As the calendar flips to November, the College Football Playoff discussion hangs over every result and reaction of the regular season’s final five weeks. Marquee rivalries like Michigan-Ohio State, Texas-Texas A&M, Georgia-Georgia Tech and even Tennessee-Vanderbilt will impact the selection process in a big way.
But there are other games farther from the national focus that could have major CFP implications for one or both teams. A few have upset potential, some pose obstacles in conference title races, and others offer a contrast of styles that could set the stage for a surprise. As October closes, let’s take a look at 10 under-the-radar November matchups that could affect the CFP.
No. 8 Georgia Tech at NC State, Nov. 1
The Yellow Jackets (8-0, 5-0 ACC) have hit their stride the last few weeks with three consecutive wins by more than one possession. Inconsistency has derailed a promising start for NC State (4-4, 1-3), but the Wolfpack own wins over Virginia — in what was officially a nonconference game — and Wake Forest. Led by do-everything quarterback Haynes King, Georgia Tech has a lethal running game, but its limited aerial attack is not set up to take advantage of NC State’s porous pass defense. The Wolfpack are allowing 4.09 yards per carry, good for 72nd in the Football Bowl Subdivision, and are in the top 30 in yards per play on offense (6.43, fourth-best in the ACC). Strange things happen in Raleigh.
No. 15 Virginia at Cal, Nov. 1
There’s plenty at stake in the first meeting between these ACC opponents, especially for the Cavaliers (7-1, 4-0 ACC). Virginia has the edge in nearly every major statistical category, but it just barely held off rival North Carolina by an inch in overtime and has won its last three games by a combined 6 points. Now, the ‘Hoos must travel across the country, which seems like a trip fraught with peril.
No. 13 Texas Tech at Kansas State, Nov. 1
The Red Raiders (7-1, 4-1 Big 12) were off to a semi-charmed start until Arizona State stunned them in Tempe two weeks ago. Despite outscoring opponents 349-99, Texas Tech can’t bank on a Playoff appearance without a Big 12 title. Kansas State, a preseason Big 12 favorite, started 1-3 and fell off the map, but the Wildcats (4-4, 3-2) have beaten TCU and Kansas in consecutive weeks by a combined score of 83-45, and quarterback Avery Johnson has thrown 15 touchdowns and just two interceptions this season. K-State is dangerous, especially in Manhattan.
Auburn at No. 9 Vanderbilt, Nov. 8
Vanderbilt (7-1, 3-1 SEC) has become the ultimate Cinderella team, with three wins over top-15 opponents fueling its best start since 1941. It plays another ranked team this week at Texas, then hosts Auburn (4-4, 1-4) in a possible letdown game. The Tigers are 1-10 against ranked opponents under coach Hugh Freeze, but eight of those losses have come by one score, including three this year. Auburn would love to take out its multi-season frustration and ruin Vandy’s feel-good story.
No. 12 Notre Dame at Pittsburgh, Nov. 15
The Irish (5-2) have won eight of the last nine meetings in this series, the last two by a combined score of 103-10. But the past has no bearing on this contest, which could become a matchup of ranked teams by Week 12. Pittsburgh (6-2, 4-1 ACC) leads the ACC in scoring offense (40.3 points per game) and holds opponents to an ACC-low 2.66 yards per carry. Notre Dame also has a prolific offense, led by the standout running back tandem of Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price. It’s the type of matchup that can sink — or propel — a team’s CFP chances.
Florida at No. 7 Ole Miss, Nov. 15
The Gators have every reason to fade away as they wait for their next coach … who could be standing on the opposite sideline. Immense speculation will follow Lane Kiffin over the next two months about his next coaching destination and whether he has found his forever home in Oxford. As for the game, the Rebels (7-1, 4-1 SEC) should recall that Florida (3-4, 2-2) knocked them from the CFP race last fall, which should serve as a reminder of the Gators’ holdover talent. Another loss to Florida could again relegate Ole Miss to the CFP bubble.
South Carolina at No. 3 Texas A&M, Nov. 15
It’s just not the Gamecocks’ year. All five of their losses have come to teams that were ranked in the top 20 at kickoff (LSU has since bowed out of the rankings), and they play two more top-10 teams, including this trip to College Station. Yet with quarterback LaNorris Sellers, it feels like South Carolina is due for a massive upset, whether that’s on Saturday at Ole Miss or in Week 12 at Texas A&M (8-0, 5-0). Frankly, it should have happened at home against Alabama last Saturday. The Aggies just played their most complete game of the season against LSU and are a clear Playoff team, but this is one of those dangerous traps along the path.
Iowa at No. 23 USC, Nov. 15
Talk about a contrast in styles. Iowa (6-2, 4-1 Big Ten) is a physical line-of-scrimmage team with one of the nation’s best defenses but is limited through the air. USC (5-2, 3-1) leads the nation in yards per play on offense (7.89) but gives up plenty on defense. Which team can control the tempo and impose its brand of offense? Both teams enter November on the fringe of CFP consideration; the loser is definitely off to the bowl circuit.
No. 10 BYU at No. 17 Cincinnati, Nov. 22
Only two years ago, BYU and Cincinnati combined for a 3-15 conference record in their first season as Big 12 members. Now they’re the final unbeatens in conference play, spotlighting the league’s competitiveness from top to bottom. Their statistics are comparable in most major categories, and the only clear advantage is Cincinnati’s home field. The Big 12 may face an uphill battle for a second CFP bid, so more than a conference title game berth could be riding on the outcome.
No. 6 Oregon at Washington, Nov. 29
Perhaps the nation’s most underrated great rivalry, Oregon-Washington has the potential to get even bigger now that it is the teams’ annual regular-season finale. Both teams have explosive playmakers at quarterback and throughout their offenses. The winner should have a strong shot at a CFP bid, making the stakes similar to their 2023 Pac-12 Championship Game meeting. If this game measures up to that one, it’d be a heck of a way to cap the regular season.
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