The first College Football Playoff rankings are out and the storylines are starting to narrow in focus. But even as the number of contenders begin to dwindle, we are still looking at one of the most wide open and competitive groups of potential playoff teams we’ve seen in years. Fans who have complained about getting the same old teams every year should be thrilled at the way this college football season is shaping up and this weekend’s slate of games benefit from all the parity we’re seeing. From a colossal No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup to a Group of 5 spoiler trying to make a splash against Power 5 school, Week 10 has plenty to offer. Pull up some couch.
Arkansas vs. Liberty (4:00 p.m. ET on SEC Network)
Favorite: Arkansas (-13.5)
After a 7-1 start, Liberty did their best to try and lock up Hugh Freeze with a new contract but everybody knows the former Ole Miss coach is looking for his shot at Power 5 redemption and he won’t likely get a bigger stage than this. After hitting some rough patches, the Razorbacks delivered a dominating win on the road against Auburn last week and now host one of the most dangerous Group of 5 teams with a coach looking to audition for some huge job openings. A sneakily high-stakes game.
Notre Dame vs. No. 4 Clemson (7:30 p.m. ET on NBC)
Favorite: Clemson (-4)
Dabo Swinney’s Tigers remain undefeated but by the skin of their teeth and it feels like every week America is waiting on pins and needles to see this Clemson team finally slip up. A trip to Notre Dame could be just the ticket as the Irish have settled down and bounced back after a rough start to the season. Do the Irish have the defensive toughness and offensive explosiveness needed to finally be the ones to knock off this seemingly shaky Clemson squad?
No. 13 Kansas State vs. No. 24 Texas (7 p.m. ET on FS1)
Favorite: Texas (-2.5)
Another week, another fantastic matchup in the Big 12 as the country’s most exciting conference continues to deliver on the drama. This week the game to watch involves Kansas State trying to stay in the mix for the conference title after a loss to TCU last week while Texas is looking for an opportunity to work their way back into contention.
No. 10 LSU vs. No. 6 Alabama (7 ET on ESPN)
Favorite: Alabama (-13)
The game that will likely decide the SEC West. Nothing new for Bama vs. LSU but not many predicted this LSU team would be in this spot in its first year under Brian Kelly. Both teams are coming off bye weeks, giving Bryce Young more time to recover from his shoulder injury and more time for the entire Crimson Tide offense to try and find its identity after a shaky October. A win here at home for LSU would cement Kelly as part of the family.
No. 3 Georgia vs. No. 1 Tennessee (3:30 p.m. ET on CBS)
Favorite: Georgia (-8)
The biggest game of the year in the SEC so far. No. 1 vs. No. 3, the surging challenger against the defending national champions. Tennessee has passed test after test this season but playing on the road at Georgia after four straight weeks of football without a break might be their biggest challenge yet. Are we ready for a changing of the guard in the SEC East?
