For the first time all season, multiple top-10 teams lost last week, creating some separation for the first time among the very large group of College Football Playoff contenders. We’re guaranteed to see at least one more top-10 team lose this week, and thanks to a few tough matchups, we could see more.
As we embark upon the second half of the college football season, the frequency of games with far-reaching implications for the College Football Playoff is starting to pick up. Meanwhile, some of the biggest names in the sport could be just a loss or two away from being on the hot seat.
Where should you focus your attention this weekend? We’ve narrowed it down to the five games most worthy of your time in our weekly ranking of the most watchable matchups.
5
No. 19 Tennessee vs. Texas A&M (Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS)
Favorite: Tennessee -3.5
Neither team in this matchup has had the season it was hoping for thus far but neither has time to feel sorry either. With Alabama and Georgia still ahead for Tennessee, this game feels like a huge opportunity to pick up a much-needed conference win. Meanwhile, the Aggies are still reeling from last week’s missed opportunity against Alabama. Back-to-back losses might set off some intriguing phone calls in the Texas A&M booster community…
4
Air Force vs. Wyoming (Saturday, 7 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network)
Favorite: Air Force -10.5
Wyoming is coming off one of its biggest wins in modern history and has no time to celebrate as it now heads to undefeated Air Force, which boasts one of the most brutally stingy defenses in college football this season. The winner of this game will be well-positioned for not just a Mountain West title but a potential New Year’s Six spot.
3
No. 15 Oregon State vs. No.18 UCLA (Saturday, 8 p.m. ET on Fox)
Favorite: Oregon State -3.5
The Pac-12 continues to be astoundingly entertaining and competitive in the final year of its current lineup, and this game features two of the biggest surprises in the conference. Oregon State has rebounded nicely since losing that nail-biter to Washington State, while UCLA’s defense powered it to an upset victory over Wazzu last week. A fun mid-season showdown between two programs playing some of the best football we’ve seen from either in at least the past decade.
2
No. 12 Notre Dame vs. No. 10 USC (Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC)
Favorite: Notre Dame -3
The very stoppable force versus the extremely movable object. Notre Dame’s underwhelming offense has caught the blame for the Fighting Irish’s two losses this season, but they now find themselves in the enviable position of going up against USC’s defense, perhaps the most hapless unit on any top-10 team in college football this season. The other side of the ball should actually provide some fascinating and elite football, as Notre Dame’s defense will provide a huge test for Caleb Williams and the Trojan offense.
1
No. 7 Washington vs. No. 8 Oregon (Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC)
Favorite: Washington -3
A potential preview of the Pac-12 championship game. A battle between two Heisman Trophy-contending quarterbacks. The final Pac-12 meeting between two future Big Ten rivals. The drama heading into this game can’t be overstated, and we can’t wait to watch every snap.
