Published Oct 21, 2022
STULTZ: A complete viewer's guide to Saturday
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Brian Stultz  •  AuburnSports
Staff Writer
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@brianjstultz

Do you need some football to watch this weekend with your beloved Auburn Tigers having a bye week? Do you need some advice on the best games of the weekend?

Well, my faithful readers, I am here to provide that information because I adore you. But, I also feel a responsibility to keep you posted on the ongoings in college football, like I even need to do that, amirite? We all love the game.

Anyway, if you want to stay on your couch, enjoy the beverages of your choice and ignore reality for 12-plus hours, here is a viewing guide to Saturday's action. Hold onto your hats!

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*All times Central

Early Games

No. 14 Syracuse at No. 5 Clemson (11 a.m. - ABC)

Yes, you read that right. The Orange, led by Dino Babers, are ranked that high after starting the season 6-0. Syracuse's star? Former Mississippi State quarterback Garrett Shrader has come into form, completing 69.7 percent of his passes for 1,434 yards and 12 touchdowns with just three interceptions.

He might put up some big yards again, as Clemson's pass defense ranks 96th in FBS, allowing 255.7 yards per game through the air. Can the Orange pull the upset in Death Valley (ACC version)?

Kansas at Baylor (11 a.m. - ESPN2)

Just two weeks ago, the Jayhawks were the talk of college football, hosting College GameDay and being the early darling of the season. Two straight losses, including a stinker to Oklahoma, have put some damper on that start, but Lance Leipold still has that program heading in the right direction.

I'm sure Auburn fans are quite interested in seeing what Jeff Grimes' offense can do.

Afternoon Games

No. 7 Ole Miss at LSU (2:30 p.m. - CBS)

The Rebels escaped the dreaded nighttime game in Baton Rouge, but LSU has shown significant improvement over the season and will provide a big test for Lane Kiffin's undefeated team. This is just the beginning of an afternoon full of interesting matchups.

No. 9 UCLA at No. 10 Oregon (2:30 p.m. - FOX)

Bo Nix vs. Chip Kelly. How many times will FOX show the picture of Bo in the stands celebrating Auburn's national title over Kelly's Ducks? And you thought that picture would cease to exist.

Let's see how the Bruins handle playing in front of more than 10,000 people for a change. I'm extremely pumped for this game.

No. 20 Texas at No. 11 Oklahoma State (2:30 p.m. - ABC)

It sucks that all these games start simultaneously, but if you don't have a room full of TVs ready to display them all, make sure the remote control is nearby.

After the loss to Texas Tech, the Longhorns have responded with big victories, but more importantly, they have Quinn Ewers back slinging the ball. This should be a shoutout.

BYU at Liberty (2:30 p.m. - ESPNU)

Okay, I am purely putting this because I will be in attendance, drinking bourbon in possibly the only place in Williams Stadium that it is possible.

Night Games

No. 24 Mississippi State at No. 6 Alabama (6:00 p.m. - ESPN)

I'm confident that practice in Tuscaloosa was absolutely no fun for the Tide after the first loss to Tennessee since Nick Saban took over, and I'm confident that the same can be said for the Bulldogs in Starkville after Kentucky shut down Mike Leach's offense.

Which Mississippi State team shows up? That could be the difference between a close game and a rout by the Tide.

UCF at ECU (6:30 p.m. - ESPNU)

Let's check in on Gus ... oh boy.

No. 17 Kansas State at No. 8 TCU (7:00 p.m. - FS1)

Chris Klieman has rebuilt the Wildcats into a Big 12 contender. That's no surprise, considering how successful he was at North Dakota State. His counterpart in this game is Sonny Dykes, who has the Horned Frogs at 6-0 in his first year in Fort Worth. Sneaky good matchup here.

PAC-12 AFTER DARK!

Washington at California (9:30 p.m. - ESPN)

I have always been an advocate for these late Pac-12 games as they are the last thing standing between me and another six days waiting for another college football Saturday.

Auburn takes on Cal in Berkeley next season, so a scouting report might be necessary on Justin Wilcox's Golden Bears. I'm very much looking forward to that trip.