As the season gets closer to reaching the midway point, we are starting to see more of the marquee conference games popping up on the schedule. This week is no different, with some really intriguing conference showdowns.

Upset of the Week:

#5 USC at #16Washington State

This game will be high scoring, and I mean that in every sense of the phrase. Luke Falk is going to have a field day against the USC secondary, but you could say the same about Sam Darnold and the Trojans offense. The USC defense hasn’t met a fluent offensive machine like Mike Leach’s offense. Ultimately, I think Wazoo takes this massive game at home and is in the Playoff conversation next week.

Toss Up Game:

#15 Oklahoma St at Texas Tech

It will be interesting to see how the Cowboys bounce back after their first loss last week to the TCU Horned Frogs. This is most definitely a trap game for OK State since Lubbock can be a weird place to be, especially for a night game. If there was an offense that could keep pace with Mason Rudolph, it is the Red Raiders. Texas Tech is coming in averaging 45 ppg (maybe not against the best teams, but damnit they can score). The key for TTU is finding a single defensive stop. Look out for a ton of points in this matchup.

Game of The Week:

#2 Clemson at #12 Virginia Tech

I promise that I’m not following GameDay. Actually, they are following me. This matchup produces a Playoff-favored juggernaut against an overrated ranked team who is where they are because they haven’t lost a game yet. Tech’s best win was against a mediocre West Virginia team. Whereas this will be Clemson’s third game against a top-15 team. Virginia Tech’s defense will be the only threat that to the Tigers chances at victory.