College Football Trap Games for Week 4
With conference play beginning for a number of teams around the country, there’s bound to be an upset somewhere around the country. Let’s preview some “trap games” that could cause a ranked team to stumble against an unsuspecting foe.
No. 4 Penn State at Iowa, 7:30 p.m. on ABC
This is the game that stands out the most. As we’ve seen in previous years, Iowa has been notoriously known for working its magic under the lights at Kinnick Stadium. No. 3 Michigan fell victim to a last second Keith Duncan field goal by the score of 14-13 last year and No. 3 Penn State lost its national championship hopes in 2008 on a Daniel Murray field goal with no time left by the score of 24-23. Iowa’s top two running backs, Akrum Wadley and James Butler, went down with injuries last week. Wadley’s status for the game on Saturday is still unclear. Look for Iowa’s crowd to be fired up early on and do not be surprised if they are seeking revenge after last year’s 41-14 shellacking under the lights at Penn State.
No. 8 Michigan at Purdue, 4:00 p.m. on FOX
Purdue hung around with defending Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson in week one and embarrassed SEC foe Missouri 35-3 last week. Coach Jeff Brohm has been changing the offensive culture at Purdue and the pitiful Darrell Hazell era seems long gone at this point. Purdue is looking for its statement win and there is a possibility that Michigan may be overlooking Purdue. Michigan has a bye week coming up and then they have their highly anticipated rivalry game with Michigan State on Oct. 7. Do not be surprised if Michigan’s stingy defense gets tested early by Purdue’s aerial assault and it turns into a shootout.
No. 20 Florida at Kentucky, 7:30 p.m. on the SEC Network
Florida’s dramatic last second Hail Mary win over Tennessee last weekend proved to be one of the best finishes of the young college football season so far. There may be a bit of hangover for the Gators in this game. Kentucky is 3-0 and looking to end its thirty-year losing skid against the Gators. With nine Gator players still suspended, including 2016’s leading receiver Antonio Callaway and 2016’s leading rusher Jordan Scarlett, Kentucky will look to put a large damper on Florida’s season. Look for Kentucky quarterback Stephen Johnson to spread out the Gators defense with a balanced offensive attack and try and lead Kentucky to its first win over Florida in thirty years.
No. 7 Washington at Colorado, 10:00 p.m. on FS1
Colorado has one thing on its mind this weekend: revenge. After last year’s embarrassing 41-10 loss to the Huskies in the PAC 12 Championship game, the Buffaloes are poised to spoil Washington’s season before it really begins. Colorado wide receiver Bryce Bobo has proved since the beginning of last year that he is one of the most elite receivers in the nation and he will be a major factor in Colorado’s bid for an upset. Colorado running back Phillip Lindsay is also having himself a strong start to 2017 and there is no doubt that Colorado will come out fired up for this game. Look for Colorado to come in with a fairly balanced offensive attack while also testing the Washington front seven and secondary, which isn’t as strong as it was in 2016.
Christopher Hess is a freshman majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email christopherhess22@gmail.com.
