The calendar has flipped to November, and in the world of college football, that means it’s time for the games to get real. Week 10 brings a stacked slate of pivotal matchups that will have major implications on conference title races and the College Football Playoff picture. Headlined by a titanic Big Ten clash between Ohio State and Penn State, this Saturday promises to be a whirlwind from noon till night.
Ohio State Faces Resurgent Penn State in Marquee Matchup
The fourth-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes roll into Happy Valley for a date with No. 3 Penn State in a game dripping with playoff implications. The Nittany Lions have been on the short end of this rivalry in recent years, but they’re riding high after knocking off Michigan last week. A whiteout crowd will be rocking as Penn State looks to announce its return to the nation’s elite.
This is the kind of game you come to Penn State for. To have the opportunity to play in front of a sold-out crowd, against a great opponent, with so much on the line—it doesn’t get any better than that.
– Penn State Head Coach James Franklin
But the Buckeyes present the biggest challenge yet for a resurgent Penn State program. Ohio State boasts one of the most explosive offenses in the country, led by Heisman candidate quarterback Will Howard and his array of speedy playmakers. The matchup to watch will be that Buckeye passing game against a stingy Penn State secondary that leads the nation in interceptions.
Can the Nittany Lions’ Running Game Control the Clock?
For Penn State to spring the upset, they’ll need a big day from their ground attack to keep Ohio State’s offense off the field. The bruising duo of Noah Harvey and Frederick Davis will look to soften up the Buckeye front seven and open up play-action opportunities for quarterback Drew Allar, who is a game-time decision with a knee injury. If Allar can’t go, backup Beau Pribula showed last week that he’s capable of efficiently moving the chains.
Ohio State’s O-Line Injuries a Concern
The biggest question mark for Ohio State comes on the offensive line, where they’ll be without left tackle Josh Simmons. His absence was felt in last week’s narrow escape against Nebraska, as the Buckeye run game sputtered outside of a couple chunk plays. Penn State’s run defense ranks second nationally in rushing success rate allowed, so it could be tough sledding once again for TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins if the Buckeye line can’t generate a push.
We know we need to be better up front. [Offensive line coach Joe Elinger] challenged us this week to get back to the Buckeye standard in the run game and we’re excited for the opportunity to prove ourselves against an elite defense.
– Ohio State Center Brandon Stevens
This one has all the makings of an instant classic under the lights at Beaver Stadium. Will the Buckeyes solidify their status as a playoff frontrunner, or can the Nittany Lions ride a whiteout wave to a season-defining win? No matter the outcome, the reverberations from this heavyweight fight will be felt across the sport.
Road Tests Loom for College Football’s Elite
While Ohio State-Penn State deservedly takes center stage, four other top-15 teams face tricky tests away from home in Week 10:
- No. 10 Texas A&M at South Carolina: The Aggies are riding high after stunning LSU, but the Gamecocks have an elite pass rush that could give Conner Weigman trouble.
- No. 13 Indiana at Michigan State: Are the 8-0 Hoosiers for real? A trip to East Lansing will reveal whether their magical run has staying power.
- No. 1 Oregon at Michigan: The defending champs may be 5-3 but have the physicality to make the high-flying Ducks uncomfortable.
- No. 2 Georgia vs Florida in Jacksonville: The Gators gave Georgia a scare last year and will be eager to spring an upset that could save their season.
ACC Coastal Chaos Continues
Just when we thought the Coastal Division race was sorting itself out, Pitt and SMU decided to crank the chaos meter up to 11. The 19th-ranked Panthers welcome No. 20 SMU to Heinz Field in a game that will go a long way towards determining the division champion. Both teams are led by exciting dual-threat QBs in Pitt’s Eli Holsten and SMU’s Kevin Jennings, so expect fireworks in the Steel City.
Meanwhile, Clemson and Miami both face stiff division tests of their own. The Tigers host a Louisville squad that plays them tough every year, while the resurgent Hurricanes welcome an always-pesky Duke team to South Beach. With four teams still lurking within striking distance, the Coastal crown remains very much up for grabs.
Big 12 Powers Square Off
While its regional rivals generate more buzz, the Big 12 has quietly put together a compelling conference title race of its own. Undefeated BYU and Iowa State sit atop the standings and both enjoy a Week 10 bye, but Kansas State can draw even with a win over upstart Houston. The Wildcats have weathered some close calls to run their win streak to five, and their physical run game will provide a stern test for the Cougars’ resurgent defense.
| Team | Big 12 Record | Week 10 Opponent |
| BYU | 5-0 | BYE |
| Iowa State | 5-0 | BYE |
| Kansas State | 4-1 | @ Houston |
| Colorado | 3-1 | BYE |
With four teams still in the mix and some huge head-to-head matchups looming, the Big 12 race promises to go down to the wire. Will we see a surprise contender emerge from the fray?
Week 10 Storylines to Watch
- Can Clemson’s defense get back on track against Louisville’s high-powered attack?
- Will DJ Lagway’s emergence breathe life into Florida’s season against Georgia?
- Is Washington State a legit Pac-12 contender? They can prove it against USC.
- Hugh Freeze looks to continue his mastery over Vanderbilt as Auburn hosts the Commodores.
Week 10 represents the calm before the November storm, but there are more than enough compelling clashes to whet our appetite for the chaos to come. The playoff picture will come into clearer focus after Saturday’s action, but if the first two months of the season are any indication, we should expect the unexpected. Buckle up and enjoy the ride!
