As Week 8 approaches there are a couple of really important and standout games. Let's take a look at the best of Saturday.
LSU (7-0) AT AUBURN (7-0)
3:30 PM - CBS
The prime time game of the day features one of the luckiest men in college football, Les Miles going up against the current best player in the country, Cam Newton. Cam has 13 TDs in the passing game and 12 rushing TDs this year. Those are some stout numbers as we enter Week 8.
Auburn's defense has been shaky, but they are still very capable of stepping up when needed. Auburn's Offense can score so quick that their defense is back on the field before they have time to sit down.
As for LSU, they have one of the very best players in the country in Patrick Peterson (CB). He could have a very big day if Newton puts it in the air too often. So far he has 8 career interceptions at LSU. I think Chizik will have a run-heavy attack planned with a couple tricks to keep LSU on its heels.
When it comes to stats, look no further than these:
1. Auburn leads the SEC in points per game with 40.7 (LSU is near the bottom of the SEC with 26.7)
2. Auburn is 3rd in the SEC on 3rd Downs with almost 50% (LSU is middle of the pack with 40%)
3. LSU's defense is allowing just 14.4 a game which is 2nd best in the SEC (Auburn is allowing 24.4)
4. Auburn has 1986 yards on the ground versus LSU's 1318.
Coach Chizik has it going in the right direction on The Plains, and the success Auburn is seeing is directly attributed to Cameron Newton coming to town. He's a winner, and I think Les Miles' luck runs out this Saturday. Look for Auburn by 7.
(Auburn photo courtesy of Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
(LSU photo courtesy of Michael DeMocker/The Times-Picayune)
WISCONSIN (6-1) AT IOWA (5-1)
3:30 PM - ABC
Wisconsin is coming off a big time win as they knocked #1 Ohio State off its perch. That #1 spot is really tough to hold this year, as
Bama fell from that spot the previous week.
Starting the game off with a kickoff return for a touchdown really set the tone. Then holding off Ohio State in the 4th Quarter and putting them away really sealed the deal. That win was no fluke.
Bret Bielema has a really solid team this year, in my opinion led by John Clay at running back. He epitomizes what this team is all about: Big, Physical, and Tough.
This match up is so good because Iowa's defense matches up pound for pound. They are big and physical too. Iowa's front 4 on Defense is probably the best D Line in the country. They get it done. With leaders like Broderick Binns, Adrian Clayborn, Christian Ballard and Karl Klug clogging things up and making life miserable for opposing offenses, it is easy to understand why.
Currently the Iowa defense is 6th overall allowing their opponent to just 13.2 points a game. Make no mistake, this Defense can shut it down.
But let's be honest: Who has Iowa really played this year? Arizona? I guess, but in a close one they ended up losing that game.
I'm taking Wisconsin and John Clay in a punishing ball controlled game plan. I like the Badgers by a field goal.
(Wisconsin photo courtesy of Morry Gash/AP)
(Iowa photo courtesy of Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Founded in 1986, The Jim Thorpe Award annually honors the nation's top defensive back. The Jim Thorpe Award is celebrating its 25th Anniversary. Working in conjunction with the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame, The Jim Thorpe Association judges candidates based on their on field performance, athletic ability and character.
