Saturday Cadence Week 7: Ohio State’s Defense, Michigan-USC, Oregon-Indiana, & Loaded Slate

Alabama faces trouble, Michigan hits the road, and Ohio State’s dominating defense, Saturday Cadence breaks down all the Week 7 games and upset alerts.

College football’s Week 7 slate is loaded with heavyweight matchups and playoff-defining storylines. On Episode 137 of Saturday Cadence, Blake Biscardi, David Wertheim, and Grant Kincaid dive into a weekend that could shake the entire landscape of the sport.

The show opens with discussion surrounding James Franklin and the ongoing leadership questions at Penn State. Despite a talented roster, Franklin’s program continues to fall short in marquee games as the frustration is growing louder in Happy Valley.

Meanwhile, Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer is pushing to play through injury this weekend against Texas in Red River just 17 days post-surgery.

Ohio State’s dominance continues to headline the national conversation. The Buckeyes’ defense under Matt Patricia has been lights-out, allowing just 25 points through six games. Blake, David, and Grant explore how this defense, combined with a balanced offense, has vaulted Ohio State to the top of the national title race. The Buckeyes head to Illinois as heavy favorites, looking to keep their momentum alive with another statement win.

The marquee matchup of the week pits Alabama against Missouri in a battle that could define both teams’ seasons. Ty Simpson has emerged as one of the hottest quarterbacks in college football, leading Alabama’s offense with poise and precision. But Missouri’s Beau Pribula has energized the Tigers, creating a dynamic and balanced attack that has turned heads across the SEC.

The question: Is Alabama in trouble? The crew debates whether Kalen DeBoer’s squad is teetering on the edge of another upset, especially on the road in Columbia. With Missouri gaining confidence each week, this could be a defining moment for both programs.

Michigan faces another major test away from Ann Arbor, this time at USC. Lincoln Riley’s Trojans have struggled for consistency but remain dangerous, especially at home. Bryce Underwood’s Wolverines, meanwhile, are trying to cement their identity in a season filled with pressure and high expectations. Can Michigan handle another road environment or will this become Riley’s signature win in Los Angeles.

Tucked beneath the national headlines is an intriguing matchup between Indiana and Oregon. Both teams have shown flashes of brilliance. The battle between Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza and Oregon’s Dante Moore could determine the outcome. Indiana has been a quiet overachiever this year, but could they pull off the upset in Eugene?

Upset Alerts:

Every week brings chaos potential, and the guys circle two games with major upset potential: Alabama at Missouri and Georgia at Auburn. Both road favorites face scrappy, physical opponents capable of flipping the script. Could Auburn’s defense finally slow Georgia’s rhythm? And if Missouri stuns Alabama, what does it mean for the SEC hierarchy heading into November?

Saturday Seven Picks | Week 7

The show wraps with the fan-favorite Saturday Seven Picks. The guys go head-to-head on the biggest lines and matchups of the weekend:

  1. Ohio State (-14.5) @ Illinois
  2. Arizona State @ Utah (-5.5)
  3. Alabama (-4.5) @ Missouri
  4. Indiana @ Oregon (-7.5)
  5. Oklahoma vs Texas (-1.5)
  6. Georgia (-4.5) @ Auburn
  7. Michigan @ USC (-2.5)

Listen to Episode 137 of Saturday Cadence on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

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