After a somewhat light slate of marquee matchups in Week 4, Week 5 of the college football board is jam-packed with huge games (ESPN). Make sure to carve out plenty of time on Saturday to watch these three conference battles!
#8 Arkansas @ #2 Georgia: 12PM Eastern Time on ESPN
Here’s a Top 10 SEC matchup that is sure to be highly entertaining. Razorbacks head coach Sam Pittman has done a remarkable job of turning the Arkansas program around in a short period of time. One interesting nugget is that Pittman was the offensive line coach for Georgia from 2016-2019. The Hogs come into this game riding high after a huge win over Texas A&M last week.
Georgia, like Arkansas, is a perfect 4-0 on the season and a big reason why is their nasty defense! Kirby Smart has built one of the best defensive programs in the country. The Bulldogs are only allowing 5.8 points per game this year. Quarterback JT Daniels looks to be getting healthy after dealing with an oblique strain earlier in the year.
#12 Ole Miss @ #1 Alabama: 3:30 PM Eastern Time on CBS
There should be plenty of points in this SEC West rivalry game between two old friends, Nick Saban and Lane Kiffin. Ole Miss should be well-rested after having a bye week. QB Matt Corral is off to a wonderful start to the season with nine passing touchdowns and five rushing touchdowns. Kiffin’s offense has been one of the best in the country so far (635.3 yards per game) but the Rebels have yet to face any stiff competition.
Crimson Tide QB Bryce Young has lived up to the hype so far this season by throwing for 1,124 yards and 15 touchdowns through the first four games. Offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien has done a fine job of play calling, as Bama is averaging 46.5 points per contest. The Ole Miss defense could have their hands full with wideout Jameson Williams, who has caught 12 passes for 299 yards and three scores.
Indiana @ #4 Penn State: 7:30 PM Eastern Time on ABC
Here’s an intriguing Big 10 clash to watch on Saturday night. The Hoosiers have had a disappointing start to the season as they come into this game with a 2-2 record. QB Michael Penix Jr. is off to a rough start and has thrown six picks already this year. Indiana’s defense has also been suspect as they are giving up 29.3 points per game.
Penn State is a perfect 4-0 so far with huge wins over Wisconsin and Auburn on their resume. Senior QB Sean Clifford has thrown for 1,158 yards and eight touchdowns while Noah Cain has looked explosive in the running game. One of the Nittany Lions’ biggest weapons is wide receiver Jahan Dotson who has caught 27 passes for 362 yards and four touchdowns. Penn State’s defense is one of the top units in the nation as they’re only allowing 15 points per game.