Week 10 of the college football schedule features some exciting games across the country, especially in the ACC where there is a pair of games with major College Football Playoff implications.
This is the first weekend of college football games with the rankings reflecting the College Football Playoff committee. Georgia, Alabama, Notre Dame and Clemson occupy the top four spots and would be in if the season ended today. Luckily, for us, and for the other teams still in contention, it doesn’t.
Also, lucky for us, Week 10 provides a number of games with playoff implications. The ACC has two games that will amount to elimination games. The Big 12 has the annual rivalry game between Oklahoma and Oklahoma State that’s an elimination game. Then there’s the rivalry game between the resurgent LSU Tigers and Alabama from Tuscaloosa. Those are just a few of the games that die-hard college football fans better be watching this weekend.
I’ve identified six games that amount to must-see TV this weekend, and we’ll start with a showdown between a pair of teams from the Group of Five.
UCF at SMU
UCF is the best team from the Group of Five as the undefeated Knights remain in line for a New Year’s Six bowl berth. Led by quarterback McKenzie Milton, UCF has one of the most exciting offenses in the country. The Knights average more than 47 points and 500 yards of offense per game and will see a team that’s capable of matching them score for score. SMU has one of the best passing attacks in the country with quarterback Ben Hicks throwing for nearly 320 yards per game. This game could be 48-45 and the team with the ball last is going to have a chance to win the game and both quarterbacks are capable of making the clutch play in what will be a must-see game for die-hard fans.
Stanford at Washington State
The winner of this game stays alive for a trip to the Pac-12 Championship Game but the loser can likely say goodbye to that dream. If Stanford running back Bryce Love can’t return from his ankle injury, this game loses a lot of its luster, but if the nation’s leading rusher does play, this shapes up to be a great matchup.
Oklahoma at Oklahoma State
Bedlam often decides who will win the Big 12 and it could this year too. Both teams have new life after Iowa State gave TCU their first loss. A win by Oklahoma may be the best chance at keeping the conference’s fleeting playoff hopes alive. Individually, the winner of the Baker Mayfield-Mason Rudolph matchup could decide which quarterback earns an invite for the Heisman ceremony.
Next: College football power rankings by conference: Big Ten or the SEC?
Virginia Tech at Miami
Miami has won their last four games by a total of 18 points as the Canes continue to eke out wins to remain undefeated. Now comes their toughest game of the year that could decide the Coastal Division. A loss by Virginia Tech likely ends their bid so Miami can essentially book their ticket to Charlotte for the ACC Championship Game.
Clemson at NC State
The Wolfpack nearly upset Clemson last year so they’ll enter this game against the defending national champions with the confidence and the belief that they can win this game. Dave Doeren’s team is coming off a difficult loss to Notre Dame last week that likely knocks them out of the ACC championship picture. Although, if they can pull off the upset of the No. 4 team in the country, they would be right back in the conversation and put an end to Clemson’s repeat bid.
LSU at Alabama
Three weeks ago, this normally great rivalry game wasn’t looking like it would be this year after LSU’s stunning home loss vs. Troy. But after wins over Florida, Auburn and Ole Miss and Derrius Guice and Arden Key getting healthy, the Tigers suddenly look like a potential threat. Alabama hasn’t been tested since the first three quarters in the season opener against Florida State but expect Nick Saban to outcoach Ed Orgeron if this one gets close late.