Week 8 storylines: Texas A&M takes the ultimate mental test
Each week, theScore presents its most noteworthy storylines to watch come Saturday. Here are three worth following as the schedule hits Week 8:
Auburn's quiet ascension
It seems like only yesterday that Gus Malzahn was getting ready to pack up his office and begin searching for a new job. Now, Malzahn has Auburn ranked No. 21, with a chance to climb the ladder should his Tigers knock off No. 17 Arkansas.
Malzahn gave up offensive play-calling duties at the end of September and Auburn's unit has taken off ever since. The once-puzzling three-QB rotation is down to Sean White, and the sophomore is finally demonstrating why he was considered a top recruit out of high school. White's completed over 70 percent of his passes in each of his last three contests - all wins - and has just one interception during that span.
A victory over the Razorbacks would move Malzahn's program back into the top 15, and would distance him even further from the hot seat.
Texas A&M's mental discipline
In any battle of David versus Goliath, the underdog must eliminate mental errors. Nobody tests the brain more than Alabama - a team that seems to avoid all mental lapses, while pouncing on opponents' mistakes. If Texas A&M wants to have a chance at dethroning the champs, it'll have to avoid silly mistakes like these:
Related: Why Texas A&M has no chance against Alabama
Physically, the Aggies have enough talent to compete with the nation's No. 1 team. Mentally? That remains to be seen. They'll have to avoid turnovers - Trevor Knight has five interceptions in six games - unnecessary penalties, and lapses in concentration.
Nebraska's possible trap game
On paper, Purdue doesn't have a hope of beating Nebraska. Unfortunately for the Cornhuskers, games aren't played on paper, meaning they'll need to show up and earn a win over the Boilermakers.
Purdue doesn't have much going for it as it begins the Gerad Parker era, but teams often respond well to midseason coaching changes. With battles against Wisconsin and Ohio State on deck, Nebraska may be inclined to look ahead of the Boilermakers - even if it's subconscious - and that could spell trouble for the nation's current No. 8.