3 underrated college football games in Week 7

3. Washington State at Oregon State 9 pm, Pac 12 Network

Yet another matchup between teams that don’t traditionally attract much attention that appears to be an exciting matchup. While neither team is ranked, nor has a legitimate shot at contending for a Pac-12 title, there’s still plenty at stake for these two teams Saturday night.

Oregon State is silently putting together a solid season in the Pac-12. They’re 1-2 in the conference, but those losses came on the road against Utah, a game in which starting quarterback Chance Nolan left with a neck sprain, and in a tight 17-14 battle against USC. With the toughest part of their schedule over and no ranked opponents until the Apple Cup, the Beavers have a chance to run the table a bit and make their second straight bowl game. Add in that Nolan is set to return this week, and this is a tough opponent for Washington State.

The Cougars are in a very similar position though; another 4-2 team, with a close loss to Oregon and a competitive matchup last week on the road against USC. With Utah standing as the only ranked team on their schedule, they too are in a position to make some noise. Cameron Ward, the Cougars’ quarterback, has held them back at times with sloppy play but didn’t throw any interceptions against USC last week, which has to be a positive sign. If he can keep a clean sheet, and his offensive line can protect him, Washington State can have a dangerous offense.

Pac 12 after dark rarely disappoints, and while this isn’t the most glamorous college football matchup at first glance, anticipate it being a game worth staying up for.