Chess match: Six coordinator matchups to watch in Week 12
On3’s Mike Huguenin and Matt Zenitz spotlight six games with interesting coordinator matchups each week. The proverbial “chess match” between the coordinators very well could determine the outcome.
Here are the six in Week 12.
No. 4 TCU at Baylor
Time/TV: Noon, Fox
The coordinator matchup: TCU OC Garrett Riley vs. Baylor DC Ron Roberts
The buzz: TCU passed a huge test last week by winning at Texas and now goes on the road against its oldest rival (this will be the 118th meeting). While TCU (10-0) has been a major surprise this season, Baylor (6-4) has been a disappointment. The run defense has been especially spotty of late, so watch for Riley to try to get standout RB Kendre Miller going early. Baylor’s secondary isn’t anything special, either, so WR Quentin Johnston could be in for a big day. The Bears’ pass rush has dropped off big time (they had 44 sacks last season, just 19 this season and six of those came in a win over Texas Tech), and Roberts needs to find a way to pressure TCU’s Max Duggan.
Minnesota at Iowa
Time/TV: 4 p.m., Fox
The coordinator matchup: Minnesota OC Kirk Ciarrocca vs. Iowa DC Phil Parker
The buzz: Let’s be clear on this – this is a must-avoid game for folks who like a lot of offense. Iowa’s offense is a national punchline for a reason. But Parker’s defense, as usual, is legit. Unlike Iowa (6-4), Minnesota (7-3) has an offense with a pulse, thanks to stud RB Mohamed Ibrahim. He’s the key to the game. Ibrahim has a streak of 18 consecutive 100-yard games dating to the 2019 season (he missed all but one game last season), and has scored 36 rushing TDs during the streak. Iowa has held each of its past four opponents (and seven of 10 this season) to fewer than 100 rushing yards. But Iowa lost all three games in which the opponent rushed for 100, and each of those three (Illinois, Iowa State and Michigan) had at least 40 rushing attempts. While the Gophers are a run-heavy team, Ciarrocca at some point will need his quarterback to hit a big play or two off play-action.
Boise State at Wyoming
Time/TV: 7 p.m., CBS Sports Network
The coordinator matchup: Boise State OC Dirk Koetter vs. Wyoming DC Jay Sawvel
The buzz: Boise State coach Andy Avalos fired OC Tim Plough four games into the season and promoted Koetter, a former college and NFL head coach who was serving as an offensive analyst. Boise State was 2-2 and hadn’t gained more than 327 yards under Plough. Since then, Boise State is 5-1 and has averaged 433.3 yards per game. The coaching change coincided with a change at quarterback, and redshirt freshman Taylen Green has provided a jump-start with his running ability. Wyoming’s offense isn’t much – it has scored more than 28 points once against FBS opposition – so Sawvel’s unit is the key if the Cowboys (7-3) want to win. Wyoming’s run defense has been solid, but the Cowboys’ secondary has been shaky at times. Can Boise throw it well enough? Boise State clinches a spot in the Mountain West title game with a win. Wyoming moves into a tie for the Mountain Division lead with a win and would own the tiebreaker. But Wyoming has the tougher regular-season finale (Fresno State, while Boise gets Utah State).
Oklahoma State at Oklahoma
Time/TV: 7:30 p.m., ABC
The coordinator matchup: Oklahoma OC Jeff Lebby vs. Oklahoma State DC Derek Mason
The buzz: Both teams have had disappointing seasons, but winning Bedlam obviously would apply some salve for OU (5-5) or Oklahoma State (7-3). Oklahoma State’s defense has been shredded at times this season, which is good news for a Sooners offense that has been inconsistent. Mason needs to find a way to slow Oklahoma RB Eric Gray, who has rushed for 594 yards and seven TDs in the past four games (that’s 148.5 yards per game). Oklahoma’s passing attack isn’t near as prolific as it has been in recent seasons, so if Mason’s unit can slow Gray, Oklahoma State’s chances for a win increase greatly.
USC at UCLA
Time/TV: 8 p.m., Fox
The coordinator matchup: UCLA coach Chip Kelly vs. USC DC Alex Grinch
The buzz: Kelly has called plays against Grinch once, in 2019, when Oklahoma pounded the Bruins 48-14 and Grinch’s defense held them to 311 yards. This is a much better – much, much better – UCLA offense, though. Bruins QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson is having his best season as a passer, completing 71 percent of his attempts for 2,385 yards and 20 TDs. Still, if you’re Grinch, you’d much rather prefer DTR having to beat you with his arm. UCLA’s rushing attack has been devastating. The Bruins (8-2) average 240.1 yards per game (No. 8 nationally) and 6.24 yards per rush (No. 1); they’re tied for seventh in the nation with 29 rushing TDs. USC’s run defense has been OK; will it be up to the task against a veteran line, a stud running back (Zach Charbonnet) and a mobile quarterback? USC’s offense will do its part against a nothing-special UCLA defense, meaning Grinch’s unit will be in the spotlight. USC (9-1) clinches a spot in the Pac-12 title game with a win.
Utah at Oregon
Time/TV: 10:30 p.m., ESPN
The coordinator matchup: Oregon OC Kenny Dillingham vs. Utah DC Morgan Scalley
The buzz: Utah was 2-0 against the Ducks last season, stifling the offense in both games. But this Oregon offense is much better, thanks to QB Bo Nix, who has been magnificent this season. He is ninth in the nation in total offense (328.6 yards per game) and has accounted for 38 TDs. He also has completed 77.1 percent of his passes (108-of-140) in the past five games. Utah (8-2) has been good against the pass and solid against the run – except in its two losses. Florida and UCLA rumbled for a combined 486 yards and six TDs. Florida QB Anthony Richardson ran for 100 on the Utes; if Nix does that, Utah is in deep trouble. The Utes have done a great job forcing turnovers (19), but the Ducks (8-2) have turned it over just seven times.