College Football Playoff contenders beware -- Week 7 is potentially hair-raising across the top 25. We're putting five top-12 teams, including a couple of unbeatens, on upset alert this week given the stakes and quality of opponents the favorites must play. Demanding schedules in the SEC and Big Ten are just beginning, and Notre Dame's quest for perfection is underway as the Fighting Irish play the first of three ranked teams down the stretch.
Several elite teams are walking into spots that could spark panic against programs hungry to further their national significance. Our latest predictions tackle the weekend's biggest showdowns and potential surprises, with top-10 teams facing tests that could make their current spot in the AP poll look generous by Sunday morning. Cougars coach Kalani Sitake said the Fighting Irish reached out last December to ask for this game after the Notre Dame-USC series was put on hold, and for that, he's extremely thankful.
It's a win-win for Notre Dame, too, thanks to a chance to beef up its resume before playing Miami and SMU in November. BYU is 47-16 at LaVell Edwards Stadium under Sitake, including 26 wins in its last 32 home games. Saturday night's showdown with Notre Dame marks the program's first home matchup with a fellow top-10 team in program history.
The setting is ripe if Bear Bachmeier and the offense can deliver with LJ Martin in the backfield. Notre Dame hasn't been tested during this current 16-game winning streak dating back to last season, but that changes in Week 7. This isn't the spot Tennessee wanted to catch its rival.
The Vols will surely have Alabama's undivided attention following last week's controversial loss to Georgia and the lingering memories of Kalen DeBoer's last trip to Neyland Stadium — a 24-17 setback in 2024. In fact, Tennessee has beaten Alabama the last two times these two have played in Knoxville on The Third Saturday in October. Tennessee coach Josh Heupel was vague Monday when asked about his intentions at quarterback this week after George MacIntyre started the Vols' Week 6 win at Arkansas due to an injury to Faizon Brandon.
Is the freshman Brandon, the more dynamic option, back and ready to perform? That's what Kane Wommack and Alabama's defensive staff are hoping to learn more about with the arrival of updated injury reports, Wednesday through Friday. One thing Alabama can expect is a steady dose of DeSean Bishop.
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