The Week 5 games that most impact the Playoff
1. No. 10 UCLA at No. 12 Arizona State
Thursday, 10 p.m., FS1
Why it matters: Because the winner of this matchup has gone on to win the Pac-12 South title the past two seasons. Because we are five weeks into the season and people still aren't sure whether UCLA is the playoff contender that was predicted in the preseason. Because the winner might be playing with a backup QB, which will give the selection committee a little something extra to think about should the victor remain in the playoff chase. And because Arizona State just might be the better playoff candidate of the two.
Preview: With Arizona unbeaten, Utah unbeaten (and coming off a huge victory at Michigan) and Southern California lurking, it's probably unwise to call No. 10 UCLA vs. No. 12 Arizona State a Pac-12 South decider.
Still, it's a huge game, and everyone's wondering about the quarterbacks. ASU's Taylor Kelly is sidelined because of a foot injury and strong-armed backup Mike Bercovici finally gets his chance after a four-year wait.
At UCLA, coach Jim Mora was tight-lipped about the condition of Brett Hundley, who suffered a hyperextended left elbow in the second quarter against Texas two weeks ago. ASU (3-0) expects to see Hundley, but it wouldn't be surprising if Jerry Neuheisel stepped in again and tried to exact vengeance for the Bruins, who lost to ASU last season at the Rose Bowl.
Mora isn't making any predictions about his quarterbacks or the game's outcome. ASU coach Todd Graham isn't as shy.
"There will be no (injury) excuses," he said. "We're going to win. Anybody else in the country would be in a worse situation than us, because we have two of the best quarterbacks in the country."
Arizona State, even with its No. 2 quarterback, has enough weapons on offense and enough playmakers on defense to make life miserable for the Bruins, who have shown glaring defensive deficiencies in three games and rank last in the Pac-12 in sacks.
It's ASU's game to lose, even if the Bruins (3-0) get Hundley back. Assuming Bercovici plays his part.
"It doesn't get any bigger than this," Graham said. "This is why I coach. I love it. I absolutely love it."
2. No. 7 Texas A&M vs. Arkansas
Saturday, 3:30 p.m., CBS
Why it matters: Texas A&M is right on the outside of the Football Four Playoff Projection, but it is facing a team that is as confident as it has been in years and plays a style that could be extremely difficult for the Aggies' defense to stop.
Preview: In a perfect scenario for Texas A&M, this would be the first of two games the Aggies play at the Dallas Cowboys home stadium in Arlington, Texas. The second would be in January for college football's national championship.
But Texas A&M (4-0 overall, 1-0 SEC) has a brutal schedule between now and a berth in the conference championship game — never mind the College Football Playoff.
"We'll know a lot more about us next week," coach Kevin Sumlin noted last week after the Aggies averaged 9.8 yards a play in a 58-6 thumping of Southern Methodist and quarterback Kenny Hill amassed 322 yards of total offense in the first half. "We'll see next week. Big-time atmosphere."
Arkansas (3-1, 0-1) has won three in row after losing 45-21 at Auburn in its opener.
The Razorbacks rank third in the nation in scoring at 48.8 points a game. Texas A&M ranks second, averaging 55.3.
The Aggies average 405 yards passing a game, which ranks fourth nationally, and Hill has passed for 1,359 yards, which ranks sixth nationally and leads the SEC.
The Razorbacks rank sixth in the nation in rushing, averaging 324.5 yards. Sophomore Alex Collins, averaging 7.5 yards a carry, has rushed for 490 yards, and junior Jonathan Williams, averaging 8.1, has rushed for 391.
"I like the way we play our football," Arkansas guard Brey Cook said.
3. No. 14 Stanford at Washington
Saturday, 4:15 p.m., Fox
Why it matters: Either one of these teams might have the tools to knock off Oregon in the Pac-12 North race. At the same time, a loss for either is huge setback in what is a continually tough division. Huskies coach Chris Petersen this week made clear he and his staff are still trying to get a gauge on Stanford, but in reality the league could say the same about the Huskies under their new coaching staff.
Preview: Stanford (2-1, 0-1 Pac-12) got over a disappointing loss to USC with a 35-0 pounding of Army before its bye week. The Cardinal could be Oregon's biggest threat in the Pac-12 North. Stanford leads the nation in total defense and scoring defense, with inside LB Blake Martinez playing a big role.
Washington (4-0) is undefeated under first-year coach Chris Petersen but after a third unimpressive win — 45-14 against Georgia State — there are questions about the Huskies' ability to handle conference play. Washington trailed 14-0 at halftime and was outgained 231-73 in the first two quarters. Georgia State was a 35-point underdog. "Did you see what I just saw?" Petersen said. "I know we're not ready." No doubt, it's put-up-or-shut-up time for the Huskies.
4. Cincinnati at No. 20 Ohio State
Saturday, 6 p.m., BTN
Why it matters: Cincinnati might be as good as any candidate for the "New Year's Six" bowls in the entire Group of Five. A win here would look really strong to the Playoff selection committee, whose poll will determine which Group of Five team plays on Dec. 31 or Jan. 1. Ohio State, meanwhile, has an increasingly bad loss to Virginia Tech on its résumé, but also has all of its Big Ten play ahead. A win against Cincinnati will actually do more for its schedule strength than some conference opponents can.
Preview: In-state recruiting implications loom large, with Ohio State (2-1) coming off a bye. Cincinnati (2-0) is 0-9 in Columbus. Don't underestimate Ohio State's big-play receiving ability: Devin Smith is averaging 42.2 yards a reception on five catches, including two touchdowns; Dontre Wilson averages 21.6 yards on five catches; and Michael Thomas, who has caught a team-high four touchdown passes, averages 19.5.
Cincinnati quarterback Gunner Kiel has completed 65.8% of his passes for 10 TDs with two interceptions. The Bearcats are great at passing and stopping the passing, ranking ninth in FBS in passing offense and No. 1 in quarterback sacks.
5. No. 8 Notre Dame vs. Syracuse
Saturday, 8 p.m., ABC
Why it matters: Syracuse is not a slouch, but it is one of the two or three weakest opponents remaining on Notre Dame's challenging schedule. The Irish need a strong showing for the résumé, because the games figure to only get tighter from here.
Preview: Syracuse might struggle with the Notre Dame offense in a game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Irish (3-0) are well rested after an idle week, and quarterback Everett Golson poses problems for opposing defenses. He has run and passed for 11 touchdowns and has not had any passes intercepted.
The defense also has been stout, evidenced by a 31-0 Sept. 6 rout of Michigan. The Irish were a bit shakier at the start against Purdue two weeks ago but were able to settle down in the second half and hold the Boilermakers scoreless.
It's sort of a good news/bad news situation for Syracuse, which in Terrel Hunt has a quarterback who is similar to Gardner. The good news is that Syracuse (2-1) should know what to expect from Notre Dame's defense. The bad news is that the Orange have seen how the Irish can stuff a quarterback who can run and pass.
Hunt, who passed for 219 yards and ran for 156 against Maryland, will need help from senior running back Prince-Tyson Gulley (7.8 rushing average, 251 yards). Jarrod West (133 yards, 16.6 average) is Hunt's best target, but the quarterback sometimes struggles getting the ball to receivers.
6. Oregon State at No. 22 USC
Saturday, 10:30 p.m., ESPN
Why it matters: Because Oregon State has one of the nation's best quarterbacks and most underrated coaching staffs, a combination that could carry the Beavers farther than anyone anticipated in the preseason. This game could reveal a lot about both teams.
Preview: This game might tell us if Oregon State is more than an afterthought in the Pac-12 North. The Beavers (3-0) wrapped up an unbeaten non-conference season with a 28-7 victory against San Diego State as Sean Mannion became the school's all-time passing leader. However, Oregon State wasn't very convincing on the ground, rushing for 97 yards, and its most dangerous receiver, Victor Bolden, left the game because of a broken pinkie.
USC (2-1, 1-0) hasn't played since a 37-31 upset loss at Boston College, a game in which the Trojans were shockingly outrushed 452-20. Given the embarrassment factor, it's likely that Oregon State might have a tough time running the ball against USC's front seven. There is history on the Trojans' side, too: Oregon State hasn't defeated USC at the Los Angeles Coliseum since 1960.
Analysis by Daniel Uthman. Previews by Paul Buker, Don Wade, Pete DiPrimio and Patrick Stevens.