Even though college football has long pushed the idea that every week counts, we all know that some weeks matter much more than others. When we see a game on ESPN or Fox between a pair of top 10 teams, we know that it’s a critical game on the slate that affects not only the teams, but the country as a whole.
Unless something goes wrong, these games are likely to have major consequences for the playoff and their respective conference races. Here’s a look at a few of the biggest games.
Sept. 9: Texas at Alabama
This game has the potential to catapult the Big 12 into the playoff picture or knock it out entirely. The Longhorns nearly tripped up Alabama in Austin last year, and there aren’t many bigger resume-boosters than walking into Tuscaloosa and taking down the Crimson Tide.
Alabama can survive a loss to Texas as long as it runs through the SEC without a loss, but it probably can’t survive two losses on the year. The loser will have a hard path back.
Sept. 23: Ohio State at Notre Dame
This is Notre Dame’s chance to get into the conversation. The Irish have the schedule to make a run at the playoff, as they’ll see Ohio State, USC and Clemson before the year’s out. Realistically, they can lose no more than one to have a chance, and the one probably can’t be Ohio State. The Irish couldn’t get going on offense last year in Columbus, but this year’s attack should be much stronger. The Buckeyes are lacking experience but talented as always. This marks their first real test.
Sept. 23: Florida State at Clemson
This is contingent on the Seminoles surviving LSU in the opener. If they do, this might be a chance to gain an inside track on the playoff. Florida State’s back two-thirds of the slate is really soft other than visits to Wake Forest and Pittsburgh. Clemson’s schedule also isn’t particularly strong, which means neither can afford to stumble. The winner will likely arrive at the ACC title game with a win-and-in scenario for the playoff.
Nov. 11: Michigan at Penn State
Why this game, instead of Ohio State-Michigan? Because this will decide how much is on the line in Ann Arbor. Penn State’s every bit a contender for the Big Ten title, and if the Nittany Lions go through both the Buckeyes and Wolverines, the Big Game won’t mean anything for the division. If Michigan wins, it’s all set up to play for when Ohio State heads north.
Nov. 18: Georgia at Tennessee
Georgia’s schedule is so soft this year that this is an elimination game for the Dawgs. Unlike most SEC teams, Georgia can’t survive 11-1 unless it has an SEC title to back it up. Tennessee has to survive the Texas A&M-Alabama back-to-back to make this matter, but if it does, the road to Atlanta goes through Knoxville.