WAKE UP! Georgia-Bama is here! Week 5 schedule, viewing guide, and open thread

Good morning, Tide fans! How are we feeling today?!

There’s a little game that perhaps you’re aware of occurring a bit later tonight. But, we’ve got a long day of football to watch unfold before this evening’s main event gets started.

Here’s today’s grid schedule (as always from CFBgrid.com), as well as what we’re watching and why.

All times are in God’s Right and Proper Central Time Zone (though, I could do without daylight savings).

Kentucky at OIe Miss — This is the first Football-ish substance that Ole Miss has played, after a month with a schedule that has literally been softer than 7 teams in the FCS Missouri Valley Conference. Even so, it’s a 2-2 Kentucky squad that can’t throw the ball, and that got blown out at home by South Carolina. Still, the Wildcats do have some decent players on the lines, and at least the Rebels will have to play something resembling football. I will be watching to see how both teams respond. This rivalry (and yeah, it is one of sorts), has been known throughout the years for its nutty finishes and weird shootouts.

Maryland at Indiana — Sneaky-good game in the B1G between two offenses that can light it up in a hurry. Maryland looks to be in the Big Ten’s middle class this year. But IU? The Hoosiers have been outstanding. They have had a soft schedule, and pantsing UCLA isn’t a big deal as bad as the Bruins are, but it’s still a B1G W on the road. Are the Hoosiers as good as they have looked? Is this Maryland offense ready to expose an Indiana defense that hasn’t really played anyone with weapons on the outside?

Oklahoma at Auburn — Half of the Sooners offense is on the triage list, but will they even need many points against a Barn passing attack that loves to throw interceptions. Auburn is next to last in turnovers nationally, and Payton Thorne is back under center after Hank Brown looked every bit the three-star “talent” that he was recruited as. So, how many ducks will the Tigers have? Can the Sooners rebound after the Vols, aided by a new (seemingly-competent) QB and claim their first-ever SEC win? Whose meltdown will be more glorious after the L?

Colorado at UCF — One team can’t run and can’t stop the run. One team can’t pass and can’t stop the pass. This should be hella’ fun. High shootout potential in Orlando.

Illinois at Penn State — This game is everything that UCF-Colorado is not. These two defenses are outstanding. The spread is pretty big, but should it be? The Nittany Lions haven’t played anyone of note. The Illini are road-tested and also have three wins over FBS teams. Surprisingly for a Bielema team, they’re led by their passing attack. Both secondaries are phenomenal.

Okie Lite at K State — Which of these 3-1 teams is for real? Are either one of them for real? The Cowboys defense is atrocious, and the Wildcats passing game is perhaps even worse. Given Utah’s domination after a month of play, and each sporting a B12 loss apiece, this is an elimination game…and I don’t think either one expected to be here before October. Will the real contender please stand up. It’s fraud sorting day in Manhattan.

Arkansas vs. Texas A&M — The Annual Jerrydome rivalry is always full of improbable endings and hurt feelings. The Aggies have been sluggish after their loss to the Domers. Arkansas, meanwhile, is 3-1 and ought to be undefeated. They’ve had two tough roadies to Auburn and Stillwater, so the trip won’t bother them. Will it affect the Aggies, who’ve not left College Station all season?

Wisconsin at USC — Another game of contrasts. The Trojans new and improved defense was exposed last week as the Wolverines ran for over 300 yards on USC in a game that wasn’t as close as the final score. The Badgers, meanwhile, have some issues in the secondary. Can the Men of Troy exploit that?

Wazzu at Boise State — The Cougars are an 8-point underdog on the Smurf Turf because their ground defense is awful, and BSU has the nation’s best (or second-best) running back. The Broncos have looked good this year, and were jobbed out of a win in Eugene already. Can they derail the Cougars’ perfect start?

Briefly

• LSU v. South Alabama — The Tigers have four straight rivalry games after this, they have a lot of injuries, they have a terrible rushing defense…and USA has a terrifyingly good ground attack.
• Fresno State at UNLV — How will the Rebs (and their Cinderella season) respond after losing their starting QB to a penny ante NIL dispute? What a little bitch.
• FSU at SMU — How bad can it get in Tallahassee, really? The Ponies aren’t bad at all…and their secondary and running game could be trouble for the Noles
• Cincy at TTU — Like OSU/KSU, this is another battle of 3-1 B12 teams where you get the sense that both are pretty good, but just how good is anyone’s guess. The Bearcats are led by their defense; the Red Raiders by their frenetic passing attack. Something has to give.

So, that’s what we have today and why.

It’s your turn. Chime in. This is your thread for that day’s action. What are you watching? What will be a hyped game that ultimately flops? Outside of ‘Bama, what’s the most meaningful game of the day?