The College Football Playoff committee will release its first rankings on Nov. 4, which means Week 10 games on Saturday will take on extra significance.
In addition, there are 29 Power Four conference teams that have two or fewer losses, so plenty of shifting could occur on Saturday alone. Here’s a look at this Saturday’s top games.
No. 9 Vanderbilt at No. 20 Texas
Vanderbilt comes into Austin riding high with the program’s best start in a half-century at 7–1. Texas (6–2), which may or may not have quarterback Arch Manning back from concussion protocol, can’t afford to lose another game this season to make the playoffs.Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia has been dynamic all season, but with the Longhorns, he will face one of the strongest defenses in the country. Texas boasts a strong defensive front, featuring Anthony Hill Jr., Colin Simmons, Ethan Burke, and Hero Kanu.
No. 10 Miami at SMU
The Miami Hurricanes control their destiny after a bounce-back win over Stanford last week, but SMU enters Saturday with a 5–3 record and still has a shot at the ACC title.This one could come down the trenches. Miami has a strong offensive line, but could get challenged by SMU’s strong defensive line, which features edge rushers Cameron Robertson and Jahkai Lang. Meanwhile, the Mustangs’ offensive line has been impressive all season, but the Hurricanes boast one of the best pass rushes in the country with Akheem Mesidor and Rueben Bain Jr.
Navy at North Texas
While not a top-25 matchup, Navy or North Texas could snag the Group of Six playoff spot at 7–0 and 7–1, respectively.Navy’s group game is looking as strong as ever, with quarterback Blake Horvath leading the way at 806 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns. North Texas doesn’t have a strong run defense, which could put pressure on quarterback Drew Mestmaker to keep the offense on pace with the Midshipmen. That said, Navy’s pass rush poses a threat to the Mean Green.
No. 16 Louisville at Virginia Tech
Louisville has the ACC Championship game hopes in sight since the upset over Miami, and the Cardinals have an explosive offense.Wide receiver Chris Bell and running back Isaac Brown have been outstanding skill players, but the Cardinals offensive line will need to step up against the Hokies defense. Conversely, the Cardinals will need to stop a strong Hokies rushing attack, which includes quarterback Kyron Drones.
No. 5 Georgia vs. Florida
Florida interim head coach Billy Gonzales will coach his first game after the firing of Billy Napier, and it will be a tall task for the Gators.
Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton has been stellar this season, and the Gators’ pass defense has been suspect. Conversely, Florida has a strong running game with running back Jadan Baugh, but Georgia boasts one of the best defenses in the country.
No. 13 Texas Tech at Kansas State
Texas Tech can stay on track for a Big 12 title, but Kansas State has been making strides with three wins in the past four games. Wildcats quarterback Avery Johnson has been playing well, but he will have to contend with Red Raiders edge rushers David Bailey and Romello Height.No. 15 Virginia at California
Virginia remains in the hunt for the ACC title at 7–1 and boasts one of the best running backs in the country with J’Mari Taylor. The game could turn into a track meet if Taylor takes off and California quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele has another big offensive game.South Carolina at No. 7 Ole Miss
Ole Miss remains in the playoff hunt at 7–1, but the Rebels now get a South Carolina Gamecocks team that nearly upset Alabama.Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers is a dangerous dual-threat quarterback who could give the Rebels trouble. Meanwhile, Rebels quarterback Trinidad Chambliss is fresh off a big game against Oklahoma.
No. 18 Oklahoma at No. 14 Tennessee
Both Oklahoma and Tennessee have two losses at 6–2, which could very much make this an elimination game for both teams sooner rather than later. Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer’s return from injury is left wanting, but Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar will face a strong Sooners pass defense.No. 8 Georgia Tech at N.C. State
Georgia Tech can start 9–0 for the first time in nearly a century, 1927, with a win over N.C. State.The Yellowjackets have a strong rushing attack, but the Wolfpack has a strong run defense with linebackers Caden Fordham and Kenny Soares Jr. If North Carolina State can give the Yellowjackets’ defense problems, Georgia Tech’s path to 9–0 won’t be easy on Saturday in Raleigh.
No. 23 USC at Nebraska
Call it the Trojans’ and Huskers’ last stands.Both USC and Nebraska must win on Saturday to keep playoff hopes alive amid two losses apiece. The Trojans have a high-powered offense, but the Cornhuskers have one of the better defenses in the nation. Conversely, Nebraska will need to overpower the USC defense with its running game.
