The good news is that the Miami Hurricanes are back on television and in primetime again. This week is the FSU game, so you know that's where the attention will be for the 7 p.m. kickoff.
But this is a massive Saturday in college football. I remember back in the day when Saturdays like this would be called "JUDGMENT WEEK" or something equally promotional. But in the world of the 12-team playoff, these games have a little more a positioning feel than an elimination feel. That being said, there is a lot to watch to lead into the latest battle for the Sunshine State, so let's check it out:
These 2 games could tell us a lot about the ACC
Virginia at No. 24 SMU (Noon; CW)
We need to see more from SMU and this is one of those funny games that the Mustangs should win, but they seem to have a history of losing. Virginia isn't particularly good, but the Cavaliers are good enough to force SMU into making some mistakes that it will have to pay for in the end.
North Carolina at Duke (3:30 p.m.; ESPN2)
The Victory Bell is kind of an interesting game this year because Duke can win its third straight against the Tar Heels and right the ship after a disappointing result against Georgia Tech. North Carolina is kind of thriving in this spoiler role and if the Tar Heels can get a couple of wins leading into their October 31 date with Miami, that game might be tricky.
2 national games and a SEC battle royal to check out
No. 4 Ohio State at No. 5 Indiana (Noon, FOX)
This is a rematch of last year's Big Ten championship and, as quiet as it's kept, a second loss puts Ohio State in a desperate state. They would still be safely in with two losses, but the Buckeyes would have to navigate the second half of their schedule without any room for error. Indiana is going for its 23rd straight win....yes, 23 straight wins at Indiana ... in football.
No. 2 Notre Dame at No. 8 BYU (7:30 p.m.; NBC)
Most of us will still be watching Miami against FSU, but if the Hurricanes are handling business like we expect, then maybe you will switch during the commercials to see the Irish and Cougars. Let's see how Notre Dame handles that crazy elevation against those 30-year-old BYU players. There's still three weeks before the Hurricanes and Irish play in South Bend, so this is a good chance to scout the opponent.
No. 16 Mississippi State at No. 22 LSU (Noon; ESPN)
No. 6 Alabama at No. 14 Tennessee (3:30 p.m.; ABC)
No. 9 Ole Miss at No. 13 Missouri (3:30 p.m.; SEC Network)
This is basically the SEC Hunger Games because, except for Alabama, none of these teams can really afford another loss. Alabama is a little different because the pollsters and committee members have long since decided that losses don't count for the Crimson Tide.
Of these six teams, at least four of them will be spending the postseason somewhere outside of the 12-tean CFP bracket, so these games really do mean more. And LSU is one more stumble away from spending New Year's at the Citrus Bowl. They tell me it's the way things are in this conference. If that's really the case, good luck!
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