Welcome to Week 7 of the always unpredictable 2020 college football season.
We know there are big games happening! We just don’t always know who will be playing — or even coaching — in them.
Speaking of, the biggest game of the young season is upon us as No. 3 Georgia visits No. 2 Alabama at 8 p.m.
In the meantime, we’ll keep tabs on all of that for you right here along with the big plays, the turnover doo-dads and the mascots.
Top 25 games
All times Eastern; lines courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook
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No. 1 Clemson (-27) at Georgia Tech, noon, ABC/ESPN app
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Pittsburgh at No. 13 Miami (-13), noon, ACC Network/ESPN app
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No. 15 Auburn (-3) at South Carolina, noon, ESPN/ESPN app
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No. 18 Tennessee (-6.5) at Kentucky, noon, SEC Network/ESPN app
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Louisville at No. 4 Notre Dame (-16.5), 2:30, NBC
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No. 11 Texas A&M (-5) at Mississippi State, 4, ESPN/ESPN app
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No. 5 North Carolina (-13.5) at Florida State, 7:30, ESPN/ESPN app
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No. 3 Georgia at No. 2 Alabama (-5), 8, CBS
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Boston College at No. 23 Virginia Tech (-13), ACC Network/ESPN app
No. 17 SMU 37, Tulane 34
An all-or-nothing performance produced just enough alls — seven gains of 30+ yards — for Sonny Dykes’ Mustangs to remain undefeated. SMU overcame four different deficits, and both teams missed long field goals in the final minute of regulation before Brandon Crossley’s overtime interception set up the game-winning field goal. Four different receivers caught at least one 40-yard pass, and three finished with at least 100 yards. It was a heck of a by-committee performance in the absence of injured star receiver Reggie Roberson Jr. — Bill Connelly
No. 14 BYU 43, Houston 26
BYU’s win was three distinct games in one: BYU bolted to a 14-3 early lead, Houston took control with a 23-0 run in the middle quarters, and BYU outscored the hosts 22-0 in the final 15 minutes. The BYU defense completely shut down an explosive Houston offense over its last four possessions, and even without star receiver Gunner Romney for much of the game, Zach Wilson went 25-for-35 for 400 yards and 4 TDs. This BYU team is for real. — Bill Connelly
The final countdown
We’re a week from the Big Ten’s return, so here are some cool Nebraska alternates celebrating the “Blackshirts” tradition of the Huskers’ defense.
The Legend of the Blackshirts ☠️
Available in stores 10/26 🎈
Worn by the Huskers in ’20 ???
Stay Tuned…#TeamAdidas x @AdidasFBallUS pic.twitter.com/nD6rutO4fd
— Nebraska Football (@HuskerFBNation) October 13, 2020
And while we’re on the topic, let’s all appreciate the ‘stache on Kurt Warner’s son, Cornhuskers wide receiver Kade Warner.
This is Kade Warner. He is a Nebraska football player. And he has the best mustache in America. #Huskers
“I don’t think it looks good. I just think its funny.” pic.twitter.com/u49rSfM4nU
— Kevin Sjuts (@kevinsjuts) October 15, 2020
Kick it into gear
Cincinnati made a little TikTok-esque video unveiling its road unis.
First road look of the season.#Bearcats pic.twitter.com/DtvGDBuioo
— Cincinnati Football (@GoBearcatsFB) October 14, 2020
Unfortunately, the Bearcats’ game this week at Tulsa has been postponed due to COVID-19 cases, so they will have to wait to break these out on the field.
Make yourself at home
Georgia Southern will wear its white road uniforms at home for the first time Saturday when it plays UMass, who is playing its first game of the season, because the Minutemen’s away uniforms haven’t arrived yet from Adidas.
🚨⚪️🚨⚪️
Last-minute change for a last-minute game … we’re wearing white to help out @UMassFootball, whose full away uniform set hasn’t come in yet!#HailSouthern pic.twitter.com/cBYseH9NvH
— Georgia Southern Football (@GSAthletics_FB) October 15, 2020
A tribute to Tom
Last month, Tom III, the beloved mascot of the Memphis Tigers, died, but his presence is felt at the Liberty Bowl once again thanks to a new billboard.
New billboard on Central outside Liberty Bowl. pic.twitter.com/DSFh4v0uyL
— Mark Giannotto (@mgiannotto) October 16, 2020
Tom III’s last game was a win over rival Cincinnati in late 2019.
Respect the game
Following a 4-0 start to the season, including a big win over a ranked Louisiana team on Wednesday, the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers have become a media darling.
Several media members on Twitter have started the hashtag #RankCoastal, and ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt even gave the Chants a shoutout on SportsCenter.
The national attention hasn’t gone unnoticed at the program.
“RANK ‘EM, #RankCoastal, #RankCoastalCarolina.
– America”– @GoCCUSports pic.twitter.com/jnazSF6AWQ
— Coastal Carolina Athletics (@GoCCUsports) October 15, 2020
Keeping the streak alive
Tulane announced earlier this month that fans would not be allowed for Friday night’s game with SMU, but it did little to deter Paul Layne.
The SMU super fan made it to his 525th straight Mustangs game on Friday. He was the only fan in attendance at Yulman Stadium.
The streak is a alive!! … Paul Layne with 525 straight SMU games #PonyUpDallas
SMU at Tulane
Total attendance: 1 pic.twitter.com/WiSXxxpvTn— Thaddeus D. Matula (@thadfilms) October 17, 2020
A rivalry never ends
Oklahoma’s dramatic 53-45 victory in the fourth overtime against Texas might have been a week ago, but the Sooners are still not over it. Just ask Brian Bosworth, Barry Switzer and Roy Williams.
Two OU Defensive Greats where in Norman today! @GotBoz44 @roywilliams31 pic.twitter.com/rOGIEVcdqC
— Barry Switzer (@Barry_Switzer) October 16, 2020