Games To Watch: Week 10 CFP Run 1

Before we get ahead of ourselves with these committee playoff rankings, there's one thing to know. Remember when the committee said that UCF in Weeks 1-9 hasn't played a team with a winning record, they must've forgot about Memphis being the only winning team that the Knights played. Just wanted to make a quick note.

UPSET) #4 NOTRE DAME (8-0 OVERALL) AT NORTHWESTERN (5-3 OVERALL) - 4:15PM PT/ 7:15PM ET [ESPN]

Northwestern won the last two games against Notre Dame, but that was in 1995 and 2014. Notre Dame has won some games convincingly, but with the playoff rankings out, their schedule beefs up. Northwestern is not a team to underestimate and I saw this coming. I said this before and I’ll say this again, check out my blog on the underrated teams for Northwestern. Quarterback Clay Thorson is healthy and playing, the running backs are persevering without Justin Jackson and recently retired Jeremy Larkin, and their defense are as tough as they come. This is Notre Dame’s fourth test this season and this one is challenging. Half of the Irish’s games were close and I expect this one to be too. You’re talking about a Northwestern team that fights every game. Their three losses came at a total of 22 points. Notre Dame’s loss possibly ends their playoff run unless the committee is sensible enough to keep them on the fence.

4) #13 WEST VIRGINIA (6-1 OVERALL; 4-1 BIG 12) AT #17 TEXAS (6-2 OVERALL; 4-1 BIG 12) – 12:30PM PT/ 3:30PM ET [FOX]

Texas defeated West Virginia on the road last season. The Mountaineers don't have it easy with their three toughest games in November and every game is them walking on a thin line over a skyscraper. Texas may be out of playoff contention, but they’re alive for a conference title bid thanks to them defeating my Sooners. West Virginia bounced back after an embarrassing loss to Iowa State, but can their offense overcome Texas’ defense? Texas managed to contain Oklahoma’s offense for two and a half quarters and fight their way back against Oklahoma State despite coming up short. Texas Quarterback Sam Ehlinger endured his injury to keep this offense going. If he can fully recover as the game goes on, Texas can end West Virginia’s playoff hopes and ruin their chances at a conference title run as well.

3) #14 PENN STATE (6-2 OVERALL; 3-2 BIG TEN) AT #5 MICHIGAN (7-1 OVERALL; 5-0 BIG TEN) – 12:45PM PT/ 3:45PM ET [ESPN]

Michigan’s on a roll in the Big Ten and the season overall. They’re the only Big Ten team that’s unbeaten. Harbaugh hasn’t lost at home against Penn State since he became their coach, but he did receive his first loss against Penn State since becoming the head coach. Jim Harbaugh may have a completely balanced team with an improved offense, including the addition of Quarterback Shea Patterson. Michigan has homefield advantage and a nasty defense that should endure Penn State's upset opportunity, but containing Trace McSorley is the #1 priority. If Michigan wins, their only opponent standing in their way of their first ever Big Ten conference championship appearance is Ohio State.

2) #6 GEORGIA (7-1 OVERALL; 5-1 SEC) AT #9 KENTUCKY (7-1 OVERALL; 5-1 SEC) – 12:30PM PT/ 3:30PM ET [CBS]

Who would’ve thought that this game would decide the winner in the SEC East? However, Kentucky hasn’t defeated Georgia in nearly a decade. But they ended their 31-game losing streak against Florida this season, so anything’s possible. Running back Benny Snell Jr. and their much-improved defense has made this team so dang good. Speaking of defense, their most experienced defense is tied for first nationally in points allowed per game. I’ve waited for their moment after a disappointing last season. As for Georgia, they made up for their embarrassing loss to LSU and looks to keep their SEC title and playoff hopes alive. Last year, they bulldozed Kentucky. BUT two seasons ago, Georgia snuck by Lexington with a one-point win. If Georgia showed some struggles there two seasons ago, it may happen again. Kentucky’s only problem is the passing game because Georgia’s coverage is very good at stifling the pass. Kentucky quarterback Travis Wilson must play good, smart football because he could be the guy that leads this team to the biggest win of the season and their first conference title game in program history.

1) #1 ALABAMA (8-0 OVERALL; 5-0 SEC) AT #3 LSU (7-1 OVERALL; 4-1 SEC) – 5PM PT/ 8PM ET [CBS]

This is Alabama’s first true game this season. They face one of the toughest defenses in the conference and the nation. However, LSU hasn’t defeated Alabama in seven seasons. Both teams haven’t faced their lethal counterparts of offense or defense, but LSU has encountered Ole Miss and Georgia’s offense, while Alabama has yet to face a true defense. Alabama’s defense will be tested to see if they’re as strong as they were in the past few years. For the first time in Nick Saban's era, the offense has overtaken the spotlight over their defense. I can't tell if this will be a low-scoring game, but it all depends on Tua and Jalen’s play to possibly break LSU's defense. The winner controls their own destiny in the SEC West, while the loser faces and uphill battle to stay alive in the playoff race.

UNDERRATED TEAM RESULTS FROM WEEK 5: 100-69

AAC: 1-0

ACC: 1-1

BIG TEN: 2-0

BIG 12: 1-1

C-USA: 1-1

INDEPENDENT: 1-0

MAC: 1-0

MWC: 1-1

PAC-12: 1-1

SEC: 0-1

SUN BELT: 0-1

GOOD WIN: SYRACUSE, NORTHERN ILLINOIS, ARIZONA

BAD LOSS: TEXAS, UNLV, OREGON