October is a pivotal month for potential College Football Playoff contenders as conference races intensify. With quality nonconference matchups in the rearview mirror and an epic SEC battle between Georgia and Alabama to kick off the season, October promises to separate the true contenders from the rest of the pack.
This week, let’s delve into the four types of games that will shape the month and determine the fate of CFP hopefuls. From matchups with massive implications to potential elimination games, October is where dreams are made or shattered.
GO DEEPER
Is Alabama a lock? Who’s rising and falling in the College Football Playoff race
Games with Massive Implications
Ohio State at Oregon, Oct. 12
Georgia at Texas, Oct. 19
These matchups are not just about CFP implications but also about conference supremacy. Ohio State faces off against Oregon, a rematch of their 2021 clash, while Georgia looks to rebound against Texas after a tough loss to Alabama. Both games have the potential to shake up the CFP landscape and set the tone for the rest of the season.
GO DEEPER
Big Ten superlatives: MVP player? Which undefeated team will crack first?
Other key matchups include Oklahoma vs. Texas, Penn State at USC, Alabama at Tennessee, and Missouri at Alabama.
Boise State has high hopes to win the Mountain West behind the nation’s leader in rushing yards and TDs: Ashton Jeanty. (Brian Losness / Imagn Images)
Sneaky Important Games
Nebraska at Indiana, Oct. 19
Boise State at UNLV, Oct. 25
Indiana and Nebraska clash in a game with potential CFP implications, while Boise State and UNLV battle it out for a spot in the Mountain West championship. These matchups might not make the headlines, but they have the potential to shape the Group of 5 CFP race.
Other games to watch include Iowa at Ohio State, Missouri at Texas A&M, Arizona at BYU, and BYU at UCF.
Possible Eliminator Games
Kansas State at Colorado, Oct. 12
Oklahoma at Ole Miss, Oct. 26
Colorado vs. Kansas State and Oklahoma vs. Ole Miss are must-watch games with elimination implications. Both matchups have the potential to knock teams out of CFP contention and reshape the playoff picture.
Other games to keep an eye on include SMU at Louisville, Utah at Arizona State, Michigan at Illinois, and LSU at Texas A&M.
GO DEEPER
Ubben: These 10 college football teams are off to a better start than expected
Upset Watch
Iowa State at West Virginia, Oct. 12
Florida State at Miami, Oct. 26
Iowa State takes on West Virginia in a classic Big 12 matchup, while Florida State looks to pull off an upset against Miami. These games have the potential to shake up the rankings and surprise fans.
Other games to watch for upsets include Pitt at North Carolina, Notre Dame vs. Georgia Tech, Auburn at Missouri, and Michigan State at Michigan.
(Top photo of Texas’ Colin Simmons and David Gbenda: David Buono / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
