The warm September air is starting to transition to a cool, crisp October breeze. And with it, the beginning of the heart of conference play in the power 4. Teams are about to find out what they’re truly made of as they clash with conference rivals, along with the chance to separate themselves from the rest of the pack.
Today you have key top 25 matchups around the nation and we’re going to talk about who will role and who better keep their heads on a swivel.
- Ohio State (3-1) vs. Iowa (4-0), 3:30 CBS. Without a doubt the biggest match up the day, the buckeyes roll into Iowa city with a chip on their shoulder, but don’t tell that to the Hawkeyes, as they’re feeling the disrespect as well. The Hawks are currently 4-0, and after an incredible last second win in the big house against Michigan, they feel like they can beat anyone. The last time Iowa defeated the buckeyes was in 2017, as the drubbed the bucks 55-24 in Iowa City. The Buckeyes have won the last two meetings (2022 and 2024). This season, the Hawks have the #1 scoring defense in the nation. Meanwhile, the buckeyes have the #6 scoring offense in the nation. What does this mean? I think you’re going to see a low scoring game, with Iowa looking to control the clock with their run game so that they can keep the buckeyes offense on the sideline. You will also see the Hawks double team Jeremiah Smith, which means the buckeyes will lean heavily on their ground game, giving the ball to sophomore back Bo Jackson. This has all the makings of an upset. Who can run the ball and who can stop the run? Tune in at 3:30 on CBS!
2. Vanderbilt (3-1) vs. (4-0) Georgia, 12:45 SEC Network. The bulldogs have been taking care of every team so far on their schedule without breaking a sweat. They might have the most complete team in the nation, as they have been scoring at will on offense and have shutdown teams on defense so far this season. Meanwhile the Commodores have been sufficient in their own right, with offense lead by true freshman Quarterback Jared Curtis, who is from the Nashville area, actually committed to the bulldogs before switching to Vandy right before signing day last year. I don’t think it matters where this game is played, whether in Athens, GA or Athens, Greece, the bulldogs look to be a team on mission this year, and I look for them to roll and take care of the Commodores today.
3. Alabama (4-0) vs. Mississippi St. (4-0), Noon ABC. I honestly think this should be a night game because they’re both undefeated and both teams have looked really good this year. I’ve really been impressed with the bulldogs QB Kamario Taylor. He’s thrown for 1,192 yards, 14 touchdowns, and only 2 picks. He is playing like a veteran and looks to be making a case for the Heisman. Coach Lebby has done an amazing job putting Kamario and the offense in position to win each week. The challenge today is to keep the Alabama defense on their toes, control the clock, and make big plays. I think they keep this game really close. Trap game for Bama!
4. Miami (4-0) vs. Clemson (3-1), 7:30 ABC. Death Valley will be rocking tonight as “the U’ comes to Clemson for an ACC showdown. The Hurricanes are one of the best teams in the nation, and like Georgia, are a complete football team. Cane Quarterback Darian Mensah has been very efficient, throwing for 1,211 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. All-American wide receiver Malachi Toney is averaging 16.6 a catch! NFL scouts are licking their chops watching this young mans film. Meanwhile the Tigers have found an offense under freshman Quarterback Tait Reynolds, who has looked sharp since taking over the snaps. He will need to be on point tonight as the Hurricanes bring in the #2 defense in the nation. For the Tigers to do the unthinkable, they need to run the ball and control the clock. It will be a tall order.
5. BYU (3-0) vs. TCU (2-2), 7:00 ESPN. The Horn Frogs look to be a team that needs to learn to finish games, as they have loss two close games (UNC and UCF) by a touchdown or less. They have had issues getting the ground game going, and BYU brings in a tough run defense. Junior running back Jeremy Payne averages 4.9 yards a carry but only has 2 touchdowns so far this season. Can they turn it around in Fort Worth today?
6. Navy (1-2) vs. Air Force (2-1), Noon CBS. The first game of the commander-in-chief trophy should be a good one, as the Falcons look to get revenge on the Midshipmen of the Naval Academy after last years close loss, 34-31. The Falcons upset Nevada last week and Navy has had issues in the secondary. Look for Air Force to expose Navy’s lackluster defense.
7. Florida (4-0) vs. Missouri (3-1), 3:30 ABC. The gators are on cloud nine after knocking off Ole Miss last week, 52-28. Now they go on the road against a very good Missouri defense. Look for the Tigers to bring pressure on Aaron Philo, which should open up the ground game. Buster Faulkner will draw up redirections and draws against the Tiger defense.
8. Notre Dame (4-0) vs. North Carolina (2-1), Noon ESPN. The Irish come to Chapel Hill with a solid ground game and under hyped defense. The Tar Heels have a better offense this year but I don’t see them able to move the ball against this tough Irish D.
It’s October, the weather is cooler, and the leaves are changing. It’s time to settle in and turn on some football! Enjoy the games, folks.
