Image – Chicago Tribune
November has arrived, and the race for the College Football Playoff is only getting tighter. Week 9 delivered another shakeup as USC knocked off No. 2 Ohio State, while Georgia, Utah and Texas Tech handled business in key conference matchups. With the season entering its final full month, Week 10 brings another opportunity for contenders to separate themselves and another chance for an upset to change the picture.
Iowa left little doubt in the battle for the Heartland Trophy, shutting out No. 25 Wisconsin 30-0 at Kinnick Stadium. Hank Brown threw for 222 yards and two touchdowns as the Hawkeyes built a 20-0 halftime lead and handed the Badgers their fifth consecutive loss in the rivalry.
No. 13 Texas Tech rallied from a halftime deficit to beat No. 22 Arizona 34-26 in a pivotal Big 12 matchup. Tommy Castellanos accounted for three touchdowns and rushed for 117 yards, while J’Koby Williams added 175 rushing yards and a decisive 64-yard touchdown. Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita threw for 417 yards, but the Wildcats couldn’t finish the job in Lubbock.
No. 3 Georgia used a dominant defensive performance to put away No. 17 Florida 27-8. The Bulldogs forced four turnovers, highlighted by Chris Cole’s 66-yard fumble return for a touchdown, and kept the Gators off the scoreboard until the fourth quarter. Georgia’s sixth consecutive victory in the rivalry kept the Bulldogs firmly in the SEC title hunt.
No. 6 Utah wasted no time taking control at Cincinnati, building a 42-6 halftime lead on its way to a 49-25 victory. Devon Dampier threw for 260 yards and two touchdowns, while the Utes added two defensive scores before halftime. Cincinnati showed some life after the break, but Utah’s overwhelming start helped it improve to 8-0.
USC delivered the biggest upset of the day, knocking off No. 2 Ohio State 30-18 at the Coliseum. Jayden Maiava threw for 222 yards and a touchdown, and the Trojans never trailed after his early 69-yard scoring strike to Trent Mosley. Ohio State outgained USC 464-338, but 11 penalties and missed opportunities helped send the Buckeyes to their second loss of the season.
Could Week 10 be a repeat of Week 7 where upsets occur all day or will the favorites take care of business? It starts in the early slate with the Holy War between No. 9 BYU and No. 3 Utah and an old Big 12 matchup resuming between No. 7 Texas and No. 18 Missouri.
The afternoon and evening slates have even more SEC flavor. No. 5 Alabama and No. 14 LSU renew their historic series while SEC leader No. 6 Kentucky hits the road to face rival No. 13 Tennessee to begin the primetime slate. Also, No. 23 Oregon visits No. 12 Ohio State with the Buckeyes looking to bounce back from their loss at USC and avoid another setback in the race.
No. 10 Ole Miss has had some of the best success at their home field, Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, since 2024 but No. 2 Georgia comes to town after they dominated Florida last Saturday in Atlanta. Another rivalry finishes up the night when the College Football Playoff’s top ranked Miami team travels to South Bend to face No. 11 Notre Dame.
College Football Playoff Top 12
No. 1 Miami 8-0 (6-0) ACC This Week: at No. 11 Notre Dame (7-1) (Saturday, 6:30 p.m., ABC)
No. 2 Georgia 7-1 (5-1) SEC This Week: at No. 10 Ole Miss (6-2) (Saturday, 6:30 p.m., ABC)
No. 3 Utah 8-0 (5-0) Big 12 This Week: No. 9 BYU (7-1) (Saturday, 11 a.m., ABC)
No. 4 Indiana 8-1 (5-1) Big Ten This Week: Off
No. 5 Alabama 6-2 (4-2) SEC This Week: at No. 14 LSU (6-2) (Saturday, 2:30 p.m., ABC)
No. 6 Kentucky 7-1 (5-1) SEC This Week: at No. 13 Tennessee (6-2) (Saturday, 5:15 p.m., ESPN)
No. 7 Texas 6-2 (3-2) SEC This Week: at No. 18 Missouri (6-2) (Saturday, 11 a.m., ESPN)
No. 8 UCLA 8-0 (5-0) Big Ten This Week: at Minnesota (5-3) (Saturday, 11 a.m., FOX)
No. 9 BYU 7-1 (4-1) Big 12 This Week: at No. 3 Utah (8-0) (Saturday, 11 a.m., ABC)
No. 10 Ole Miss 6-2 (4-2) SEC This Week: No. 2 Georgia (7-1) (Saturday, 6:30 p.m., ABC)
No. 11 Notre Dame 7-1 Independents This Week: No. 1 Miami (8-0) (Saturday, 6:30 p.m., ABC)
No. 12 Ohio State 6-2 (4-1) Big Ten This Week: No. 23 Oregon (5-3) (Saturday, 2:30 p.m., CBS)
Projected College Football Playoff Bracket (How the College Football Playoff bracket is seeded)
First Round
Tuscaloosa
No. 5 Alabama
No. 12 Boise State
Pasadena
No. 8 UCLA
No. 9 BYU
Lexington
6.Kentucky
11.Notre Dame
Austin
7.Texas
10.Ole Miss
Quarterfinals
Rose Bowl (Pasadena)
No. 4 Indiana
No. 5 Alabama/No. 12 BYU
Orange Bowl (Miami Gardens)
No. 1 Miami
No. 8 UCLA/No. 9 BYU
Cotton Bowl (Arlington)
No. 3 Utah
No. 6 Kentucky/No. 11 Notre Dame
Sugar Bowl (New Orleans)
No. 2 Georgia
No. 7 Texas/No. 10 Ole Miss
Biggest risers and fallers in the AP Top 25 this week (No previous CFP Top 25):
Risers
No. 3 Utah 8-0 (5-0) Big 12 Week 9: No. 6 (Defeated Cincinnati 49-25)
No. 19 Missouri 6-2 (3-2) SEC Week 9: No. 23 (Defeated Arkansas 34-10)
Fallers
No. 9 Ohio State 6-2 (4-1) Big Ten Week 9: No. 2 (Lost to USC 30-18)
No. 25 Florida 5-3 (3-3) SEC Week 9: No. 17 (Lost to No. 3 Georgia 27-8)
Dropped Out
SMU 6-2 (4-2) ACC Week 9: No. 19 (Lost to Syracuse 30-27)
Northwestern 6-2 (3-2) Big Ten Week 9: No. 20 (Lost to Oregon 34-26)
Oklahoma State 5-3 (3-2) Big 12 Week 9: No. 24 (Lost to Iowa State 51-49)
Wisconsin 5-3 (3-2) Big Ten Week 9: No. 25 (Lost to Iowa 30-0)
New
No. 21 Iowa 6-2 (3-2) Big Ten Week 9: NR (Defeated No. 25 Wisconsin 30-0)
No. 22 New Mexico 7-1 (4-0) Mountain West Week 9: NR (Defeated San Jose State 21-16)
No. 23 South Carolina 5-3 (3-3) SEC Week 9: NR (Defeated Oklahoma 42-25)
The Week 10 Slate (Rankings based on CFP Top 25):
*All times CDT.*
Saturday, Nov. 7
Image – The New York Times
No. 7 Texas (6-2) at No. 18 Missouri (6-2)
11 a.m., ESPN
After meeting nine times as common opponents in the Big 12 and facing off in the 2017 Texas Bowl, Texas travels to Missouri for the first time since Nov. 12, 2011 to play their first game as SEC foes. The Longhorns, who defeated the Tigers in the Texas Bowl nine short years ago, will seek their second consecutive win in the series with Joe Tessitore (play-by-play), Jesse Palmer (analyst) and Kris Budden (sideline reporter) on the call at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Missouri.
Texas defeated Mississippi State 31-3 in what was an ugly game on Saturday, Oct. 31. Quarterback Arch Manning was efficient, completing 16 of 20 passes for 220 yards and three touchdowns against the Bulldogs. The Mississippi State defense limited leading receiver Ryan Wingo to just three catches for 14 yards from Manning while running back Raleek Brown carried the ball eight times for 30 yards with a long rush of 11 yards in the win.
The Texas defense has continued its success despite recent injuries to players like pass-rusher Colin Simmons. Defensive back Jelani McDonald continues to lead the Longhorns with 63 tackles along with an interception while Simmons still tops the team in sacks with 10.5.
Missouri took down Arkansas 34-10 to win their fifth consecutive Battle Line Rivalry on Saturday, Oct. 31. Quarterback Austin Simmons completed 20 of 31 passes for 179 yards and two touchdowns against the Razorbacks. Tailback Jamal Roberts reached 1,000 yards on the ground on the season with a 23 carry day for 138 yards and a touchdown while wide receiver Cayden Lee caught six passes for 78 yards in the victory.
Linebacker Nicholas Rodriguez has impressed on the Missouri defense this season with 86 tackles, two forced fumbles and one and a half sacks through eight games this season. In addition, edge defender Daeden Hopkins has totaled 20 tackles, a team-leading seven sacks and two forced fumbles.
Texas can continue their success against Missouri with a consistent game from Arch Manning that sees him getting the ball to Ryan Wingo, Cam Coleman and other receivers. Raleek Brown will also need to continue establishing the running game for the Longhorns to help set up Manning’s passing attack and keep their talented defense off the field to give them the rest they need.
Austin Simmons will rely on Jamal Roberts and Ahmad Hardy, who returned for the first time this season in last week’s win against Arkansas, to set up his passing attack. Hardy and Roberts’ ability to move the ball down the field will be of utmost importance to head coach Eliah Drinkwitz to defeat a strong Texas defense to keep Manning and his offense off the field.
In what is should be a close game, the defenses will be what determines who wins the battle between Texas and Missouri. The Longhorns’ will shut down Ahmad Hardy and Jamal Roberts from moving down the field and give Arch Manning the opportunities he needs to defeat the Tigers and keep themselves in contention for the College Football Playoff.
Projected Score: Texas 27, Missouri 24
Image – BYU Athletics
No. 9 BYU (7-1) at No. 3 Utah (8-0)
11 a.m., ABC
The Holy War is again an important game in the Big 12 with one-loss BYU travel to undefeated Utah for a Saturday afternoon showdown. If the Cougars defeat the Utes, there will be a three-way tie at the top of the league assuming Texas Tech takes care of business against West Virginia as well. BYU and Utah will continue their storied rivalry series with Dave Pasch (play-by-play), Dusty Dvoracek (analyst) and Taylor McGregor (sideline reporter) on the call at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah.
BYU edged Arizona State 27-20 the last time they hit the field on Saturday, Oct. 31. Quarterback Bear Bachmeier completed 19 of 30 passes for 236 yards, a touchdown and an interception against the Sun Devils. Wide receiver Legend Glasker caught four passes for 87 yards while star tailback LJ Martin is questionable to return on Saturday, and the last time he played was Saturday, Oct. 3.
The BYU defense is led by linebacker Cade Uluave, who leads the Cougars with 52 tackles, one and a half sacks and an interception through eight games this season. Defensive end Tausili Akana tops BYU in sacks with three and a half along with his 17 tackles so far this season.
Utah dominated Cincinnati 49-25 on Saturday, Oct. 31. Quarterback Devon Dampier completed 22 of 29 passes for 260 yards, three touchdowns and an interception while rushing nine times for 45 yards against the Bearcats. Running back Wayshawn Parker carried the ball seven times for 82 yards and a touchdown while wide receiver Braden Pegan caught five passes for 46 yards in the victory.
Utah’s defense is headed by linebacker Trey Reynolds and defensive tackle Karson Kaufusi. Reynolds has totaled 46 tackles and an interception while Kaufusi has recorded 17 tackles and a team-high three sacks through eight contests so far during the 2026 campaign.
BYU must hope they can utilize their rushing attack, with or without LJ Martin, to set up the passing attack for Bear Bachmeier and his receivers. Cade Uluave and Tausili Akana will have to lead their defense and shut down Devon Dampier, Wayshawn Parker and the Utah ground attack if they want to end the Utes’ undefeated season.
Dampier has been better at avoiding turnovers, however, against a BYU defense that will want to be better after a loss to BYU two weeks ago where they gave up 39 points and a close win against Iowa State where they gave up 20, will be looking to make him make a mistake.
Utah’s home field advantage will be important in continuing their undefeated season against instate rival BYU. The Cougars are capable of pulling another top five upset if their offense can compete with the Utes’ high-scoring offense. However, Devon Dampier and the Utah offense will be too much for BYU.
Projected Score: Utah 24, BYU 21
Image – NCAA.com
No. 23 Oregon (5-3) at No. 12 Ohio State (6-2)
2:30 p.m., CBS
In the pre-season many thought the battle between Oregon and Ohio State would be a battle between two teams ranked at least in the top five of the first College Football Playoff poll. Instead, both are outside of the projected bracket after the committee unveiled their first top 25 on Tuesday night, thanks in big part to the injuries of their starting quarterbacks, Dante Moore and Julian Sayin. The Ducks and Buckeyes will look to get things going with Brad Nessler (play-by-play), Charles Davis (analyst) and Jenny Dell (sideline reporter) on the call at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
Oregon defeated Northwestern 34-26 on Saturday, Oct. 31. Quarterback Dylan Raiola completed 22 of 31 passes for 336 yards and three touchdowns against the Wildcats. Wide receiver Dakorien Moore caught seven passes for 128 yards and two touchdowns while running back Jordon Davison rushed three times for 17 yards before suffering a lower-extremity injury in the win, which will make him miss the game against Ohio State.
Oregon defensive back Koi Perich has tallied 53 tackles and two interceptions while linebacker Matayo Uiagalelei has recorded 34 tackles, a team-high six sacks and an interception so far during the 2026 campaign. The Ducks defense will need a strong showing against the Buckeyes despite injuries limiting them in last week’s loss.
Ohio State fell to USC 30-18 on Saturday, Oct. 31 without starting quarterback Julian Sayin. Quarterback Luke Fahey completed 21 of 38 passes for 268 yards and a touchdown against the Trojans. Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith caught 10 passes for 83 yards and a touchdown and tailback Bo Jackson received 21 carries for 121 yards in the loss.
After giving up 30 points to the Trojans last Saturday, the Ohio State defense must bounce back behind their leaders. The guys the Buckeyes will need to rely on will be safety Earl Little Jr., has totaled 43 tackles and a forced fumble, and defensive end Kenyatta Jackson, who has totaled 25 tackles, three sacks and a forced fumble so far during the 2026 season.
Oregon can defeat Ohio State if Dylan Raiola turns in another efficient performance where he succeeds throwing the ball to receivers Dakorien Moore, Evan Stewart and others. The Ducks defense must also shut down the Buckeyes’ Fahey from getting the ball to Jeremiah Smith, Devin McCuin and Chris Henry Jr. down the field and rely on Bo Jackson from moving it with his feet.
If Ohio State puts up a better offensive performance against Oregon’s talented defense, they can get back to their winning ways and stay in contention for another College Football Playoff spot. Ryan Day’s team may not be in the best spot without Julian Sayin behind center, but Smith and Jackson’s performances in the loss to USC last week proves they can bounce back at home.
If Oregon wants to go into Columbus and get a win against Ohio State, they will need a full team effort despite Julian Sayin’s injury. The Ducks will fight hard but the Buckeyes will take a lead in the second half and move to 7-2 ahead of their matchup against Northwestern on Saturday, Nov. 14.
Projected Score: Ohio State 27, Oregon 17
Image – RollTide.com
No. 5 Alabama (6-2) at No. 14 LSU (6-2)
2:30 p.m., ABC
Since Nick Saban left LSU for the NFL and then was hired by Alabama and Les Miles had the Tigers going strong, this series has been one of the most important rivalry games in the country as it determined the winner of the SEC West many times. The series continues on Saturday afternoon with Chris Fowler (play-by-play), Kirk Herbstreit (analyst), Holly Rowe (sideline reporter) and Laura Rutledge (sideline reporter) on the call at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Alabama took down Texas A&M 31-20 on Saturday, Oct. 24 before taking their open week. Quarterback Keelon Russell completed 19 of 30 passes for 311 yards, three touchdowns and an interception against the Aggies. Wide receiver Lotzeir Brooks, who caught three passes for 73 yards and has emerged as the top wide receiver for Russell since Ryan Coleman-Williams suffered an injury, and running back Daniel Hill took nine carries for 36 yards.
Two linebackers are the keys to the Alabama defense so far during the 2026 season. Caleb Woodson leads the team in tackles with 63, two sacks and an interception while Yhonzae Pierre has 25 tackles, a team-high three and a half sacks, a forced fumble and an interception.
LSU dominated Auburn 38-17 on Saturday, Oct. 24 before they took their open week as well. Quarterback Sam Leavitt completed 32 of 45 passes for 388 yards and three touchdowns while rushing eight times for 54 yards against the Tigers. Running back Dilin Jones rushed 21 times for 91 yards for a touchdown and wide receiver Jackson Harris caught nine passes for 178 yards and two touchdowns in the win.
LSU’s talented defense will have a tough job dealing with Russell’s dual-threat ability. Linebacker TJ Dottery, who has totaled 58 tackles, two forced fumbles and a half a sack while defensive end Princely Unmanmielen has recorded 32 tackles and an impressive eight and a half sacks through eight games this season.
An Alabama win would mean that Keelon Russell shines against the LSU defense. Russell would get the ball to playmakers Daniel Hill, Lotzeir Brooks and potential Ryan Coleman-Williams, who is questionable to return for Saturday’s game against the Tigers. The Crimson Tide defense will be crucial against an LSU offense that has scored 30 or more points five games in a row.
LSU’s hot offensive run will be hard to stop, even for the quality Alabama defense. If quarterback Sam Leavitt can get the ball to tailback Dilin Jones and rely on pass-catchers Jackson Harris, Winston Watkins Jr., Eugene Wilson III and Trey’Dez Green down the field, the Tigers can be well on their way to a fifth win in their last six games.
In what should be another entertaining matchup between Alabama and LSU, Tigers fans should hope Lane Kiffin can lead his team to a win and avoid losing another big game. LSU has the home field advantage but the Crimson Tide is definitely capable of competing. The loser of this game will have three losses but in this season’s craziness, that does not mean that they are eliminated from the College Football Playoff. Kiffin and the Tigers will avoid a loss to Alabama and win their seventh game of the season ahead of another huge home showdown against Texas on Saturday, Nov. 14.
Projected Score: LSU 31, Alabama 24
Image – The Courier-Journal
No. 6 Kentucky (7-1) at No. 13 Tennessee (6-2)
5:15 p.m., ESPN
There will be huge SEC championship game implications when Kentucky faces Tennessee on Saturday night. The one-loss Wildcats can eliminate the two-loss Volunteers from contention with a win. Kentucky and Tennessee renew their rivalry with Tom Hart (play-by-play), Roddy Jones (analyst) and Quint Kessenich (sideline reporter) on the call at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Kentucky defeated Vanderbilt 34-17 on Saturday, Oct. 24 before their bye week. Quarterback Kenny Minchey completed 19 of 26 passes for 203 yards and a touchdown while rushing five times for 23 yards. Wide receiver Kenny Darby caught four passes for 71 yards and running back CJ Baxter received one carry for three yards before suffering an injury but is expected to play after a couple of weeks of rest.
The Kentucky defense has been up and down this season but the important thing the Wildcats have to against Tennessee is shut down their running game. Two players that can help out with that are linebacker Grant Godfrey, who leads the team with 72 tackles, two sacks and an interception and defensive lineman Mi’Quise Humphrey-Grace, who has totaled 27 tackles, a team-high five sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception.
Tennessee was upset by South Carolina on a game-winning field goal, 27-24, in their last time on the field on Saturday, Oct. 24 before they took their bye week. Quarterback George MacIntyre completed 16 of 23 passes for 136 yards against the Gamecocks. Tailback DeSean Bishop carried the ball 32 times for 120 yards and a touchdown while wide receiver Mike Matthews caught five passes for 147 yards in the loss.
The strength of the Tennessee defense, led by coordinator Jim Knowles, is headed by linebacker Amare Campbell and defensive lineman Tyree Weathersby. Campbell has totaled an impressive 52 tackles and three sacks while Weathersby has recorded 19 tackles and an impressive seven sacks.
Kentucky can defeat Tennessee by doing what they have done in their seven wins so far this season. The Wildcats must take care of the football, play solid defense against a Volunteer offense that runs through running back DeSean Bishop and make the right play at the end of the game to continue their successful season.
Tennessee’s defense will continue to be what wins them games during the 2026 season. Tyree Weathersby’s ability to rush quarterback Kenny Minchey will be vital to limiting the Kentucky offense. However, on the offensive side, Bishop’s ability to move the ball on the ground will be important to setting up George MacIntyre’s ability to get the ball to his receivers with his arm.
Tennessee has owned Kentucky in recent history, especially at home in Knoxville but the Wildcats have a team that Josh Heupel knows will be difficult to handle. The Volunteers’ defense will force the Kentucky to struggle to move the ball down the field and their offense will make the necessary plays to give the Wildcats their second loss of the season, causing even more craziness in what will be the beginning to a crazy final month of the 2026 regular season.
Projected Score: Tennessee 23, Kentucky 20
Image – GeorgiaDogs.com
No. 2 Georgia (7-1) at No. 10 Ole Miss (6-2)
6:30 p.m., ABC
Another big SEC matchup comes on Saturday night when Georgia squares off against Ole Miss. The Bulldogs can continue to prove they can win their first national championship since 2022 with a strong performance against the Rebels with Sean McDonough (play-by-play), Greg McElroy (analyst) and Katie George (sideline reporter) on the call at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Mississippi.
Georgia dominated Florida 27-8 on Saturday, Oct. 31 after their tough loss to Auburn two weeks before. Quarterback Gunnar Stockton completed 13 of 23 passes for 101 yards while rushing 12 times for 45 yards against the Gators. Running back Dwight Phillips rushed eight times for 67 yards while wide receiver Craig Dandridge caught three passes for 39 yards in the win.
The strong defense Georgia has is led by linebacker Raylen Wilson. Wilson leads the Bulldogs with 51 tackles, four sacks and two forced fumbles through eight games this season. Fellow linebacker Chris Cole has also been impactful with 49 tackles, three and a half sacks and three passes defended as well.
Ole Miss played an impressive second half and they defeated old SEC West rival Auburn 45-15. Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss completed 22 of 34 passes for 263 yards, two touchdowns and an interception while rushing seven times for 65 yards against the Tigers. Wide receiver Deuce Alexander caught five passes for 59 yards while running back Makhi Frazier took 17 carries for 56 yards in the victory.
Ole Miss’ defense will have to step up on Saturday against Georgia because if not the 11 players on the unit could be the reason for their third loss and being eliminated from College Football Playoff contention. Linebacker Keaton Thomas has recorded 52 tackles, a forced fumble and a half a sack while defensive end Blake Purchase has been impactful with 16 tackles, four and a half sacks and two forced fumbles.
Georgia can continue their successful season by having Gunnar Stockton rely on the running game of tailbacks Dwight Phillips and Nate Frazier set up the passing attack for him. Stockton started the season out efficiently but since the loss to Auburn, he has failed to lead the Bulldogs offense. The good news for Stockton that the Ole Miss defense is a unit he can perform well against. If Georgia’s defense can turn Trinidad Chambliss and the Rebels offense’s touchdowns into field goals, they have a better chance to avenge their Sugar Bowl loss.
Ole Miss must hope for Chambliss’ best single-game performance since their win against former head coach Lane Kiffin and LSU on Sept. 19. Continuing to play without running back Kewan Lacy will be difficult so the Rebels offense will have to support Chambliss well against Georgia. Pete Golding’s defense will have to play its best game of the season if they want to defeat the Bulldogs.
In a game that may be close for the first three quarters, Georgia will avenge their Sugar Bowl loss to Ole Miss and move one game closer to another potential SEC Championship game appearance in Atlanta. The Bulldogs offense will consistently move down the field and their defense, having learned how to defend against Trinidad Chambliss in two previous games last season, will find ways to stop him and his talented weapons to win the game.
Projected Score: Georgia 31, Ole Miss 21
Image – The Palm Beach Post
No. 1 Miami (8-0) at No. 11 Notre Dame (7-1)
6:30 p.m., NBC
ESPN’s College GameDay is in town for a huge matchup between Miami and Notre Dame on Saturday night. The Hurricanes can continue their stretch at No. 1 in both the AP and College Football Playoff polls with another victory against the Fighting Irish after giving them their first loss last season in Week 1 on Aug. 31, 2025. Miami and Notre Dame face off with Noah Eagle (play-by-play), Todd Blackledge (analyst) and Kathryn Tappen (sideline reporter) on the call at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana.
Miami avoided getting upset and they defeated North Carolina 38-35 on Saturday, Oct. 31. Quarterback Darian Mensah completed 22 of 29 passes for 274 yards and three touchdowns against the Tar Heels. Wide receiver Malachi Toney caught seven passes for 75 yards and two touchdowns while running backs Javian Mallory took 12 carries for 51 yards and Mark Fletcher Jr. rushed 13 times for 43 yards and two touchdowns in the win. Toney will be out for Saturday’s game after suffering a high ankle sprain this week in practice.
The Miami defense must step up as they go on the road to play a hungry Notre Dame team. The Hurricanes have given up 20+ points in three consecutive games so it will be important for linebacker Mohamed Toure, who has totaled 44 tackles, and Marquise Lightfoot, who has recorded 29 tackles, a team-high seven sacks and two forced fumbles so far during the 2026 season, to compete at the highest level.
After a slow start, Notre Dame breezed past Navy 35-13. Quarterback CJ Carr completed 19 of 29 passes for 210 yards and two touchdowns against the Midshipmen. Running back Nolan James Jr. carried the ball nine times for 107 yards and two touchdowns while wide receiver Jordan Faison caught four passes for 46 yards in the win.
Linebacker Drayk Bowen is the leading tackler for the Notre Dame defense with 45 tackles. Bowen is joined by defensive lineman Boubacar Traore, who has recorded 24 tackles, three and a half sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception through eight contests so far during the 2026 season.
Miami can continue their undefeated season if Darian Mensah can rely on other offensive weapons outside of Malachi Toney, like Cooper Barkate, Daylyn Shaw and Elija Lofton in a road environment as tough as the one at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday night. The Hurricanes defense must also deal with efficient signal-caller CJ Carr, who knows he must lead his team to a win against the Hurricanes because if they lose, their College Football Playoff hopes may be over.
If Carr continues his success and avoids turning the ball over, the Notre Dame offense can have the success it needs to upset the top ranked Miami team. Nolan James Jr. will have more space to run and receivers Jordan Faison, Micah Gilbert and Jaden Greathouse can succeed catching passes from him. The Fighting Irish defense will have an easier job dealing with the Hurricanes offense because they are playing without Toney but the relationship that Mensah has with Barkate is something that cannot be overlooked by defensive coordinator Chris Ash, because they were a terrific combination at Duke last season and they continue to be this year.
In a game that will determine Notre Dame’s season, they will defeat Miami in front of a packed home crowd and create even more craziness during the 2026 season. Assuming the Hurricanes fall against the Fighting Irish, they will be fine as long as they do one thing that they have never done: win the ACC Championship game.
Projected Score: Notre Dame 38, Miami 35
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