Not every game carries the same weight when it comes to affecting the College Football Playoff. In no particular order, here are ten regular season matchups that could define the field.
Penn State vs Ohio State, Nov. 1
This has the makings of a potential top-five showdown and, as always, carries Big Ten Championship implications. Last season four Big Ten teams reached the playoff, including Penn State and Ohio State. A three-loss team is almost certain to be left out, so with the Nittany Lions facing Oregon, Ohio State, and Indiana, they need at least one win in that stretch to stay alive. The same goes for No. 1 Ohio State, which still has Top 25 matchups ahead against Illinois, Penn State, and Michigan.
Oregon vs Penn State, Sept. 27
Similar to Penn State vs Ohio State, the loser of this matchup risks slipping to third in the Big Ten pecking order. A win for Oregon would put the Ducks in prime position for the conference championship game and a possible playoff berth. Both teams have looked dominant so far, which makes home-field advantage all the more critical. This one kicks off in State College on September 27.
USF vs Memphis, Oct. 25
In the new playoff format, the five highest-ranked conference champions receive automatic bids, which guarantees one Group of Five team a place in the field. USF and Memphis are two of the AAC’s best, and this matchup could put the winner on the fast track to that spot.
Florida State vs Miami, Oct. 4
This matchup could very well be a preview of the ACC Championship Game, with both teams undefeated and sitting in the top ten. Each already owns an impressive ranked win, firmly cementing their place at the top of the conference. It has the feel of those classic showdowns from decades past, and you just hope the kickers are ready. Wide Right V, anyone?
Texas Tech vs Utah, Sept. 20
As of Week 3, the consensus top three in the Big 12 are Iowa State, Utah, and Texas Tech. Only Utah and Texas Tech face one another, and that happens on September 20. With only the Big 12 champion likely to reach the playoff, the winner of this game should be favored to meet Iowa State in the title game. Barring upsets, this could be the contest that decides the league’s playoff representative.
Texas vs Georgia, Nov. 15
These two met twice last season, once in conference play and again in the SEC Championship, with Georgia winning both. Now each is currently ranked in the top ten, and this year’s meeting could again have a serious impact on the title race. Texas has looked uninspired and honestly, it is hard to tell what to make of this squad. But they still have plenty of talent and Arch could turn things around, so they remain a player until a few more losses hit the board. With Georgia facing five more ranked opponents this season, a win against Texas would be crucial to staying on track for another playoff invite.
Alabama vs Georgia, Sept. 27
Alabama has endured some early growing pains, including a Week 1 loss to Florida State, but a win over Georgia would put the Tide right back in the playoff conversation. Georgia enters with championship expectations, and while both programs remain contenders, it feels like Alabama needs this one more to realistically stay in the hunt.
Ohio State vs Michigan, Nov. 29
The Game always defines the Big Ten, but this year the stakes feel even higher. Michigan faces one of the league’s softest schedules, with only USC and Ohio State ranked among their opponents, and they should be favored in every other conference matchup. If the Wolverines notch a fifth straight win over the Buckeyes, their playoff spot will be virtually secured.
Illinois vs Indiana, Sept. 20
Could this one actually be for fourth place in the Big Ten? Four teams from the league reached the playoff last year, and while a repeat feels unlikely with the SEC and ACC both flexing strength, the winner here would have the inside track if history repeats itself.
LSU vs Oklahoma, Nov. 29
The SEC is loaded with ranked teams, making it tough to predict who will emerge at the top. LSU and Oklahoma, currently sitting at No. 3 and No. 11, both have the talent to be there when the dust settles. Their Week 14 showdown could serve as the last chance for either to punch a ticket to the playoff.
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