College Football Weekend Preview and Injuries

This weekend’s college-football slate features a mix of must-win games and mismatches. No. 1 Ohio State is expected to handle Penn State, which will start Will Grunkenmeyer after Drew Allar suffered a season-ending injury, though Penn State playmakers such as RB Allen and WR Ross remain threats. Clemson, needing at least three of five to reach a bowl, will lean on transfer deep threat and captain Tristan Smith after Bryant Wesco Jr.’s season-ending neck injury. Michigan is a heavy favorite over rebuilding Purdue — KFord power ratings project roughly a 20-point spread — while Louisville is favored by double digits at Virginia Tech despite the Hokies’ playmakers Kyron Drones, Kemari Copeland and Marcellous Hawkins. Other key matchups include Minnesota’s stout defense testing Michigan State’s offense and Rutgers’ trip to Illinois, where contributors such as KJ Duff and kicker Jai Patel could swing momentum. Virginia visits UNC as favorites in the storied rivalry, with several under-the-radar Cavaliers to watch.