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Image Courtesy: Ethan Doan

On Thursday night, the SEC unveiled the 2026 conference football slate for all 16 member schools. Here are some notes and insights for each of Arkansas’ opponents.

Plus, check out this video to see my thoughts on the Razorbacks’ 2026 schedule and the SEC as a whole.

Arkansas football’s 2026 Schedule:

Sept. 5
North Alabama
Arkansas will open the 2026 season and new head coach Ryan Silverfield’s tenure against North Alabama. The season opener will be the Razorbacks’ first ever meeting with the Lions.

North Alabama didn’t face any Power Four opponents this season, but the Lions did open with a tough matchup against Western Kentucky on Aug. 30, falling 55–6. The Hilltoppers went on to finish among the stronger Group of Five programs, posting an 8–4 record overall and a 6–2 mark in Conference USA.

Later in the season, on Oct. 11, North Alabama dropped another non-conference game to Central Arkansas; Arkansas’ in-state counterpart; by a score of 49–21.

The Lions matched the Razorbacks with a 2-10 record in 2025.

Sept. 12
@ Utah
Arkansas will travel to Salt Lake City for their required Power 4 matchup against a respected Utah program. The Razorbacks and Utes have never faced off on the gridiron before but it has not been long since the Razorbacks have played in the “Beehive State.” Arkansas traveled to Provo and defeated BYU 52-35 back on Oct. 15, 2022.

Utah finished with a 10-2 overall record and seven wins in their second season in the Big 12. The Utes were ranked No. 15 in the final College Football Playoff rankings, just five spots away from an at-large bid to make an appearance.

There is also another piece of familiarity between the Razorbacks and the Utes. One of the top players in Arkansas, Greenwood quarterback Kane Archer, signed with Utah in the early signing period on Dec. 3. He likely won’t be playing for the Utes on Sept. 12 but seeing one of Arkansas’ own on the other sideline will be interesting.

On Friday, Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham announced that he will retire after his team plays in the Las Vegas Bowl versus Nebraska on Dec. 31. Whittingham spent 32 years with the Utes and 21 of his years as head coach. Defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley, who was named coach in waiting back in 2024, will take over for Whittingham in 2026.

The Utes will travel to Fayetteville to finish the home and home series against the Razorbacks on Sept. 15, 2029.

Sept. 19
Georgia
Arkansas faces Georgia for the first time since they met as AP top 10 opponents on Oct. 2, 2021. The Bulldogs defeated the Razorbacks 37-0 on their way to the first of back to back national championships between the hedges.

They travel to Fayetteville for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic effected ten game SEC slate season on Sept. 26, 2020. Georgia struggled in the first half but with a strong second half, they defeated Arkansas 37-10. It was Sam Pittman’s first game as head coach since leaving Athens, where he succeeded as the Bulldogs’ offensive line coach.

Six years later, the Razorbacks will begin their 2026 SEC campaign against Georgia in Fayetteville. The Bulldogs lead the all-time series 12-4 versus the Razorbacks.

Sept. 26
Tulsa
Arkansas and Tulsa have many times on the gridiron. The Golden Hurricane will return to Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium for the first time since Oct. 20, 2018, when the Razorbacks pitched a 23–0 shutout.

Tulsa won just four games during the 2025 season. In his final season as the Memphis head coach, Ryan Silverfield’s Tigers dominated the Golden Hurricane 45-7 back on Oct. 4. Silverfield will hope to do the same against Tulsa on Sept. 26.

Looking ahead, Tulsa is set to host Arkansas in the 2027 season opener on Sept. 4, marking the Razorbacks’ first-ever trip to Tulsa. Arkansas has won 54 games over the Golden Hurricane while Tulsa has come out victorious just 16 times over the Razorbacks.

Oct. 3
@ Texas A&M
Arkansas welcomed Texas A&M back to Fayetteville on Oct. 18 for the first time since 2013 and fell 48-45 in a shootout. Now, the Razorbacks make the return trip to College Station for the first time since the 2020 where they lost 42-31.

After facing Georgia two weeks earlier, Arkansas will open SEC play against back to back opponents that made this seaso’s College Football Playoff, as Texas A&M makes its run at a first national championship when they play No. 10 Miami on Dec. 20 in the first round of the College Football Playoff.

The Aggies have dominated Arkansas of late winning the last four and thirteen of the last fourteen. However, the Razorbacks still lead the series against the Aggies 41-37.

Oct. 10
Tennessee
Arkansas will welcome Tennessee back to Fayetteville two years after upsetting them. The Volunteers were ranked No. 4 in the AP Poll when they fell to the Razorbacks on Oct. 5, 2024.

With the pressure on from fans, Josh Heupel and Tennessee cannot lose this game or his seat may become warm after failing to make it to back to back College Football Playoffs in 2024 and last season in 2025.

The Volunteers ended the Razorbacks’ four-game winning streak in the series with a 34-31 victory in Knoxville on Oct. 15. Tennessee’s victory extended their advantage to 14-7 over Arkansas all-time.

Oct. 17
@ Vanderbilt
Arkansas has not played Vanderbilt in Nashville since Oct. 29, 2011. In Bobby Petrino’s final season as head coach, the Razorbacks defeated the Commodores 31-28. Another October matchup between the two schools looms.

Now, Vanderbilt is rejuvenated under head coach Clark Lea with a chance to establish themselves as a true SEC contender in the post-Diego Pavia era at quarterback. The Commodores will face the Razorbacks for just the 11th time and in Nashville for just the fourth time ever.

The Commodores beat the Razorbacks 45-31 the last time they faced off on Oct. 27, 2018 in Fayetteville. But Arkansas holds the all-time series lead 7-3 over Vanderbilt entering the 2026 matchup.

Oct. 24
Arkansas will spend their bye week on Oct. 24 having completed non-conference play and the first four games of SEC play. Rest will be important for the Razorbacks with five more SEC games over the final five weeks of the season.

Oct. 31
Missouri
While Missouri’s success against Arkansas is well documented on the gridiron, the Tigers will travel to face the Razorbacks on the road for the second consecutive season because of the new nine-game conference slate being introduced in 2026. Missouri ended the 2025 regular season with a 31-17 victory over Arkansas just a few weeks ago.

Missouri will play Arkansas on Halloween in 2026 instead of the final weekend of the regular season for the first time since entering the SEC as a result of the new annual opponents for the nine-game schedule. The Razorbacks and Tigers have closed the regular season except the pandemic shortened 2020 season against each other since 2014. They will draw former Big Eight and Big 12 rival Oklahoma the final weekend of the regular season instead.

Missouri’s lead in the series remains large at 12-4 against Arkansas on the football field.

Nov. 7
@ Auburn
Arkansas has gone into Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn and defeated the Tigers back to back times with victories in 2022 and 2024. However, Auburn has not lost in Fayetteville against Arkansas since the crazy four-overtime game in 2015.

While both programs have not been successful over the last few seasons, both programs have new head coaches. Arkansas’ Ryan Silverfield has a perfect 3-0 record against Auburn’s Alex Golesh, who came over from South Florida. Golesh was rumored to have been hired by Arkansas on Nov. 26 before accepting the Auburn job opening on Nov. 30.

Now, a new era in this SEC series begins on “The Plains” to begin November for both programs.Auburn has a seven game lead on Arkansas all-time at 21-14.

Nov. 14
South Carolina
Until Missouri joined the SEC in 2012, South Carolina was Arkansas’ annual cross-division rival in the east division. The Gamecocks dominated the Razorbacks in their last meeting as permanent staples on each others’ schedules on Oct. 13, 2013 by a score of 52-7.

Since, the teams have split the next two meetings ahead of their 2026 game in Fayetteville. Arkansas and South Carolina will meet in the month of November for the first time since Nov. 11, 2012.

If quarterback LaNorris Sellers returns to Columbia to play his junior season for South Carolina, his offensive coordinator will be Kendal Briles. Briles, who came over from TCU, was Arkansas’ offensive coordinator from 2021-2023 and directed an offense with a similar quarterback to Sellers, KJ Jefferson.

Arkansas has a 14-10 lead on South Carolina in the series all-time.

Nov. 21
@ Texas
While Arkansas will welcome Missouri back to Fayetteville in 2026 for a second consecutive season, they will have to return to Austin to face Texas as a result of the nine-game SEC schedule. The Longhorns went up and down the field on the Razorbacks in a 52-37 win back in November.

Texas missed out on a third consecutive College Football Playoff appearance by just a few spots, being ranked No. 13 in the final poll. Next season, they will look to put an exclamation point on a strong season with a senior day win over Arkansas.

Arkansas and Texas have split their last four meetings but the Longhorns lead the series 58-23.

Nov. 28
LSU
The Battle for the Golden Boot returns to its regular season finale position in the schedule on Nov. 28. Arkansas and LSU met on the final weekend of the regular season from 1992 when the Razorbacks joined the SEC through the 2013 season. Now, the rivalry will return to the last weekend of November for at least the next four seasons.

In their final season under head coach Brian Kelly, LSU struggled to a 7-5 record. After firing Kelly, interim coach Frank Wilson’s Tigers beat the Razorbacks 23-22.

A familiar name takes over for Kelly in Baton Rouge. Ole Miss’ Lane Kiffin left the Rebels for LSU during their best season in program history at 11-1 on Nov. 30 just two days after his team beat Mississippi State in the Egg Bowl.

Razorback fans will want nothing more than to end their seasons by beating Kiffin and the Tigers under new head coach Ryan Silverfield. However, LSU has dominated the series against Arkansas 44-23.

Looking Ahead:
Arkansas will not face Alabama, Ole Miss, Kentucky, Oklahoma Florida, or Mississippi State during the 2026 season. The Razorbacks will face those teams and annual opponents LSU, Missouri, and Texas in the fall of 2027.

They will host Alabama, Kentucky, Ole Miss, and Texas and head on the road to play Florida, LSU, Mississippi State, Missouri, and Oklahoma in a year and a half.

Image Courtesy: ESPN

Here are the twelve teams (seeded 1-12) I believe that will be in this season’s College Football Playoff:

First Round Byes:
1.Indiana (13-0) Big Ten Champion
2.Georgia (12-1) SEC Champion
3.Ohio State (12-1) Big Ten Runner-Up
4.Texas Tech (12-1) Big 12 Champion

Indiana put a stamp on claiming the one seed in this season’s College Football Playoff by defeating No. 1 Ohio State 13-10 in Saturday’s Big Ten Championship game. The Hoosiers will begin their run in the CFP at the Rose Bowl against the winner of the 8./9. game on Jan. 1. Georgia will claim the No. 2 spot behind Indiana after avenging their Sept. 28 loss to 9.Alabama with a dominant 28-7 win over the Crimson Tide.

Ohio State will fall two spots to No. 3 after their loss to Indiana. The Buckeyes will attempt to win back to back CFP National Championships after a few off weeks. Texas Tech will remain at No. 4 after another dominant win over 11.BYU, 34-7, in the Big 12 Championship game. After defeating the Cougars (by a score of 34-7) for the second time, they have won 12 games for the first time in program history.

First Round Home Teams:
5.Oregon (11-1) Big Ten At-Large
6.Ole Miss (11-1) SEC At-Large
7.Texas A&M (11-1) SEC At-Large
8.Oklahoma (10-2) SEC At-Large

All four of Oregon, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma will remain exactly where they are ranked following conference championship weekend because none of them participated in any of those games. The Ducks will play at the top of the bracket as the No. 5 seed, setting up a match up against the final team in the field, the No. 12 seed. At No. 6, Ole Miss still gets a home game even after head coach Lane Kiffin left for rival LSU last weekend.

Texas A&M may be thankful that they will get a home game the weekend before Christmas Day because all four of the teams that got bye weeks in last season’s College Football Playoff fell in their quarterfinal match ups. The Aggies fell to instate rival Texas on the final day of the regular season to make them fall from No. 3 to No. 7 in the rankings last Tuesday night.

Oklahoma’s defense carried them to their tenth victory over LSU on Nov. 29. That will not keep the Sooners from hosting a playoff game against either Alabama, Notre Dame, or Miami that will require quarterback John Mateer and his offense to have its best performance of the season to advance to the quarterfinals.

Last Four In:
9.Notre Dame (10-2) Independents At-Large
10.Alabama (10-3) SEC Runner-Up
11.Tulane (11-2) American Champion
12.James Madison (12-1) Sun Belt Champion

Based on how the College Football Playoff selection committee ranked on Tuesday, these will be the final four teams in the College Football Playoff. On Tuesday, they placed Alabama at No. 9 so that if they fell to Georgia, they could still make it in. The selection committee did not penalize SMU for losing last season’s ACC Title game, so Alabama should not be penalized and left out either.

As a result, Notre Dame will rise back up to No. 9. Based on how the selection committee has ranked the Fighting Irish over the last month, they do not want to deal with the Miami argument. They fell to the Hurricanes 27-24 on Labor Day but have not been measured head to head in any one of the selection committee’s rankings because they have not been ranked next to each other.

As a result of Tulane being ranked No. 20 in Tuesday’s rankings and defeating North Texas in the American Championship game on Friday, they will get the No. 11 seed. That would mean a rematch from earlier in the season against Ole Miss. The Rebels defeated the Green Wave 45-10 on Sept. 20. James Madison, who was ranked No. 25 on Tuesday, will get the No. 12 seed over ACC champion Duke (8-5) after defeating Troy in the Sun Belt Championship game.

On the Bubble:
Miami (10-2) ACC At-Large
BYU (11-2) Big 12 Runner-Up
Texas (9-3) SEC At-Large
Vanderbilt (10-2) SEC At-Large

If Miami gets left out of this season’s College Football Playoff, they definitely have a gripe with the selection committee. The Hurricanes defeated the Fighting Irish head to head. The fact that they do not have an ACC Championship trophy next to their name is the reason why they may not be in the playoff. But it would not surprise me if they are in as the last at-large over Notre Dame.

BYU’s only two losses are to No. 4 Texas Tech. Outside of that, the Cougars’ resumé is not strong. But they were blasted in both of those games by a combined score of 63-14 in those games.

Texas’ victory over Texas A&M last weekend would have added to their case to make the College Football Playoff for a third consecutive season if they would not have lost 29-21 to 4-8 Florida back in Oct. 4. Vanderbilt’s 10-2 record would normally grant them entry into the College Football Playoff. But losses to Alabama and Texas kept them out of the SEC Championship game and the Commodores best win is against 8-4 Tennessee or 8-4 Missouri.

Bracket based on my projections:

First Round (Dec. 19-20)

Eugene
5.Oregon
12.James Madison

Norman
8.Oklahoma
9.Notre Dame

Oxford
6.Ole Miss
11.Tulane

College Station
7.Texas A&M
10.Alabama

Quarterfinals (Dec. 31-Jan. 1)

Rose Bowl (Pasadena)
1.Indiana
8.Oklahoma/9.Notre Dame

Sugar Bowl (New Orleans)
4.Texas Tech
5.Oregon/12.James Madison

Cotton Bowl (Arlington)
3.Ohio State
6.Ole Miss/11.Tulane

Orange Bowl (Miami Gardens)
2.Georgia
7.Texas A&M/10.Alabama

The semifinals will be played at the VRBO Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, AZ on Jan. 8 and at the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl in Atlanta, Georgia on Jan. 9. The 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship will be wrap up the season on Jan. 19 in Miami Gardens, FL.

Image Courtesy: CBS Sports

CFP Top 12
1.Ohio State 12-0 (9-0) Big Ten This week: 2.Indiana (12-0) (Indianapolis) (Saturday, 8 PM ET, FOX)
2.Indiana 12-0 (9-0) Big Ten This week: 1.Ohio State (12-0) (Indianapolis) (Saturday, 8 PM ET, FOX)
3.Georgia 11-1 (7-1) SEC This week: 9.Alabama (10-2) (Atlanta) (Saturday, 4 PM ET, ABC)
4.Texas Tech 11-1 (8-1) Big 12 This week: BYU (11-1) (Arlington) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, ABC)
5.Oregon 11-1 (8-1) Big Ten This week: Off
6.Ole Miss 11-1 (7-1) SEC This week: Off
7.Texas A&M 11-1 (7-1) SEC This week: Off
8.Oklahoma 10-2 (6-2) SEC This week: Off
9.Alabama 10-2 (7-1) SEC This week: 3.Georgia (11-1) (Atlanta) (Saturday, 4 PM ET, ABC)
10.Notre Dame 10-2 Independents This week: Off
11.BYU 11-1 (8-1) Big 12 This week: Texas Tech (11-1) (Arlington) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, ABC)
12.Miami 10-2 (6-2) ACC This week: Off

Projected College Football Playoff Bracket (How the College Football Playoff bracket is seeded)

First Round

Eugene
5.Oregon
12.Tulane

Norman
8.Oklahoma
9.Alabama

Oxford
6.Ole Miss
11.Miami

College Station
7.Texas A&M
10.Notre Dame

Quarterfinals

Sugar Bowl (New Orleans)
4.Texas Tech
5.Oregon/12.Tulane

Rose Bowl (Pasadena)
1.Ohio State
8.Oklahoma/9.Alabama

Orange Bowl (Miami Gardens)
3.Georgia
6.Ole Miss/11.Miami

Cotton Bowl (Arlington)
2.Indiana
7.Texas A&M/10.Notre Dame

Biggest risers and fallers in the CFP Top 25 this week:

Risers
13.Texas 9-3 (6-2) SEC Week 14: #16 (Defeated 3.Texas A&M 27-17)
18.Arizona 9-3 (6-3) Big 12 Week 14: #25 (Defeated 20.Arizona State 23-7)
20.Tulane 10-2 (7-1) American Week 14: #24 (Defeated Charlotte 27-0)

Fallers
7.Texas A&M 11-1 (7-1) SEC Week 14: #3 (Lost to 16.Texas 27-17)
19.Michigan 9-3 (7-2) Big Ten Week 14: #15 (Lost to 1.Ohio State 27-9)

Dropped Out
Tennessee 8-4 (4-4) SEC Week 14: #19 (Lost to 14.Vanderbilt 45-24)
Arizona State 8-4 (6-3) Big 12 Week 14: #20 (Lost to 25.Arizona 23-7)
SMU 8-4 (6-2) ACC Week 14: #21 (Lost to California 38-35)
Georgia Tech 9-3 (6-2) ACC Week 14: #23 (Lost to 4.Georgia 16-9)

New
21.Houston 9-3 (6-3) Big 12 Week 14: NR (Defeated Baylor 31-24)
23.Iowa 8-4 (6-3) Big Ten Week 14: NR (Defeated Nebraska 40-16)
24.North Texas 11-1 (7-1) American Week 14: NR (Defeated Temple 52-25)
25.James Madison 11-1 (8-0) Sun Belt Week 14: NR (Defeated Coastal Carolina 34-21)

Key games this weekend (Rankings based off of CFP Poll)

Friday, December 5
Sun Belt Championship Game
Troy (8-4) @ 25.James Madison (11-1)
7 PM ET, ESPN
Troy heads on the road to face in this Friday’s Sun Belt Championship game. The Trojans began November with two losses to Arkansas State and Old Dominion before finishing the regular season strong with victories against Georgia State and Southern Miss.The Dukes have dominated the league all season with their only loss being out of conference to a strong Louisville team. They will hope Duke upsets Virginia in the ACC Championship game so there could be two Group of Five champions in the College Football Playoff next to the winner of Tulane and North Texas in the American Championship game.

For Troy to upset James Madison, they will have to put together a terrific offensive performance headed by their two quarterback system that includes Tucker Kilcrease (1,414 yards, 9 TDs, and 4 INTs) and Goose Crowder (1,118 yards, 11 TDs, and 5 INTs). They must hand the ball to running backs Tae Meadows and Jordan Lovett, who have combined for almost 1,000 rushing yards and seven touchdowns and pass the ball to former Georgia receiver RaRa Thomas, who has caught 31 passes for 495 yards and five scores. Dukes’ linebacker Trent Hendrick and safety Tyler Brown will be vital in shutting the Trojans’ offense down.

The Trojan defense is led by linebacker Jordan Stringer, who has totaled 104 tackles, three passes defended, and two sacks and safety Devin Lafayette, who has 99 tackles, four passes defended, two interceptions, and a sack. James Madison quarterback Alonza Barnett III (2,440 passing yards, 459 rushing yards, 33 overall TDs, and 7 INTs) and tailback Wayne Knight (1,051 yards and 13 TDs) are one of the top duos in the Group of Five. If Barnett gets it to receivers Landon Ellis (532 yards and 5 TDs), Nick DeGennaro (386 yards and 4 TDs), and Jaylan Sanchez (349 yards and 1 TD), the Dukes may roll to victory.

Despite reports that James Madison head coach Bobby Chesney is headed to Los Angeles for the same job at UCLA, the Dukes will be focused and they will defeat Troy. A victory for James Madison would put them in position to make the College Football Playoff if a few things go there way.

Projected Score: James Madison 31, Troy 13

American Championship Game
24.North Texas (11-1) @ 20.Tulane (10-2)
8 PM ET, ABC
North Texas heads to New Orleans to face Tulane in a likely winner take all game to the College Football Playoff. Since getting blown out by South Florida on Oct. 10, the Mean Green have won six consecutive games entering Friday night’s match up. The Green Wave have won four in a row before they host North Texas this weekend.

Mean Green quarterback Drew Westemaker has starred this season, throwing for 3,835 yards, 29 touchdowns, and just four interceptions. It helps Westemaker that he has one of the better receivers in the country in Wyatt Young, who has recorded 1,203 yards and 10 touchdowns as well as Cameron Dorner who has 769 yards and six scores. Tulane’s Jack Tchienchou’s and Bailey Despanie’s combined seven passes defended and two interceptions are important against the Westemaker led unit.

In addition, running back Caleb Hawkins has rushed for an impressive 1,216 yards and 23 touchdowns. Linebacker Chris Rodgers (68 tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 pass defended) will lead the Green Wave front against one of the nation’s most impressive tailbacks.

North Texas safeties Patrick Smith-Young (63 tackles and 2 passes defended) and Will Jones II (60 passes, 2 interceptions, and 2 passes defended) will lead their secondary against Tulane’s passing game. If they can limit Jake Retzlaff, who has had an up and down season behind center with 2,717 yards, 14 touchdowns, and six interceptions on the season. Retzlaff does have five capable receivers including Shazz Preston, Anthony Brown-Stephens, Omari Hayes, Bryce Bohanon, and Zycarl Lewis Jr. who have combined for eleven scores this season.

Linebackers Ethan Wesloski’s 97 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and one interception and Trey Fields’ 92 tackles, two passes defended, one sack, and one interception will be vital against the Green Wave’s running game led by Retzlaff (561 yards and 14 TDs) and Javin Gordon (479 yards and 5 TDs).

With both North Texas’ Eric Morris (Oklahoma State) and Tulane’s Jon Sumrall (Florida) headed for new jobs in 2026, it will be interesting to see which team comes in more focused to lock up a College Football Playoff bid on Friday night. The game should be back and forth between the Mean Green and Green Wave but there has to be only one winner. North Texas will outscore Tulane and Morris will end his tenure in the American Conference with a conference title.

Projected Score: North Texas 38, Tulane 35

Saturday, December 6
Big 12 Championship Game
11.BYU (11-1) vs. 4.Texas Tech (11-1) (Arlington)
12 PM ET, ABC
After getting blown out 29-7 in Lubbock against Texas Tech on Nov. 1, BYU will return to Texas to face the Red Raiders for the chance to play in the College Football Playoff. It will be up to the Cougar offense to score more than just a touchdown against the Red Raiders’ tough defense on Saturday if they want to defeat them for the first time since Oct. 18. A close BYU win could get both teams in the CFP bracket on Sunday.

If the Cougar offense scores more than seven points on Saturday afternoon, it will be because quarterback Bear Bachmeier leads the way with his 2,593 passing yards, 529 rushing yards, and 25 combined touchdowns. Next to him, tailback LJ Martin has been one of the best in the country by topping 1,200 rush yards and 11 more scores. Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez had a fantastic game against BYU back in October. A repeat performance would likely lead to another victory for his team.

If Martin can sent up Bachmeier’s pass game, receivers Parker Kingston (804 yards and 5 TDs), Chase Roberts (713 yards and 5 TDs), and tight end Carsen Ryan (472 yards and 3 TDs) can make plays against a talented Texas Tech secondary. Defensive backs Cole Wisniewski (67 tackles, 5 passes defended, and 1 sack) and Brice Pollock (41 tackles, 5 interceptions, and 4 passes defended) will look to shut it down.

BYU safeties Faletau Satuala’s and Tanner Wall’s combined five interceptions and two passes defended will attempt to limit Texas Tech signal-caller Behren Morton’s play. Morton has thrown for 2,428 yards, 20 touchdowns, and just four interceptions. Three receivers Caleb Douglas (823 yards and 7 TDs), Reggie Virgil (590 yards and 6 TDs), Coy Eakin (560 yards and 4 TDs), and tight end Terrance Carter Jr. (530 yards and 5 TDs) will look to help him Morton out.

Running back Cameron Dickey has paced the Red Raiders with 1,023 yards and 13 scores. Linebackers Isaiah Glasker (54 tackles, 3 interceptions, 2 passes defended, and 1 sack) and Jack Kelly (52 tackles, 9 sacks, and 1 pass defended)’s ability to shut down the Red Raider ground game.

While BYU should show up a little better than they did on the road versus Texas Tech, they will not be able to defeat the Red Raiders in 2025. The Cougars would lose their second game to Texas Tech in a month and a half and would not appear in this season’s College Football Playoff.

Projected Score: Texas Tech 31, BYU 14

SEC Championship Game
9.Alabama (10-2) vs. 3.Georgia (11-1) (Atlanta)
4 PM ET, ABC
Alabama needed a game-winning touchdown from quarterback Ty Simpson to wide receiver Isaiah Horton with under four minutes left to defeat hated instate rival Auburn in the Iron Bowl and advance to Saturday’s SEC Championship game. Since Georgia’s loss to Alabama on Sep. 28, the Bulldogs have begun playing their best football of the season despite slowing down a bit in their 16-9 victory against Georgia Tech in the “Clean, Old Fashioned Hate” rivalry.

For the Crimson Tide to defeat Georgia again, their defense must totally eliminate the Bulldogs’ offense like the Georgia Tech defense did last week. For that to happen, linebackers Justin Jefferson (63 tackles, 5 passes defended, 2 sacks, and 1 interception), Deontae Lawson (60 tackles and 3 passes defended), and Yhonzae Pierre (39 tackles and 6 sacks) must pressure Georgia signal-caller Gunner Stockton (2,535 passing yards, 403 rushing yards, 28 total TDs, and 5 INTs). Standing next to Stockton in the backfield are tailbacks Nate Frazier (809 yards and 5 TDs) and Chauncey Bowens (493 yards and 6 TDs), who will look to make things easier on their quarterback.

Defensive backs Bray Hubbard (55 tackles, 8 passes defended, 4 interceptions) and Keon Sabb (38 tackles, 3 passes defended, 1 interception, and 1 sack) must defend the Georgia receivers better than they did against Auburn’s Cam Coleman and Eric Singleton when they made their comeback last weekend. Georgia wideouts Zachariah Branch (691 yards and 4 TDs), Colbie Young (336 yards and 1 TD), and London Humphreys (276 yards and 3 TDs) will look to replicate what Coleman and Singleton did last week.

On offense, Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson (3,056 yards, 25 TDs, and 4 INTs) has not been as good as he was when they played Georgia the first time. It will be up to Simpson to get the ball to receivers Germie Bernard (700 yards and 6 TDs) and Ryan Williams (598 yards and 4 TDs) after he had a quiet performance against the Tigers. Georgia defensive backs KJ Bolden (63 tackles, 3 passes defended, and 2 interceptions) and Joenel Aguero (39 tackles, 2 passes defended, and 1 interception) will look to stop Simpson from getting the ball to Bernard and Williams similar to how Auburn did last week.

On the other hand, Jam Miller (493 yards and 3 TDs) and Kevin Riley (222 yards and 2 TDs) paced the offense last Saturday to help the Crimson Tide’s offense succeed against Auburn. They will need to open up their passing game against Georgia’s defense if they want to come out victorious. Linebackers CJ Allen’s and Raylen Wilson’s have combined for 145 tackles and 6 sacks this season and they will look to pressure Simpson and shut running gaps for Miller and Riley.

Even with a loss to Georgia in the SEC Championship game, Alabama should be still be in the College Football Playoff with a strong resumé including wins over then No. 5 Georgia, No. 16 Vanderbilt, No. 14 Missouri, No. 11 Tennessee before losing to then No. 11 Oklahoma. The Crimson Tide do have the worst loss of any team currently in the playoff rankings when they opened the season with a loss to Florida State. That being said, the Bulldogs will defeat Alabama for the first time since the 2021 National Championship game and clinch a bye in the College Football Playoff.

Projected Score: Georgia 27, Alabama 24

Big Ten Championship Game
2.Indiana (12-0) vs. 1.Ohio State (12-0) (Indianapolis)
8 PM ET, FOX
Saturday night’s battle between the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes and the No. 2 Indiana Hoosiers will be for the top spot in the final College Football Playoff Rankings on Sunday. The Buckeyes finally defeated Michigan, 27-9, last Saturday for the first time in five attempts in “The Game”. The Hoosiers finished their 2025 campaign with a dominant 56-3 win over instate rival Purdue. The winner of the Big Ten Championship will likely not have to play again until the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Jan. 1 so much is on the line.

For Indiana to succeed against Ohio State’s defense, Fernando Mendoza (2,758 yards, 32 TDs, and 5 INTs) must be successful passing the ball behind center against the Buckeyes’ strong front seven. Ohio State’s Sonny Styles (69 tackles, 3 passes defended, 1 interception, and 0.5 sacks) and Arvell Reese (61 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and 2 passes defended) will look to get to Mendoza and keep him from getting the ball to the tremendous duo of Omar Cooper Jr. (804 yards) and Elijah Sarratt (650 yards) and their combined 22 touchdowns on the season.

The trio of Rhoman Hemby’s, Kaelon Black’s, and Khobie Martin’s combined 20 scores from the backfield will be crucial in setting up Mendoza’s passing game against one of the best players in the country, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, who has totaled 52 tackles, 2 interceptions, 1 pass defended, and 1 sack this season.

Indiana defensive backs Louis Moore’s and Devan Boykins’ combined seven interceptions and five passes defended will be important against Julian Sayin (3,065 yards, 30 TDs, and 5 INTs) and his terrific receiving core including Jeremiah Smith, who has caught 72 passes for 942 yards, and 11 touchdowns and Carnell Tate who has caught 44 passes for 793 yards and 793 yards.

Linebackers Rolijah Hardy (77 tackles, 7 sacks, and 3 passes defended) and Aiden Fisher (70 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 2 interceptions) will be vital against defending Ohio State’s ground game which succeeded greatly in their win over Michigan. The Buckeyes’ Bo Jackson rushed for 117 yards and CJ Donaldson rushed for 44 yards against the Wolverines.

In what should be a fantastic match up, Ohio State will top Indiana. With a victory over the Hoosiers, the Buckeyes would clinch the top seed in the College Football Playoff and would be the betting favorite to win their second consecutive national championship. Indiana would likely fall a few spots but they would still be a top four seed with a first round bye in the playoffs.

Projected Score: Ohio State 30, Indiana 23

ACC Championship Game
Duke (7-5) vs. 17.Virginia (10-2) (Charlotte)
8 PM ET, ABC
An interesting ACC Title game returns to Charlotte on Saturday night between charter members Duke and Virginia. Manny Diaz’s Duke Blue Devils could win the ACC with a 7-5 record because they went 6-2 in conference play despite losses to Tulane and UConn outside of the league. On the other hand, Tony Elliott’s Virginia Cavaliers have been one of the more impressive teams in the ACC this season thanks to 10 regular season wins and a league best seven regular season conference wins. If the Cavaliers defeat the Blue Devils for the second time in three weeks on Saturday, they will supplant Miami as the ACC’s representative in the College Football Playoff after winning the conference championship game.

The Blue Devils offense is multidimensional with quarterback Darian Mensah throwing for over 3,400 yards and 28 touchdowns, running backs Nate Sheppard (865 yards and 9 TDs) and Anderson Castle (435 yards and 11 TDs), and receivers Cooper Barkate (978 yards and 6 TDs), Que’Sean Brown (665 yards and 3 TDs), and Sahmir Hagans (432 yards and 6 TDs) all contributing to their cause.

Virginia safeties Devil Neal (70 tackles, 6 passes defended, and 0.5 sacks) and Ethan Minter (45 tackles, 3 passes defended, and 1 interception) will look to shut down Mensah’s passing attack. Linebackers Cam Robinson’s and James Jackson’s combined 119 tackles are vital against the Duke ground game.

Duke safeties Caleb Weaver and DaShawn Stone both cause takeaways in the secondary with three interceptions and three passes defended between them. Their challenge will be Cavalier quarterback Chandler Morris, who has thrown for 2,586 yards, rushed for 248 yards, and has accounted for 19 overall touchdowns. Morris will look to get the ball to receivers Trell Harris (809 yards and 5 TDs), Jahmal Edrine (484 yards and 1 TD), and Cam Ross (459 yards and 2 TDs).

Running backs J’Mari Taylor has almost reached 1,000 yards and already has 14 touchdowns on the season and Harrison Waylee (422 yards and 5 TDs) will attempt to cause problems for Duke’s defense. Linebackers Luke Mergott (72 tackles, 3 passes defended, and 1 sack) and Jaiden Francois (70 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 pass defended) will attempt to shut gaps for the Virginia tailbacks so they cannot advance the ball on the ground.

It is hard to know what to expect in Saturday night’s battle between Duke and Virginia. But, I believe the Cavaliers will make sure the ACC gets at least one squad in this season’s College Football Playoff by beating the Blue Devils. If that is the case, Duke would suffer its sixth loss despite making the ACC Title game.

Projected Score: Virginia 31, Duke 20

Image Courtesy: Sports Illustrated

According to an official announcement from the Arkansas athletics program, “Ryan Silverfield, one of the nation’s winningest coaches over the last three seasons, has been named the 35th head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks.”

Ryan Silverfield compiled a 50-25 record over six seasons as Memphis’ head coach after taking over the program in December 2019, guiding the Tigers to a winning record and bowl eligibility every year, including double-digit win campaigns in both 2023 and 2024. His first full season at the helm ended with an 8-3 mark in 2020, setting the tone for one of the most consistently successful stretches in modern program history.

Silverfield launched his coaching career at Jacksonville’s The Bolles School as an assistant before building a diverse résumé across high school, college, and the NFL. His path included stops at Hampden-Sydney College, Memorial Day High School in Savannah, Jacksonville University, UCF, and the Minnesota Vikings, as well as college roles at Toledo and Arizona State and an NFL stint with the Detroit Lions. He then joined Memphis’ staff as an assistant, working his way up through the Tigers’ ranks before ultimately assuming the head coaching role he held for the last six seasons.

Silverfield’s introductory press conference will be on Thursday, Dec. 4, at 1 p.m. CT in the Broyles Center.

Image Courtesy: Vols Wire – USA Today

College Football Playoff Top 12
1.Ohio State 11-0 (8-0) Big Ten This week: @ 15.Michigan (9-2) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, FOX)
2.Indiana 11-0 (8-0) Big Ten This week: @ Purdue (2-9) (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, NBC)
3.Texas A&M 11-0 (7-0) SEC This week: @ 16.Texas (8-3) (Friday, 7:30 PM ET, ABC)
4.Georgia 10-1 (7-1) SEC This week: @ 23.Georgia Tech (9-2) (Friday, 3:30 PM ET, ABC)
5.Texas Tech 10-1 (7-1) Big 12 This week: @ West Virginia (4-7) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, ESPN)
6.Oregon 10-1 (7-1) Big Ten This week: @ Washington (8-3) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, CBS)
7.Ole Miss 10-1 (6-1) SEC This week: @ Mississippi State (5-6) (Friday, 12 PM ET, ABC)
8.Oklahoma 9-2 (5-2) SEC This week: LSU (7-4) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, ABC)
9.Notre Dame 9-2 Independents This week: @ Stanford (4-7) (Saturday, 10:30 PM ET, ESPN)
10.Alabama 9-2 (6-1) SEC This week: @ Auburn (5-6) (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, ABC)
11.BYU 10-1 (7-1) Big 12 This week: UCF (5-6) (Saturday, 1 PM ET, ESPN2)
12.Miami 9-2 (5-2) ACC This week: @ 22.Pittsburgh (8-3) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, ABC)

Projected College Football Playoff Bracket (How the College Football Playoff bracket is seeded)

First Round

Lubbock
5.Texas Tech
12.Tulane

Norman
8.Oklahoma
9.Notre Dame

Eugene
6.Oregon
11.Miami

Oxford
7.Ole Miss
10.Alabama

Quarterfinals

Orange Bowl (Miami Gardens)
4.Georgia
5.Texas Tech/12.Tulane

Rose Bowl (Pasadena)
1.Ohio State
8.Oklahoma/9.Notre Dame

Sugar Bowl (New Orleans)
3.Texas A&M
6.Oregon/11.Miami

Cotton Bowl (Arlington)
2.Indiana
7.Ole Miss/10.Alabama

Biggest risers and fallers in the CFP Top 25 this week:

Risers
15.Michigan 9-2 (7-1) Big Ten Week 13: #18 (Defeated Maryland 45-20)
20.Arizona State 8-3 (6-2) Big 12 Week 13: #25 (Defeated Colorado 42-17)

Fallers
23.Georgia Tech 9-2 (6-2) ACC Week 13: #16 (Lost to Pittsburgh 42-28)

Dropped Out
Illinois 7-4 (4-4) Big Ten Week 13: #21 (Lost to Wisconsin 27-10)
Missouri 7-4 (3-4) SEC Week 13: #22 (Lost to 8.Oklahoma 17-6)
Houston 8-3 (5-3) Big 12 Week 13: #23 (Lost to TCU 17-14)

New
21.SMU 8-3 (6-1) ACC Week 13: NR (Defeated Louisville 38-6)
22.Pittsburgh 8-3 (6-1) ACC Week 13: NR (Defeated 16.Georgia Tech 42-28)
25.Arizona 8-3 (5-3) Big 12 Week 13: NR (Defeated Baylor 41-17)

Key games this weekend (Rankings based off of CFP Poll)

Thursday, November 27
Navy (8-2) @ Memphis (8-3)
7:30 PM ET, ESPN
Navy must beat Memphis on the road if they want a shot at making the American Championship game. The Tigers have fallen apart after a two game losing streak since being ranked in the debut College Football Playoff rankings. Now coming off of a bye, they could ruin the Midshipmen’s chances at a postseason run with a win on Thanksgiving night. Navy hopes to get closer to both with a victory over Memphis.

The Navy offense runs through quarterback Blake Horvath, who has accounted for 2,276 yards and 21 touchdowns this season. He will trust tailback Alex Tecza (669 rushing yards and 7 TDs), fellow quarterback Braxton Woodson (414 yards and 6 TDs), receiver Eli Heidenreich (741 receiving yards, 396 yards, and 7 combined TDs), and receiver Brandon Chatman (368 rushing yards, 131 receiving yards, and 3 rushing TDs) to make plays for him down the field against the Memphis defense. Linebacker Sam Brumfield (89 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 1 interception) will look to stop their ground game and defensive back Kamari Wilson (72 tackles, 4 passes defended, and 2 interceptions) will handle Horvath’s passing game.

Navy linebacker MarcAnthony Parker (80 tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 interception) and safety Guiseppe Sessi (65 tackles) will look to lead their unit against the Tiger offense. Memphis quarterback Brendon Lewis has thrown 13 touchdowns but must avoid his growing number of six interceptions if they want to ruin the Midshipmen’s playoff chances. Lewis can do that if his offensive line protects him and he relies on running back Sutton Smith (644 yards and 7 TDs) and receivers Cortez Braham Jr. (824 yards and 7 TDs) and Jamari Hawkins (587 yards and 1 TD).

Thursday’s game between Navy and Memphis should be a shootout. The Midshipmen will outscore the Tigers and move closer to potentially clinching a berth to the American Championship game. A loss for Memphis would be their fourth of the year as their head coach Ryan Silverfield is possibly a candidate for the open Arkansas head coaching job.

Projected Score: Navy 34, Memphis 27

Friday, November 28
4.Georgia (10-1) @ 23.Georgia Tech (9-2) (Mercedes-Benz Stadium; Invesco QQQ Atlanta Gridiron Classic)
3:30 PM ET, ABC
After last season’s infamous eight overtime bloodbath, Georgia and Georgia Tech fans can only wonder what is to come in this season’s “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate” rivalry game, which was moved from the Yellow Jackets’ campus to Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Both teams are in position to make the College Football Playoff with the Bulldogs’ 10-1 record and Yellow Jackets’ and 9-2 record entering the final weekend of the regular season.

The Bulldogs must hope Alabama falls against Auburn if they want to return to Atlanta next week to play in the SEC Championship game. The Yellow Jackets’ chances to play for an ACC Title game have diminished after their 42-28 loss to Pittsburgh last weekend. But they still stand if three scenarios play out a certain way.

Georgia has won seven consecutive games since that loss to the Crimson Tide to end September. They have played some of their best football, especially on the defensive side. Over those seven games, their opponents have been held to 113 points on offense. A big part of that has been the Bulldog linebacking core, including CJ Allen (78 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 3 passes defended) and Raylen Wilson (61 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 1 pass defended). They will be in charge of pressuring Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King, who leads the Yellow Jackets in both passing (2,516) and rushing (883) yards this season. King also leads the team with a combined 27 touchdowns.

In their loss to Pitt last week, Georgia Tech’s playmakers struggled. Running back Jamal Haynes rushed 10 times for 39 yards and 1 touchdown and wide receivers Malik Rutherford and Isiah Canion combined for just 135 yards between them. Georgia defensive backs KJ Bolden (54 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 2 passes defended) and Joenel Aguero (36 tackles, 2 passes defended, and 1 interception) will make sure each of them have a similar performance to the one they had last week.

Quarterback Gunner Stockton has improved throughout his first season as the starter, throwing for 2,465 yards, 19 touchdowns, rushing for 361 yards, and eight more scores. Stockton has gotten the ball to receivers Zachariah Branch (638 yards and 3 TDs) and Colbie Young (336 yards and 1 TD) the most this season but has only relied on Nate Frazier (701 yards and 5 TDs) and Chauncey Bowens (493 yards and 6 TDs) in the ground game. Georgia Tech linebacker Kyle Efford’s 68 tackles, two passes defended, and 1.5 sacks will be important in leading their front against the Bulldog ground game and defensive back Clayton Powell-Lee’s 61 tackles and 2 passes defended will be huge for their secondary against their passing attack.

After last season’s crazy game at Sanford Stadium between Georgia and Georgia Tech, it is hard to know what will come in Friday’s game. But to me, this game will only be close for a half at the most. The Bulldogs will dominate the Yellow Jackets in the second half, grabbing their eleventh win of the season. Georgia Tech would take its third loss of the season over the last month if Georgia does in fact come out victorious.

Projected Score: Georgia 34, Georgia Tech 20

3.Texas A&M (11-0) @ 16.Texas (8-3)
7:30 PM ET, ABC
After dominating Samford, Texas A&M heads to Austin face instate rival Texas. The Aggies would clinch an SEC title game berth with a victory. Since suffering their third loss to Georgia two weeks ago, the Longhorns can only hope to defeat Texas A&M and for chaos to ensue if they want to make a third consecutive College Football Playoff. The Lone Star Showdown returns on Friday night with a lot on the line.

The Aggies will look to defeat Texas with another quality performance. That will start with their talented pass rush, headed by defensive end Cashius Howell, who has accounted for 26 tackles, 11.5 sacks, and 6 passes defended and linebacker Daymion Sanford who has 46 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 2 passes defended, and 1 interception. Texas quarterback Arch Manning will look to build on his best performance of the season, where he threw for 389 yards, four touchdowns, rushed for a touchdown, and caught another score against Arkansas when they host Texas A&M.

Safety Marcus Ratcliffe (55 tackles and 3 passes defended) and cornerback Will Lee III (42 tackles, 6 passes defended, and 1 sack) will have their eyes on Texas pass catchers Ryan Wingo (732 yards and 6 TDs), DeAndre Moore Jr. (528 yards and 4 TDs), and Parker Livingstone (472 yards and 6 TDs).

If Texas A&M’s receiving duo of KC Concepcion (829 yards and 9 TDs) and Mario Craver (781 yards and 4 TDs) is as good as they have been all season and they are open down the field consistently for quarterback Marcel Reed (2,752 passing yards, 395 rushing yards, and 31 overall TDs), they should be able to get their first win against Texas since Nov. 25, 2010. Texas defensive backs Michael Taaffe (65 tackles, 1 interception, 1 pass defended, and 1 sack) and Jelani McDonald (64 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 3 passes defended) will attempt to stop Concepcion, Craver, and Reed’s other targets.

Tailbacks Rueben Owens (570 yards and 5 TDs) and Le’Veon Moss (389 yards and 6 TDs) make up one of the better rooms in the nation. Linebackers Anthony Hill (70 tackles, 4 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 1 pass defended) will look to lead the Longhorns’ front seven against Owens and Moss.

The battle between Texas and Texas A&M could go many different ways. The Longhorns have a 5-1 record at home against SEC opponents since they joined the league and the Aggies having to come back from a 31-point deficit just to beat South Carolina two weeks ago, things could become murky at DRK-Memorial Stadium in Austin. But Mike Elko’s team will be more prepared against their instate rival and Texas A&M will defeat Texas on Friday night in a close game.

Projected Score: Texas A&M 31, Texas 28

25.Arizona (8-3) @ 20.Arizona State (8-3)
9 PM ET, FOX
Arizona has won four consecutive games entering their trip to Tempe to face Arizona State. The Sun Devils have won four of their last five games entering Friday’s “Territorial Cup”. While Arizona State needs a lot of help to get to the Big 12 Championship game, if they win over the Wildcats, Utah loses to Kansas, and Texas Tech falls to West Virginia, they could clinch a second consecutive bid to Arlington. Arizona will look to ruin their chances by defeating the Sun Devils.

After a subpar 2024 campaign, Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita has starred in 2025 with 2,677 yards, 25 touchdowns and five interceptions. Fifita has used his weapons well this season including receivers Kris Hutson (645 yards and 4 TDs), Javin Whatley (418 yards and 4 TDs), and tailback Ismail Mahdi (732 yards and 4 TDs). Arizona State linebacker Keyshaun Elliott’s 89 tackles, 7 sacks, and 2 passes defended and defensive back Myles Rowser’s 73 tackles and 3 passes defended will be important in stopping the Wildcats from scoring.

Sun Devil backup signal caller Jeff Sims, who has thrown for 772 yards, seven touchdowns, two interceptions, and rushed for 423 yards and two scores, has done great behind center since starter Sam Leavitt got injured. Sims’ playmakers Raleek Brown (1,078 rushing yards and 4 TDs) and Jordyn Tyson (689 receiving yards and 8 TDs) will help him defeat Arizona. Defensive back Dalton Johnson (94 tackles, 5 passes defended, and 3 interceptions) and linebacker Taye Brown (80 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 1 interception, and 1 pass defended) will be in charge of stopping Sims and his offense.

In what should be a close game, Arizona will go on the road and upset Arizona State. The Wildcats’ Fifita will continue his tremendous season behind center and the Sun Devils’ defense will not have an answer. Arizona would win its ninth game of the season and keep Arizona State from doing the same thing.

Projected Score: Arizona 28, Arizona State 21

Saturday, November 29
12.Miami (9-2) @ 22.Pittsburgh (8-3)
12 PM ET, ABC
Miami travels to Pittsburgh for a huge game with ACC Championship game implications. The Hurricanes must defeat Pittsburgh and hope for Virginia Tech and Wake Forest or NC State to win or California, NC State, and Wake Forest to win. The Panthers must win on Saturday afternoon and for California or Virginia Tech to win. No matter what happens, Miami and Pittsburgh renew their old rivalry.

If the Hurricanes want to come out victorious and keep their postseason pursuits in reach, quarterback Carson Beck cannot turn the ball over against the Panthers. Beck has already thrown nine interceptions this season so it will be important for him to continue his play over their three game winning streak, where he has thrown for eight touchdowns and did not turn the ball over once. If he can get the ball to receivers Malachi Toney (844 yards and 6 TDs), Keelan Marion (544 yards and 1 TD), and CJ Daniels (351 yards and 6 TDs) will help them succeed against Pitt. Defensive backs Kavir Bainz-Marquez (53 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 3 passes defended) and Cruce Brookins (40 tackles, 2 passes defended, and 1 interception) will look to stop the Hurricanes’ impressive run over the last three weeks through the air.

Another way to help them succeed is the running back trio Mark Fletcher Jr. (655 yards and 9 TDs), CharMar Brown (374 yards and 5 TDs), and Girard Pringle Jr. (280 yards and 4 TDs). Linebackers Rasheem Biles (76 tackles, 3 passes defended, 2 sacks, and 2 interceptions) and Kyle Louis (67 tackles, 3 sacks, 3 passes defended, and 2 interceptions) hope to shut down the Hurricanes’ strong rushing attack.

Pitt quarterback Mason Heintschel’s 1,899 yards passing and 14 touchdowns are impressive for only starting beginning in week 5. If Heintschel can continue the success he had against Georgia Tech when he threw for 226 yards and two touchdowns and get the ball to receivers Kenny Johnson, Raphael Williams Jr., and Catarus Hicks who have combined for 15 scores on the season, they will have a better shot of winning this game. Miami defensive backs Keionte Scott (44 tackles, 5 passes defended, 3 sacks, and 1 interception) and Jakobe Thomas (43 tackles, 4 interceptions, 4 passes defended, and 3 sacks) will be vital against their passing attack.

Linebacker Mohamed Toure’s 52 tackles, 3 passes defended, and 1 sack and tackle Akheem Mesidor’s 44 tackles and 7 sacks will be important in stopping the Panthers’ ground game led by Ja’Kyrian Turner (678 yards and 7 TDs), Desmond Reid (278 yards and 2 TDs), and Juelz Goff (256 yards and 5 TDs). They will be vital in getting Heintschel’s passing game going against Miami’s defense.

In what should be a back and forth game, Miami will go on the road and get a close win over Pitt, eliminating them from ACC Championship game contention. A win for the Hurricanes would put them in position to make it to Charlotte next Saturday themselves depending on what happens elsewhere in the league and from there a potential shot to make the College Football Playoff depending on the game’s result.

Projected Score: Miami 30, Pittsburgh 27

1.Ohio State (11-0) @ 15.Michigan (9-2)
12 PM ET, FOX
Can Ohio State beat Michigan for the first time in five seasons? The Buckeyes are always in College Football Playoff contention but they have not been able to defeat the Wolverines since Nov. 30, 2019. ESPN’s College GameDay will be on sight for “The Game” for the first time since 2023. If Ryan Day’s team finally gets it done, Ohio State should be the favorite to win back to back national championships.

Ohio State not had this big of a test since defeating pre-season No. 1 Texas 14-7. The common denominator in their last four losses to the Michigan. So it will be up to Julian Sayin (2,832 yards and 32 TDs) to continue his fantastic season to defeat the Wolverines. Neither one of his top receivers, Jeremiah Smith (902 yards and 10 TDs) and Carnell Tate (711 yards and 7 TDs), played in their route against Rutgers last Saturday due to injuries. “They will be getting physical and mental reps all week,” head coach Ryan Day said about his receivers. Michigan defensive backs Brandyn Hillman’ and Mason Curtis’ combined six passes defended and two interceptions will be crucial against Smith and Tate assuming they both play.

Tailbacks Bo Jackson, James Peoples, and Isaiah West have combined for 10 touchdowns this season. They will attempt to set up Sayin’s passing game against Michigan’s secondary. Linebackers Ernest Hausmann (68 tackles, 1 sacks, and 1 passes defended) and Jimmy Rolder (57 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 interception, and 1 pass defended) will be crucial against the Buckeyes’ strong rushing attack.

Michigan running backs Jordan Marshall, Justice Haynes, and quarterback Bryce Underwood have impressed on the ground this season. Marshall (871 yards and 10 TDs), Haynes (857 yards and 10 TDs), and Underwood (322 yards and 5 TDs) will look to open up their offense against Ohio State linebackers Sonny Styles (63 tackles, 3 passes defended, 1 interception, and 0.5 sacks), Arvell Reese (59 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and 2 passes defended), and defensive end Caden Curry (49 tackles, 9 sacks, and 1 pass defended), who have made up one of the best front sevens in college football this season.

Underwood has thrown for 2,166 yards, nine touchdowns, and five interceptions on the seasons. As a result, only two of his receivers have excelled this season: Andrew Marsh (641 yards and 3 TDs) and Donaven McCulley (488 yards and 3 TDs). Two of the nations top safeties; Caleb Downs (49 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 1 sack) and Jaylen McClain (39 tackles and 3 passes defended) will look to shut down Michigan’s struggling passing game.

Until Ohio State proves they can beat Michigan, I will not pick them to do so. The Wolverines defense will step up, cause multiple turnovers, and they will keep the Buckeyes from scoring four touchdowns.

Projected Score: Michigan 24, Ohio State 21

14.Vanderbilt (9-2) @ 19.Tennessee (8-3)
3:30 PM ET, ESPN
Vanderbilt travels to Knoxville to battle Tennessee in the most important game between the two teams in a long time. The Commodores still have a shot to make the College Football Playoff but they will need style points and a big victory over the Volunteers if they wish to get there.

If Commodore quarterback Diego Pavia (2,924 passing yards, 661 rushing yards, and 34 overall TDs) turns in another fantastic performance against rival Tennessee, he will definitely be in New York for the Heisman Trophy presentation in two weeks. It helps Pavia that he has the help of receivers Tre Richardson (604 yards and 5 TDs), Junior Sherrill (585 yards and 7 TDs), Richie Hoskins (300 yards and 3 TDs), and tight end Eli Stowers (705 yards and 4 TDs). Tennessee’s secondary must be better than they have been with defensive backs Edrees Farooq’s two passes defended and one interception and Andre Turrentine’s one interception are important against Pavia’s passing game.

Tailbacks Sedrick Alexander has rushed for 445 yards and eight touchdowns and Makhilyn Young’ 395 yards and five scores power the Vanderbilt offense. Linebackers Edwin Spillman (72 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 2 passes defended, and 1 interception) and Jeremiah Telander (64 tackles, 1 interception, and 0.5 sacks) will look to stop Pavia from escaping out of the pocket and Alexander and Young from running through the tackles.

Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar has starred at quarterback this season throwing for over 3,100 yards and 23 scores but has also thrown 10 interceptions. The sure handed receivers Chris Brazzell II (926 yards and 8 TDs), Braylon Staley (771 yards and 6 TDs), and Mike Matthews (712 yards and 4 TDs) will be important in helping Aguilar move the ball against the Vanderbilt secondary. Safeties CJ Heard (52 tackles, 3 passes defended, 2 sacks, and 1 pass defended) and Marlen Sewell (42 tackles, 1 pass defended, and 0.5 sacks) are crucial against Tennessee.

Linebackers Bryan Longwell and Langston Patterson have combined for 118 tackles this season. They will be vital against Tennessee’s run game, led by DeSean Bishop and Star Thomas who have combined for 1,415 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Even though Tennessee is favored by three and a half points, Pavia’s last regular season game will not end in a loss for Vanderbilt. The two offenses will battle in a shootout that will end in a Commodore win over the Volunteers.

Projected Score: Vanderbilt 34, Tennessee 31

6.Oregon (10-1) @ Washington (8-3)
3:30 PM ET, CBS
Oregon strengthened its College Football Playoff resumé with a 42-27 victory over No. 15 USC last Saturday. The next step is a challenging test against Washington, who has won three of their last five games. A win for the Ducks over the Huskies would all but lock up a second consecutive playoff appearance. A Washington win over Oregon would not eliminate them from contention but it would give the Huskies their first nine win or better season since they went 14-1 and lost the national championship game against Michigan in January of 2024.

The Ducks’ offense has scored 42 points in both of their last two games against Minnesota and No. 15 USC. Quarterback Dante Moore has thrown for over 2,447 yards, 23 touchdowns, and just six interceptions. Washington defensive backs. So, Moore will want to get the ball to receivers Dakorien Moore (443 yards and 3 TDs), Malik Benson (424 yards and 3 TDs), and tight end Kenyon Saddiq (479 yards and 8 TDs) to have success against the Huskies. Safeties Alex McLaughlin’s and Makell Esteen’s combined seven passes defended and four interceptions will be important against the Ducks’ passing attack.

Linebackers Xe’ree Alexander (60 tackles and 1 pass defended and Deven Bryant (59 tackles and 2 passes defended) will look to stop Moore’s running backs Noah Whittington, Jordon Davison, and Dierre Hill Jr., who have combined for 23 touchdowns this season.

Washington quarterback Demond Williams Jr.’s 2,721 passing yards and 19 touchdowns leads the offense. The Oregon secondary, led by defensive backs Dillon Thieneman (57 tackles, 4 passes defended, and 1 interception) and Aaron Flowers (48 tackles, 2 passes defended, and 1 interceptions), will look to stop Williams’ passing attack with receivers Denzel Boston, Dezmen Roebuck, Jonah Coleman, and tight end Decker DeGraff combined 16 scores.

Linebackers Bryce Boettcher (57 tackles, 4 passes defended, and 1 interception) and Teitum Tuioti (52 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and 2 passes defended) will be huge against the Washington ground game led by Williams Jr. (568 yards and 6 TDs), Jonah Coleman (651 yards and 14 TDs), and Adam Mohammed (412 yards and 5 TDs).

Oregon and Washington should battle in a close game for at least the first half. But the Ducks’ offense will overcome the Huskys’ defense and they will get their eleventh win of the season.

Projected Score: Oregon 35, Washington 24

4.Alabama (9-2) @ Auburn (5-6)
7:30 PM ET, ABC
In their last four trips to Jordan-Hare Stadium, Alabama has struggled against Auburn and has gone 2-2 in those games. The Crimson Tide must defeat the Tigers on Saturday night or they will miss the College Football Playoff for a second consecutive season.

If that happens, head coach Kalen DeBoer could be fired because that is not acceptable in Tuscaloosa. With a win, Auburn could clinch a bowl berth under interim coach DJ Durkin. The Iron Bowl returns to Auburn for an intense showdown on Saturday night.

It was Alabama’s ground attack that powered them to a 56-0 win over Eastern Illinois last Saturday. All eight of their scores were by rushing including tailbacks Jam Miller (1), AK Dear (2), Kevin Riley (2), Richard Young (1), Daniel Hill (1), and backup signal-caller Austin Mack (1). Auburn linebackers Xavier Atkins (81 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 1 interception) and Robert Woodyard Jr. (64 tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 pass defended) will look to make sure the Crimson Tide don’t continue their success on the ground against them.

Starting quarterback Ty Simpson failed to throw for a touchdown and through two interceptions against the Panthers defense. Simpson will have to be better against a talented Auburn defense in their house on Saturday night. He can do that if receivers Germie Bernard (676 yards and 6 TDs), Ryan Williams (598 yards and 4 TDs), and Isaiah Horton (383 yards and 5 TDs) do their job appropriately down the field. Safety Kaleb Harris (45 tackles, 1 interception, and 1 pass defended) will lead the Tiger secondary and they hope to continue forcing Simpson’s struggles.

Alabama defensive backs Bray Hubbard (53 tackles, 8 passes defended, 3 interceptions, and 1 sack) and Keon Sabb (33 tackles, 1 interception, 1 pass defended) will attempt to shut down Auburn’s passing game, led by starting quarterback Ashton Daniels (538 yards, 2 TDs, and 1 interception) on, who has seen limited action so far this season. Daniels will look to get the ball to talented receivers Cam Coleman (682 yards and 5 TDs) and Eric Singleton (508 yards and 3 TDs) to potentially upset the Crimson Tide.

Running backs Jeremiah Cobb (936 yards and 4 TDs) will have to support Daniels against a talented Alabama front seven. Linebackers Justin Jefferson (58 tackles, 3 passes defended, 2 sacks, and 1 interception) and Deontae Lawson (53 tackles and 3 passes defended) will lead their front against Auburn’s ground game.

After losing to Oklahoma two weeks ago, Alabama must defeat Auburn to keep themselves in SEC Championship game and College Football Playoff contention. Because of that, the Crimson Tide will bounce back and defeat the Tigers. Alabama would advance to the SEC Championship game with a win over Auburn.

Projected Score: Alabama 28, Auburn 13

Image Courtesy: Los Angeles Times

College Football Playoff Top 12
1.Ohio State 10-0 (7-0) Big Ten This week: Rutgers (5-5) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, FOX)
2.Indiana 11-0 (8-0) Big Ten This week: Off
3.Texas A&M 10-0 (7-0) SEC This week: Samford (1-10) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, SECN+)
4.Georgia 9-1 (7-1) SEC This week: Charlotte (1-9) (Saturday, 12:45 PM ET, SECN)
5.Texas Tech 10-1 (7-1) Big 12 This week: Off
6.Ole Miss 10-1 (6-1) SEC This week: Off
7.Oregon 9-1 (6-1) Big Ten This week: USC (8-2) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, CBS)
8.Oklahoma 8-2 (4-2) SEC This week: Missouri (7-3) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, ABC)
9.Notre Dame 8-2 Independents This week: Syracuse (3-7) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, NBC)
10.Alabama 8-2 (6-1) SEC This week: Eastern Illinois (3-8) (Saturday, 2 PM ET, SECN+)
11.BYU 9-1 (6-1) Big 12 This week: @ Cincinnati (7-3) (Saturday, , )
12.Utah 8-2 (5-2) Big 12 This week: Kansas State (5-5) (Saturday, , )

Projected College Football Playoff Bracket (How the College Football Playoff bracket is seeded)

First Round

Lubbock
5.Texas Tech
12.Tulane

Norman
8.Oklahoma
9.Notre Dame

Oxford
6.Ole Miss
11.Miami

Eugene
7.Oregon
10.Alabama

Quarterfinals

Orange Bowl (Miami Gardens)
4.Georgia
5.Texas Tech/12.Tulane

Rose Bowl (Pasadena)
1.Ohio State
8.Oklahoma/9.Notre Dame

Sugar Bowl (New Orleans)
3.Texas A&M
6.Ole Miss/11.Miami

Cotton Bowl (Arlington)
2.Indiana
7.Oregon/10.Alabama

Biggest risers and fallers in the CFP Top 25 this week:

Risers
8.Oklahoma 8-2 (4-2) SEC Week 12: #11 (Defeated 4.Alabama 23-21)
20.Tennessee 7-3 (3-3) SEC Week 12: #23 (Defeated New Mexico State 42-9)

Fallers
10.Alabama 8-2 (6-1) SEC Week 12: #4 (Lost to 11.Oklahoma 23-21)
17.Texas 7-3 (4-2) SEC Week 12: #10 (Lost to 5.Georgia 35-10)

Dropped Out
Louisville 7-3 (4-3) ACC Week 12: #20 (Lost to Clemson 20-19)
Iowa 6-4 (4-3) Big Ten Week 12: #21 (Lost to 17.USC 26-21)
Pittsburgh 7-3 (5-1) ACC Week 12: #22 (Lost to 9.Notre Dame 37-15)
South Florida 7-3 (4-2) American Week 12: #24 (Lost to Navy 41-38)
Cincinnati 7-3 (5-2) Big 12 Week 12: #25 (Lost to Arizona 30-24)

New
21.Illinois 7-3 (4-3) Big Ten Week 12: NR (Defeated Maryland 24-6)
22.Missouri 7-3 (3-3) SEC Week 12: NR (Defeated Mississippi State 49-27)
23.Houston 8-2 (5-2) Big 12 Week 12: NR (Off)
24.Tulane 8-2 (5-1) American Week 12: NR (Defeated Florida Atlantic 35-24)
25.Arizona State 7-3 (5-2) Big 12 Week 12: NR (Defeated West Virginia 25-23)

Key games this weekend (Rankings based off of CFP Poll)

Saturday, November 22
Louisville (7-3) @ SMU (7-3)
12 PM ET, ESPN2
Louisville travels to Dallas off of a crushing 20-19 loss to Clemson to face an SMU squad who is rested off of a bye week. The Cardinals now have two losses in ACC play and have to hope for chaos to get themselves back in contention for the conference title. They could help themselves out by giving the Mustangs a second conference loss if they were to come out victorious on Saturday afternoon. Louisville will attempt to avenge their 2024 loss to SMU in this game.

The Cardinals’ defense will attempt to turn in a similar performance this week to keep the SMU offense off the board. Linebacker TJ Quinn (72 tackles, 3 passes defended, 2 interceptions, and 1 sack) and defensive lineman Clev Lubin (46 tackles, 5 sacks, 3 passes defended, and 1 forced fumble) will attempt to control the Mustang ground game. They will attempt to stop TJ Harden (613 yards and 6 TDs) and Chris Johnson Jr. (316 yards and 3 TDs) from having success running the ball on Saturday afternoon.

Quarterback Kevin Jennings has thrown for over 2,800 yards, 21 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. Jennings will look to get the ball to wide receivers Jordan Hudson (595 yards and 4 TDs), Romello Brinson (582 yards and 3 TDs), and Yamir Knight (460 yards and 4 TDs), who all have a shot to explode for good games against the Cardinals. Defensive backs D’Angelo Hutchinson’s and JoJo Evans Jr.’s combined eight passes defended and two interceptions will be vital against the SMU passing game.

Louisville quarterback Miller Moss has had an up and down season throwing 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He must rely on his group of receivers including Chris Bell (871 yards and 6 TDs) and Caullin Lacy (542 yards and 2 TDs) to be successful and defeat SMU. Louisville safeties Isaiah Nwokobia (37 tackles, 7 passes defended, and 2 interceptions) and Ahmad Moses (73 tackles, 5 interceptions, 1 pass defended, and 1 sack) will look to shut Moss down.

The tailback duo of Isaac Brown, who has rushed for 782 yards and five touchdowns and Keyjuan Brown, who has rushed for 592 yards and six touchdowns will be relied on to have success so Moss’ passing game opens up. Linebackers Brandon Booker (46 tackles, 2 passes defended, and 0.5 sacks) and Alexander Kilgore (45 tackles, 2 passes defended, and 1 interception) are crucial in leading the SMU front against Louisville’s talented running backs.

In what should be a close game, SMU will protect their home field and defeat Louisville on Saturday afternoon. The Mustangs’ offense will outscore the Cardinals’ and they will keep themselves in contention for a second consecutive berth in the ACC Championship game.

Projected Score: SMU 31, Louisville 21

22.Missouri (7-3) @ 8.Oklahoma (8-2)
12 PM ET, ABC
The most important game in the SEC this week takes place in Norman just a week after Oklahoma went to Tuscaloosa and defeated then No. 4 Alabama at their homecoming game. The Sooners still have two losses so they must avoid losses against Missouri this Saturday and LSU on Nov. 29 if they want to appear in the College Football Playoff. Missouri will look to ruin Oklahoma’s season with a victory on Saturday afternoon.

Tiger running back Ahmad Hardy has been one of the best at his position in the country this season, going for 1,346 yards and 15 scores thus far this season. Oklahoma linebackers Kip Lewis and Owen Heinecke have the job of stopping Hardy with their combined 110 tackles, six passes defended, and five sacks.

Quarterback Matt Zollers (402 yards, 4 TDs, and 1 interception) enters his third game as the starter behind center. Continuing to throw the football to wide receivers Kevin Coleman Jr. (600 yards and 1 TD), Marquis Johnson (340 yards and 2 TDs), Donovan Olugbode (318 yards and 2 TDs) will be difficult against a strong Oklahoma defense but it will be necessary to defeat the Sooners. Defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (48 tackles and 1 interception) will lead the Sooners’ secondary against Zoller and his receiving core.

Missouri safeties Santana Banner (41 tackles, 1 interception, and 1 pass defended) and Marvin Burks Jr. (39 tackles, 1 interception, and 1 pass defended) will be vital in stopping wide receivers Isaiah Sategna (718 yards and 5 TDs) and Deion Burks (454 yards and 2 TDs) down the field. The man getting them the ball is quarterback John Mateer, who has only thrown eight touchdowns to seven interceptions but he helped lead his team to a win over Alabama last Saturday.

Linebackers Josiah Trotter (61 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 pass defended) and Khalil Jacobs (37 tackles, 3 sacks, and 2 passes defended) will look to stop Oklahoma running backs Tory Blaylock (402 yards and 4 TDs) and Xavier Robinson (366 yards and 4 TDs).

Oklahoma’s defense will help them avoid a letdown after a big win over Alabama by defeating Missouri. The Sooners will stop Hardy consistently and move a week closer to making the College Football Playoff if they continue to be victorious versus Mizzou and LSU.

Projected Score: Oklahoma 24, Missouri 17

15.USC (8-2) @ 7.Oregon (9-1)
3:30 PM ET, CBS
ESPN’s College GameDay returns to Eugene for the second time this season for a huge Big Ten battle between USC and Oregon. The Trojans and Ducks are both red hot with four straight conference wins each. The winner of Saturday afternoon’s game will keep themselves in contention for a potential shot at playing in the Big Ten Championship game with No. 1 Ohio State and No. 2 Indiana both undefeated in league play. USC’s impressive offense will be tested against Oregon’s tough defense on the road at Autzen Stadium this weekend.

Will Jayden Maiava (2,868 yards and 18 passing TDs) rise to the occasion against Oregon’s defense like he has done for much of the season? Oregon’s secondary, led by Dillon Thieneman (49 tackles, 4 passes defended, and 1 interception) and Aaron Flowers (44 tackles, 2 passes defended, and 1 interception), will make it difficult for Maiava but his talented group of receivers will make it easier. That group includes Makai Lemon (1,090 yards and 8 TDs), Ja’Kobi Lane (585 yards and 4 TDs), and tight end Lake McRee (389 yards and 2 TDs) will be a hard group for the Duck secondary to defend.

Tailbacks King Miller has rushed for 719 yards and five touchdowns and Waymond Jordan has rushed for 576 yards and five more scores. Linebackers Bryan Boettcher (77 tackles, 3 passes defended, 1 sack, and 1 interception) and Teitum Tuioti (47 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and 2 passes defended) will look to stop Miller and Jordan.

Quarterback Dante Moore (2,190 yards and 21 passing TDs) will look to match Maiava’s performance on Saturday afternoon by getting the ball to receivers Dakorien Moore, Malik Benson, Gary Bryant Jr., Jeremiah McClellan, and tight end Kenyon Sadiq have combined 18 touchdowns through 10 games this season.USC safeties Bishop Fitzgerald (51 tackles, 5 interceptions, 3 passes defended, and 1 sack) and Christian Pierce (44 tackles, 2 passes defended, and 1 sack) will be important in shutting down the Oregon passing game.

Linebackers Eric Gentry’s and Desman Stephens II’s 124 combined tackles will help lead the Trojans’ front seven against the Ducks’ rushing attack. Their rushing attack is headed by three running backs Noah Whittington (623 yards and 5 TDs), Jordon Davison (461 yards and 12 TDs), and Dierre Hill Jr. (424 yards and 4 TDs).

The battle between USC and Oregon should be the game of the day on Saturday. The Trojans’ improved defense will help them upset the Ducks and give them win number nine on the season. USC would likely move into the projected College Football Playoff field in next Tuesday’s rankings released.

Projected Score: USC 34, Oregon 31

Pittsburgh (7-3) @ 16.Georgia Tech (9-1)
7 PM ET, ESPN
While Saturday’s blowout loss to Notre Dame did not eliminate Pittsburgh from the College Football Playoff conversation because it was not an ACC loss, the Panthers will have to bounce back against Georgia Tech on the road if they want to keep their name in the hat for the ACC Conference Championship game and Playoff conversations on Saturday night.

The Yellowjackets had to stage a massive comeback to beat Boston College last Saturday to advance to 9-1 on the season. If Georgia Tech keeps winning, beginning against Pittsburgh on Saturday, they will control their own destiny to make the College Football Playoff.

In their loss to Notre Dame on Nov. 15, Pittsburgh true freshman quarterback Mason Heintschel completed just 16 of 33 passes for 126 yards, no passing touchdowns, and an interception. He will have to step up against Georgia Tech’s defense if they want to come out victorious and get the ball to the only three targets who had above 20 receiving yards: Desmond Reid (63 yards), Kenny Johnson (27 yards), and Malachi Thomas (21 yards and 1 TD). Georgia Tech defensive backs Clayton Powell-Lee (57 tackles an 2 passes defended) and Omar Daniels (38 passes defended and 1 interception) will look to hold the Panther receivers down like they were a week ago.

Notre Dame’s defense held Pitt to just 70 rushing yards too. They will need more out of their leading rushers Ja’Kyrian Turner and Desmond Reid, who combined for just 50 yards last Saturday. Linebackers Kyle Efford (66 tackles and 2 passes defended) and EJ Lightest (54 tackles) will attempt to stop Turner and Reid from having big performances.

While their offense gave them just 15 points against the Fighting Irish, the Panther defense cannot give up 37 points and expect to win a game, especially as they face veteran quarterback Haynes King (2,259 yards, 807 rushing yards, and 24 combined TDs) at his house on Saturday night. So, it will be up to linebackers Rasheem Biles (61 tackles, 3 passes defended, 2.5 sacks, and 2 interceptions) and Braylan Lovelace (61 tackles, 2 passes defended, and 1 interception) will be crucial in dealing with not only King’s dual threat abilities but also running backs Malachi Hosley (625 yards and 7 TDs) and Jamal Haynes (454 yards and 4 TDs).

King will also attempt to get the ball to wide receivers Eric Rivers (516 yards and 1 TD), Isiah Canion (359 yards and 2 TDs), Malik Rutherford (323 yards and 3 TDs), and Jordan Allen (293 yards) to have success in this game. Defensive backs Kavir Bains-Marquez’s and Cruce Brookins’ combined 5 passes defended and 3 interceptions will be crucial against the Yellow Jackets’ passing game.

While I think Pittsburgh will play better on Saturday, Georgia Tech will protect their home field and clinch their spot in the ACC Championship game with a win. The game should be close for most of the game, but the Yellow Jackets will defeat the Panthers with their veteran signal-caller King outperforming the freshman Heintschel.

Projected Score: Georgia Tech 35, Pittsburgh 24

11.BYU (9-1) @ Cincinnati (7-3)
8 PM ET, FOX
After dominating TCU last Saturday night, BYU controls its own destiny to make the Big 12 Championship if they win their last two games against Cincinnati and UCF. The Cougars will head on the road to face the Bearcats, who took their second Big 12 loss last weekend to Arizona. Cincinnati will look to bounce back and give BYU their second loss of the season when they meet on Saturday night at Nippert Stadium.

The Cougars have relied on signal-caller Bear Bachmeier (2,177 passing yards, 479 rushing yards, 23 overall TDs) all season. They will have to do that again as they travel to face Cincinnati’s defense on the road. To be successful, Bachmeier will have to continue to get the ball to wide receivers Chase Roberts (702 yards and 5 TDs), Parker Kingston (639 yards and 4 TDs), and tight end Carsen Ryan (371 yards and 3 TDs) if they want to come out victorious on Saturday night. It will be up to Cincinnati safeties Trevon Gola-Hollard (64 tackles and 3 passes defended) and Christian Harrison (52 tackles, 7 passes defended, and 1 interception) will have to stop them consistently to give BYU their second loss.

Tailback LJ Martin, who has rushed for 912 yards and six touchdowns this season, will look to help Bachmeier and the BYU passing game against Cincinnati. Linebackers Jake Golday (92 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 2 passes defended) and Jonathan Thompson (53 tackles and 1 sack) will look to make sure that does not happen.

Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby has thrown for 2,218 yards, rushed for 483 yards, and has 31 overall touchdowns. BYU safeties Faletau Satuala and Tanner Wall have combined for six interceptions through ten games. They will look to do that to shut the Cincinnati passing game, including receivers Cyrus Allen (572 yards and 10 TDs), Jeff Caldwell (416 yards and 4 TDs), and Caleb Goodie (380 yards and 2 TDs).

Linebackers Isaiah Glasker (50 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 1 passes defended) and Jack Kelly (43 tackles, 7 sacks, and 1 pass defended) will look to get to Sorsby and sack him and handle Tawee Walker’s (652 yards and 4 TDs) rushing attack.

BYU’s offensive attack will overpower the Cincinnati defense, winning them the game. The Cougars’ victory would be the Bearcats’ third consecutive loss effectively ending any last shot of them making the Big 12 Championship game. BYU would stay in the College Football Playoff hunt ranked No. 11 or higher depending on this weekend’s results on the gridiron.

Projected Score: BYU 38, Cincinnati 21

Image Courtesy: Southeastern Conference

College Football Playoff Top 12
1.Ohio State 9-0 (6-0) Big Ten This week: UCLA (3-6) (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, NBC)
2.Indiana 10-0 (7-0) Big Ten This week: Wisconsin (3-6) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, BTN)
3.Texas A&M 9-0 (6-0) SEC This week: South Carolina (3-6) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, )
4.Alabama 8-1 (6-0) SEC This week: 11.Oklahoma (7-2) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, ABC)
5.Georgia 8-1 (6-1) SEC This week: 10.Texas (7-2) (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, ABC)
6.Texas Tech 9-1 (6-1) Big 12 This week: UCF (4-5) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, FOX)
7.Ole Miss 9-1 (5-1) SEC This week: Florida (3-6) (Saturday, 7 PM ET, ESPN)
8.Oregon 8-1 (5-1) Big Ten This week: Minnesota (6-3) (Friday, 9 PM ET, FOX)
9.Notre Dame 7-2 Independents This week: @ Pittsburgh (7-2) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, ACCN)
10.Texas 7-2 (4-1) SEC This week: @ 5.Georgia (8-1) (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, ABC)
11.Oklahoma 7-2 (3-2) SEC This week: @ 4.Alabama (8-1) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, ABC)
12.BYU 8-1 (5-1) Big 12 This week: TCU (6-3) (Saturday, 10:15 PM ET, ESPN)

Projected College Football Playoff Bracket (How the College Football Playoff bracket is seeded)

First Round

Athens
5.Georgia
12.South Florida

Eugene
8.Oregon
9.Notre Dame

Lubbock
6.Texas Tech
11.Miami

Oxford
7.Ole Miss
10.Texas

Quarterfinals

Orange Bowl (Miami Gardens)
4.Alabama
5.Georgia/12.South Florida

Rose Bowl (Pasadena)
1.Ohio State
8.Oregon/9.Notre Dame

Sugar Bowl (New Orleans)
3.Texas A&M
6.Texas Tech/11.Miami

Cotton Bowl (Arlington)
2.Indiana
7.Ole Miss/10.Texas

Biggest risers and fallers in the CFP Top 25 this week:

Risers
15.Miami 7-2 (3-2) ACC Week 11: #18 (Defeated Syracuse 38-10)
18.Michigan 7-2 (5-1) Big Ten Week 11: #21 (Off)

Fallers
12.BYU 8-1 (5-1) Big 12 Week 11: #7 (Lost to 8.Texas Tech 29-7)
19.Virginia 8-2 (5-1) ACC Week 11: #14 (Lost to Wake Forest 16-9)
20.Louisville 7-2 (4-2) ACC Week 11: #15 (Lost to California 29-26)

Dropped Out
Missouri 6-3 (2-3) SEC Week 11: #22 (Lost to 3.Texas A&M 38-17)
Washington 6-3 (3-3) Big Ten Week 11: #23 (Lost to Wisconsin 13-10)

New
24.South Florida 7-2 (4-1) American Week 11: NR (Defeated UTSA 55-23)
25.Cincinnati 7-2 (5-1) Big 12 Week 11: NR (Off)

Key games this weekend (Rankings based off of CFP Poll)

Saturday, November 15
24.South Florida (7-2) @ Navy (7-2)
12 PM ET, ESPN2
South Florida’s trip to Annapolis this weekend is important as they attempt to make and win the American Conference Championship game and appear in the College Football Playoff after the committee ranked them No. 24 in their rankings and the fifth conference champion in their projected bracket this week. The Bulls have just one loss in conference play so if they win on Saturday, in Birmingham against UAB, and back home in Tampa against Rice to close out the season, they will be in a perfect position to do so.

Despite back to back losses, Navy is in a similar position at the top of the American with five wins and just a single loss to North Texas. After losing the Mean Green two weeks ago, they went to South Bend and were defeated by Notre Dame. Getting back on track will be important against South Florida on Saturday.

South Florida quarterback Byrum Brown leads the team in both passing (2,203) and rushing (705) yards. He also has thrown 19 touchdowns and rushed for nine more. Four wide receivers have show out especially for the Bulls so far this season: Keshaun Singleton (573 yards and 5 TDs), Chas Nimrod (466 yards and 3 TDs), Jeremiah Koger (355 yards and 5 TDs), and Christian Neptune (228 yards and 1 TD). Navy safety Giuseppe Sessi and cornerback Phillip Hamilton will be in charge of keeping Brown and his receiving core in check.

The tailback duo of Nykahi Davenport (397 yards and 5 TDs) and Sam Franklin (374 yards and 4 TDs) have been huge this season for the Bull offense. Linebackers MarcAnthony Parker’s and Luke Pirris’ combined 130 tackles will be crucial in stopping Davenport and Franklin from creating big plays constantly in the run game.

South Florida linebackers Mac Harris (75 tackles, 6 sacks, and 1 interception) and Jhalyn Shuler (69 tackles, 7 passes defended, 1.5 sacks, and 1 interception) are important in shutting down the Navy option offense. After missing the Notre Dame loss due to an upper body injury, it is unclear whether Navy quarterback Blake Horvath will play versus South Florida. Running back Alex Tecza (6 rushing TDs) and wide receiver Brandon Chatman (2 rushing TDs) will be important in helping backup quarterback Braxton Woodson in what would be his second consecutive start in the option game.

Receiver Eli Heidenreich (595 yards and 4 TDs) and tight end Cody Howard (128 yards and 1 TD) will be vital for the Midshipmen passing game. Safety Tavin Ward and cornerback Jarvis Lee have combined for three interceptions and three passes defended this season. They will be in charge of defending against the Midshipmen receivers on Saturday afternoon.

If Horvath is healthy and starts on Saturday afternoon, Navy’s high-scoring offense could return against South Florida. But I believe Jon Sumrall’s Bulls will be too good for the Midshipmen and they will move to 8-2 on the season.

Projected Score: South Florida 28, Navy 20

9.Notre Dame (7-2) @ 22.Pittsburgh (7-2)
12 PM ET, ABC
ESPN’s College GameDay will be in Pittsburgh for a College Football Playoff elimination game between Notre Dame and Pittsburgh. The Fighting Irish dominated Navy last Saturday 49-10 while the Panthers have won five consecutive games and are off a bye week. A loss for either team would keep them out of the College Football Playoff. So, it will be important for both Notre Dame and Pitt to show up with energy on Saturday afternoon.

Notre Dame’s offense has scored 28 or more points seven times in their nine games. They will look to do the same against Pittsburgh with their strong offense led by quarterback CJ Carr. Carr has thrown for 2,275 yards and 19 touchdowns. Wide receivers Jordan Faison, Malachi Fields, Will Pauling, and tight end Eli Raridon have helped Carr out with 11 combined scores. It will be up to Pitt defensive backs Kavir Bains-Marquez (39 tackles, 3 passes defended, and 1 interception) and Cruce Brookins (2 passes defended and 1 interception) to stop the Fighting Irish passing game. 

The running backs standing by Carr are two of the nation’s best. Jeremiyah Love (988 yards and 13 TDs) and Jadarian Price (568 yards and 9 TDs) have helped their quarterback set up the pass quite well this season. Linebackers Braylan Lovelace (55 tackles, 1 interception, and 1 pass defended) and Rasheem Biles (52 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 passes defended, and 1 interception) to defend against the two impressive backs. 

Pitt’s group of three running backs includes Ja’Kyrian Turner, Desmond Reid, and Juelz Goff. The group has combined for over 800 yards and 12 scores this season. Notre Dame linebackers Drayk Bower (55 tackles, 2 sacks, and 2 passes defended) and Kynston Viliamu-Asa (44 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 passes defended, and 1 interception) will be crucial in stopping Pitt’s ground game on Saturday afternoon. 

Safeties Adon Shuler’s and Tae Johnson’s seven combined passes defended and five combined interceptions will be important in stopping quarterback Mason Heitschel (1,547 yards, 12 TDs, and 5 INTs) and his receivers Kenny Johnson, Raphael Williams Jr., Cataurus Hicks, and Desmond Reid. The group has combined for over 1,705 yards and 16 TDs and will pose a great threat to Shuler, Johnson, and the rest of Notre Dame’s secondary. 

A loss for either Notre Dame or Pittsburgh means likely not making the College Football Playoff baring a bunch of chaos. The Fighting Irish will go on the road and turn in another terrific offensive performance which will help them beat the Panthers. If Notre Dame does win on Saturday, victories over Syracuse and Stanford would be the only two things separating themselves from another College Football Playoff berth. 

Projected Score: Notre Dame 35, Pittsburgh 24

21.Iowa (6-3) @ 17.USC (7-2)
3:30 PM ET, BTN
Iowa came close to defeating No. 9 Oregon on the road, losing on a game-winning field goal 18-16. The Hawkeyes (4-2) are two games back from first place in the Big Ten so it will be hard for the Hawkeyes to accomplish winning a conference title or a College Football playoff appearance, they can ruin USC’s chances by going to the Coliseum and winning on Saturday afternoon. Unlike the Hawkeyes, the Trojans (5-1) are just a game back of Indiana (7-0) in first place. If Iowa’s defense can make things difficult for USC’s high scoring offense, they will have a shot to win outright this weekend.

In Iowa’s close loss to Oregon, they kept quarterback Dante Moore from throwing a single touchdown and caught an interception. Their leading tackler Karson Sharar got 10 tackles and one tackle for loss. Behind Sharar, defensive back Koen Stringer got 9 tackles. It will be up to them to lead their defense against another high powered offense in USC. Trojan quarterback Jayden Maiva (2,614 yards, 17 TDs, 6 INTs) has to have his head on a swivel and avoid getting dropped in the backfield against Iowa’s tremendous defense.

Maiava must get the ball to his playmakers including running backs King Miller (636 yards and 5 TDs), Waymond Jordan (576 yards and 5 TDs), receivers Makai Lemon (937 yards and 7 TDs), and Ja’Kobe Lane (520 yards and 4 TDs).

On the other side, Iowa signal-caller Mark Gronowski did get a pass into the end zone to tight end DJ Vonnahme, who caught just two passes for 43 yards last Saturday. USC safeties Bishop Fitzgerald (5 interceptions and 3 passes defended) and Christian Pierce (37 tackles, 2 passes defended, and 1 sack) will lead their secondary against the Hawkeyes’ passing game.

So, the Iowa offense will have to rely on their defense continuing their dominant season and hoping their running game can continue to have success. Running back Kamari Moulton (87 yards) and quarterback Gronowski (25 yards and 1 TD) will have to find gaps against USC’s defense if they want to keep up on the scoreboard. Linebackers Eric Gentry (61 tackles, 3 sacks, and 1 pass defended) and Desman Stephens II (53 tackles) will be instrumental on stopping the engine of Iowa’s offense and giving their unit more opportunities to score.

The battle between USC’s offense and Iowa’s defense will determine this game. If the Hawkeyes can stop the Trojans like they did Oregon’s offense, I will be impressed. USC will score more than Oregon last week and defeat Iowa in a game that will be close for three quarters.

Projected Score: USC 28, Iowa 17

11.Oklahoma (7-2) @ 4.Alabama (8-1)
3:30 PM ET, ABC
The first of two important SEC battles on this mid-November Saturday will be important for determining the fate of postseason football for the SEC. Off of a bye week, Oklahoma will have to hope its pedestrian offense can keep pace with Alabama on the road as they attempt to defeat them for the second consecutive season. The Crimson Tide will attempt to avenge their 2024 defeat to the Sooners where they scored just 3 points. Alabama’s offense looked sloppy in their 20-9 win over a rejuvenated LSU team under an interim coach but more will be required to beat Oklahoma, led by one of the nation’s top defenses.

The Sooners’ offense needs their best performance of the season if they want to be victorious against Alabama. That will require John Mateer (1,949 yards, 8 TDs, and 7 INTs) to be more efficient in the passing game. Against Alabama’s secondary, led by Mateer must get the ball to receivers Isaiah Sategna (692 yards and 5 TDs) and Deion Burks (435 yards and 2 TDs) to score touchdowns. Mateer will have to get his passes by Alabama secondary members Bray Hubbard (44 tackles, 7 passes defended, and 3 interceptions), and Keon Sabb (29 tackles, 1 interception, and 1 pass defended).

Their run game has improved over the last few weeks with a combination of Tory Blaylock (401 yards and 4 TDs) and Xavier Robinson (332 yards and 4 TDs) picking up the production. Linebackers Justin Jefferson and Deontae Lawson 101 combined tackles will be important in preventing the Oklahoma run game from setting up passing opportunities for Mateer.

Oklahoma linebacker Kip Lewis (53 tackles, 2 passes defended, and 1 sack) defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (23 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and 1 pass defended) will be important pieces in stopping Alabama signal-caller Ty Simpson (2,461 yards and 21 TDs) on Saturday afternoon. Thomas remains questionable for the game due to an injury so the Crimson Tide running game, led by Jam Miller who has rushed for 321 yards and two scores.

Defensive backs Kip Lewis (53 tackles, 2 passes defended, and 1 interception) and Peyton Bowen (28 tackles, 4 passes defended, and 1 interception) will have a tough job of dealing with one of the better receiving cores in the country. That group includes Germie Bernard (605 yards and 6 TDs) and Ryan Williams (528 yards and 4 TDs).

In what should be a lower scoring game, Alabama will defeat Oklahoma and end their College Football Playoff chances. Simpson will make clutch fourth quarter plays and give the Crimson Tide a close win over the Sooners. Alabama avenges their 2024 loss to Oklahoma and marches a step forward to another potential SEC Championship game berth.

Projected Score: Alabama 24, Oklahoma 20

10.Texas (7-2) @ 5.Georgia (8-1)
7:30 PM ET, ABC
Texas looks to defeat Georgia for the first time in their third attempt on Saturday night. The Longhorns failed to beat Georgia last October and in the SEC Championship in 2024. Now they will attempt to beat the Bulldogs playing their best football after dominating Mississippi State 41-21 last weekend. If Texas, on a four game winning streak, can keep its offensive play improving against Georgia’s talented defense, they have a great shot of coming out victorious and continuing their pursuit of a third consecutive College Football Playoff appearance.

The Longhorns must hope their offense gives them the production they have gotten the last couple of Saturdays in this game. They scored 45 points against Mississippi State three weeks ago and 34 against Vanderbilt two weeks ago in victories. In those games, quarterback Arch Manning has thrown for 674 yards, 6 touchdowns, and just one interception. So, Georgia’s secondary including must be good against Manning as he attempts to get the ball to Ryan Wingo (593 yards and 5 TDs) and DeAndre Moore Jr. (379 yards and 1 TD) down the field. Georgia defensive backs KJ Bolden (47 tackles, 2 passes defended, and 1 interception) and Joenel Aguero (32 tackles, 2 passes defended, and 1 interception) will hope to neutralize Manning’s passing attack for the first time in almost a month.

Tailback Quintrevion Wisner’s 338 yards and three touchdowns has created more opportunities for Manning in the passing game. Leading tacklers CJ Allen (75 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 3 passes defended) and Raylen Wilson (54 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 1 pass defended) at linebacker will be important in stopping Wisner from having a big night.

Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (64 tackles, 4 sacks, 1 interception, and 1 pass defended) is one of the top linebackers in the country. He will have the job of limiting the Georgia ground game, headed by Nate Frazier (575 yards and 3 TDs) and Chauncey Bowens (474 yards and 6 TDs).

Quarterback Gunnar Stockton has improved over the season at a great rate, throwing for over 2,000 yards and 15 touchdowns so far this season. Stockton will look to get the ball to receivers Zachariah Branch (542 yards and 3 TDs), Colbie Young (336 yards and 1 TD), and London Humphreys (221 yards and 2 TDs) against one of the better secondaries in the country. That great Texas secondary includes defensive backs Jelani McDonald (55 tackles, 3 passes defended, 2 interceptions) and Michael Taaffe (51 tackles, 1 interception, and 1 sack) will lead the Texas secondary against Georgia’s dangerous passing game.

If Texas’ offense shows up how it has over their previous two victories, they can play Georgia close on the road at Sanford Stadium. But the Bulldogs just put their best performance of the season together last Saturday against Mississippi State and they will keep it going this weekend. Georgia would eliminate Texas from College Football Playoff conversations with a victory.

Projected Score: Georgia 31, Texas 24

Image Courtesy: NBC 5

College Football Playoff Top 12
1.Ohio State 8-0 (5-0) Big Ten This week: @ Purdue (2-7) (Saturday, 1 PM ET, BTN)
2.Indiana 9-0 (6-0) Big Ten This week: @ Penn State (3-5) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, FOX)
3.Texas A&M 8-0 (5-0) SEC This week: @ 22.Missouri (6-2) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, ABC)
4.Alabama 7-1 (5-0) SEC This week: LSU (5-3) (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, ABC)
5.Georgia 7-1 (5-1) SEC This week: @ Mississippi State (5-4) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, ESPN)
6.Ole Miss 8-1 (5-1) SEC This week: The Citadel (4-5) (Saturday, 1 PM ET, ESPN+)
7.BYU 8-0 (5-0) Big 12 This week: @ 8.Texas Tech (8-1) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, ABC)
8.Texas Tech 8-1 (5-1) Big 12 This week: 7.BYU (8-0) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, ABC)
9.Oregon 7-1 (4-1) Big Ten This week: @ 20.Iowa (6-2) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, CBS)
10.Notre Dame 6-2 Independents This week: Navy (7-1) (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, NBC)
11.Texas 7-2 (4-1) SEC This week: Off
12.Oklahoma 7-2 (3-2) SEC This week: Off

Projected College Football Playoff Bracket (How the College Football Playoff bracket is seeded)

First Round

Athens
5.Georgia
12.Memphis

Lubbock
8.Texas Tech
9.Oregon

Oxford
6.Ole Miss
11.Virginia

Provo
7.BYU
10.Notre Dame

Quarterfinals

Orange Bowl (Miami Gardens)
4.Alabama
5.Georgia/12.Memphis

Rose Bowl (Pasadena)
1.Ohio State
8.Texas Tech/9.Oregon

Sugar Bowl (New Orleans)
3.Texas A&M
6.Ole Miss/11.Virginia

Cotton Bowl (Arlington)
2.Indiana
7.BYU/10.Notre Dame

Biggest risers and fallers in the AP Top 25 this week (No previous CFP Top 25):

Risers
9.Texas Tech 8-1 (5-1) Big 12 Week 10: #13 (Defeated Kansas State 43-20)
11.Oklahoma 7-2 (3-2) SEC Week 10: #18 (Defeated 14.Tennessee 33-27)
12.Virginia 8-1 (5-0) ACC Week 10: #15 (Defeated California 31-21)
13.Texas 7-2 (4-1) SEC Week 10: #20 (Defeated 9.Vanderbilt 34-31)
17.Utah 7-2 (4-2) Big 12 Week 10: #24 (Defeated 17.Cincinnati 45-14)
22.Memphis 8-1 (4-1) American Week 10: #25 (Defeated Rice 38-14)

Fallers
15.Vanderbilt 7-2 (3-2) SEC Week 10: #9 (Lost to 20.Texas 34-31)
16.Georgia Tech 8-1 (5-1) ACC Week 10: #8 (Lost to NC State 48-36)
18.Miami 6-2 (2-2) ACC Week 10: #10 (Lost to SMU 26-20)
23.Tennessee 6-3 (3-3) SEC Week 10: #14 (Lost to 18.Oklahoma 33-27)
25.Cincinnati 7-2 (5-1) Big 12 Week 10: #17 (Lost to 24.Utah 45-14)

Dropped Out
Houston 7-2 (4-2) Big 12 Week 10: #22 (Lost to West Virginia 45-35)

New
24.Washington 6-2 (3-2) Big Ten Week 10: NR (Off)

Key games this weekend (Rankings based off of CFP Poll)

Friday, November 7
Tulane (6-2) @ Memphis (8-1)
9 PM ET, ESPN
Another huge battle for teams to potentially appear in both the American Conference Championship game and the Group of 5’s spot in the College Football Playoff. Memphis was not ranked in their first edition of the College Football Playoff rankings but the committee has them ranked as the top team in the Group of Five, setting them as the 12-seed in the College Football Playoff projection currently. Tulane is unranked after suffering their second loss of the season to UTSA, 48-26. Both the Tigers’ and Green Wave’s coaches Ryan Silverfield and Jon Sumrall have been listed as potential candidates for the four open SEC jobs but both must have their teams focused for this week’s Friday night battle if they want to come out victorious.

Tulane signal-caller Jake Retzlaff leads the Green Wave in both passing yards (1,622) and rushing yards (513) with 16 combined touchdowns. Retzlaff is joined by a balanced ground attack including Javin Gordon, Arnold Barnes III, and Zuberi Mobley have combined for 913 yards and five scores. Tiger linebackers Sam Brumfield (66 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 1 interception), DeMarco Ward (48 tackles and 2 interceptions), and Everett Roussaw Jr. (45 tackles, 3 passes defended, 1.5 sacks, and 1 interception) will anchor their defense against Tulane’s quality ground game.

If the Green Wave want to score more through the pass, Retzlaff will have to improve on just seven touchdowns through the air by getting the ball to receivers Omari Haynes, Shazz Preston, and Bryce Bohanon. They all only have one touchdown each on the season so getting to the end zone will be important so they can catch passes from their quarterback. Memphis defensive backs Kamari Wilson (59 tackles, 4 passes defended, and 2 interceptions) and Chris Bracy (54 tackles, 7 passes defended, and 1 interception) will make it challenging for the Green Wave to advance the ball through the air.

Safeties Jack Tchienchou (51 tackles, 2 passes defended, and 1 sack) and Bailey Despanie (47 tackles and 3 passes defended) will make it tough for Memphis quarterback Brendon Lewis to get the ball to his receivers down the field. Like Retzlaff, Lewis leads his team in both passing (1,869) and rushing (562) yards. While Cortez Braham Jr. leads the pack with 632 yards and seven scores for the Tigers’ receiving game, Jamari Hawkins (450 yards) and Marcello Bussey (218 yards) will have to get in the end zone if they want to help Memphis defeat Tulane.

Running backs Sutton Smith and Greg Desrosier Jr., who have combined for almost 1,000 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground. The linebacking trio of Dickson Agu (36 tackles and 1 pass defended), Chris Rodgers (35 tackles and 1 sack), and Sam Howard (31 tackles and 1 sack) will do their best job to stop the Tiger ground game and get in the backfield to sack Brendon Lewis.

If this game was in New Orleans, I would pick Tulane to beat Memphis. But it is in Memphis and the Tigers are 4-0 at home with wins over Arkansas and No. 18 South Florida already this season. Silverfield’s team will move to 9-1 before a trip to East Carolina.

Projected Score: Memphis 35, Tulane 28

Saturday, November 8
7.BYU (8-0) @ 8.Texas Tech (8-1)
12 PM ET, ABC
ESPN’s College GameDay will head to a second consecutive Big 12 destination when they arrive to Lubbock for Saturday’s battle between BYU and Texas Tech, the top two teams in the league. The Cougars come off of a bye after their victory over Iowa State two weeks ago while the Red Raiders went to Manhattan and crushed Kansas State 43-20. The winner of Saturday afternoon’s game should feel confident they will be in Arlington at the Big 12 Championship game but must remained focused with three weeks to go.

BYU is powered by quarterback Bear Bachmeier, who like the first two quarterbacks I have mentioned on this post, is skilled both passing and rushing with the football. Bachmeier has thrown for almost 1,700 yards, 11 touchdowns, rushed for 408 yards, and scored nine more touchdowns on the ground. Bachmeier’s receivers Chase Roberts (591 yards and 4 TDs) and Parker Kingston (516 yards and 4 TDs) will be huge in determining this game if Bachmeier can get them the ball. Texas Tech secondary members Cole Wisnewski (47 tackles, 5 passes defended, and 1 sack) and Brenden Jordan (32 tackles and 1 interception) will look to shut down the BYU passing game to help them get a victory.

Tailback LJ Martin helps Bachmeier on the ground with 789 yards on the ground and five touchdowns through eight games this season. Red Raider linebackers Jacob Rodriguez (74 tackles, 5 passes defended, 2 interceptions, and 1 sack) and Ben Roberts (54 tackles, 4 passes defended, and 1 interception) will be crucial against keep Martin from having a big game so that BYU’s passing offense does not succeed.

After returning from injury against Kansas State, Texas Tech’s Behren Morton threw for 249 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. His top receivers in the victory were Caleb Douglas, who eight passes for 82 yards and two scores, Terrance Carter Jr., who caught four passes for 81 yards, and Reggie Virgil, who caught five balls for 72 yards. Safeties Faletau Sala and Tanner Wall are tremendous secondary pieces for the Cougars. Sala has 53 tackles, two interceptions, two passes defended, and a sack while has 38 stops and two interceptions this season.

Linebacker Jack Kelly (35 tackles and 5 sacks) and defensive end Logan Lutui (35 tackles, 3 passes defended, and 1 interception) will be important in defending against the Texas Tech ground game. Red Raider running back duo Cameron Dickey (746 yards and 10 TDs) and J’Koby Williams (525 yards and 5 TDs) will do their best against Kelly, Lutui, and the rest of the Cougar defensive front on Saturday afternoon.

In what should be college football’s game of the day on Saturday, Texas Tech’s fully healthy offense will give BYU its first loss of the season. The Red Raiders will defeat the Cougars and put themselves in sole possession of first place in the Big 12 with just two games left in the season.

Projected Score: Texas Tech 34, BYU 27

9.Oregon (7-1) @ 20.Iowa (6-2)
3:30 PM ET, CBS
Oregon begins a tough November slate beginning with a trip to Kinnick Stadium to face Iowa. The Ducks’ lone defeat is to Indiana so it will be important for them to beat the Hawkeyes with games against Minnesota, USC, and Washington coming up to finish the season. Iowa has two strong losses as well losing to Iowa State and Indiana by a combined eight points. This Big Ten showdown is full of postseason consequences.

The Ducks’ offense needs a quality game against an always quality Iowa defense. Quarterback Dante Moore has excelled with 19 touchdowns, throwing to a group of five receivers, including Dakorien Moore, Gary Bryant Jr., Malik Benson, Jeremiah McClain, and tight end Kenyon Sadiq. All five have over 200 receiving yards and have combined for 15 scores. Iowa defensive backs Koen Entringer (44 tackles and 2 passes defended) and Zach Lutmer (43 tackles, 4 passes defended, 2 passes defended, and 1 sack) are talented but will have their hands full with Oregon’s pass catching group.

Moore has four running backs next to him that can create big plays. Noah Whittington (433 yards and 4 TDs), Dierre Hill Jr. (357 yards and 3 TDs), Jordan Davison (352 yards and 10 TDs), and running back Jayden Limar (249 yards and 3 TDs) make up one the best rushing groups in the nation. Linebackers Karson Sharar (46 tackles and 1 sack) and Jaden Harrell (33 tackles and 1 sack) will do their part to stop the Duck tailbacks.

Linebackers Bryan Boettcher (63 tackles, 3 passes defended, and 1 interception) and Teitum Tuitoi (35 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 1 interception, and 1 pass defended) each are active in keeping the opposing running game from getting going each week. This time, Boettcher and Tuitoi will lead the Oregon defensive front against Iowa’s run game led by Kamari Moulton (435 yards and 2 TDs), Xavier Williams (249 yards and 3 TDs), and Jaziun Patterson (216 yards).

Quarterback Mark Gronowski has thrown for just 946 yards, four touchdowns, and four interceptions this season. He is more skilled as a runner, going for 313 yards and 11 scores. As a result of Gronowski being more of a rushing quarterback, just four of his targets have caught a touchdown. Defensive backs Aaron Flower (38 tackles, 2 passes defended, and 1 interception) and Dillon Thieneman (37 tackles, 3 passes defended, and 1 interception) will challenge Iowa’s limited passing attack.

The only time Iowa did not score more than 20 points in their last five games was in a loss to No. 2 Indiana on Sept. 27. Now, because the Hawkeyes face their toughest opponent since, the No. 9 Oregon Ducks, they will suffer their third loss of the season. The Ducks win their seventh game of the season by going on the road and defeating Iowa.

Projected Score: Oregon 28, Iowa 24

3.Texas A&M (8-0) @ 22.Missouri (6-2)
3:30 PM ET, ABC
As Texas A&M continues their three-game road trip to Columbia to face Missouri, they must keep the foot on the pedal. The Aggies are known for falling flat in November after success early in the season so a win over the Tigers would be beneficial. But Missouri won’t make it easy, so Texas A&M will have to continue playing successful football.

After being ranked third in this season’s first College Football Playoff rankings, Texas A&M will want to put their foot on the gas against on a Missouri. Quarterback Marcel Reed has been fantastic this season throwing for almost 2,000 yards, 17 touchdowns, rushing for 349 yards, and six more scores. Mario Craver and KC Concepcion are one of the nation’s top receiving duos. Craver has caught 40 passes for 716 yards and four touchdowns and Concepcion has caught 36 balls for 545 yards and seven scores. Missouri safeties Santana Banner (30 tackles and 1 interception) and Jalen Catalon (27 tackles and 1 pass defended) will have to lead their secondary against this tremendous passing game on Saturday afternoon.

The Aggies also have a talented tailback duo in Reuben Owens II (440 yards and 3 TDs) and Le’Veon Moss (389 yards and 6 TDs). Tiger linebackers Josiah Trotter and Khalil Jacobs, who have combined for 79 tackles and 4 sacks, must step up and prevent A&M’s rushing game from setting up Marcel Reed’s passing game.

Texas A&M’s defense must stop Missouri’s back-up signal caller Matt Zollers (213 passing yards and 2 touchdowns) from getting the ball down the field consistently if they want to continue the season undefeated. It starts in the secondary for their defense with safeties Marcus Ratcliffe (44 tackles and 3 passes defended), Dalton Brooks (32 tackles and 1 sack), and cornerback Will Lee (34 tackles and 5 passes defended) against Missouri’s rebuilt receiving core, including Kevin Coleman (558 yards and 1 TD), Marquis Johnson (340 yards and 2 TDs), Joshua Manning (231 yards and 1 TD), Donovan Olugbode (213 yards and 1 TD), and tight end Brett Norfleet (224 yards and 5 TDs)

Missouri running back Ahmad Hardy has been fantastic this season since transferring from ULM, going for 937 yards and 11 touchdowns through eight games. Jamal Roberts (428 yards and 3 touchdowns) has done a terrific job backing Hardy up this season. The Aggies’ defensive front is also talented with linebackers Taurean York (45 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 pass defended), Daymion Sanford (33 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 2 passes defended, and 1 interception), and tackle Albert Regis (30 tackles, 3 passes defended, and 2 sacks) will empower their front against Missouri’s tailbacks.

Missouri starting quarterback Beau Pribula’s being out due to a dislocated angle will be too much for them to be able to beat Texas A&M. The Aggies have to many weapons against the Tigers’ up and down secondary for them to pull an upset. A Texas A&M victory would put them at 9-0 and would have them feeling good that they will be in the SEC Championship game for the first time and that they could be a top two team in the College Football Playoff rankings next Tuesday.

Projected Score: Texas A&M 34, Missouri 20

Navy (7-1) @ 10.Notre Dame (6-2)
7:30 PM ET, NBC
Coming off of a loss to North Texas, Navy must travel to South Bend to face a Notre Dame squad playing its best football at the right time. With a tough schedule remaining, the Midshipmen will try to defeat the Fighting Irish and eliminate them from the College Football Playoff. But winning on the road is not easy so Navy will have to play quality complimentary football to defeat Notre Dame.

Navy must bounce back on offense after only scoring 17 points last week. It will be tough against Notre Dame’s strong defense but it will have to be done with their option offense, headed by quarterback Blake Horvath, who has passed for 1,143 yards and seven touchdowns. Horvath also leads the Midshipmen in rushing with 926 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground. Fighting Irish defensive lineman Boubacar Traore (30 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and 1 FF) will be vital in making Horvath’s night at bad one against his defense.

Horvath’s playmakers include receivers Eli Heidenreich (575 receiving yards, 342 rushing yards and 7 TDs), Brandon Chatman (360 rushing yards, 124 receiving yards, and 2 TDs), and running back Alex Tecza (523 rushing yards and 6 TDs). It will be up to safeties Adon Shuler (44 tackles, 4 passes defended, and 2 interceptions) and Tae Johnson (39 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 3 passes defended) to defend against Navy’s complicated option offense.

First, the Fighting Irish’s group of tailbacks is one of the best in the country. Jeremiyah Love (894 yards) and Jadarian Price (521 yards) have combined for 19 touchdowns through eight games. Defensively, Midshipmen linebackers MarcAnthony Parker (68 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 1 interception), Luke Pirris (59 tackles, 2 passes defended, 1.5 sacks, and 1 FR), and safety Giuseppe Sessi (50 tackles and 1 FR) will attempt to stop the Notre Dame’s impressive offense.

Quarterback CJ Carr (2,057 yards and 16 TDs) has been one of the nation’s top first year starters. Receivers Jordan Faison (518 yards and 2 TDs), Malachi Fields (400 yards and 3 TDs), Will Pauling (332 yards and 5 TDs), and tight end Eli Raridon (406 yards) help power the Notre Dame offense. Their success will be prevalent against Navy’s defense and getting a victory.

Notre Dame’s defense will hold Navy’s offense under 20 points again, and they will continue their run to a potential second consecutive College Football Playoff appearance. The Midshipmen will lose but will still control their own destiny of potentially making the College Football Playoff by winning the American Conference with South Florida, Memphis, and Navy coming up on the schedule.

Projected Score: Notre Dame 38, Navy 17

LSU (5-3) @ 4.Alabama (7-1)
7:30 PM ET, ABC
Almost two weeks after their head coach Brian Kelly was fired, LSU will face rival Alabama on the road in Tuscaloosa. Interim head coach Frank Wilson has had time to prepare his Tigers for the most important game of the season against the Crimson Tide, but this game may be too hard with Alabama’s success the last seven weeks. Alabama, however, cannot look past this game and focus on potential revenge against No. 11 Oklahoma next weekend if they want to return to the College Football Playoff for the first time since 2024.

LSU’s passing game must get to a different level if they want to defeat Alabama on Saturday night. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier must build on his 12 touchdown and five interception season by getting the ball to receivers Aaron Anderson (382 yards), Barion Brown (361 yards and 1 TD), Zavion Thomas (267 yards and 3 TDs), and tight end Trey’Dez Green (264 yards and 4 TDs). Alabama’s defensive back Bray Hubbard (39 tackles, 6 passes defended, and 3 interceptions) is one of the top players in the country and it will be hard to move the ball down the field against him.

To set up the passing game, the Tigers must rely on their tailbacks. The duo of Caden Durham (378 yards) and Harlem Berry (225 yards) have combined for just four touchdowns this season. Each one of them may have to get in the end zone if they want to win against the Crimson Tide. Linebackers Justin Jefferson (47 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 passes defended, and 1 interception) and Deontae Lawson (38 tackles and 3 passes defended) will look to shut it down.

After giving up 49 points to Texas A&M two weeks ago, the LSU must at least look improved against an Alabama offense that has looked incredible since its week one loss to Florida State. It will be up to safeties AJ Haulcy (64 tackles, 3 passes defended, and 2 interceptions) and Tamarcus Cooley (43 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 2 passes defended) will have the job of defending against Alabama receivers Germie Bernard (526 yards and 6 TDs), Ryan Williams (495 yards and 3 TDs), and Isaiah Horton (272 yards and 5 TDs). Quarterback Ty Simpson (2,184 yards and 20 TDs) has done a phenomenal job of passing them the ball this season.

Linebackers West Weeks and Davhon Keys have combined for 98 tackles and 2 sacks. They will have the job of defending against the Crimson Tide’s Jam Miller (308 yards and 2 TDs) and Kevin Riley (181 yards) in the backfield.

LSU may stay in the game in the first half, but they will not go to Tuscaloosa and beat Alabama on Saturday night. The Crimson Tide will use a strong offensive performance and their defense will hold the Tigers offense down to just a few scores.

Projected Score: Alabama 34, LSU 17

Image Courtesy: Cincinnati Athletics

AP Top 5
1.Ohio State 7-0 (4-0) Big Ten This week: Penn State (3-4) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, FOX)
2.Indiana 8-0 (5-0) Big Ten This week: @ Maryland (4-3) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, CBS)
3.Texas A&M 8-0 (5-0) SEC This week: Off
4.Alabama 7-1 (5-0) SEC This week: Off
5.Georgia 6-1 (4-1) SEC This week: Florida (3-4) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, ABC)

Biggest risers and fallers in the AP Top 25 this week:

Risers
16.Louisville 6-1 (3-1) ACC Week 9: #19 (Defeated Boston College 38-24)
17.Cincinnati 7-1 (5-0) Big 12 Week 9: #21 (Defeated Baylor 41-20)
21.Michigan 6-2 (4-1) Big Ten Week 9: #25 (Defeated Michigan State 31-20)

Fallers
18.Oklahoma 6-2 (3-2) SEC Week 9: #13 (Lost to 8.Ole Miss 34-26)
19.Missouri 6-2 (2-2) SEC Week 9: #15 (Lost to 10.Vanderbilt 17-10)

Dropped Out
South Florida 7-1 (3-1) American Week 9: #18 (Lost to Memphis 34-31)
LSU 5-3 (2-3) SEC Week 9: #20 (Lost to 3.Texas A&M 49-25)
Illinois 5-3 (2-3) Big Ten Week 9: #23 (Lost to Washington 42-25)
Arizona State 5-3 (3-2) Big 12 Week 9: #24 (Lost to Houston 24-16)

New
22.Houston 7-1 (4-1) Big 12 Week 9: NR (Defeated 24.Arizona State 24-16)
23.USC 5-2 (3-1) Big Ten Week 9: NR (Off)
24.Utah 6-2 (3-2) Big 12 Week 9: NR (Defeated Colorado 53-7)
25.Memphis 7-1 (3-1) American Week 9: NR (Defeated 18.South Florida 34-31)

Key games this weekend (Rankings based off of AP Poll)

Saturday, November 1
Navy (7-0) @ North Texas (7-1)
12 PM ET, ESPN2
Another game important in determining the Group of 5’s College Football Playoff representative will be played in Denton on Saturday afternoon. Navy enters a huge stretch of games to finish the season as they face North Texas, Notre Dame, South Florida, Memphis, and Army to finish the regular season. A single loss will be acceptable if the Midshipmen want to make a College Football Playoff appearance.

The Mean Green’s only loss is to No. 24 South Florida so winning out will be necessary for them to make it that far. North Texas protecting their home field will be important as they begin the last quarter of their regular season.

Navy quarterback Blake Horvath leads the team in both passing and rushing yards (1,063 yards and 814 yards) and has accounted for 19 overall touchdowns. In the Midshipmen’s option offense, running back Alex Tecza (464 yards and 6 TDs), wide receiver Brandon Chatman (293 yards and 1 TD), and wide receiver Eli Heidenreich (285 yards and 3 TDs) power their rushing attack. North Texas linebackers Shane Wittier, Trey Fields, and Ethan Wesloski each have over 50 tackles and an interception will be tasked with defending against it.

For the home side, signal caller Drew Westemaker has been terrific this season, throwing 21 touchdowns to just four interceptions through eight games. His four favorite targets down the field have elevated his play: Wyatt Young (586 yards, 7 TDs), Cameron Dorner (466 yards and 4 TDs), Miles Coleman (320 yards and 1 TD), and Landon Sides (295 yards and 1 TD). Safety Giuseppe Sessi (40 tackles) and cornerback Phillip Hamilton (24 tackles, 2 passes defended, and 1 interception) are in charge of leading the secondary against the talented Mean Green receiving core.

The Mean Green run the ball with their top two taibacks Caleb Hawkins and Makenzie McGill II. Hawkins and McGill have combined for almost 1,000 rushing yards and 12 scores. Navy linebackers MarcAnthony Parker (59 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 1 interception) and Luke Pirris (52 tackles, 2 passes defended, and 1.5 sacks) will look to block holes for their ground game.

In a game between two high scoring offenses, North Texas will protect their home field and will give Navy its first loss of the season. While the Midshipmen’s offense is not one dimensional, the Mean Green will outscore them. A victory for North Texas would put them officially in College Football Playoff conversations.

Projected Score: North Texas 42, Navy 35

10.Miami (6-1) @ SMU (5-3)
12 PM ET, ESPN
Miami bounced back versus Stanford last Saturday after loss to Louisville on Friday, Oct. 17. SMU suffered their first regular-season ACC loss since joining the league against Wake Forest last weekend. After scoring only 12 points in the loss to the Demon Deacons, SMU must hope their offense improves as they collide against a Miami team that is due for a bounce back on offense as well.

The Hurricanes will be counting on their offense to replicate the 42-point outburst they had against the Cardinal. Quarterback Carson Beck threw for 189 yards and a touchdown and his running back Mark Fletcher Jr. carried the ball 23 times for 106 yards and three scores. SMU linebacker Brandon Booker (41 tackles, 2 passes defended, and 0.5 sacks) and defensive end Cameron Robertson (38 tackles, 5 sacks, and 2 passes defended) are important in defending against Beck and Fletcher if they want win this game.

Beck’s receivers Malachi Toney and CJ Daniels have combined for 913 yards and nine touchdowns on the season. He will have to throw more than a single touchdown (with the help of Toney and Daniels) if they want to beat the Mustangs on the road. Safety duo Isaiah Nwokobia (65 tackles, 7 passes defended, and 2 interceptions) and Ahmaad Moses (54 tackles, 3 interceptions, 1 pass defended, and 1 sack) will be challenged with dealing with Toney and Daniels down the field.

Linebackers Mohamed Toure (32 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 pass defended) and Wesley Bissainthe (30 tackles and 1 interception) will look to stop Mustang tailbacks TJ Harden and Chris Johnson Jr. who have combined for 770 yards and eight touchdowns.

SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings has thrown for 2,119 yards, 17 touchdowns, eight interceptions. Five of his receiving options have over 200 yards and two touchdowns including Romello Brinson, Jordan Hudson, Jalen Cooper, Yamir Knight, and RJ Maryland. Defensive backs Keionte Scott (34 tackles, 3 passes defended, and 1 sack) and Jakobe Thomas (26 tackles, 3 passes defended, 2 sacks, and 1 interception) will hope to do their best against Jennings’ passing attack.

In what should be a competitive game, Miami will hand SMU its second consecutive loss. If the Hurricanes are victorious, they would remain in ACC Championship game contention and a clear College Football Playoff contender and the Mustangs would already have four overall losses on the season. Miami would win its first game outside of the state of Florida during the 2025 season.

Projected Score: Miami 27, SMU 20

9.Vanderbilt (7-1) @ 20.Texas (6-2)
12 PM ET, ABC
Would you have believed back in August that Vanderbilt would enter November with a better record — and a higher AP ranking — than Texas? I sure did not especially as they enter a battle important for determining the pecking order in this season’s SEC. The Longhorns are one loss away from falling out of College Football Playoff contention and Vanderbilt would love to be the team that shuts the door.

The Commodores’ unquestioned leader is Diego Pavia, who has thrown for almost 1,700 yards, 15 touchdowns, rushed for 458 more and five scores. His three trusted weapons down the field — receivers Junior Sherrill, Tre Richardson, and Eli Stowers, who all have over 300 yards and have combined for eight touchdowns. Defensive backs Jelani McDonald and Jaylin Guilbeau will need to step up as Michael Taaffe is out for an unclear amount of time with a broken thumb.

Pavia has three running backs capable of breaking through the Texas defense if given the shot. Sed Alexander (388 yards and 6 TDs), Makhilyn Young (382 yards and 5 TDs), and Jamezell Lassiter (144 yards and 2 touchdowns) will have to succeed against a tremendous Texas defensive front if they want to help their team win the game. The Longhorns’ leading tackler Anthony Hill Jr. has 60 stops, 2.5 sacks, one interception, and one pass defended. He will lead his talented group against the Commodores’ impressive ground attack.

Vanderbilt safeties CJ Heard (43 tackles, 1 interception, and 1 sack) and Marlen Sewell (27 tackles) are one of the nation’s best back lines. They will look to shut down the Longhorn passing attack led by either the injured Arch Manning who is currently in concussion protocol or backup Matthew Caldwell, who threw the game winning touchdown pass to Emmett Mosley in overtime against Mississippi State after Manning went out of the game injured.

Running back Quintrevion Wisner (263 yards and 2 TDs) will look to get past the Commodore front to set up the passing game for Manning or Caldwell. Linebackers Bryan Longwell (41 tackles, 2 passes defended, and 1 interception) and Langston Patterson (33 tackles) will lead the Vanderbilt front against the Texas rushing attack.

In a must-win game for Texas to keep themselves in the College Football Playoff conversation, Vanderbilt will go on the road and get a win. Last season, the Commodores lost to the Longhorns 27-24 so they can definitely win this season with a limited Manning or Caldwell. Vanderbilt would essentially lock themselves into the playoff if they go 2-1 the rest of the season after they leave Austin.

Projected Score: Vanderbilt 24, Texas 17

23.USC (5-2) @ Nebraska (6-2)
7:30 PM ET, NBC
Coming off of the loss to Notre Dame and a bye week, USC continues its midwestern road trip to Lincoln where they will face Nebraska. The Cornhuskers’ only losses are to No. 21 Michigan and Minnesota so winning out the rest of the season is the only option if they want a chance to make the College Football Playoff and that starts when they host the Trojans. USC and Nebraska collide on Saturday night with a lot on the line.

The Trojans can do many different things on offense. Quarterback Jayden Maiava has passed for 2,180 yards and 15 touchdowns and tailback Waymond Jordan, who has rushed for 576 yards and five scores.

Receivers Makai Lemon, Ja’Kobi Lane, and tight end Lake McRee have combined for almost 1,489 yards and 11 touchdowns. The Nebraska secondary, led by have the tough job of dealing with Maiava and this receiving core.

USC linebackers Eric Gentry (48 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 pass defended) and and Desman Stephens will defend against the Cornhuskers’ ground game, headed by Emmett Johnson, who has impressed with 837 yards and nine touchdowns through eight games.

Nebraska signal-caller Dylan Raiola (1,909 yards and 17 TDs) will look to get the ball down the field Nyziah Hunter, Jacory Barney Jr., and Dane Key, who have combined for 12 touchdowns on the season. Safeties Bishop Fitzgerald (40 tackles, 5 interceptions, and 2 passes defended) and Christian Pierce (31 tackles, 1 pass defended, and 1 sack) have the job of leading their secondary against Nebraska’s passing attack.

USC will get their second road win of the season after beating Nebraska on Saturday night. The Trojans’ offense will be too much for the Cornhusker defense. USC would reenter College Football Playoff conversations with a victory.

Projected Score: USC 31, Nebraska 24

18.Oklahoma (6-2) @ 14.Tennessee (6-2)
7:30 PM ET, ABC
In a College Football Playoff elimination game, Oklahoma heads to Knoxville to face Tennessee. The Sooners fell by just eight to red hot Ole Miss and the Volunteers outscored Kentucky last Saturday. Put simply, Tennessee’s offense and Oklahoma’s defense are two of the best units in the country while the Volunteers’ defense and the Sooners’ offense have both struggled for much of the season. It will be interesting to see how both matchups determine the game on the field.

For the Oklahoma offense to get back on track, John Mateer needs to play like he did when he led the Sooners 5-0 start. Mateer is certainly capable as he has thrown for 1,790 yards, eight touchdowns, rushed for 226 yards and five more scores. But six interceptions holds the offense back from more success.

Their offensive line must step up and protect the Tennessee defensive line, led by so he can get the ball down the field to receivers Isaiah Sategna (624 yards and 5 TDs), Deion Burks (390 yards and 2 TDs), and tight end Jaren Kanak (304 yards). Tennessee defensive backs Edges Farooq (45 tackles, 2 passes defended, and 1 interception) and Andre Turrentine (41 tackles and 1 interception) must put their best effort of the season if they want to keep the Sooners’ offense from returning to form.

The balanced offense would not return without the success of the ground game. Tailbacks Tory Blaylock (401 yards and 4 TDs) and Xavier Robinson (217 yards and 3 TDs) carry the load for the Sooners. Linebackers Arion Carter (61 tackles, 1 sacks, and 1 pass defended) and Edwin Spillman (49 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 pass defended) will fill the gaps against Blaylock and Robinson.

Tennessee has a three headed monster next to the Joey Aguilar with DeSean Bishop (652 yards and 9 TDs), Star Thomas (418 yards and 5 TDs), and Peyton Lewis (227 yards and 6 TDs) rushing the ball down the field. Oklahoma’s Kip Lewis, Owen Heinecke, Kendal Daniels, and Sammy Omosigho anchor one of the top linebacker units in the country. They will look to shut down the Tennessee running backs so the Volunteer passing game cannot set up as easily.

Aguilar’s impressive season behind center has included 2,344 passing yards, 18 passing touchdowns, and two rushing touchdowns. Three receivers have been huge for the Volunteers this season including Chris Brazzell II, Braylon Staley, and Mike Matthews who have combined for 14 touchdowns this season. Defensive backs Robert Spears-Jennings (35 tackles) and Peyton Bowen (25 tackles and 3 passes defended) will do their best against and their strong passing attack.

In a huge game, Tennessee will protect their home field and outscore Oklahoma on Saturday night. The Volunteers will get at least one stop during the game against the Sooners’ up and down offense helping them to a victory. A win for Tennessee would set them up nicely for a potential run to back to back College Football Playoff appearances with a 2-1 record the rest of the season.

Projected Score: Tennessee 28, Oklahoma 24

17.Cincinnati (7-1) @ 24.Utah (6-2)
10:15 PM ET, ESPN
ESPN’s College GameDay heads to Salt Lake City, in what will be their first appearance at a Big 12 school this season at Utah. The No. 24 Utes reentered the AP Top 25 after dominating Colorado. They host the red hot Cincinnati Bearcats, who have won seven games in a row since their season-opening loss to Nebraska, and are tied for the lead of the league at 5-0 with BYU. Now, both teams enter a crucial matchup as Cincinnati faces its first true test since beating Iowa State to open October — a road trip to Utah.

The Bearcats will be without running back Evan Pryor (478 yards and 3 TDs) due to an ankle injury on Saturday night. So, it will be up to backup Tawee Walker (466 yards and 4 TDs) to help star quarterback Brendan Sorsby, who has thrown 20 touchdowns to just one interception. Utah linebacker Johnathan Hall (39 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 passes defended, and 1 interception) and defensive end John Henry Daley (36 tackles and 9.5 sacks, and 1 pass defended) can definitely do their job against opposing offenses and they will look to keep things going against another talented offense.

Three receivers and a tight end have been crucial to Cincinnati’s success this season. Those guys are Cyrus Allen (381 yards and 9 TDs), Caleb Goodie (359 yards and 2 TDs), Joe Royer (340 yards and 4 TDs), and Jeff Caldwell (337 yards and 3 TDs). Safeties Jackson Bennett (39 tackles, 3 interceptions, 3 passes defended, and 0.5 sacks) and Tao Johnson (27 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 1 pass defended) will look to do their job of protecting down the field against the Bearcat offense.

Utah coaches are unsure whether starting quarterback Devon Dampier (1,375 passing yards, 13 TDs, 442 rushing yards, and 5 TDs). will start following a leg injury he suffered a few weeks ago. It will likely be okay because backup signal-caller Byrd Ficklin stepped in and led the Utes to 53 points in a blowout win over Colorado.

But the challenge against Cincinnati’s defense will be more difficult than the one they faced last Saturday especially due to tight ends Dallen Bentley, JJ Buchanan, and receiver Ryan Davis combining for nine touchdowns so far this season. Safeties Trevon Gola-Callard and Christian Harrison have combined for nine passes defended this season. They will plan to do more of that against Utah’s passing game.

Linebackers Jake Golday (67 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 2 passes defended) and Jonathan Thompson (41 tackles and 1 sacks) will have the job of stopping Utah’s tremendous ground attack. Tailbacks Wayshawn Parker and NaQuari Rogers, and Dampier have combined for 1,270 yards and 16 scores

If Cincinnati shuts down Utah’s run-game it will be hard for them lose. That is why the Bearcats will advance to 6-0 in conference, inching them closer to a potential Big 12 Championship spot and the Utes will fall for the third time in six weeks. A win for Cincinnati would enter them into bubble territory for the College Football Playoff ahead of the committee’s first ranking next Tuesday night.

Projected Score: Cincinnati 31, Utah 21

Image Courtesy: FOX 2

AP Top 5
1.Ohio State 7-0 (4-0) Big Ten This week: Off
2.Indiana 7-0 (4-0) Big Ten This week: UCLA (3-4) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, FOX)
3.Texas A&M 7-0 (4-0) SEC This week: @ 20.LSU (5-2) (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, ABC)
4.Alabama 6-1 (4-0) SEC This week: @ South Carolina (3-4) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, ABC)
5.Georgia 6-1 (4-1) SEC This week: Off

Biggest risers and fallers in the AP Top 25 this week:

Risers
5.Georgia 6-1 (4-1) SEC Week 8: #9 (Defeated 5.Ole Miss 43-35)
7.Georgia Tech 7-0 (4-0) ACC Week 8: #12 (Defeated Duke 27-18)
10.Vanderbilt 6-1 (2-1) SEC Week 8: #17 (Defeated 10.LSU 31-24)
11.BYU 7-0 (4-0) Big 12 Week 8: #15 (Defeated 23.Utah 24-21)

Fallers
8.Ole Miss 6-1 (3-1) SEC Week 8: #5 (Lost to 9.Georgia 43-35)
9.Miami 5-1 (1-1) ACC Week 8: #2 (Lost to Louisville 24-21)
14.Texas Tech 6-1 (3-1) Big 12 Week 8: #7 (Lost to Arizona State 26-22)
17.Tennessee 5-2 (2-2) SEC Week 8: #11 (Lost to 6.Alabama 37-20)
20.LSU 5-2 (2-2) SEC Week 8: #10 (Lost to 17.Vanderbilt 31-24)

Dropped Out
USC 5-2 (3-1) Big Ten Week 8: #20 (Lost to 13.Notre Dame 34-24)
Memphis 6-1 (2-1) American Week 8: #22 (Lost to UAB 31-24)
Utah 5-2 (2-2) Big 12 Week 8: #23 (Lost to 15.BYU 24-21)
Nebraska 5-2 (2-2) Big Ten Week 8: #25 (Lost to Minnesota 24-6)

New
19.Louisville 5-1 (2-1) ACC Week 8: NR (Defeated 2.Miami 24-21)
23.Illinois 5-2 (2-2) Big Ten Week 8: NR (Off)
24.Arizona State 5-2 (3-1) Big 12 Week 8: NR (Defeated 7.Texas Tech 26-22)
25.Michigan 5-2 (3-1) Big Ten Week 8: NR (Defeated Washington 24-7)

Key games this weekend (Rankings based off of AP Poll)

Saturday, October 25
18.South Florida (6-1) @ Memphis (6-1)
12 PM ET, ESPN2
The chances of ESPN’s College GameDay being on Beale Street for South Florida’s trip to face Memphis were ruined when the Tigers lost to interim head coach Alex Mortensen and UAB last Saturday. Still, this battle will be important in determining who will represent the American Conference in their championship game and who might represent the Group of Five in the College Football Playoff.

South Florida quarterback Byrum Brown has been successful behind center throwing for almost 1,700 yards, 16 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Brown also leads the Bulls in rushing with 475 yards and six more scores. Memphis defensive back Drue Watts (42 tackles, 2 passes defended, and 1 sack) and linebacker Sam Brumfield (41 tackles, 3.5 sacks), and 1 interception will look to make things difficult for Brown’s offense.

Brown’s group of playmakers is loaded. Tailbacks Sam Franklin and Nykahi Davenport have combined 511 yards and six touchdowns. While receivers Chas Nimrod (466 yards and 3 TDs), Keshaun Singleton (363 yards and 3 TDs), and Jeremiah Kroger (259 yards and 4 TDs).

The Memphis offense is quite skilled on the ground. Running back Sutton Smith and quarterback Brendon Lewis have combined for almost 1,000 rush yards and 13 touchdowns just seven games into the season. On top of his rushing skills, Lewis has thrown for over 1,300 yards, eight touchdowns, and four interceptions. He will hope that the duo of Cortez Branham Jr (491 yards and 5 TDs) and Jamari Hawkins (346 yards) present themselves open down the field.

The Tigers will have a difficult task when they face the South Florida defense. Linebackers Jay Shuler (61 tackles, 4 passes defended, 1 sack, and 1 interception) and Mac Harris (56 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and 1 interception). Cornerbacks De’Shawn Rucker, James Chenault, and safety Tavin Ward have combined for five passes defended and an interception on the season.

Playing this game at home, Memphis must defeat South Florida if they want to remain in American Conference Championship and College Football Playoff contention. The Bull defense can make you one dimensional and the Tigers cannot rely on just their passing game to protect their home field. South Florida goes on the road and defeats Memphis to remain unbeaten.

Projected Score: South Florida 34, Memphis 27

8.Ole Miss (6-1) @ 13.Oklahoma (6-1)
12 PM ET, ABC
Ole Miss heads to Norman for an important matchup on Saturday against Oklahoma. Both teams are not out of College Football Playoff contention with a loss but the Rebels do not want to take back to back losses and ruin their rhythm after a close loss to Georgia last Saturday. Similarly, the Sooners will look to avoid the offensive struggles that resulted in their loss to Texas in Dallas before dominating South Carolina on the road. Now, Oklahoma is back at home looking to avenge their loss to Ole Miss last season.

The Rebels scored 35 points last Saturday against Georgia but it was not good enough to win. Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss did not have his best performance against the Georgia defense but he did account for three touchdowns in his first game on the road in a raucous environment. But a few of his top pass catchers did not show up as well as they should have against the Bulldogs. Harrison Wallace III and Dae’Quan Wright combined for just 73 receiving yards and no touchdowns. They must perform better against Oklahoma’s secondary headed by Robert Spears-Jennings (24 tackles) and Peyton Bowen (19 tackles and 3 passes defended).

Similarly, tailback Kewan Lacy had just 31 yards on the ground versus Georgia. While he did have two touchdowns, Lane Kiffin’s offense will have to hand him the ball many more than just 12 times versus a strong Sooners front seven. Linebacker Kip Lewis (31 tackles, 1 pass defended, and 0.5 sacks) and defensive tackle R Mason Thomas (20 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and 1 pass defended) will make it hard for Ole Miss’ offense to succeed on the ground.

John Mateer and the Oklahoma passing game saw a small bounce back performance against struggling South Carolina last Saturday. Mateer threw for just 150 yards and a touchdown but he did not turn the ball over. They will look to do improve on that against the Ole Miss secondary, led by safeties Wydett Williams Jr. (33 tackles, 4 passes defended, and 1 interception) and Kapena Gushiken (25 tackles and 2 passes defended).

Oklahoma had their first strong game from a running back. Tory Blaylock carried the ball 19 times for 101 yards and a score. Blaylock will look to do the same and better against Rebel linebackers TJ Dottery (46 tackles and 2 passes defended) and Jaden Yates (38 tackles) will hope to make sure the Sooners’ successes on the ground do not continue.

In what feels like a toss-up because it is in Norman, Ole Miss must bounce back against Oklahoma on Saturday afternoon. It will be up to the Sooner defense to consistently stop the Rebel offense if they want to give themselves a chance to win. Because Kiffin’s Ole Miss teams always fall in games they have to win on their way to a potential College Football Playoff berth, Oklahoma will pull the upset.

Projected Score: Oklahoma 28, Ole Miss 24

11.BYU (7-0) @ Iowa State (5-2)
3:30 PM ET, FOX
BYU is 7-0 for the second consecutive season as they are in the middle of a tough three game stretch. The Cougars beat instate rival Utah on Saturday night. Now, they head to Ames to face Iowa State before another roadtrip to Lubbock to face No. 14 Texas Tech. The Cyclones have already taken two losses thus far so winning out will be the only way they make it to the Big 12 Championship game back to back seasons. Iowa State has an opportunity to do so when they host BYU on Saturday afternoon.

Bear Bachmeier has been one of the top quarterbacks in the country behind center for BYU. Bachmeier has thrown for almost 1,400 yards, nine touchdowns, rushed for 359 yards, and scored eight more on the ground. Top receivers Chase Roberts, Parker Kingston, and tight end Carsen Ryan have combined for eight touchdowns from their quarterback so far this season. Iowa State defensive backs Marcus Neal Jr., Jamison Patton, and Ta’Shawn James have combined for nine passes defended and two interceptions. They will be tasked with dealing with Bachmeier’s passing game and limiting his scrambles out of the pocket.

Tailback LJ Martin exploded for 26 carries and 122 yards but failed to get in the end zone against Utah last Saturday. Martin must get in the end zone if they want a better shot of beating Iowa State on the road. Linebackers Caleb Bacon (38 tackles and 1 pass defended) and Kooper Ebel (36 tackles and 1 sack) will attempt to stop Martin from doing just that.

Safety Faletau Satuala has starred for the BYU defense with 43 tackles, two passes defended, one interception, and one sack. He will lead the Cougar secondary against Iowa State’s passing attack. Running back Rocco Becht during their 5-0 start but has faltered a bit since losing their last two games to Cincinnati and Colorado. Bouncing back against a tough BYU secondary with receivers Brett Eskildsen (334 yards and 2 TDs) and Chase Sowell (261 yards and 1 TD) will be needed to come out with a victory.

Tailbacks Abu Sama III (481 yards and 4 TDs) and Carson Hansen (348 yards and 2 TDs) will look to help set up passes from Becht to his receivers Linebackers Isaiah Glasker and Logan Lutui have combined for 62 tackles on the season. They will be tasked with defending against the Cyclones’ rushing game.

BYU heads to face Iowa State in one of the conference’s toughest environments. The Cyclones need a win to keep themselves in College Football Playoff conversations. And I do not think BYU will let them stay in contention. Iowa State may have a lead at some point during the game but they will lose it.

Projected Score: BYU 27, Iowa State 20

15.Missouri (6-1) @ 10.Vanderbilt (6-1)
3:30 PM ET, ESPN
Instead of going to Memphis, the College GameDay crew will head to Nashville for a Vanderbilt game for the first time since Oct. 4, 2008 when the Commodores faced Auburn. Over 17 years later, they return again as Vanderbilt hosts Missouri. The Commodores defeated LSU on Saturday afternoon while the Tigers defeated Auburn in two overtimes. The winner of this game could be make the College Football Playoff in December for the first time in both of their programs’ histories.

Missouri quarterback Beau Pribula may have thrown for over 250 yards in Saturday’s victory over Auburn but he turned the ball over twice on interceptions. As they face back to back games on the road for the first time this season, Pribula must rely on leading his offense to play complimentary football and rely on his legs to get him another rushing touchdown. Joining him in the ground game will be their top offensive player, tailback Ahmad Hardy, who has already rushed for 840 yards and 11 scores. Vanderbilt

Tiger receivers Kevin Coleman Jr. (449 yards and 1 TD), Marquis Johnson (322 yards and 2 TDs), and tight end Brett Norfleet (221 yards and 5 TDs) must help Pribula bounce back and help him at least keep the Commodore secondary honest against their passing game.

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia has put in himself in the Heisman Trophy conversation with a terrific performance last week against LSU. He has thrown for over 1,500 yards, 15 touchdowns, rushed for 438 yards, and four more scores. Joining him in the backfield, Sedrick Alexander and Makhilyn Young have combined for 658 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground. Missouri linebacker Josiah Trotter (44 tackles and 1 sack) and defensive end Zion Thompson (23 tackles and 5 sacks) will be tasked with neutralizing Pavia, Alexander, and Young rushing the ball down the field.

Pavia’s weapons down the field include wide receivers Junior Sherrill (304 yards and 5 TDs), Tre Richardson (304 yards and 1 TD), and tight end Eli Stowers (355 yards and 2 TDs). Safeties Jalen Catalon (27 tackles and 1 pass defended) and Santa Banner (27 tackles and 1 interception) look to stop Pavia from getting it to his talented pass catchers.

If Missouri’s offense shows up better than it did on ‘The Plains’ last Saturday, this match up against Vanderbilt will go down to the wire. The Commodores’ defense will make sure that does not happen and keep Hardy and the Tigers’ ground game at bay. Vanderbilt will move to 7-1 presenting themselves as a true College Football Playoff contender just over two weeks before the committee’s first rankings debut.

Projected Score: Vanderbilt 28, Missouri 21

3.Texas A&M (7-0) @ 20.LSU (5-2)
7:30 PM ET, ABC
Red hot Texas A&M avoided a scare against Arkansas on the road before continuing their season with another roadtrip. The Aggies travel to Baton Rouge to face a struggling LSU team who just lost to Vanderbilt. The Tigers still have to face fellow College Football Playoff contenders Alabama (Nov. 1) and Oklahoma (Nov. 29) before the season’s end. Texas A&M will attempt to beat LSU in ‘Death Valley’ for the first time in program history in front of what should be a raucous crowd on Saturday night.

The Aggies would not be leading the SEC as the only undefeated team without signal-caller Marcel Reed. Reed has already thrown 15 touchdowns and rushed for four more. His top two receivers cannot fail to be mentioned either. Mario Craver and KC Concepcion have combined for 1,174 yards and 10 touchdowns. LSU safeties AJ Haulcy (52 tackles, 2 pass defended, and 1 interception) and Tamarcus Cooley (36 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 2 passes defended) must continue their success against one of the best receiving cores in the country if they want to come out victorious.

In addition, tailback Reuben Owens has rushed for almost 400 yards and three touchdowns through seven games. Texas A&M will likely still be without Le’Veon Moss (389 yards and 6 touchdowns) so relying on one back will be interesting against a talented LSU front seven. Linebackers West Weeks and Davhon Keys’ combined 80 tackles will be vital in stopping Owens and making passing downs more obvious from Reed.

Texas A&M cannot give up 42 points like they did last week against Arkansas if they want to remain undefeated. It must start with Tauren York (41 tackles and 1 sack) and linebacker Daymion Sanford (32 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 1 interception, and 1 passes defended) getting to and sacking quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (1,638 yards, 11 TDs, and 5 INTs), who has struggled this season. Nussmeier must rely on wide receivers Aaron Anderson (323 yards), Barion Brown (301 yards and 1 TD), Zavion Thomas (259 yards and 3 TDs), and running back Caden Durham (342 yards and 2 TDs) to get back on track against A&M’s defense.

Safety Marcus Ratcliffe (40 tackles) and cornerback Will Lee III (32 tackles and 4 passes defended will have to defend against Anderson, Brown, Thomas, and Durham. If they accomplish limiting the LSU offense consistently, Texas A&M would easily be able to win this game.

LSU must be victorious against Texas A&M or they will get their third loss and likely be eliminated from College Football Playoff contention. The Aggies will definitely make it difficult for that to happen and if their defense shows up better than it did in Fayetteville, Brian Kelly might have to start counting the days he has left in Baton Rouge.

Projected Score: Texas A&M 24, LSU 17