November is really when the College Football Playoff race comes into focus, and it's setting up to be one of the most competitive groups ever. The first CFP Rankings dropped plenty of surprises and left some seemingly sure things on the bubble. No. 11 Notre Dame would barely be in the field today, while No. 12 Ohio State sits outside.
The committee also sent warning signs to No. 9 BYU, despite its win over the Fighting Irish. In the SEC, every week is an elimination game for teams near the top of the standings. With that in mind, here are seven games that will define the College Football Playoff race in Week 10.
This game took a major hit when wide receiver Malachi Toney was ruled out with an ankle injury, but it still ranks as a game-changing spot for both teams. Notre Dame clearly needs a win over No. 1 Miami to reach the College Football Playoff after sitting on the edge of the bubble. However, the implications for Miami are significant.
With an unimpressive schedule and only one top-25 win, the Hurricanes could easily fall from the top-ranked team to the edge of the bubble with just a single loss. The Hurricanes need to find a way. Despite beating No. 11 Notre Dame and No. 22 Arizona, BYU sits on the edge of the playoff heading into a massive game in Salt Lake City.
The Cougars' loss to UCF is hanging around their necks like an anvil, and they are likely out of the postseason if they lose to the Utes. Utah is in a prime spot at No. 3 despite only one ranked victory. The consistent dominance rates well in the advanced metrics.
However, all of that could take a major hit with a loss to BYU. With more tough games ahead, the Utes are in a big spot. The Crimson Tide are the most overranked team in the CFP Rankings by a fairly wide margin, and LSU has a shot to put them in their place during a marquee game at Death Valley.
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