As week 7 approaches, there are massive matchups set to take place. However, several injuries remain possible stumbling blocks for teams. Here are some big injury updates ahead of week 7.
Injury Updates For Week 7 in College Football
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Star QB, John Mateer, “probable” to Play Against Oklahoma
As the undefeated No. 6 Oklahoma prepares to play the now unranked Texas, John Mateer is likely to play against Texas. The matchup features the formerly No. 1 team in the nation, the Texas Longhorns, who are 3-2. After losing 14-7 at OSU, Texas didn’t stop there, as they disappointed massively against their weaker opponents. The best game of the season so far for Arch Manning and Co. was vs. the Sam Houston Bearcats, beating them 55-0. Oklahoma, meanwhile, has done wonders defensively and is 5-0.
This matchup will almost certainly eliminate the Longhorns from playoff contention if they lose. As for Oklahoma, it could set up a run. With Mateer now potentially playing, it is the game to win for the Sooners.
Sam Leavitt “Doubtful” To Start, Jeff Sims Likely to Start
As the 4-1 Arizona State Sun Devils look for another playoff run, star QB Sam Leavitt is doubtful to start against the 4-1 Utah Utes. The game has massive implications for ASU, which recently defeated the ranked TCU Horned Frogs 27-24. As a result, former Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets QB and Nebraska Cornhuskers QB will start. At Georgia Tech, Jeff Sims didn’t do half bad, throwing for 4,000 yards, 30 TDs, and 23 interceptions in three seasons as the starting QB at GTU.
At Nebraska, it was a whole different story. Sims started in 2023 but struggled to play football, fumbling, throwing interceptions, and contributing little to Matt Rhule’s first season at Nebraska. Overall, Sims threw for 282 yards, 1 TD, and 6 INTs in his 2023 season with Nebraska. He was benched. Last season, Sims started one game for ASU, but didn’t really do much, scoring just 14 points in their 24-14 loss to Cincinnati. This is obviously very concerning for the Sun Devils, who have been led by their star QB Leavitt.
Texas and Others With Season on the Line
Here are some teams that need to win and who they’re playing ahead of Week 7 to even sniff a chance at the playoffs:
(4-1) USF (At. undefeated North Texas)
(3-2) Texas
(4-1) Illinois (must beat defending champ, No. 1 Ohio State)
(5-1) Iowa State (Colorado)
(3-2) Penn State (Northwestern, will they continue to freefall?)
(4-1) Michigan (Must win at USC)
(4-1) LSU (obvious must win vs. South Carolina)
(4-1) ASU
(4-1) TCU (there’s still a chance, but at. KSU)
The playoffs are still very much so possible. However, once a team hits 3 losses, or two in certain scenarios, they will almost certainly be eliminated from playoff elimination. In week 7, there will be many teams who’s dreams will be crushed. The question remains, who will it be, though? Texas, Penn State, and others are hoping for much, much better in their second half of the season. The first half of the season was stunning, exciting, interesting, and very surprising.
Week 7 will be no different. John Mateer’s return is a massive win for Oklahoma, as he was the Heisman favorite after rolling in his first few starts. As for the ASU Sun Devils, they have a lot of work to do. Jeff Sims hasn’t looked good for 3 years, and he will need to look good in order for ASU to keep their hopes and dreams alive. The Big 12 is a weak conference, thus two losses, especially against another Big 12 opponent, hurts their chances massively. Buckle in, Week 7 is going to be a great week. A surprising one probably, but a good one nonetheless.
Main Image: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
