The College Football Playoff picture is set to heat up with four intriguing matchups featuring top quarterbacks vying for a spot in the semifinals. Ty Simpson and Marcel Reed from Alabama and Texas A&M, respectively, are among the favorites but will face stiff competition from other Heisman hopefuls.
On Friday night, Alabama's Simpson faces Oklahoma's John Mateer in a battle between two high-powered offenses. The Sooners struggled to contain the Crimson Tide's running game, but their defense has been opportunistic, with three sacks per game, and can limit Simpson's yards if he fumbles or is sacked repeatedly, as was the case against Texas A&M last week.
Meanwhile, No. 10 Miami takes on No. 7 Texas A&M in a matchup between two efficient quarterbacks. Carson Beck leads the nation in completion percentage and has thrown for 16 touchdowns over the past five games. Marcel Reed, however, brings the threat of rushing and has already racked up 466 yards on the ground this season.
The biggest test for either quarterback comes Saturday night when No. 11 Tulane faces off against No. 6 Ole Miss. Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss is having a standout first year in FBS play, with 291 total offense per game ranking him 15th nationally. The Green Wave's Jake Retzlaff also brings significant rushing ability and can exploit the Rebels' pass efficiency defense.
Finally, No. 12 James Madison will look to contain Oregon quarterback Dante Moore, who has thrown for 2,733 yards, 24 touchdowns, and six interceptions this season. Despite a tough matchup against the Ducks' high-powered offense, JMU's Alonza Barnett still averaged nearly nine yards per completion in their previous meeting with Louisville, suggesting the Dukes can limit Moore's yards if they can avoid turnovers.
These four matchups will provide crucial tests for these Heisman hopefuls and demonstrate their abilities under pressure as the College Football Playoff picture continues to take shape.
On Friday night, Alabama's Simpson faces Oklahoma's John Mateer in a battle between two high-powered offenses. The Sooners struggled to contain the Crimson Tide's running game, but their defense has been opportunistic, with three sacks per game, and can limit Simpson's yards if he fumbles or is sacked repeatedly, as was the case against Texas A&M last week.
Meanwhile, No. 10 Miami takes on No. 7 Texas A&M in a matchup between two efficient quarterbacks. Carson Beck leads the nation in completion percentage and has thrown for 16 touchdowns over the past five games. Marcel Reed, however, brings the threat of rushing and has already racked up 466 yards on the ground this season.
The biggest test for either quarterback comes Saturday night when No. 11 Tulane faces off against No. 6 Ole Miss. Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss is having a standout first year in FBS play, with 291 total offense per game ranking him 15th nationally. The Green Wave's Jake Retzlaff also brings significant rushing ability and can exploit the Rebels' pass efficiency defense.
Finally, No. 12 James Madison will look to contain Oregon quarterback Dante Moore, who has thrown for 2,733 yards, 24 touchdowns, and six interceptions this season. Despite a tough matchup against the Ducks' high-powered offense, JMU's Alonza Barnett still averaged nearly nine yards per completion in their previous meeting with Louisville, suggesting the Dukes can limit Moore's yards if they can avoid turnovers.
These four matchups will provide crucial tests for these Heisman hopefuls and demonstrate their abilities under pressure as the College Football Playoff picture continues to take shape.
! Those QBs are gonna have to bring their A-game if they wanna make it to the semis. Alabama and Oklahoma are looking like the top contenders, but Texas A&M is giving them a run for their money. I think Marcel Reed's rushing threat is what sets him apart from the rest 
. On the other hand, Miami's Carson Beck seems almost too good to be true - 16 TDs in 5 games? That's insane 
! But you can't count out Tulane and Ole Miss, those guys have some crazy stats too 
. Bring it on, I'm gonna be glued to my screen for these matchups 
!
gotta say, these matchups are gonna be WILD! Alabama vs Oklahoma is gonna be a war on defense, and if Ty Simpson fumbles again, it's game over 
. Meanwhile, Miami's Carson Beck is on fire, but Texas A&M's Marcel Reed is no slouch either, he can make plays with his legs and arm 
. And don't sleep on Tulane, they've got the skills to take down Ole Miss if they can keep their QB in check 
. One thing for sure, these Heisman hopefuls are gonna be put through the wringer 
I'm so stoked about these upcoming college football games! It's gonna be crazy to see how these top QBs perform, especially Ty Simpson and Marcel Reed. They're both vying for that Heisman spot, but they'll have to bring their A-game to take down the competition 
. But on the other hand, Carson Beck leading Miami in completion percentage is super impressive 
I'm so hyped for this weekend's games!!! Ty Simpson is gonna CRUSH Oklahoma but Marcel Reed better bring his A-game against Miami 
and I'm loving the Texas A&M offense! And can we talk about Tulane vs Ole Miss?! 
And don't sleep on James Madison vs Oregon, this could be SO tight!!! 
]
. And James Madison vs Oregon is gonna be a crazy game 
, but Alonza Barnett's got this! 
The College Football Playoff picture is getting more interesting by the minute... who do you think will make it to the semis? 
. This weekend's matchups are gonna be EVERYTHING, can't wait to see how these QBs perform under pressure 
but can he handle the pressure of having to make plays when it matters most? also love the storyline with tulane's chambliss against ole miss 