Chess match: Six coordinator matchups to watch in Week 10
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 10.
Washington at No. 23 Oregon State
Time/TV: Friday, 10:30 p.m., ESPN2
The coordinator matchup: Washington OC Ryan Grubb vs. Oregon State DC Trent Bray
The buzz: Grubb has overseen an incredible offensive transformation in his first season as coordinator. The Huskies averaged 323.4 yards and 21.5 points per game and 4.98 yards per play last season; the numbers in the same categories this season: 508.5, 6.66 and 40.4. QB Michael Penix Jr., who transferred from Indiana in the offseason, leads the nation in passing (366.8 yards per game) and is sixth with 22 TD passes. He is completing 67.8 percent of his passes and has thrown just four picks in 339 pass attempts (one every 85 attempts). But Bray’s defense is one of 18 nationally with more interceptions (10) than TD passes allowed (eight). In addition, opposing quarterbacks have completed just 55.4 percent of their passing attempts against the Beavers, which is 15th-best nationally. In Oregon State’s two losses, the opponent ran well. Washington’s rushing attack isn’t really a concern for opposing defenses, though.
Baylor at Oklahoma
Time/TV: 3 p.m., ESPN+
The coordinator matchup: Oklahoma OC Jeff Lebby vs. Baylor DC Ron Roberts
The buzz: Oklahoma appears to be out of the running for the Big 12 title; Baylor remains alive but can’t afford another league loss. Roberts’ group has been solid against the run, though West Virginia ran wild. How heavily will Lebby use RB Eric Gray? He has had back-to-back 100-yard outings and had a combined 40 carries in those games (34 percent of his season total). The Bears haven’t allowed more than two TD passes in a game, but OU QB Dillon Gabriel will be their toughest test yet. Baylor’s safeties are aggressive in trying to stop the run. Can Lebby make them pay for that?
No. 1 Tennessee at No. 3 Georgia
Time/TV: 3:30 p.m., CBS
The coordinator matchup: Tennessee OC Alex Golesh vs. Georgia DC Glenn Schumann
The buzz: Can Georgia’s defense slow the Vols’ offensive juggernaut? Tennessee leads the nation in yards per game (553.0) and points per game (49.4) and is third in yards per play (7.4). The Bulldogs are allowing, respectively, 262.5, 10.5 and 4.56; they’re in the top 10 nationally in each category. The biggest thing to watch in this matchup: Can Georgia’s cornerbacks handle the Vols’ receivers? Kelee Ringo is a high-level talent, but what about the other corners? When Vols WR Cedric Tillman and Jalin Hyatt line up on the same side, it’s a pick-your-poison thing. Vols QB Hendon Hooker’s mobility also is a huge asset for Golesh. How does Schumann (and co-DC Will Muschamp) plan to attack him? Georgia has lost Nolan Smith, its best pass rusher, and the Bulldogs haven’t applied pressure nearly as consistently as they did last season. Blitzing Hooker is dangerous because if you don’t get him, a big play looms. Two teams (Florida and Pitt) held Tennessee under 40 points, and not so coincidentally, those are the opponents that ran the best on the Vols. In that vein, the Bulldogs’ offense can help out the defense.
No. 6 Alabama at No. 10 LSU
Time/TV: 7 p.m., ESPN
The coordinator matchup: Alabama OC Bill O’Brien vs. LSU DC Matt House
The buzz: Outside of games against Tennessee (to be expected) and Auburn (uhhh, well …), House’s defense has been solid this season, especially considering rising-star DT Maason Smith was lost for the season in the first game. Florida and Tennessee each ran for 200-plus on LSU, and House needs to ensure that Tide RB Jahmyr Gibbs is somehow stymied. In turn, O’Brien figures to try to get Gibbs as involved as possible in the passing game. Alabama’s receivers aren’t near as good as last season’s group, but Gibbs helps in that regard. He has a team-leading 31 receptions. Can any LSU linebacker handle him in coverage? House needs a big game from EDGE rusher B.J. Ojulari, who needs to get up close-and-personal with Bryce Young.
No. 24 Texas at No. 13 Kansas State
Time/TV: 7 p.m., FS1
The coordinator matchup: Texas coach Steve Sarkisian vs. Kansas State DC Joe Klanderman
The buzz: K-State is coming off a 48-0 obliteration of Oklahoma State in which it allowed just 217 yards. It’s doubtful Klanderman’s group can play that well again; after all, it surrendered 550 to Oklahoma, 495 to TCU and 473 to Texas Tech. Oklahoma and TCU rushed for 200-plus yards against the Wildcats, so it’ll be interesting to see how heavily Sarkisian leans on RBs Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson. The bet here is a lot. K-State’s pass defense has been relatively steady, thanks to a better-than-expected group of safeties. Klanderman needs EDGE Felix Anudike-Uzomah – who leads the Big 12 with 7.5 sacks – to wreak havoc.
No. 21 Wake Forest at No. 22 NC State
Time/TV: 8 p.m., ACC Network
The coordinator matchup: Wake Forest OC Warren Ruggiero vs. NC State DC Tony Gibson
The buzz: Wake wins with offense, NCSU with defense. The Demon Deacons’ passing offense is quite potent, but the Wolfpack have more picks (11) than TD passes allowed (eight). NC State is last in the ACC in sacks, but Gibson makes good use of blitzes in an attempt to rattle opposing quarterbacks. If Wake QB Sam Hartman has time, he is going to be productive. Watch Wake’s rushing attack: If it produces, NC State is in trouble. Even after some early-game struggles, Ruggiero stuck with the rushing attack throughout against Clemson and it almost paid off. Wake is coming off an eight-turnover game in a loss to Louisville. An aside: This is the 116th meeting in the series, but just the third time both have been ranked at kickoff.