The Mountaineers are off this week giving fans some time to watch other key games around the conference and around the country.
Key Sun Belt Games
Coastal Carolina @ #23 Louisiana, Saturday, 12:00 pm, ESPN2
With only six Sun Belt teams in action this week, this game easily holds the most weight of conference title implications as both teams lead their divisions, respectively. Louisiana made their statement to the country in Week 1 when they blew out the then 23rd-ranked Iowa State Cyclones in Ames. Since then, they have had to survive close games against conference foes Georgia State and Georgia Southern. The Ragin’ Cajuns three-headed monster in the backfield, led by Elijah Mitchell, will be instrumental in moving the ball down the field against an underrated Coastal defense. The explosive Chanticleers offense, led by speedster C.J. Marable and quarterback Grayson McCall, will get their first true defensive test after dismantling Arkansas State at home last week. Expect a high scoring game and for both teams to run the ball well.
Texas State @ Troy, Saturday, 3:30pm, ESPN3
Believe it or not, this is the only other Sun Belt matchup this week. The Bobcats are coming off of a bye week and will be two weeks removed from a heartbreaking loss at Boston College. Although their record stands at 1-3, they’ve proven they can compete against higher competition like BC and SMU. The Troy Trojans are also coming off a bye, as their game scheduled last week was postponed due to the coronavirus. Troy’s week off was much needed, however, after suffering a blowout loss to the 18th-ranked BYU Cougars. Expect both teams to come out strong, and it will be interesting to see if Troy’s defense can stop Texas State’s high powered offense.
Key Games Around the Country
This top-20 matchup is very intriguing because both teams will be facing their first true tests. Both teams have only played two games with Virginia Tech starting off the season victorious over NC State and Duke, and North Carolina winning over Syracuse and Boston College. The Hokies have had trouble getting some players on the field due to COVID-19, which may lead to a quarterback controversy going into Saturday’s tilt. The Tar Heels offense has looked out of sync so far, which could be from their two games being three weeks apart. Quarterback Sam Howell will have to step up his play big time if the Tar Heels want to get revenge on Virginia Tech for taking them down in six overtimes last year.
The second top-20 matchup of the day pits two undefeated SEC rivals together. Tennessee came into the season with the highest expectations the program has seen in recent years. Quarterback Jarrett Guarantano has been scrutinized in the past, but he has played very well thus far. His next challenge, however, will be his toughest. Some are calling Georgia’s elite defense the best in the country. So far, the Bulldogs defense has given up a combined total of 16 points. If former walk-on quarterback Stetson Bennett can continue to play well for Georgia, they should be tough to beat, especially between the hedges at Sanford Stadium.
This top-10 clash is easily the most-anticipated game of the day. Everyone knows Clemson and what they bring to the table. Trevor Lawrence is the best quarterback in the nation and Travis Etienne is arguably the best running back in the nation. Their pass offense and rush offense are both elite and their defense is stingy as well. Miami has also been very impressive thus far this season. They have been in need of a good quarterback for some time and they finally have it with Houston transfer D’Eriq King. The Hurricanes finally have a complete team with stars on both sides of the ball, including tight end Brevin Jordan and pass rusher Quincy Roche. For Miami to go into Death Valley and come out with a W, the 'Canes will have to be incredibly sharp and stay disciplined. They have the tools to take down the Tigers, but can put a great game plan together to make it happen?