<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2DM0oB_0wCOGgVP00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2DM0oB_0wCOGgVP00" width="1210" height="806" ></figure>Each Friday, I will grace these electronic pages to preview the week ahead in college football with my “Three by Three.” I’ll take a gander at three interesting things each in the Mizzou matchup, in the SEC, and around the nation. I’ll try to hit some under-the-radar things, too, although this week’s SEC slate is loaded with blockbuster action.Auburn at #19 Missouri — 11 AM on ESPN<ol><li>Create Havoc</li></ol>Missouri’s defense has been pretty good at disrupting offenses, checking in at the 75th percentile for havoc creation. They will need to rely on the big, negative play this weekend, as Auburn’s offense, particularly passing the ball, has been very susceptible to negative plays and turnovers. A few key swingy moments will make all the difference, and the (Mizzou) Tigers will need to heat up Payton Thorne’s kitchen. 2. New faces this weekend?The injuries to Triston Newson, Luther Burden, Khalil Jacobs, and Joe Moore allowed some new faces and youngsters to get extended time against UMass. The latter two injuries were season-ending, and Corey Batoon will need to play some youngsters in order to keep his deep rotations intact. The first two injuries won’t extend into this week, but the door did open for Joshua Manning to see more targets. Also, versatile offensive lineman Mitchell Walters might factor into the mix going forward. I’m interested to see if the team deploys any new faces starting this week.3. Just WinLike the Texas A&amp;M contest, this is a pass/fail game for Mizzou. Doesn’t matter if it’s 6-3 or 60-3, just bank a positive result. It would be encouraging to see some downfield passing work, especially since Auburn’s youthful secondary can be beaten deep. But just get a win. In the SEC#5 Georgia at #1 Texas — 6:30 PM on ABCThe Game of the Century of the Year of the Week gives us again both Georgia (previously lost to Alabama) and Texas (previously demolished Michigan). This is one of the big new helmet clashes brought to us by mega-realignment, but it loses some heft when you realize it’s also probably going to be played again in Atlanta and maybe again in the playoff. But for now, it’s a mega-game. Texas has been dominant and complete so far this season, something we thought we would see from Georgia. The Bulldogs still have a very high ceiling (just ask Clemson) but have been glitchier than their normal standards.#8 LSU at Arkansas — 6 PM on ESPNThis gnarly little rivalry always has some drama, and could have some heft again. It always seems to play out like a knife fight in a phone booth. Arkansas is much improved this season and has some dynamic weapons on offense and will test LSU, although the health of quarterback Taylen Green is not assured. LSU’s own audacious gunslinger Garrett Nussmeier is worth the price of admission. #7 Alabama at #11 Tennessee — 2:30 PM on ABCWith each team already sporting one loss, this is kind of an elimination game for the SEC race, and will put the loser in a difficult spot for the playoff field. But forget all that: these two arch rivals just really want to beat the hell out of each other. Both teams have shown incredible offensive play this year, but also the tendency to slump drastically. What makes this game fun - besides, you know, the pageantry, and traditions, and postseason stakes, and all that - is that both teams have big-armed quarterbacks and highly questionable secondary play. Around the NationFriday Night FunWith four games being played under the lights on Friday night, we should certainly find something to keep us entertained. #2 Oregon heads to Purdue on a short week after a big win in an obvious hangover spot. Ryan Walters’ crew is struggling but the Spoilermakers have done crazy things before. Also, Oklahoma State takes on #13 BYU and their excellent defense. Nebraska at #16 Indiana — 11 AM on FOXThe Huskers peeked into the rankings a few weeks ago, but then Illinois shut the door on them. They have won two in a row since, and now take on an undefeated Indiana team that just keeps getting better. Curt Cignetti’s crew of holdover Hoosiers, veteran transfers, and basically all of his James Madison stars is taking the Big Ten by storm. Nebraska will be the stiffest test in the trench that this up-and-coming outfit has faced all year.North Texas - Memphis — 6:30 PM on ESPNUWith a total of 68.5, the folks in the desert think this one will get fast and pointsy. North Texas games usually do, as QB Chandler Morris has gone over 300 yards in every game except one, in their Power Four matchup. Memphis can put points on the board in a hurry. Both teams have only one loss, although the Tigers did take their L against Navy. Speaking of the Midshipmen, both AAC academies are going to make runs at the conference title game, and these two teams will be looking to stay in that fight. </div></body>

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3x3 Week Eight: Mizzou, SEC, and National College Football Preview

Each Friday, I will grace these electronic pages to preview the week ahead in college football with my “Three by Three.” I’ll take a gander at three interesting things each in the Mizzou matchup, in the SEC, and around the nation. I’ll try to hit some under-the-radar things, too, although this week’s SEC slate is loaded with blockbuster action.