College football's Week 10 slate is being hailed as potentially the most impactful single day of the College Football Playoff era, featuring six AP top-20 matchups that tie a record for a single weekend. Half of the sport's most meaningful remaining games will be played Saturday, carrying substantial weight in SEC, Big Ten, and Big 12 title discussions as well as Notre Dame's prove-it stage against unbeaten No. 1 Miami.
Historical November Weekends
Previous November weekends have dramatically shifted playoff rankings. In 2016, losses by No. 2 Clemson, No. 3 Michigan, and No. 4 Washington reshuffled the top four. In 2017, top-ranked Georgia and third-ranked Notre Dame fell on the same day. In 2022, No. 1 Tennessee lost to Georgia while LSU toppled No. 6 Alabama in overtime. The 2017 rivalry weekend saw both CFP Nos. 1 and 2 lose, with Alabama eventually rebounding to win the national championship.
No. 9 BYU at No. 3 Utah
The Holy War in Salt Lake City could determine whether the Big 12's three-bid playoff ambition remains realistic. A Utah win would put BYU's best-case finish at 10-2, likely eliminating the Cougars from the conference title game if Utah and Texas Tech win out.
No. 8 UCLA at Minnesota
UCLA, one of three remaining unbeaten teams, faces a Minnesota squad that has struggled offensively in the second half of the season. The Bruins' defense has allowed just 35 total points over its last five games, but offensive efficiency ranks 48th nationally without injured quarterback Nico Iamaleava.
No. 7 Texas at No. 18 Missouri
Texas aims for a nation-leading fourth win against ranked opponents. The Longhorns' resume includes victories over Ohio State, Tennessee, and Ole Miss, though they lost at home to Florida and struggled against Oklahoma. Missouri, unmentioned in the CFP race, could enter the conversation with an upset.
No. 5 Alabama at No. 14 LSU
Lane Kiffin's Tigers face the first of three straight games against top-15 opponents. A win would give LSU a leg up in a potential SEC logjam of 9-3 teams. Alabama has two ranked wins but lacks a signature victory; a win in Baton Rouge would solidify its playoff position.
No. 23 Oregon at No. 12 Ohio State
Ohio State seeks to steady itself after a loss to USC. Another defeat would leave the Buckeyes' CFP hopes dependent on outside help. Oregon, fallen from the top five, could make this a nervous matchup if quarterback Dylan Raiola continues his strong play.
No. 6 Kentucky at No. 13 Tennessee
Tennessee faces urgency with LSU looming and only one ranked win (Alabama). A loss would leave the Vols with three defeats in a crowded at-large field. Kentucky, on a six-game winning streak, could secure its first CFP appearance with a victory.
No. 2 Georgia at No. 10 Ole Miss
An Ole Miss win would all but guarantee a CFP berth, while a loss could be fatal for a 9-3 finish. Georgia's defense must contain quarterback Gunner Stockton, who has twice beaten the Bulldogs in his career, including in last season's CFP quarterfinals.
No. 1 Miami at No. 11 Notre Dame
Two of the nation's most efficient teams meet in South Bend. Miami, led by the Heisman frontrunner at quarterback, has played only two opponents with winning records. Notre Dame's lone ranked opponent, BYU, defeated the Irish in October. The matchup will test both teams' playoff credentials.
