Before we embark on our Week 10 college football viewers’ guide, we must start with a public service announcement. No. 1 Ohio State is hosting Penn State (noon ET, Fox). This is also the week of the world’s largest outdoor cocktail party in Jacksonville, Fla., which is likewise accompanied by a football game between No. 5 Georgia and Florida (3:30 p.m. ET, ABC).
We provide that information on the off chance either of those contests produces unexpected happenings as rivalry games can. But is our mission in this space to identify what we think will be the best games to watch. We therefore cannot in good conscience recommend those contests unless you have a rooting interest. We’ll look instead in further detail at these seven games somewhat farther down the rankings but should feature more evenly matched opponents.
No. 11 Vanderbilt at No. 19 Texas
Time/TV: noon ET, ABC.
Why watch: The headliner in the early window is this SEC showdown that is a major role reversal for the programs involved. The Longhorns’ improbable escape at Mississippi State last week kept their slim playoff aspirations alive. Vandy, SEC doormat no more, has a couple of quality results in the bank but could use a road victory to solidify its playoff position. Commodores QB Diego Pavia continues to generate Heisman buzz, with 20 total TDs to his credit on the season thus far. He’s sure to receive added attention from Longhorns LB Anthony Hill Jr.. Texas QB Arch Manning’s frequent adventures outside the pocket have taken their toll as he is in concussion protocol and officially listed as questionable. If he’s not available, at least backup Matthew Caldwell has had some success in his limited snaps. The Vanderbilt defense, coming off a strong outing against Missouri, is led by DB C.J. Heard and LB Bryan Longwell.
Why it could disappoint: We suspect this might look a lot like Vanderbilt’s most recent outing, a tough slog against Missouri that was challenging to behold through most of it. But the dramatic finish was the payoff, and there will likely be more fourth-quarter intrigue here.
No. 16 Cincinnati at No. 24 Utah
Time/TV: 10:15 p.m. ET, ESPN.
Why watch: Nearly forgotten after an opening loss to Nebraska, Cincinnati has rattled off seven wins in a row and played itself into the thick of the Big 12 title picture. After this week the Bearcats will only have to leave home one more time, so a victory here in SLC would be huge. The Utes would need a lot of help to win the league but hope to at least stay within shouting distance. Cincinnati QB Brendan Sorsby has tossed 20 TDs with just one pick, spreading the wealth among WRs Cyrus Allen and Caleb Goodie and TE Joe Royer. They’ll give Utes LB Johnathan Hall and DB Jackson Bennee a lot of responsibilities. Utah QB Devon Dampier was fortunately not needed as he sat out last week’s victory against Colorado with an ankle injury. IF he is not ready to return, the team will have confidence in backup Byrd Ficklin after his solid outing. Either signal caller must steer clear of Bearcats’ LB Jake Golday.
Why it could disappoint: A couple scenarios come to mind. The Bearcats could struggle with the lengthy travel and unaccustomed altitude, or the Utes’ offense could bog down as it did in their blowout loss to Texas Tech. But hopefully a #Big12AfterDark shootout will unfold, and viewers will have a reason to take advantage of the extra hour on ‘fall back’ night.
No. 18 Oklahoma at No. 14 Tennessee
Time/TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC.
Why watch: The SEC nightcap is in effect a playoff eliminator. A three-loss team wouldn’t be automatically disqualified from at-large consideration, but the loser here would face an uphill climb to get back to the top 12. Sooners QB John Mateer is still trying to regain his passing touch since returning from a hand injury, but the Vols’ secondary hasn’t exactly been airtight. A good push up front from DTs Joshua Josephs and Donovan Bailey would help them out. Tennessee QB Joey Aguilar, with help from RBs DeSean Bishop and Star Thomas, haven’t been easy to stop either. But the OU defense, featuring LB Kip Lewis and DE R Mason Thomas, surrenders just 12.5 points a game.
Why it could disappoint: It probably won’t – Tennessee’s games have tended to be close. But it’s possible that either the strength-against-strength confrontation when the Vols have the ball or the less accomplished pairing when the Sooners have possession will prove to be a mismatch. But a mismatch which way? That is hard to predict.
No. 23 Navy at North Texas
Time/TV: noon ET, ESPN2.
Why watch: The Midshipmen are riding a 10-game winning streak dating back to last season, but they embark on a treacherous November slate against the upper echelons of the American, with the annual Notre Dame showdown thrown in there as well. Up first are the Mean Green, who bounced back nicely from their lone loss against South Florida with a couple of 50+-point outings to stay in the championship hunt. This game features two of the nation’s most explosive offenses, both averaging in the neighborhood of seven yards per snap. Driving the ship for Navy is QB Blake Horvath, who has 12 TDs by land and another seven by air. When he doesn’t take it himself, the ball usually wins up with RB Alex Tecza or SB Eli Heidenreich. North Texas will counter with QB Drew Mestemaker, who has 21 scoring throws and just four picks. His top weapons are WR Wyatt Young and RB Caleb Hawkins. The defenses will have their hands full, but names you’ll likely hear a lot include Navy LB MarcAnthony Parker and Mean Green LB Shane Whitter.
Why it could disappoint: Hopefully it won’t and we’ll get the entertaining track meet these potent offenses promise. But neither team can afford turnovers, as getting stops to assist a multi-score comeback will be difficult.
No. 15 Virginia at California
Time/TV: 3:45 p.m. ET, ESPN2.
Why watch: The Cavaliers found overtime magic for the third time this season to maintain, barely, their place in the ACC driver’s seat. They now take their turn to visit the league’s new Bay Area outpost, where the Golden Bears have already shown they’re more than capable of causing chaos. Cal QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele isn’t afraid to sling it around, though protecting him has been a problem. That could mean a big day for UVa DE Daniel Rickert. Cavs QB Chandler Morris and RB J’Mari Taylor lead a balanced attack, but Morris would do well not to challenge Bears CB Hezekiah Masses, who has swiped a league-high four passes.
Why it could disappoint: How could it? Virginia games have been wild rides all season. The Golden Bears have been involved in some lopsided affairs, but most of their ACC contests have been within a score. Buckle up and enjoy.
No. 13 Texas Tech at Kansas State
Time/TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, Fox.
Why watch: The Red Raiders took a hit a couple weeks ago at Arizona State. They’re now more than a little banged up as they head to the Little Apple, where the Wildcats still have hope of salvaging their season after a disappointing start. Texas Tech QB Will Hammond sustained a season-ending knee injury in last week’s Oklahoma State win, but the good news for the Red Raiders is regular starter Behren Morton is ready to return. RB Cameron Dickey will also get opportunities to exploit K-State’s leaky ground defense. Wildcats QB Avery Johnson’s play has likewise been uneven this fall, though he has only been intercepted twice. RB Dylan Edwards remains sidelined with a foot issue, so Joe Jackson must lend as many tough ground yards as he can.
Why it could disappoint: We’ll likely know early on if it will. If the Red Raiders can take the home crowd out of it with a couple quick scores, it will probably be safe to look in on other viewing options in this window. But if the Wildcats are also able to move the ball, you’ll want to stick around.
Southern California at Nebraska
Time/TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBC.
Why watch: We’re stepping outside the Top 25 for this one, but it might turn out to be the most consequential matchup of the day in the Big Ten. The participants themselves are clinging to long-shot playoff hopes, but past and future opponents of both squads will also have interest in the outcome. After a rough outing at Minnesota, Cornhuskers QB Dylan Raiola and RB Emmett Johnson delivered a clutch drive to get by Northwestern. The Trojans haven’t lacked scoring punch even in their losses with QB Jayden Maiava and WR Makai Lemon able to strike at any time, but getting needed defensive stops on the road remains an issue for the program.
Why it could disappoint: Nebraska’s offensive inconsistencies could show up again, but given USC’s defensive shortcomings this is more likely to be a back-and-forth affair. Dare we say the sneaky-good game of the night? It’s possible.