Game Previews for Week 7 (Part 1)

Clemson at Wake Forest (Thursday)

Clemson came into this season with high expectatins, but the Tigers were cut off at the pass in week one by the new darling of college football, Alabama. Either Clemson was never that good to begin with, or haven't recovered, as it has beaten North Carolina St. 27-9 and lost to Maryland 20-17 at home in its two FCS games since.

The Tigers don't rank in the top 20 nationally in any major category, and don't lead the ACC in any either. Remember that's with two FBS games on the schedule.

The rushing game behind C.J. Spiller and James Davis was supposed to be the anchor of the team, but Clemson is just fifth in the ACC in rushing. They are 10th in turnover margin, sacks and tackles for loss.

Wake Forest comes off a crushing loss to Navy that sent the Demon Deacons down to the second tier. Wake Forest gets it done through the air on offense and defense, as the Demon Deacons lead the conference in passing and are second in pass defense (fifth nationally) behind Georgia Tech. Quarterback Riley Skinner leads the conference in passing efficiency, while DB Kevin Patterson has three interceptions in four games.

Wake Forest is also one of the top teams in turnover margin, so Clemson will have to start holding on to the ball to have a chance. Meanwhile, Wake's Sam Swank leads in the country in field goals at 2.5 per game.

Prediction - Wake Forest 27, Clemson 17


Texas vs. Oklahoma in Dallas (Saturday)

The Longhorns went through the first three weeks without playing a BCS conference team, but they didn't stop dominating once Arkansas and Colorado showed up on the schedule, either.

Texas ranks in the Top 39 of every major category nationally except two - punt returns and passing defense. The Longhorns give up 244 yards per game through the air, and while that could largely be because Texas always gets out to a big early lead, be sure that Oklahoma will test the secondary early and often. Texas will need pressure from Brian Orakpo, who leads the conference in sacks per game and is fourth in tackles for loss.

The game will feature the two conference leaders in passing efficiency (third and fourth nationally) in Texas' Colt McCoy and Oklahoma's Sam Bradford. McCoy's favorite targets include Quan Cosby and Jordan Shipley. The Longhorns haven't shown much of a running game as McCoy leads the team.

Oklahoma's offense is a little more conventional as it features running back DeMarco Murray, who is averaging over 87 yards per game. Defensively, the Sooners are No. 1 in passing efficiency.

Prediction: Oklahoma 34, Texas 28.