Weekly syllabus: Northwestern’s spotlight grows as ranked Big 12 and SEC showdowns shape playoff hopes

Northwestern eyes Oregon win

Northwestern has opened its new Ryan Field with three wins by a combined 121-41. The 6-1 Wildcats now visit Oregon, seeking a marquee victory that could move them closer to hosting a first-round College Football Playoff game at the stadium.

Oregon is 4-3 after starting the season ranked No. 3 in the preseason. Since losing quarterback Dante Moore to a concussion, the Ducks have beaten USC and Nebraska, making them a potential spoiler against Northwestern.

Big 12 hopes at stake

Texas Tech and Arizona, each 6-1 with a 3-1 record in Big 12 play, meet in one of the weekend’s two games between ranked opponents. The winner keeps its hopes of earning a CFP at-large berth alive. The teams face added pressure because a Big 12 program with two regular-season losses is unlikely to reach the 12-team playoff unless the coming month brings major upsets.

Florida and Georgia renew rivalry

Florida and Georgia meet as ranked opponents for the 24th time and the first time since 2020. Florida has not settled on a quarterback: sophomore Tramell Jones Jr. started against Texas, while junior Aaron Philo had started during the team’s 4-2 beginning.

Coach Jon Sumrall said both quarterbacks were available. He said the game’s significance did not change the fundamentals, advising players to protect the ball, rely on teammates and play cleanly. Georgia coach Kirby Smart praised running back Jadan Baugh, who may draw the Bulldogs’ attention.

Basketball exhibitions offer glimpses

South Carolina is No. 1 in the AP women’s basketball preseason poll for the fifth time since the 2020-21 season. The Gamecocks won one national championship in the four previous seasons when they held that ranking.

Illinois lost 95-91 at home to Baylor, but freshman Quentin Coleman had 20 points and seven rebounds. In Duke’s 90-84 win over Kansas, transfer guard John Blackwell scored 23 points, while center Patrick Ngongba led the Blue Devils with 28 points and 10 rebounds.