Week 7 of college football is setting up to be an absolute minefield for some of the biggest names in the game, with five top-12 teams, including a couple of unbeatens, on full-blown upset alert. We’re talking about situations so hairy, they could make current AP poll spots look way too generous by Sunday morning. Demanding schedules are kicking into gear, and teams are walking right into spots that could spark some serious panic against programs absolutely starving to boost their national significance.
Notre Dame’s Quest for Perfection Hits a Brick Wall in Provo
Look, No. 2 Notre Dame is riding a ridiculous 16-game winning streak that goes all the way back to last season. But here’s the thing: they haven’t been tested. Not really. That changes in a massive way this weekend when they roll into Provo to face No. 8 BYU. Cougars coach Kalani Sitake is probably still smiling about this game. He actually said Notre Dame reached out last December to get this matchup after the USC series got put on hold. It’s a win-win for the Irish too, sure, giving them a chance to beef up that resume before Miami and SMU in November. But let’s talk about what BYU brings to the table. Sitake has BYU at a staggering 47-16 at LaVell Edwards Stadium, including 26 wins in their last 32 home games. Think about that for a second. This Saturday night, it’s their first home game against a fellow top-10 team in program history! The setting is absolutely perfect for an upset if Bear Bachmeier and LJ Martin in the backfield can step up and deliver for that offense. If Notre Dame isn’t ready for a fight, that perfection quest could be over real quick.
Alabama Rolls Into a Tennessee Rivalry Brewing With Danger
Over in the SEC, No. 6 Alabama is heading into a true grinder when they visit No. 14 Tennessee. And let’s be real, this is NOT where Tennessee wanted to catch their rival. The Vols are gonna have Alabama’s undivided attention, especially after last week’s controversial loss to Georgia. Plus, there are those lingering memories of Kalen DeBoer’s last trip to Neyland Stadium, a 24-17 setback in 2024. Get this: Tennessee has actually beaten Alabama the last two times these two have played in Knoxville on The Third Saturday in October. Talk about a home-field advantage! There’s also some real quarterback drama brewing. Vols coach Josh Heupel was pretty vague earlier this week when asked about his QB intentions. George MacIntyre started their Week 6 win at Arkansas because Faizon Brandon was hurt. So, is freshman Brandon, the more dynamic option, back and ready to perform? Kane Wommack and Alabama’s defensive staff are scrambling to figure that out, waiting on updated injury reports from Wednesday through Friday. One thing Alabama CAN expect is a steady dose of DeSean Bishop. When Bishop has gone over 100 yards in a game over the last three seasons, Tennessee is 6-1, with the only loss coming against Alabama last season. This game has all the ingredients for a classic, and definitely has upset written all over it.
This weekend is going to be wild. With these top teams walking into seriously tough road environments, there’s a real chance we see some major shake-ups in the rankings. Keep an eye on those injury reports, and get ready for some must-watch football.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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