College football Week 7 games to watch
By: Kevin Dunleavy
Examiner Staff Writer
October 16, 2009
Game of the week
5 TO WATCH
Sam Bradford » The Heisman-winning Oklahoma QB returned to the lineup last week after he was out a month with a shoulder injury and passed for 389 yards in a win over Baylor. Saturday he and the No. 20 Sooners (3-2) face Colt McCoy and No. 3 Texas (5-0).
Pat Angerer » The senior LB leads the disruptive defense of No. 14 Iowa (6-0) at Wisconsin (5-1). Iowa is No. 2 in the nation in forcing turnovers (19). Angerer will be focused on Wisconsin RB John Clay, the nation’s No. 17 rusher, who is averaging 106.8 yards per game.
Ryan Mallett » The hulking (6-7, 240) sophomore QB piloted Arkansas to an upset of Auburn last week, completing 24 of 37 passes for 274 yards. On Saturday, Mallett and the Razorbacks (3-2) will try to take down another unbeaten when they face No. 1 Florida (5-0).
Eric Norwood » The South Carolina LB, called a “game changer” by Alabama OL Mike Johnson will key the No. 22 Gamecocks against the potent offense of No. 2 Alabama (5-0). Norwood (6-0, 252) leads Carolina in tackles (38), sacks (6), and quarterback hurries (5).
Dion Lewis » The freshman RB for Pittsburgh (5-1) ranks No. 5 in the nation in rushing (123 yards per game). In a key Big East game Friday night at Rutgers (4-1), Lewis will be tested by a rush defense that ranks No. 6 in the nation, allowing just 65.2 yards per game.
No. 5 Southern Cal at No. 23 Notre Dame
Where » Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, Ind.
When » Saturday, 3:30 p.m.
TV » NBC
Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen (100-of-148, 1544 yards, 12 touchdowns) is fulfilling the potential predicted when he was the prize QB of the high school class of 2007. Saturday he faces the prize QB of the class of 2009, Matt Barkley (63-of-107, 958 yards, 3 TD) in a compelling rivalry game. Notre Dame (4-1) leads the series 42-33-5, but has lost the last seven meetings to USC (4-1), surrendering at least 34 points in each and failing to score a touchdown in the last two.
Local capsules
Virginia at Maryland
Where » Capital One Field at Byrd Stadium, College Park
When » Saturday, 4 p.m.
TV » ESPNU
Radio » 106.7 FM
Virginia (2-3) and coach Al Groh were under fire, but the noise has subsided in Charlottesville with wins over North Carolina and Indiana. After throwing five interceptions in the first three weeks, QB Jameel Sewell has thrived in the last two (33-of-54, 444 yards) along with senior RB Mikell Simpson (35 carries, 183 yards, 5 TDs), whose status is undecided because of a neck injury. Freshman RB Torrey Mack, who starred in the preseason, will be ready vs. Maryland (2-4) if Simpson isn't cleared to play.
Navy at SMU
Where » Ford Stadium, Dallas
When » Saturday, 8 p.m.
TV » CBS College Sports
Radio » 630 AM
The Midshipmen (4-2) can take a major step toward securing a bowl berth. It won't be easy. After back-to-back 1-11 seasons, SMU (3-2) is revitalized under innovative, second-year coach June Jones. QB Bo Levi Mitchell (125-of-216, 1485 yards, 10 TDs) triggers the Mustangs' run-and-shoot offense.
Catholic at Gallaudet
Where » Hotchkiss Field
When » Saturday, 1 p.m.
Senior DL Joshua Doudt (5-10, 270) and his brother, sophomore LB Calvin Doudt (5-11, 220), are the top two tacklers on the Gallaudet (3-3) defense. The man to watch for Catholic (0-5) is WR/KR Alonzo Cooke (McNamara), a sophomore who leads the team in all-purpose yards.
