The key storylines for NC State-Clemson, Alabama-Arkansas and the rest of Week 5’s biggest games

Faculty soccer’s Week 5 is right here and with it comes 5 top-25 matchups, together with three video games between groups ranked within the prime 16.

Off the heels of an emotional double-overtime win in opposition to Wake Forest, DJ Uiagalelei and Clemson host NC State in a top-10 ACC showdown. SEC play is in full swing as undefeated Kentucky and unbeaten Ole Miss sq. off in Oxford, whereas Arkansas, coming off a tricky loss within the Southwest Traditional, welcomes Alabama.

To not be outdone, the Massive 12 hosts one of many greatest rivalries the convention has to supply, as Baylor hosts Oklahoma State in a vital sport for convention standings.

Elsewhere, a ranked Washington heads to Los Angeles in a battle of unbeatens, whereas Michigan will attempt to survive in Iowa Metropolis.

Listed below are the important thing storylines from this week’s greatest video games.

No. 10 NC State Wolfpack at No. 5 Clemson Tigers (Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN app)

NC State and Clemson first performed in 1899, however there has by no means been a much bigger sport within the historical past of their matchup than the one approaching Saturday, for one historic motive: It marks the primary time the faculties have confronted one another as top-10 groups.

It additionally would be the first time No. 10 NC State has performed in an AP Prime 10 matchup.

No. 5 Clemson is used to being on this scenario, having performed in six of the previous seven ACC championship video games, together with six Faculty Soccer Playoff appearances. However that is all new for the Wolfpack, who used a extremely profitable 2021 marketing campaign as a springboard into outsize expectations for this yr. Linebacker Isaiah Moore, one of many many veterans who returned for this season, advised ESPN.com that there’s a motive so many gamers got here again: to win a championship.

That has been an elusive objective for NC State. Enjoying in the identical division as Florida State and Clemson, the Wolfpack have by no means performed in an ACC championship sport. In actual fact, NC State has not gained an ACC title since 1979. In-state rivals North Carolina and Wake Forest have made ACC championship sport appearances and gained ACC championships extra just lately than NC State.

“All of us got here again to place NC State in a spot it is by no means been earlier than,” Moore stated. “We have now a possibility to construct on that this week. We have now plenty of objectives forward of us that we wish to accomplish, however Saturday is unquestionably an enormous alternative for us to proceed to construct on that.”

Enjoying at Clemson is rarely a simple process. The Tigers have gained straight 36 video games at dwelling, courting to a loss to Pitt on Nov. 12, 2016. NC State has not gained at Clemson since 2002. Wolfpack heart Grant Gibson stated the group practiced this week with crowd noise piped in and that’s ready for moist situations ought to the remnants of Hurricane Ian influence the realm.

“We’re not making an attempt to blow this sport up, as a result of there’s already sufficient hype behind his sport as it’s,” Gibson stated. “I believe the factor that we’ll see is a group that is going to return in poised and able to play.”

NC State gained their matchup a yr in the past in Raleigh, a 27-21 additional time thriller that featured lots of the similar gamers who shall be taking part in on this tilt, together with NC State quarterback Devin Leary and Clemson signal-caller DJ Uiagalelei, who seems to have turned a nook following a 371-yard, five-touchdown efficiency in opposition to Wake Forest final weekend.

As everybody at NC State factors out, the win over Clemson a yr in the past helped this system recover from one hump, however the Wolfpack nonetheless fell wanting taking part in within the ACC championship sport.

“We perceive who we’re taking part in,” Moore stated. “We perceive the magnitude of the sport. We’re not going to take a seat right here and attempt to ignore it. It is there, however the greatest factor is to not let that have an effect on how we go about each day. We have now to proceed to go about what we have been preaching all yr, and we’ll be prepared for Saturday.” — Andrea Adelson

No. 15 Washington Huskies at UCLA Bruins (Friday, 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN app)

Washington and UCLA characterize two of the remaining three undefeated groups from the Pac-12 (with Southern California being the opposite), however their respective paths to 4-0 have been fairly totally different.

For UCLA, it marks the primary 4-0 begin since 2016. It is the kind of begin Bruins followers anticipated to return often when coach Chip Kelly was employed previous to the 2018 season. Nevertheless, they’ve nonetheless been unable to been generate a lot buzz contemplating the appreciable lack of high quality competitors up to now. Of UCLA’s 4 video games, the perfect group it has performed is South Alabama, and the Bruins wanted a last-second subject objective to tug that out at dwelling.

Washington shall be a completely totally different type of take a look at.

The Huskies have been dominant by way of 4 video games, and whereas three of their wins — versus Kent State, Portland State and Stanford — got here in opposition to overmatched competitors, they have been simply pretty much as good in opposition to Michigan State. After inheriting a four-win group, coach Kalen DeBoer’s revival has been instantaneous.

It needs to be the most effective quarterback matchups of the weekend in faculty soccer. In his fifth season as UCLA’s starter, Dorian Thompson-Robinson is off to a superb begin (896 passing yards, eight TD passes, one interception), however his counterpart, switch Michael Penix Jr., has been even higher. Penix, who performed for DeBoer when he was the offensive coordinator at Indiana, leads the nation in passing yards with 1,388 and has but to be sacked.

Washington has scored touchdowns on 14 of its 21 first-half possessions and has managed TDs on seven of eight possessions to open a half. (It kicked a subject objective to start out the second half in opposition to Stanford.) — Kyle Bonagura

No. 7 Kentucky Wildcats at No. 14 Ole Miss Rebels (Saturday, midday ET, ESPN/ESPN app)

In case you subscribe to the idea that Georgia and Alabama have a agency maintain on the No. 1 and No. 2 positions within the SEC this season, then Saturday’s sport between No. 7 Kentucky and No. 14 Ole Miss at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium may go a good distance towards figuring out the highest contender for that No. 3 spot.

Earlier than we get too forward of ourselves, it is value noting that the calendar is simply now flipping to October, however the winner of this sport will transfer to 5-0 with a really manageable schedule over the following two weeks. Ole Miss, which has the more durable general schedule the remainder of the way in which, performs at Vanderbilt then at dwelling in opposition to Auburn. Kentucky has dwelling video games in opposition to South Carolina and Mississippi State earlier than getting a bye week.

This shall be Ole Miss’ first SEC sport, and coach Lane Kiffin stated it is apparent that this would be the “finest expertise that we have performed on protection.”

Ole Miss’ operating sport has been lights out, though Zach Evans was restricted within the 35-27 win over Tulsa final week with what Kiffin referred to as a “medical factor.” The Rebels slumbered by way of the second half of that sport offensively after main 35-14 within the second quarter. If Evans is wholesome, together with freshman Quinshon Judkins and SMU switch Ulysses Bentley IV, the Rebels are as gifted at operating again as any group within the nation. They’re ranked fourth nationally in dashing offense (280.7 yards per sport), however Kentucky’s protection is permitting simply 108.2 yards per sport.

Whereas getting a wholesome Evans again shall be essential for Ole Miss, among the finest information for Kentucky is that senior operating again Chris Rodriguez Jr. will make his first look of the season after sitting out the primary 4 video games due to an NCAA matter. Rodriguez was the SEC’s main returning rusher after gaining 1,379 yards a yr in the past, and he’s particularly adept at getting the powerful yards after contact. The Wildcats desperately want a jolt within the operating sport. They have not been in a position to run it in any respect this season, rating 123rd nationally with a median of 81.5 yards per sport. They’ve managed simply three dashing touchdowns in 4 video games.

Kentucky quarterback Will Levis, ranked by ESPN’s Mel Kiper because the No. 2 quarterback prospect within the 2023 NFL draft, will welcome Rodriguez again with open arms. Levis has already been sacked 16 occasions this season.

“He is such an important weapon to incorporate on this offense and has been itching to get again on the market and has been working towards and making ready mentally and staying sharp,” stated Levis, who has handed for greater than 300 yards in three of his 4 video games this season. “He is on the market on a mission … and we’re pumped to have him again.”

Ole Miss held its first three opponents to 10 or fewer factors. The Rebels missed simply 4 tackles of their 42-0 rout of Georgia Tech, however they did not sort out practically as properly final week. Kentucky’s offensive line has had its personal points in run blocking and cross blocking. Ole Miss expects to get again defensive sort out JJ Pegues and out of doors linebacker Khari Coleman from damage this week. Neither performed in opposition to Tulsa. So the important thing matchup to look at on this sport most likely shall be Kentucky’s offensive line versus Ole Miss’ defensive entrance seven.

The one Energy 5 groups with higher data than Kentucky and Ole Miss (each 15-3) over the previous 18 video games are Georgia (17-1) and Alabama, Michigan and Oklahoma State (all 16-2). Ole Miss has gained 12 straight dwelling video games, and Kiffin earlier this week supplied a refined problem to the followers, a lot of whom scattered at halftime final week.

“Whenever you come again [after halftime] and run out the tunnel and it seems like a highschool sport taking part in in a university stadium, you’ll be able to’t let that have an effect on you,” stated Kiffin, whose Rebels have been shut out within the second half in opposition to Tulsa.

Kentucky is 7-11 in true SEC street video games going again to the beginning of the 2018 season, however the Wildcats have already handed one powerful street take a look at this season after they beat Florida 26-16 on the Swamp in Week 2. — Chris Low

No. 4 Michigan Wolverines at Iowa Hawkeyes (Saturday, midday ET, Fox)

In 2016, an undefeated Michigan group traveled to Iowa Metropolis to play Iowa the week after defeating Maryland at dwelling.

The Wolverines have been ranked and picked to win that sport, however they ended up dropping 14-13. Now, an undefeated Michigan group is touring to Iowa Metropolis to play the Hawkeyes the week after beating Maryland at dwelling — and the Wolverines should not seeking to repeat historical past.

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh is aware of Kinnick Stadium is usually a hostile surroundings and has seen firsthand how tough it may be to play at Iowa.

“As they are saying, it is the place top-five groups go to die,” Harbaugh advised reporters this week. “I believe the largest factor is simply how good the group is. You activate the offensive tape and yeah, it is a Kirk Ferentz-coached offense. I imply, all the things is detailed, all the things’s exact, similar fundamentals, and so they simply get so good at what they’re doing that they beat you with execution.”

Since 2008, Iowa is 5-1 in opposition to top-five groups at dwelling, and the group is hoping to proceed that streak this week. The Hawkeyes have struggled on offense, although, and Ferentz stated it should be a tough process to return out on prime.

The 2 performed final season within the Massive Ten championship sport, and Michigan gained handily 42-3.

“We’ll must play very well all three phases. Only a fundamental reply there — and each play,” Ferentz stated. “That is the largest factor. Then hopefully, we are able to get them to slide up or make a mistake or two, however they have not made plenty of them this yr, so it should be a problem.”

Whereas Iowa’s offense has had its struggles, the protection has been excellent. The Hawkeyes rank No. 6 in rush yards allowed per sport, solely permitting 73 yards on common. In 4 video games, no group has scored a dashing landing in opposition to Iowa.

Michigan’s power has been within the run sport, in order that’s probably the place the 2 will conflict probably the most. The Wolverines rank No. 11 in rush yards per sport, averaging 234.3 yards. Operating again Blake Corum simply ran for 243 yards and two touchdowns in opposition to Maryland, so it’s going to be arduous for Iowa to cease Michigan and the run sport.

“It is a scheme that is flawless, everyone the place they’re presupposed to be after they’re presupposed to be there, taking part in the methods, they’re presupposed to be there. So, the problem is that it makes you on offense be actually tight, tight,” Harbaugh stated. “Not the time to loosen up. It is the time to tighten up in each facet of our offensive approach and fundamentals, alignments and assignments. So, it has been 48 hours of taking a look at that and taking a look at it each attainable approach that we are able to enhance ourselves.” — Tom VanHaaren

No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide at No. 20 Arkansas Razorbacks (Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS)

Anticipate a battle on the line of scrimmage come Saturday afternoon in Fayetteville.

The Razorbacks’ offensive line is bodily and imposing. Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban stated the Arkansas linemen take after the character of their coach, Sam Pittman, who made a reputation for himself teaching the place. How their offensive tackles Luke Jones and Dalton Wagner maintain up in opposition to Alabama standout edge rushers Will Anderson Jr. and Dallas Turner may decide whether or not quarterback KJ Jefferson has the time wanted to make performs within the passing sport.

However the identical may very well be stated of Alabama’s offensive line and its quarterback, Bryce Younger. Three weeks in the past, the Tide line faltered at Texas, giving up too many pressures and committing too many penalties. It felt like a continuum of final season’s struggles on the place. And whereas the previous two video games have seen a noticeable enchancment in each areas, it is value noting that the competitors wasn’t precisely stiff in opposition to Louisiana Monroe and Vanderbilt.

Going in opposition to Arkansas’ cross rush is likely to be the hardest take a look at attainable. The Hogs at present lead the FBS with 20 sacks. They usually’re led by a former Alabama linebacker in Drew Sanders, who’s 6-foot-5 and 244 kilos and is tied for probably the most sacks within the nation with 5.5. Arkansas’ Jordan Domineck, Landon Jackson and Zach Williams can flip up the warmth, as properly.

Final season, Arkansas went into Tuscaloosa and practically beat Alabama, dropping by a landing. Jefferson stated that have was a sign that, “We are able to compete with anyone.”

However now the Razorbacks wish to shut the hole.

Veteran Arkansas linebacker Bumper Pool pointed to 1 defensive inefficiency up to now: “Attending to the passer.”

Nicely, that does not seem like an issue anymore.

At SEC media days, Pool was requested what was the ceiling for this Arkansas group?

“I do not assume there is a ceiling,” he stated. “However there is not a flooring. It is the SEC. So something can occur.” — Alex Scarborough

No. 9 Oklahoma State Cowboys at No. 16 Baylor Bears (Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, Fox)

As Spencer Sanders goes, so goes Oklahoma State. The preseason All-Massive 12 quarterback already has thrown for 916 yards with 10 touchdowns and one interception in three video games, because the Cowboys are averaging 49.7 factors per sport, second nationally behind Michigan.

“We let [Sanders] do no matter he needs to do,” Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy stated this week. “He goes at it, has enjoyable. He is a risk-taker. He’ll run extra, takes extra hits than he ought to. He’ll throw into protection some, but it surely’s type of the way in which it’s. We have now plenty of confidence in him to permit him to exit and make his performs.”

However Baylor, specifically, has bedeviled Sanders. Since Dave Aranda arrived in Waco, Texas, Sanders has performed in 21 video games, throwing 20 interceptions over that span. 9 of these picks got here in three video games in opposition to Baylor, with seven in two video games final season, together with 4 at AT&T Stadium in a 21-16 loss to the Bears within the Massive 12 title sport.

“I believe 4 of [the seven interceptions against Baylor last year], he was being hit when he let go of the ball. … I am probably not involved about it primarily based on the variety of turnovers that he had,” Gundy stated of Sanders. “He was being hit when he threw the ball.”

Baylor coach Dave Aranda cautioned his group to not lean on that historical past and stated he has been impressed with what he has seen from Sanders.

“Offensively, quarterback actually stands out,” Aranda stated. “Actually taking part in quick. Appears sooner, taking part in assured.”

Gundy stated specifically that Siaki Ika, Baylor’s 6-foot-4, 358-pound nostril sort out, poses a menace up entrance when making an attempt to guard Sanders from taking these hits.

“He is a problem. He is an issue,” Gundy stated of Ika. “He needs to be taking part in on Sundays proper now. We positively must know the place he is at.”

Baylor, in the meantime, is led by QB Blake Shapen, who accomplished his first 17 passes in opposition to the Cowboys within the title sport final yr and averages 193.3 passing yards per sport with seven TDs to 1 interception.

It is a stylistic battle of contrasts, with Aranda’s ball-control offense and hard protection going up in opposition to Gundy’s high-flying offense. The Bears are powerful in Waco, profitable 9 straight at dwelling. ESPN’s FPI offers Baylor a 65.3% probability to win. — Dave Wilson