Block 3 Key Games
Article By: Entering Block 3 (Weeks 5 & 6) in the Big XII we start getting into the in-conference games. Some teams are starring in the face of 0 wins while others are hoping to build on early season success. Let's take a look at the biggest matchups in this block.
Week 5 Showdown: #5 Colorado 3-0 (0-0) vs. #12 Central Florida 3-0 (1-0)
Last season we had to wait until the end of the year for all the huge Big XII clashes but this season we get to see it early. This will be a pivotal game for both teams as the fight for not only Big XII dominance but a position in the CFP as well.
This Week 5 showdown between the Colorado Buffaloes and the Central Florida Knights has all the makings of an explosive battle. Both teams enter undefeated, but they bring different strengths to the table. Colorado, with its high-powered offense and lockdown defense, will look to test UCF’s formidable ground game and triple-option offense. Meanwhile, UCF will aim to impose its will on the ground and prove that its early-season dominance is no fluke.
UCF’s Dominant Ground Attack
UCF’s offensive game plan is simple yet incredibly effective: run the ball. The Knights have racked up an astounding 1,202 rushing yards in just three games, leading the nation in that category. Their triple-option offense has been virtually unstoppable, chewing up clock and moving the chains with ease. With 143 total points scored (averaging 47.7 points per game), UCF has showcased an ability to score in bunches, often wearing down defenses with their relentless running attack.
The Knights have been less reliant on their passing game, which has accounted for just 354 yards so far, ranking 83rd in the country. However, the lack of a downfield threat has been more than compensated for by their power running game. They’ve also been quite effective on third downs, converting at a 46.15% clip, and in the red zone, where they’ve scored touchdowns on 6 of 7 trips.
Despite their offensive dominance, UCF’s defense has been a bit more vulnerable. The Knights have allowed 73 total points, with 264 rushing yards allowed and 984 passing yards surrendered. Their defense is certainly not impenetrable, and teams have found success moving the ball through the air. However, UCF has been opportunistic, forcing 5 turnovers and making crucial stops in the red zone, where they’ve limited opponents to just 6 red zone touchdowns.
[bb]Colorado’s Balanced Attack and Tough Defense[/b]
While UCF has leaned heavily on the run, Colorado has taken a more balanced approach on offense. The Buffaloes have scored 117 points in their first three games (39 points per game), relying on a mix of solid rushing and explosive passing. The Buffaloes have accumulated 715 passing yards, at the same time, their ground game has put up 586 rushing yards, showing they are capable of mixing it up and keeping defenses guessing.
What sets Colorado apart, however, is their stingy defense, which has allowed only 32 points in three games. The Buffaloes have been exceptional in limiting big plays, ranking 5th in the nation in total points allowed and 7th in total offense against with just 800 yards surrendered. Colorado’s defense has been particularly stout against the pass, giving up just 388 passing yards and forcing 5 interceptions. With a 33.33% opponent conversion rate on third downs, Colorado’s defense has shown an ability to get off the field when needed.
In addition to being efficient on offense and defense, Colorado has been solid in special teams, with 178 kick return yards and 31 punt return yards. They’re not spectacular in this area, but every little bit counts, especially against a team like UCF that relies on controlling field position.
Key Matchups to Watch
- UCF’s Ground Game vs. Colorado’s Run Defense: UCF’s triple-option attack is designed to exploit defensive fronts that lack discipline. Colorado’s defense has been solid against the run, but this will be their biggest test yet. Can they withstand UCF’s physical running game and force the Knights into passing situations?
- Colorado’s Passing Attack vs. UCF’s Secondary: While UCF’s offense has been the talk of the town, their defense has given up **984 passing yards** in three games. Colorado has the weapons to exploit this weakness, especially with Shedeur Sanders leading a high-powered passing attack. If Sanders can get hot, UCF could be in for a long night.
- Red Zone Efficiency: UCF has been superb in the red zone, scoring 6 touchdowns on 7 trips. Colorado has been similarly impressive, holding opponents to 0 red zone touchdowns. Whichever team can capitalize on their red zone opportunities—and stop the other team in the red zone—could hold the key to victory.
- Turnovers: Colorado has yet to turn the ball over this season, while UCF has been relatively clean with just 1 turnover. Turnovers often prove to be a game-changer, and if either team can create turnovers or avoid mistakes, they’ll be in a strong position to win.
The Verdict
This game will come down to which team can control the tempo. UCF’s triple-option attack is built to grind out long, clock-eating drives, while Colorado will look to strike quickly through the air with Shedeur Sanders and his talented receiving corps. If UCF can control the clock and keep Colorado’s offense off the field, they’ll have a good chance of wearing down the Buffaloes. However, if Colorado can force UCF to play from behind and expose their vulnerability in the passing game, they could take control of the game.
Colorado’s defense, which has been nearly flawless so far, will be tested like never before against UCF’s triple-option. If they can neutralize the run and force the Knights to rely on the pass, they’ll be in a strong position to pull off the win. However, UCF’s explosive ground game and ability to control the ball will make this a battle that goes down to the wire.
This is going to be a fun one—UCF’s juggernaut ground game vs. Colorado’s lockdown defense. Buckle up.
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Week 6 Showdown: Notre Dame Fighting Irish 3-0 (0-0) vs. Kansas State Wildcats 2-0 (1-0)
This Week 6 matchup between Notre Dame and Kansas State brings two undefeated teams to the gridiron, but with contrasting schedules and strengths. While Kansas State has cruised through their first two games, facing lesser competition, Notre Dame has been tested by tough opponents and proven their mettle. The Wildcats will need to step up their game if they’re to keep pace with the Fighting Irish, who have shown they can handle a high level of competition.
Notre Dame’s Balanced Offense and Opportunistic Defense
The Fighting Irish have been a well-rounded team so far this season, scoring 98 points through their first three games, including 521 passing yards and 424 rushing yards. Notre Dame’s offensive balance has been a key to their success, mixing in a potent running game with an efficient passing attack. The team has converted 55% of third downs and been efficient in the red zone, scoring 5 touchdowns on 7 red zone trips.
On the defensive side, Notre Dame’s defense has been nothing short of impressive, allowing just 31 total points in three games. They’ve been particularly tough against the pass, giving up only 380 passing yards, and have been able to generate turnovers, forcing 14 takeaways, including 13 interceptions. The Irish have shown they can step up in crucial moments, allowing just 1 red zone touchdown all season.
While Notre Dame’s defense hasn’t faced a triple-option or run-heavy offense like Kansas State’s yet, their ability to shut down passing games and create turnovers will give them an advantage against a Wildcats team that has yet to face a true defensive challenge.
Kansas State’s Rushing Attack and Defensive Vulnerabilities
Kansas State has looked strong offensively, scoring 84 points across two games, but their competition hasn’t been nearly as stiff as Notre Dame’s. The Wildcats have been dominant on the ground, rushing for 376 yards in just two games, averaging an impressive 188 rushing yards per game. Their rushing attack will be their primary focus, however, their passing game has also been effective, with 494 passing yards.
While Kansas State has put up impressive numbers on offense, their defense has been less than stellar. They’ve allowed 52 points so far and have struggled against the pass, giving up 617 passing yards in just two games. Although their rush defense has been solid, limiting opponents to 186 rushing yards, their secondary has shown vulnerability. Notre Dame’s balanced attack, particularly their passing game, could exploit these weaknesses.
Kansas State’s defense has also been prone to giving up big plays, which could spell trouble against a team as well-rounded as Notre Dame. The Wildcats have forced 5 turnovers, including 4 interceptions, but they’ll need to tighten up to compete with a high-level team like Notre Dame.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Kansas State’s Rushing Attack vs. Notre Dame’s Run Defense: Kansas State’s offense revolves around the ground game. Their ability to run the ball with consistency will be key to controlling the tempo of the game. Notre Dame’s defense has been solid against the run, but this will be their biggest test yet. If they can stifle Kansas State’s running game, they’ll force the Wildcats to become one-dimensional.
- Notre Dame’s Passing Attack vs. Kansas State’s Secondary: With 521 passing yards already this season, Notre Dame has shown they can move the ball through the air. Kansas State has allowed 617 passing yards, making them vulnerable to a potent passing attack.
- Turnovers and Red Zone Efficiency: Both teams have been good at taking care of the ball, but turnovers often determine games between evenly matched opponents. Notre Dame’s defense has been fantastic at creating turnovers, while Kansas State has been decent in this area as well. Whoever can win the turnover battle will have a leg up. Additionally, both teams will need to capitalize on their red zone opportunities. Kansas State has been good in the red zone, scoring 7 touchdowns on 10 trips, while Notre Dame has been stellar, with just 1 red zone touchdown allowed all season.
The Verdict
While Kansas State has looked dominant against weaker opponents, this will be their first real test. Notre Dame has already faced high-level competition and proven they can win in various ways. Kansas State’s offense will need to click on all cylinders to keep up with the Irish, especially their rushing attack, which will need to break through Notre Dame’s tough defensive front. On the flip side, Notre Dame’s balanced offense and opportunistic defense should have the edge in this matchup, particularly if they can shut down the Wildcats’ passing game and keep their offense moving with efficiency.
If Kansas State can play mistake-free football, control the clock, and keep Notre Dame’s offense off the field, they could make this a closer game. However, Notre Dame’s overall talent and depth should be enough to outlast the Wildcats in this matchup, even though Kansas State will likely make it competitive early on.
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