Weekend Watch Guide: An Oklahoma State Fan’s Guide to Week 5 of the College Football Season

On-field football hasn’t garnered many of the headlines this week in Stillwater, as most of that focus has been about what’s happening off the field, but this weekend’s college football slate is stacked with intriguing games.

Here’s a look at the Big 12 and some of the best national games of the upcoming weekend.

Big 12 Schedule

No. 24 TCU (3-0) at Arizona State (3-1) — 8 p.m. Friday on FOX
Houston (3-0) at Oregon State (0-4) — 9:30 p.m. Friday on ESPN
Cincinnati (2-1) at Kansas (3-1) — 11 a.m. Saturday on TNT
UCF (3-0) at Kansas State (1-3) — 11 a.m. Saturday on FS1
Baylor (2-2) at Oklahoma State (1-2) — 2:30 p.m. Saturday on ESPN2
Utah (3-1) at West Virginia (2-2) — 2:30 p.m. Saturday on FOX
Arizona (3-0) at No. 14 Iowa State (4-0) — 6 p.m. Saturday on ESPN
No. 25 BYU (3-0) at Colorado (2-2) — 9:15 p.m. Saturday on ESPN

TCU-Arizona State: It’s still September, but this game could gave a lot to do with which teams are playing in Arlington at the end of the season.

After suffering a loss in Starkville to Mississippi State, the Sun Devils have bounced back with wins against Texas State and Baylor. The Horned Frogs are unbeaten with a dominant win against North Carolina and a rivalry win against SMU.

Arizona-Iowa State: The Cyclones are widely considered in the Big 12 title hunt, but Arizona isn’t necessarily getting that same love despite being unbeaten. A win in Ames this weekend would change that.

If you believe in transitive properties, both of these teams have played Kansas State. Iowa State beat K-State 24-21 in Ireland. Arizona beat K-State 23-17 in Tucson.

Other Games to Watch

No. 21 USC (4-0) at No. 23 Illinois (3-1) — 11 a.m. Saturday on FOX
No. 22 Notre Dame (1-2) at Arkansas (2-2) — 11 a.m. Saturday on ABC
No. 1 Ohio State (3-0) at Washington (3-0) — 2:30 p.m. Saturday on CBS
No. 4 LSU (4-0) at No. 13 Ole Miss (4-0) — 2:30 p.m. Saturday on ABC
No. 15 Tennessee (3-1) at Mississippi State (4-0) — 3:15 p.m. Saturday on SEC Network
No. 6 Oregon (4-0) at No. 3 Penn State (3-0) — 6:30 p.m. Saturday on NBC
No. 17 Alabama (2-1) at No. 5 Georgia (3-0) — 6:30 p.m. Saturday on ABC

LSU-Ole Miss: This battle of unbeaten teams got a little more interesting this week. Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin commented to “take the over” after news came out that Kiffin’s daughter is dating and LSU linebacker.

This already marks the Rebels’ third SEC game, as they have wins against Kentucky and Arkansas. LSU has looked good this season, but the Tigers’ strong schedule to start the year has some questions around it now that Clemson and Florida are a combined 2-6.

Tennessee-Mississippi State: The Bulldogs might not be ranked, but they do already have a home win against Arizona State. Tennessee shouldn’t take its trip to Stark Vegas lightly.

Oregon-Penn State: Oregon is just the No. 6 team in the country, which is probably a surprise to Oklahoma State fans. The Ducks trip to State College has major implications on the Big Ten title hunt, but at this point in the year, it’s tough to imagine that either of these teams will miss the College Football Playoff.

Alabama-Georgia: After a season-opening loss to Florida State, the Crimson Tide has responded by beating UL-Monroe and Wisconsin a combined 111-14.

The Bulldogs have somewhat taken over the head of the table in the SEC, but Alabama has won nine of the past 10 in this series.

Watercooler Talk

Tulane (3-1) at Tulsa (2-2)  — 3 p.m. Saturday on ESPNU

Fresh off  its win in Stillwater, Tulsa is hosting a Tulane team this weekend that many consider to have a shot at the Group of Five spot in the College Football Playoff. Tulane is coming off a 35-point loss to Ole Miss but has wins against Big Ten Northwestern and ACC Duke.