College football Week 10 games to watch include Ohio State-Penn State

All plays are important in college football, but some are more equal than others. As always, we’re here to help you choose the ones that matter most to your viewing pleasure, and there’s no shortage of options as the calendar turns to November.

The Week 10 selection includes two matches between ranked opponents. One of them is the highly anticipated battle of the top five contenders that has been on the radar since the campaign began, and the other is a completely unpredictable top 20 race in the ACC. Some of the other major competitions from all the power conferences are also on the menu. Let’s dive right in, shall we?

No. 4 Ohio State, No. 3 Penn State

Time/TV: noon ET, Fox.

Why watch: The week’s clear headliner features a pair of Big Ten contenders facing big questions. The Nittany Lions hope to slay the Ohio State dragon for the first time since 2016, but it’s a game. Buckeyes They must have if they want to stay in the conference title hunt. The Buckeyes survived their first matchup since a one-point loss at Oregon, but Result vs Nebraska This was not at all believable as Ohio State trailed in the fourth quarter and QB Will Howard and the offense struggled to find a rhythm. He still has flashy weapons like WRs Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka, but DB Jaylen Reed and the Penn State secondary are terrific. Nittany Lions’ biggest concern QB Drew Allar’s healthHe left last week’s game in Wisconsin with a knee injury before halftime. His status will be a real game-time decision, but substitute Beau Pribula’s ability to get through the second half will give the team confidence if he is needed again. Quarterbacks like RB Kaytron Allen and TE Tyler Warren will also help, but Buckeyes DBs Sonny Styles and Caleb Downs are sure to get more attention as well.

Why it might be disappointing: As we said, both teams have concerns. OSU’s inability to run the ball consistently could be a sign of trouble. On the other hand, it’s fair to wonder if the Nittany Lions can be successful enough offensively if Allar is unavailable. From a neutral perspective, this could mean we’re in a defensive war, but it could also translate into high tension throughout.

No. 17 Pittsburgh, No. 20 SMU

Time/TV: 20:00 ET, ACCN.

Why watch: A big day in the ACC culminates in a seeding matchup between two of the four teams that have yet to lose in league play. The Panthers are coming off a few more days of rest after last Thursday night’s demolition of Syracuse; The Mustangs, on the other hand, are happy to return home after narrowly avoiding the comedy of errors at Duke. If SMU QB Kevin Jennings can move on from his injury scare, he’ll need to be a little more careful with the ball after committing six turnovers a week ago. A repeat performance certainly wouldn’t bode well for the Panthers, who converted five interceptions into three sixes in their last outing. When the Mustangs get the ball in the right hands, it usually belongs to RB Brashard Smith, who needs to know Pitt LB Kyle Louis. Panthers QB Eli Holstein didn’t have to do much against the Orange with the defense providing most of the scoring, but he’s still throwing for 258.3 yards per game. Wherever the ball goes, he can expect to find Mustangs DB Isaiah Nwokobia.

Why it might be disappointing: It shouldn’t be. Pitt’s penchant for fourth-quarter heroics and the Mustangs’ scrappiness should keep things interesting, but SMU will need a successful early drive or two if QB Preston Stone is pressed into service.

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No. 11 Texas A&M at South Carolina

Time/TV: 7:30 PM ET, ABC.

Why watch: Aggies stand alone at the top of the SEC and have the inside track to the championship game. But this trip east could be more treacherous than it seems, as the Gamecocks knocked off both LSU and Alabama in one fell swoop. Texas A&M coach Mike Elko may have a QB conundrum on his hands, but dual-threat Marcel Reed seems likely to be the primary option moving forward after leading last week’s rally against LSU in relief of Conner Weigman. DB Nick Emmanwori and the South Carolina defense feel like they need to be better prepared to run option reads, but they also need to keep an eye on the workforce Aggies RB Le’Veon Moss. The Gamecocks could also turn things around at QB, but LaNorris Sellers gets most of the shots, with veteran Robby Ashford stepping in when needed. They will face the Aggies’ loaded defense anchored by DB Dalton Brooks.

Why it might be disappointing: It’s possible the Aggies could find some extra gear as they embrace their league-leading position. But evidence suggests the talent gap is not that wide. If the Gamecocks make noise early, they’ll be in this until the end.

No. 2 Georgia vs. Florida

Time/TV: 3:30 PM ET, ABC.

Why watch: The Cocktail Party didn’t look very appealing a few weeks ago, given Florida’s early struggles. However Gators rally to win three of their last four gamesTennessee’s lone loss comes in overtime. Florida also dealt hard blows to a Kentucky team that nearly knocked off the Bulldogs earlier this season, but Georgia has looked much stronger of late. Freshman QB DJ Lagway provided a spark for crocodiles Since replacing the injured Graham Mertz. But he’ll be busy dealing with LB Jalon Walker and the Georgia passing offense that was last seen making life miserable for the Texas offense a few weeks ago. Bulldogs QB Carson Beck has his own issues with ball security at times, and Florida DL Tyreak Sapp will lead the effort to induce errors.

Why it might be disappointing: Unlike Ohio State, Georgia couldn’t dominate the field like recent championship teams have been able to do. If that changes, there’s probably nothing the Gators can do. But if Florida’s run defense holds up, things may be tighter than Bulldogs fans would like.

No. 1 Oregon in Michigan

Time/TV: 3:30 PM ET, CBS.

Why watch: Only spoilers can play out the rest of the way as the defending Big Ten and national champion Wolverines begin the brutal close of November. First up are the top-seeded Ducks, who have been nothing short of dominant Since passing on Ohio State To get the title of favorite of the league. The Oregon backfield duo of QB Dillon Gabriel and RB Jordan James can be nearly unstoppable when their blockers get going, but LB Ernest Hausmann and the Michigan defensive front can at least slow them down for overtime. The Wolverines’ work continues on the offensive end; Davis Warren and Alex Orji rotate at QB. However, the downfield passing threat is limited, which will allow DBs Tysheem Johnson and Kobe Savage to help with run support.

Why it might be disappointing: Honestly, I’ll be pleasantly surprised if it doesn’t happen. The Wolverines’ defense is solid but can’t last all day. Once the Ducks have a multi-score advantage, it will be time to turn off the lights.

Duke, No. 5 In Miami (Fla.)

Time/TV: noon ET, ABC.

Why watch: The ACC heat begins with this clash in the Sunshine State, where Duke coach Manny Diaz takes on his old school. It almost became a showdown for part of the conference leader, but Blue Devils They fell one point short against SMU last week. The Hurricanes have had their share of close finishes, but they managed to shake off Florida State with little drama in their most recent outing. Miami QB Cam Ward is front and center in the Heisman conversation, with over 343 yards passing per game on 24 TD carries. But he’s taking a risk and could make Duke DB Chandler Rivers pay for it if he tries to get the ball to his favorite WR Xavier Restrepo. Blue Devils QB Maalik Murphy isn’t as productive in the aerial game, but he gets good ground support from RB Star Thomas. DL Simeon Barrow will lead the charge on a Miami defense that is averaging over three sacks per game.

Why it might be disappointing: Duke’s inability to make money on all of these takeaways was due in part to problems in the kicking game. It’s not all about Todd Pelino, as there are guard issues as well. However, it is not possible for the Blue Devils to afford to leave points on the field again. Ward has been better at ball security lately, so Duke shouldn’t count on another wave of turnovers.

Texas Tech at No. 10 Iowa State

Time/TV: 3:30 PM ET, ESPN.

Why watch: We’ll wrap up the preview with a look at the Big 12. hurricanes We have a clear path to the championship game, but we don’t get weeks off during a long November. It starts with a house date Red RaidersThose who were in the conference a few weeks ago but now come to Ames with a two-game series. Iowa State QB Rocco Becht was last seen running the game-winning tackle against Central Florida two weeks ago. He will look to take advantage of a leaky TTU defense that allowed 6.6 yards per snap. The offense holds the Red Raiders on most plays, with QB Behren Morton at the controls. But his job looks set to be tougher against the Big 12’s stingiest passing defense, anchored by Cyclones DB Malik Verdon.

Why it might be disappointing: Texas Tech will probably have to make this a track meet. We’ve seen this happen where Iowa State is involved, but the Hurricanes look better equipped to hold on to the lead. If Iowa State’s ground game is working, the Red Raiders may not have any answers.