Ranking the Top 10 College Football Matchups to Circle in October
Grant White
Host · Writer
1. Week 8 - Georgia Bulldogs vs Texas Longhorns
Week 8 is shaping up to be the most important week of the season for a lot of teams, including the Georgia Bulldogs and Texas Longhorns. Texas has steamrolled the competition thus far but has yet to face a championship-caliber team like the Bulldogs. Moreover, Georgia can't afford another slip-up if it hopes to make the CFP for the third time in four years. This appointment viewing for even the most casual fan.
National Championship Odds: Georgia +550, Texas +500
10. Week 6 - Missouri Tigers vs Texas A&M Aggies
Week 6's matchup between the Missouri Tigers and Texas A&M Aggies could be a turning point in both programs' seasons. The Tigers still need to prove they are deserving of their top-ten ranking. Likewise, Texas A&M has been a fringe Top 25 team but still has championship aspirations.
National Championship Odds: Missouri +6000, Texas A&M +10000
9. Week 9 - Oklahoma Sooners vs Ole Miss Rebels
As it stands, the Oklahoma Sooners and Ole Miss Rebels showdown in Week 9 could be the last time either team ranks among the top 25 teams in the country. Both teams have already suffered uncharacteristic losses, and as we'll see, they have more meaningful games before they clash at the end of October.
National Championship Odds: Oklahoma +17000, Ole Miss +2000
8. Week 7 - Ole Miss Rebels vs LSU Tigers
Two losses isn't going to cut it in today's SEC. The Ole Miss Rebels can't afford another slip-up in conference play and desperately need to escape Death Valley with a win. Coming off a bye, the LSU Tigers will be well-rested and ready to prove their worth as a legitimate National Championship contender.
National Championship Odds: Ole Miss +2000, LSU +6000
7. Week 9 - Boise State Broncos vs UNLV Rebels
A rematch of last year's Mountain West Championship Game, the UNLV Rebels host the Boise State Broncos in Week 9 with revenge on the mind. More importantly, it's foreshadowing which team has the advantage in terms of snagging the 12th seed in the expanded College Football Playoff.
National Championship Odds: Boise State +20000, UNLV +50000
6. Week 7 - Texas Longhorns vs Oklahoma Sooners
The Red River Rivalry. A date that's circled at the start of the season, the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners get down to business at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. Always energetic and typically high-scoring, this would be the feather in either program's playoff hat before heading into the stretch drive.
National Championship Odds: Texas +500, Oklahoma +17000
5. Week 7 - Penn State Nittany Lions vs USC Trojans
The Penn State Nittany Lions and USC Trojans are trying to prove they are deserving of a berth in the College Football Playoff. Conceivably, one of these programs could make the 12-team bracket without playing their way into the Big Ten Championship game. Arguably, this will be the Trojans' last chance to prove they are worthy of the spot.
National Championship Odds: Penn State +1800, USC +4000
4. Week 7 - Ohio State Buckeyes vs Oregon Ducks
The winner of Week 7's showdown between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks virtually guarantees themselves a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game. This is one of two marquee showdowns left on both teams' schedules, and we expect both teams to be at their best with so much at stake.
National Championship Odds: Ohio State +370, Oregon +1000
3. Week 8 - Miami Hurricanes vs Louisville Cardinals
The Lousiville Cardinals' playoff hopes were dealt a significant blow after Week 5's loss to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. That means they need to make the most of their remaining schedule, including a trip to the ACC Championship Game. A win over the Miami Hurricanes in Week 8 moves the Cardinals one step closer to the ultimate goal.
National Championship Odds: Miami +1800, Louisville +25000
2. Week 8 - Alabama Crimson Tide vs Tennessee Volunteers
The Alabama Crimson Tide have cemented themselves as the SEC frontrunner after their monumental win over the Georgia Bulldogs. Bama gets to take its foot off the gas for a couple of weeks before embarking on a crucial trip to Knoxville. The Tennessee Volunteers are in the midst of another banner year, and could cement themselves as National Championship contenders with a win.
National Championship Odds: Alabama +370, Tennessee +1000
1. Week 8 - Georgia Bulldogs vs Texas Longhorns
Week 8 is shaping up to be the most important week of the season for a lot of teams, including the Georgia Bulldogs and Texas Longhorns. Texas has steamrolled the competition thus far but has yet to face a championship-caliber team like the Bulldogs. Moreover, Georgia can't afford another slip-up if it hopes to make the CFP for the third time in four years. This appointment viewing for even the most casual fan.
National Championship Odds: Georgia +550, Texas +500
10. Week 6 - Missouri Tigers vs Texas A&M Aggies
Week 6's matchup between the Missouri Tigers and Texas A&M Aggies could be a turning point in both programs' seasons. The Tigers still need to prove they are deserving of their top-ten ranking. Likewise, Texas A&M has been a fringe Top 25 team but still has championship aspirations.
National Championship Odds: Missouri +6000, Texas A&M +10000
