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What to Watch: Another can't-miss weekend of ranked matchups

What to Watch
What to Watch

It seems like every odd week of this college football season we’ve had a slew of games that are can’t-miss, and that’s the case here in Week 5. There are three matchups between Top 10 teams and they all have implications within their various leagues. And then there are some revenge games (like Houston’s win over UConn on Thursday night) that are fun as well.

The college football season has not yet disappointed in 2016 and this won’t be the week it happens either. Here’s what to watch heading into Week 5:

Game of the week:

No. 3 Louisville at No. 5 Clemson, 8 p.m. ET

This game represents Louisville’s chance to step on the throat of the ACC Atlantic.

If it defeats Clemson, it’s going to be difficult for either the Tigers or Florida State to claim the ACC Atlantic title. Moreover, it puts the Cardinals in prime position to earn one of the coveted four spots in the College Football Playoff.

But that’s still a big “if.”

Clemson hasn’t rekindled much of the magic it had during its run to the national title game last year. While the defense has been playing lights out — it ranks No. 3 in the country in total defense (218.5) and No. 5 nationally in scoring defense (11.0) — the offense has been uneven. Quarterback Deshaun Watson is averaging just 3.17 yards per rush and his 249 passing yards per game is nearly 30 yards less than a year ago. The Clemson running game, which was so good in the playoffs last season, is averaging just 159.5 yards per game and star running back Wayne Gallman is averaging just 64 yards per game.

The Tigers’ offensive woes spell trouble, especially against a Louisville team that has shown it has no trouble scoring. The Clemson defense will be the best Louisville has faced this year, so don’t expect a blowout, but it’s also not going to keep quarterback Lamar Jackson off the board. Jackson is easily the most dynamic player in college football right now and behind him Louisville leads the nation in total offense (682 yards per game), scoring offense (63.5) and first downs (125). While Jackson’s passing percentage (58.7) isn’t great, he is averaging 131.50 yards on the ground and overall, the Louisville rushing offense is averaging 318.3 yards.

If the Clemson offense can’t keep pace, it’s going to be a long day for the Tigers.

Also check out…

No. 8 Wisconsin at No. 4 Michigan, 3:30 p.m. ET

Wisconsin might be the most underrated team in the Top 10 despite its 4-0 record and its dismantling of Michigan State last weekend. The Badgers are double-digit underdogs heading into the Big House on Saturday against a Michigan team that is averaging 52 points per game, but hasn’t yet played one of the nation’s top defenses.

That will change this weekend with the Badgers, who rank seventh nationally in scoring defense (11.8 points per game) and 12th in total defense (277.0 yards per game). They are led by junior outside linebacker T.J. Watt, who has a team-leading 4 1/2 sacks and his 18 tackles rank second behind inside linebacker Jack Cinchy. The Badgers are especially good against the run, allowing just 80.5 yards per game. That’s going to be an interesting matchup to watch considering Michigan had 326 rushing yards in last week’s win against Penn State. The Wolverines rely on running back De’Veon Smith, who is averaging 6.6 yards per carry and quarterback William Speight has been getting better throughout the season. And then there’s Jabrill Peppers, who has been a force for the Wolverines on defense and special teams and will see increased snaps on offense this weekend.

Wisconsin’s offense was energized last week with the performance of redshirt freshman quarterback Alex Hornibrook who threw for 195 yards, one touchdown and one interception against the Spartans. Running back Corey Clement hasn’t been flashy with the yards, but he has been strong along the goal line accounting for five rushing touchdowns.

Channel surf through …

No. 22 Texas at Oklahoma State, noon — Texas is coming off a bye week in which they were supposed to have fixed a defense that allowed 50 points and 507 yards in a 50-43 loss at Cal on Sept. 17. However, keeping this high-power Oklahoma State team off the board won’t be easy. Look for this to be a high-scoring back-and-forth affair.

No. 11 Tennessee at No. 25 Georgia, 3:30 p.m. ET — There is a lot of energy surrounding the Vols 4-0 start this season, but Saturday’s game between the hedges will be the first true road test. Tennessee is coming off a huge comeback win against Florida while Georgia was beaten soundly by Ole Miss. This is a pivotal SEC East matchup.

North Carolina at No. 12 Florida State, 3:30 p.m. ET — This is a key game for Florida State, which is already 0-1 in ACC play and can’t afford to take another loss and stay in title contention. Expect this game to be a back-and-forth shootout since neither of these teams have proven their defenses to be consistent.

Memphis at No. 16 Ole Miss, 7 p.m. ET — This wouldn’t be a game to watch if the Tigers hadn’t spoiled the Rebels season a year ago. Ole Miss got out to a big lead and then ended up on the wrong side of a 37-24 loss that ended Ole Miss’ CFP hopes. Coach Hugh Freeze said this wasn’t a revenge game, but don’t believe him. This one should be fun.

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Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter!