November marks the point when the College Football Playoff picture sharpens, and the first CFP Rankings have already delivered surprises. No. 11 Notre Dame sits on the bubble, while No. 12 Ohio State finds itself outside the projected field. The committee also warned No. 9 BYU despite its win over the Fighting Irish. In the SEC, every week functions as an elimination game for the top contenders. Here are seven games that will define the playoff race in Week 10.
No. 1 Miami at No. 11 Notre Dame
The showdown lost some luster when wide receiver Malachi Toney was ruled out with an ankle injury, but it remains a game-changing spot for both teams. Notre Dame needs a win over the top-ranked Hurricanes to solidify its playoff case. Miami, with an unimpressive schedule and only one top-25 victory, could tumble from No. 1 to the bubble with a single loss.
No. 9 BYU at No. 3 Utah
Despite victories over No. 11 Notre Dame and No. 22 Arizona, BYU enters Salt Lake City on the playoff fringe. The Cougars' loss to UCF weighs heavily, and a defeat to the Utes would likely end their postseason hopes. Utah sits at No. 3 with only one ranked win but strong advanced metrics; a loss would significantly damage their standing ahead of a tough remaining schedule.
No. 5 Alabama at No. 14 LSU
Alabama is considered the most overranked team in the CFP Rankings by a wide margin. LSU, sitting outside the field without a ranked win, boasts a monstrous defense under Lane Kiffin. The Crimson Tide's offense has been excellent, but they have been inconsistent since beating Mississippi State nearly a month ago, including a 16-point loss to Tennessee and a loss to Georgia. A third loss could trigger a cataclysmic drop.
No. 2 Georgia at No. 10 Ole Miss
This is a stark elimination game for Ole Miss, one of the SEC's most inconsistent teams. The Rebels have highs like an evisceration of Missouri and a win over LSU, but also a no-show against Florida and a first-half collapse against Texas. Georgia will quickly determine whether Ole Miss is built for the moment.
No. 23 Oregon at No. 12 Ohio State
This is Ohio State's last stand. The Buckeyes have two losses, with the 30-18 performance against USC raising major red flags. Ohio State does not look the part with Luke Fahey under center, and the defense is regressing dramatically. Oregon lacks a clear playoff pathway but is talented enough to play spoiler.
No. 19 Iowa at Northwestern
The Big Ten received little love in the initial CFP Rankings, with 6-2 Northwestern landing outside the top 25. However, a 10-2 Big Ten team could still fight into the conversation. Iowa has found offensive momentum after a 30-0 win over Wisconsin. Northwestern lost by only six points at Indiana and now faces No. 19 Iowa and No. 12 Ohio State in successive weeks; winning both would likely put the Wildcats in the CFP.
UTSA at FAU
The Roadrunners have quietly sneaked under the radar and are in prime position to crash the party. UTSA is 7-1 with its only loss coming against No. 7 Texas and remains undefeated in American Conference play. A road trip to face Zach Kittley's high-octane offense at FAU on a nationally televised Thursday night presents an intriguing test.
