Brian Kelly. Watch his follow-through from 2024 compared to this year. He may or may not be hurt, but something is different, and not in a good way. Was that fixed during the bye week?
According to FPI, LSU is still a heavy (73%) home favorite. Vegas agrees, with LSU a 9.5-point favorite. I understand the whole Death Valley at night thing, and I’m sure that Caden Durham will be back for this game, but why are we so down on South Carolina? Are losses to Vanderbilt (with Sellers unable to play in the second half) and at Missouri that damning? I expect a close game here.
8. Florida at (6) Texas A&M
Where to watch: ESPN, 7 pm
Once again, Florida saved Billy Napier’s job, but for how long? He may not have the same grace period as he did last year. Florida also parlayed the LSU win with a win over Mississippi the next week. Do the Gators need another big win for Napier to be safe for the rest of 2025? We’re also waiting for the other shoe to drop for the Aggies. After a 7-1 start in 2024, the Aggies crash-landed by finishing 1-4, including a loss to USC in the Las Vegas Bowl.
FPI doesn’t give the Gators much of a chance (26.1%) of a win. Vegas has it a little closer, but the Aggies are still favored by 8.5 points. That said, this A&M defense is the easiest defense Florida has faced since the opener against Long Island. The Florida offense looked pretty good last week against a stout Texas defense. A three-loss team made the College Football Playoff last year. Stunningly (and wrongfully), Florida isn’t out of this thing yet.
7. TCU at Kansas State
Where to watch: FOX, 3:30 pm
No matter what happens, it’s going to be purple-on-purple crime. There is going to be so much purple in this stadium that fans won’t know who a fan of the other team is. I’ll just say it now: this field needs to be purple. Why not go all the way with this? I don’t know which Kansas State fans need to hear this, but Avery Johnson hasn’t been the problem. Statistically, he’s not having a bad season. This is a team that is very different with a healthy Dylan Edwards. Josh Hoover is going to be a problem for K-State, but I expect a fun game here. Vegas has TCU as a slight favorite (-1.5), as does FPI (57.8%). It’s nice when we all agree.
6. (21) Arizona State at Utah
Where to watch: ESPN, 10:15 pm
Surprisingly enough, Utah has still not won a Big 12 home game at Rice-Eccles Stadium. This is another tough test for the Utes with a ranked Arizona State team visiting. The Sun Devils are built like a Utah team. They are strong on defense and methodical on offense. Sam Leavitt has a refuse-to-lose attitude that makes him a hit with teammates and fans alike. Despite Utah’s struggles at home in the Big 12, FPI has the Utes as a 69.7% favorite. Vegas is a little less convinced, with the line at -5.5 in favor of the Utes. I don’t like betting against a team like Arizona State. I expect a close game as Vegas does.
5. Nebraska at Maryland
Where to watch: Big Ten Network, 3:30 pm
This is going to be a fun battle of 4-1 teams. We have two exciting quarterbacks in true sophomore Dylan Raiola for Nebraska and true freshman Malik Washington for Maryland. Washington is more of a pure passer and throws a nice deep ball. The bad news is that the Nebraska secondary has bordered on elite this year. Raiola is more of a dual threat like Demond Williams Jr., who just stole one from Maryland in College Park last week. Emmett Johnson is one of the best backs that no one is talking about. Raiola gets most of the attention for Nebraska, but he has a good cast around him.
FPI gives Nebraska a 66.7% chance at a road win, even though the Cornhuskers have been at home for every game (Arrowhead Stadium is a de facto home game. I personally know hundreds of Nebraska fans who went to that game. Vegas has Nebraska favored by just under a touchdown. That feels more fair. This is a winnable game for both teams. Will the Nebraska ghost of one-score games haunt them again in October?
4. (24) South Florida at North Texas
Where to watch: ESPN2, 7:30 pm (Friday)
This could be the most important Group of 5 game ever, with a possible College Football Playoff spot on the line. South Florida beat Boise and the Gators in the Swamp. North Texas has a starting quarterback who hadn’t started a game since 9th grade before this season. Do you really need any other reason to watch this? FPI almost has this as a toss-up, with North Texas holding a slight 53.4% chance of a win. Vegas agrees, with North Texas favored by 1.5 points. Byrum Brown is going to be a big problem in this one, but the North Texas defense is better than it has been in at least a decade. This is a must-watch game before Saturday even gets here!
3. (8) Alabama at (14) Missouri
Where to watch: ABC, noon
One of the worst rush defenses in the SEC takes on one of the best running teams in the country. Ahmad Hardy and Missouri will look to control this game on the ground. This reminds me a lot of the 2022 Missouri game against Georgia. Everyone knew that Missouri was getting close. The game was in Columbia. Missouri missed taking down Georgia by four points in that one. Can they get over the hump this time? Missouri hasn’t beaten Alabama since 1975. That game was in Birmingham. FPI has Alabama as a pretty heavy favorite (63.4%). Vegas originally agreed, but the spread is now down to -2.5 for Alabama. A lot of sharp money is coming in on Missouri.
My question here would be if Missouri can handle Ty Simpson. He’s the best quarterback the Tigers have faced this season. This isn’t a “trap game” or anything like that. Missouri has looked strong this year, and so has Alabama. This is Hardy against a rush defense that has struggled, and Ty Simpson against a pass defense that hasn’t been tested much. Jalon Daniels and LaNorris Sellers are good quarterbacks, but Simpson has a better deep arm than both of them. Alabama getting over the Missouri secondary could decide this game.
2. (7) Indiana at (3) Oregon
Where to watch: CBS, 3:30 pm
I have a trivia question for you. Who was the last Big Ten team to beat Oregon in Eugene? It was none other than Indiana in 2004. That game is now old enough to drink with Oregon fans at The Zoo. It was thought that Oregon was tested in Happy Valley, then Penn State lost to a destined-to-go-winless UCLA team. What do we really know about Oregon? Indiana was tested by playing a top 12 Illinois team and playing at Iowa. Vegas is heavy on the Ducks (-7.5), but FPI has Indiana with a 30.5% chance of an upset. I tend to think this game stays close. It could be the best game of the weekend, but it feels like there is more riding on Oklahoma-Texas this year than in most years.
1. (6) Oklahoma vs. Texas
Where to watch: ABC, 3:30 pm
The Red River Shootout is always a big deal, even if both teams aren’t ranked. Texas still hasn’t beaten a Power 4 team, and Oklahoma is looking better than they have in years. All eyes are on John Mateer and the injury report. You know my feelings on this. There is no way that Oklahoma would have scheduled the surgery if they thought he would miss this game. Vegas thinks Mateer will play since the line has already shifted 5 points since it opened. The Sooners are currently 1.5-point favorites, which means a lot of sharp money was coming in on the Sooners.
FPI still has Texas as a 60.9% favorite. I would really like to know what that is based on. Oklahoma’s defense has only allowed 34 points all season. Michigan and Auburn are included in the list of opponents. If you’re not a spread guy, I really like the under 43.5 in this game. I expect a defensive battle. It’s the strongest part of both teams.
