October 2019 – The Bat Flip

College Football Rankings Check: Week 10

After each week of the college football season, a fresh set of rankings drop, highlighting the Top 25 teams in the nation. There are two major polls used in the college football, the AP Poll voted on by members of the media, and the Coaches Poll voted on by, well you can probably figure that one out. In October, the College Football Playoff rankings join the other two and take over as the base rankings for the rest of the season.

After a four week run at No. 1, Alabama falls to No. 2 and gives way to our third No. 1 team of the season. Saturday afternoon’s victory over the Auburn Tigers helped jettison Louisiana State over Alabama and into the number one spot. This all but guarantees a No. 1 vs. No. 2 showdown on November 9th in Tuscaloosa. This should be confirmed next Tuesday when the first College Football Playoff rankings are revealed.

AP Poll

Screen Shot 2019-10-29 at 2.41.03 PM.png — via ESPN

Others receiving votes: Texas 49, Navy 43, UCF 33, Washington 19, Texas A&M 14, USC 11, Louisiana Tech 6, Indiana 4, Oklahoma State 1, Pittsburgh 1, Iowa State 1, North Dakota State 1

Dropped from rankings: Texas 15, Iowa State 23, Arizona State 24

Other than LSU taking the leap over Alabama for the top spot, the rest of the AP Poll Top 5 remained the same with Ohio State and Clemson rounding out the group. Where the most movement came is between slots 5 and 11 with Oklahoma and Auburn taking losses over the weekend.

Oklahoma fell from the ranks of the unbeaten when they were upset by Kansas State while Auburn saw its national title hopes take a major hit, losing to LSU on the road. Both sides fell to No. 10 and No. 11 respectively.

Benefitting from the misfortune of Oklahoma and Auburn are five sides who very much remain in the thick of the playoff chase. Penn State knocked off rival Michigan State in a sloppy East Lansing and replaced Oklahoma at No. 5, their highest ranking of the season.

Oregon and Utah represent the PAC-12’s playoff hopes and both are back in the Top 10 after early season losses. Right now Oregon should be the favorite of the two to make the playoffs until Utah can find a way to take control of the South division.

SEC East rivals Florida and Georgia both sit comfortably in the Top 10 with their annual showdown looming this weekend. This time next week, only one will be left standing with a realistic shot at making the playoffs.

Further down the AP Poll, undefeated Baylor and Minnesota continue to slowly climb the rankings but still have work to do if they hope to be considered for a playoff spot. Michigan rebounded from its loss to Penn State by routing Notre Dame at home to climb five spots. Southern Methodist remains the highest ranked Group of 5 side coming in at No. 15.

Speaking of the Fighting Irish, they are the biggest losers this week, falling eight spots after being thrashed by the Wolverines and likely saw their playoff hopes evaporate. Wisconsin continues its downward spiral, dropping five spots following a brow beating in Columbus.

Leaving the rankings this week were Texas, Iowa State, Arizona State, to be replaced by Kansas State, Memphis, and San Diego State.

For a closer look on how media members voted individually, check the image below.

Coaches Poll

Screen Shot 2019-10-29 at 2.41.28 PM.png — via ESPN

Others receiving votes: San Diego State 94, Navy 75, UCF 24, Louisiana Tech 22, Indiana 18, Texas A&M 16, Washington 15, Oklahoma State 7, Iowa State 3, UAB 3, Arizona State 3, Air Force 3, Virginia Tech 3, Wyoming 2, Virginia 2

Dropped from rankings: Arizona State 24

AP voters may love what Louisiana State has done this season but the coaches aren’t quite as convinced it seems. They did push the Tigers above Clemson this week, but they still have some work to do before they take over Alabama for the top spot. They will get that opportunity in two weeks.

Oklahoma was not punished quite as harshly for being upset by Kansas State, but did fall enough for Penn State, Florida, Georgia, and Oregon all to climb. The Sooners dropped to ninth place with Utah rounding out the Top 10.

Undefeated sides Baylor, Minnesota, and Southern Methodist are all ranked in the Top 15, while fellow undefeated Appalachian State sits at No. 20.

Michigan rounds out the Top 15 after clobbering Notre Dame, sending the Irish down a week high nine spots, tying them with Texas for biggest drop of the week. AP voters knocked Texas to the realm of the unranked while the coaches were a little more lenient in their assessment of the Longhorns.

Arizona State was the only side dropping from the Coaches Poll altogether this week, with Kansas State sneaking in at No. 25 to replace the Sun Devils.

Top 25 Schedule: Week 10

Let’s take a quick peek at who the Top 25 teams will be playing in Week 10.

Screen Shot 2019-10-29 at 3.47.49 PM.png — via NCAA

Over 1/3 of the Top 25 is on bye this week but there are still two games on the docket that carry significant postseason consequences.

First up will be the “World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party” between SEC East rivals the Florida Gators and Georgia Bulldogs in Jacksonville. Whoever wins will control the SEC East and be on track for the SEC title game in December and potentially a spot in the College Football Playoff. For the loser, they will likely see any hope of competing for a national championship go up in smoke.

Our other ranked match up takes place in the American Athletic Conference where the Group of 5 New Year’s Six spot could be on the line. Undefeated Southern Methodist travels to Memphis for their latest test. After surviving against Houston, the Mustangs head to road for their biggest game to date.

Another game to keep an eye on is No. 7 Oregon traveling to Los Angeles for a meeting with Southern California. Right now the Ducks represent the PAC-12’s best playoff hope and if Utah hopes to join that conversation, will need the Ducks to win on Saturday night.

Each and every week throughout the college football season we will be checking in with the latest rankings and Top 25 schedule so make sure you are checking back to keep up to date on the latest from the college football world.

NCAA says athletes can get paid; Paving way for ‘NCAA Football’ return

We’ve never been as close to the return of the EA Sports NCAA Football video game franchise than we are at this very moment. On Tuesday afternoon, the NCAA announced they have voted to allow student athletes to profit from their names, images, and likenesses, though the process will be regulated by the NCAA.

NCAA votes to allow student-athletes to profit off name, image and likeness since they don’t really have any other choice https://t.co/LcpIlNC0eO

— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) October 29, 2019

This announcement comes on the heels of California passing a bill last month that allows college athletes in the state to profit off themselves, a bill that began a movement across the nation that saw several other states begin discussion on enacting similar legislation. It appears the outside pressure from state governments finally pushed the NCAA over edge on this matter they were stringently against for many years.

The nuts and bolts of how this will work at the NCAA level have not been released in detail at this time, but what we do know is this, college athletes will soon be able to profit off themselves for the first time in history.

Per ESPN:

The board members said in a release Tuesday that all changes should make sure student-athletes have the same opportunities to make money as all other students, maintain the priorities of education and the collegiate experience, and ensure that rules are “transparent, focused and enforceable” and do not create a competitive imbalance. The board wants each division to implement new rules by January 2021.

If you look at your calendars, you will notice 2021 is only 14 months away, meaning student athletes could start receiving compensation as soon as next year’s College Football National Championship should things go according to pla.

For video game fans, especially fans of the EA Sports NCAA Football series, this announcement carries a little extra weight. Since the release of NCAA Football 14 in June 2013, the college football world has been without a video game iteration of the sport.

The game series was put on pause following NCAA Football 14 due to the ongoing debate over whether student athletes should be able to profit off their own likeness. That debate may now be coming to an end with the NCAA’s announcement on Tuesday. Opening the door for athletes to profit off their own likeness, could very well open the door to a return of the NCAA Football franchise in the near future.

Every year, EA Sports released its annual NCAA Football game in mid-June, during what is often a dead period for new game releases. The series became one of the company’s most popular products and the thirst for a new version is at an all-time high.

How thirsty have players become for a NCAA Football game? Well let’s just say some creative types may have already mocked up a few potential cover art ideas should EA revive the franchise.

NCAA Football 20 custom cover Penn State #WeAre via @247Sports (h/t @TedHyman247) pic.twitter.com/UvJUXuormj

— Brad Crawford (@BCrawford247) July 9, 2019

Alternate translation:

You’re going to get the video game back. NCAA Football 2020 EA Sports pic.twitter.com/BnSkDCKwj6

— #RapidReplay (@RapidReplays) October 29, 2019

Since the @NCAA voted unanimously today to allow college athletes to make money from their name, image and likeness, it’s only a matter of time until we get the @EASPORTS NCAA Football franchise back.

Which “NCAA Football 20” limited edition cover are you most excited about? 😎 pic.twitter.com/zgakYgYQQJ

— Kyle Umlang (@kyleumlang) October 29, 2019

Now that the NCAA voted to allow college athletes to profit from their name, image and likeness, could NCAA Football make a return? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/mHgDFnQ6XN

— ESPN (@espn) October 29, 2019

The NCAA may allow athletes to profit off their name, image and likeness in the near future.@EASPORTS… let’s make this happen ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/7ILfgwlOr6

— SI Extra Mustard (@SI_ExtraMustard) October 29, 2019

Today’s news generated almost immediate buzz on social media about what it could mean for the series going forward. No one from EA has commented or will likely comment on the matter until all the details are ironed out, but this certainly looks like the closest we’ve been to a new game in years.

It’s long been believed once the NCAA allows athletes to profit off themselves, a return of the NCAA Football franchise could follow. With the NCAA doing their part in the matter, hopefully it’s only a matter of time until EA Sports follows suit.

College Football Rankings Check: Week 9

With fall setting in around the country, college football is kicking into high gear as teams kick off the second half of their seasons. We are still two weeks away from the first College Football Playoff rankings being released, but the AP Poll and Coaches Poll help paint of picture of what to expect when the rankings do release in the first week of November.

AP Poll

Screen Shot 2019-10-22 at 6.32.19 PM.png — via ESPN

Others receiving votes: Memphis 87, Virginia 29, San Diego State 17, Pittsburgh 17, Washington 15, Navy 9, Texas A&M 6, Missouri 4, USC 3, UCF 3, Louisiana Tech 2, Tulane 1

Dropped from rankings: Missouri 22, Washington 25

Six undefeated teams make up the top six spots of this week’s AP Poll, with Alabama leading the way but Louisiana State closing on the top spot at a rapid pace. The Crimson tide and the Tigers will meet on November 9th in Tuscaloosa.

Despite thumping Louisville over the weekend, Clemson continues to fall in the AP Poll, sliding down to fourth behind Ohio State. This is no cause for concern for Clemson, if they continue to win and finish the season as ACC champions, the Tigers should have no problem qualifying for the playoffs once again.

Penn State continues its rise up the rankings, sliding in at No. 6 after defeating Michigan at home on Saturday night. They are followed by Florida at No. 7 who rebounded from its to jump two spots after defeating South Carolina.

A trio of teams took a loss on Saturday and paid for it dearly in the AP rankings. Wisconsin fell from the ranks of the unbeatens after a shock upset at the hands of Big Ten foe Illinois and fell seven spots, outside of the Top 10 with a trip to Columbus looming.

Boise State joined the Badgers in the loss column, seeing themselves upset by Brigham Young in Salt Lake City. As a result, the Broncos suffer this week’s biggest drop, falling eight spots and giving up the Group of 5 driver’s seat for the time being. Arizona State suffered its second loss of the season and dropped seven spots to the outskirts of the Top 25.

With the Boise State loss, Southern Methodist now takes over as the highest ranked Group of 5 side, sitting at No. 16 after pummeling Temple. This is the Mustangs highest AP Poll ranking since the mid 1980’s.

For a closer look on how media members voted individually, check the image below.

Coaches Poll

Screen Shot 2019-10-22 at 6.32.43 PM.png — via ESPN

Others receiving votes: Iowa State 83, Virginia 61, San Diego State 45, Navy 24, Pittsburgh 18, Washington 16, Tulane 8, Texas A&M 8, Louisiana Tech 7, UCF 6, Temple 3, Virginia Tech 2, UAB 1, Indiana 1, Utah State 1

Dropped from rankings: Washington 23, Temple 25

Unlike the AP Poll, Clemson remains firmly entrenched at the No. 2 spot according to the Coaches. In fact, the entire Top 5 remained the same from the previous week, with the first change coming at the No. 6 spot with Wisconsin falling and Penn State jumping up to replace them.

With the Badgers dropping seven spots, a host of teams benefitted and moved up in the latest rankings. Oregon and Utah sit at No. 11 and No. 12 respectively, both representing the PAC 12 best hopes of making this year’s College Football Playoff.

Like the AP Poll, Boise State and Arizona State joined the Badgers as this week’s biggest losers, tumbling eight spots and seven spots respectively to the bottom third of the Coaches rankings. Southern Methodist leads all Group of 5 teams at No. 17.

Washington and Temple both took losses this week and fell from the rankings, replaced by Wake Forest and Memphis.

Top 25 Schedule: Week 9

Let’s take a quick peek at who the Top 25 teams will be playing in Week 9

Screen Shot 2019-10-22 at 7.51.36 PM.png — via NCAA

Three Top 25 matchups highlight this week’s schedule, with an SEC West showdown in Baton Rouge taking top billing. Before they can take on No. 1 Alabama, No. 2 Louisiana State will first have to take care of business against No. 9 Auburn in Death Valley. Should they prevail, the Tigers will head to Tuscaloosa for a No. 1 v. No. 2 showdown.

In what should have been a heavyweight match before last week’s results, No. 3 Ohio State welcomes No. 13 Wisconsin to Columbus for what could very well be a Big Ten Championship preview. The Buckeyes are still playing like the best team in college football while the Badgers will be coming off their first loss of the season.

Longtime rivals Notre Dame and Michigan meet in Ann Arbor in a matchup loaded with potential playoff implications. Michigan has likely seen its slim playoff hopes die, but the FIghting Irish still have a shot if they can win out.

Glancing over the other games on the schedule, No. 6 Penn State heads to East Lansing for a rivalry showdown with Michigan State. Alabama, Clemson, and Oklahoma will all look to remain unbeaten against unranked sides. No. 16 Southern Methodist looks to remain in control of its own destiny in a Thursday night showdown with Houston.

College Football Rankings Check: Week 8

We have reached the midway point of the 2019 college football season with most teams hitting the six game mark last weekend. Now the rankings are starting to come more into focus, but there is still a long way to go before anything is decided. There is still three weeks left until the first College Football Playoff rankings are released, but we can already say which teams sit in the driver’s seat, and which still have some work to do.

AP Poll

Screen Shot 2019-10-15 at 2.19.10 PM.png — via ESPN

Others receiving votes: Tulane 55, Iowa State 36, Temple 31, Wake Forest 25, California 20, Virginia 8, Memphis 6, USC 4, South Carolina 4, Texas A&M 3, UCF 3, San Diego State 2, Louisiana Tech 1

Dropped from rankings: Wake Forest 19, Virginia 20, Memphis 23, Texas A&M 24

Our first major upset of the season throws a wrench into the Top 10 of the AP rankings. Georgia falls seven spots following their loss to South Carolina and opens the door for Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Penn State, and Notre Dame all to climb.

For the first time, Alabama and Clemson do not occupy the top two spots in the poll, with Louisiana State jumping above Clemson after defeating Florida in Baton Rouge on Saturday night. The Tigers also snag first place votes for the first time this season.

Further down the rankings, Texas tumbles after losing the Red River Showdown to Oklahoma, and Iowa falls six spots following a second straight loss. Baylor and Southern Methodist needed overtime to stay undefeated and were beneficiaries of the Iowa drop, along with Cincinnati.

Leaving the rankings after losing this weekend were Wake Forest, Virginia, Memphis, and Texas A&M. Replacing those sides were Minnesota, Missouri, Appalachian State, and Washington.

For a closer look on how media members voted individually, check the image below.

Coaches Poll

Screen Shot 2019-10-15 at 2.19.21 PM.png — via ESPN

Others receiving votes: Wake Forest 87, Tulane 76, Virginia 35, Memphis 30, California 21, Iowa State 19, San Diego State 18, Navy 17, Texas A&M 14, Louisiana Tech 6, Duke 5, UCF 4, Pittsburgh 3, South Carolina 3

Dropped from rankings: Wake Forest 17, Virginia 19, Memphis 20, Texas A&M 21

Unlike the AP Poll, Alabama and Clemson remain the top two sides while Louisiana State climbs into the No. 3 spot after defeating Florida. Ohio State and Oklahoma hold steady as Wisconsin, Penn State, and Notre Dame all climb two spot after victories of their own on Saturday.

Georgia pays for its inexplicable loss to South Carolina with a seven spot fall while fellow SEC East side Florida has the damage minimized, only falling two spots after losing to LSU. Texas also falls to No. 15 after dropping the Red River Showdown against No. 5 Oklahoma.

Big gainers in this week’s Coaches Poll are one loss Arizona State followed by undefeated sides Baylor, Southern Methodist, and Minnesota. Auburn, Oregon, Boise State, and Utah all climb slightly as others falls.

Joining the rankings this week are Cincinnati, Washington, Appalachian State, and Temple. Falling out were Wake Forest, Virginia, Memphis, and Texas A&M.

Top 25 Schedule: Week 8

Let’s take a quick peek at who the Top 25 teams will be playing in Week 8

Screen Shot 2019-10-15 at 3.00.19 PM.png — via NCAA

Twenty-four of the Top 25 sides are in action this week, with Notre Dame being the only team on bye. This many teams in action could mean a big shakeup in the standings come next week, but given the matchups, we will need some upsets to take place for that to happen.

Even with such a busy Top 25 slate, there are only three ranked matchups on the docket. Of these, the most notable will be the Saturday night showdown in Happy Valley between the No. 7 Penn State Nittany Lions and the No. 16 Michigan Wolverines. This contest could have serious playoff implications for both the winner and loser.

The PAC-12 is likely on the outside looking in at the playoff picture again this season, but the conference title will still be a season long battle. This week the conference has two ranked matchups that should bring the North and South division picture into better focus.

No. 12 Oregon travels to Seattle to take on No. 25 Washington in a North division showdown, while No. 13 Utah welcomes No. 17 Arizona State in a South division clash in Salt Lake City.

Looking at the unranked matchups quickly, it never hurts to keep an eye on top teams to see how they perform against a lesser opponent. With Georgia falling to South Carolina last week, the chaos of college football is finally upon us and there is no telling when another season altering upset could occur.

College Football Rankings Check: Week 7

Conference play is starting to heat up which means we will see more and more movement in the rankings as more Top 25 matchups appear on the schedule. In Week 6, both Alabama and Clemson were on byes keeping the top two sides in place for at least one more week. Further down the rankings though, teams shuffled around after Saturday’s results.

AP Poll

Screen Shot 2019-10-08 at 11.49.51 AM.png — via ESPN

Dropped from rankings: Washington 15, UCF 18, Oklahoma State 21, Michigan State 25

Others receiving votes: Minnesota 80, Missouri 64, Appalachian State 61, Washington 54, Tulane 25, California 20, Michigan State 17, Arizona 11, UCF 9, USC 5, Iowa State 5, Pittsburgh 2

Ohio State defeated a ranked Michigan State team at home, helping them garner a few more first place votes and enough to send them into a tie with Georgia for the No. 3 spot. Florida jumped up to No. 7 with a big time victory over SEC rival Auburn, and Penn State slides into the Top 10 for the first time this season.

With the loss to Florida, Auburn tumbles out of the Top 10, down to No. 12 and faces an uphill battle should they hope to make the College Football Playoffs. Michigan and Iowa both saw three spots of movement after the Wolverines slugged their way to a 10-3 victory over the Hawkeyes in Ann Arbor.

Washington, Central Florida, Oklahoma State, and Michigan State all tumbled from the rankings while Baylor, Memphis, and Cincinnati all hopped into the Top 25.

Sitting at No. 14 and No. 21 respectively, Boise State and Southern Methodist are the highest ranked Group of Five teams, positioning themselves for a shot at a New Year’s Six bowl game.

For a closer look on how media members voted individually, check the image below.

Coaches Poll

Screen Shot 2019-10-08 at 11.50.12 AM.png — via ESPN

Dropped from rankings: Washington 16, UCF 19, Michigan State 23, Oklahoma State 25

Others receiving votes: Cincinnati 74, Washington 72, Appalachian State 49, Michigan State 41, Tulane 36, California 17, Hawai’i 13, Arizona 13, UCF 11, Washington State 9, Navy 8, TCU 5, Mississippi State 3, San Diego State 2, Army 1, Temple 1

Ohio State accumulated enough points to jump over Oklahoma on the Coaches side, making the Top 4 the same in both the AP and Coaches polls. Florida, Wisconsin, and Penn State all improve their positioning with wins.

Like the AP Poll, Auburn sits at the No. 12 spot after a their setback against Florida on Saturday. Iowa joined Auburn in sliding down the standings after falling to Michigan, a result which saw the Wolverines continue their climb back up the rankings.

Like the AP Poll, Washington, Central Florida, Michigan State, and Oklahoma State all fell from the rankings following losses. Replacing them are South Methodist, Baylor, Arizona State, and Minnesota.

Top 25 Schedule: Week 7

Let’s take a quick peek at who the Top 25 teams will be playing in Week 7

Screen Shot 2019-10-08 at 11.55.29 AM.png — via NCAA

There are four ranked matchups on the docket for Week 7, and a few other games you should keep an eye on. Alabama will play its first game as the No. 1 ranked team this season when they take on No. 24 Texas A&M in College Station.

Coming off their big win over Auburn, No. 7 Florida travels to Death Valley to meet up with No. 5 Louisiana State in what could be a playoff elimination game. It will be interesting to see what the Gators have left in the tank to take on a proven Tigers team on the road.

It’s Red River Rivalry week where No. 6 Oklahoma and No. 11 Texas go head-to-head at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. Oklahoma has looked unstoppable through five games and the Longhorns cannot afford another loss if they hope to make the College Football Playoff.

Penn State heads on the road for their first real test of the season against the Iowa Hawkeyes. Kinnick Stadium has not always been kind to the Nittany Lions, so expect a tough road test coming for the No. 10 side in primetime.

Some other non-ranked matchups to keep an eye on that could change the landscape of the college football season. A rivalry showdown between No. 9 Notre Dame and Southern California does not carry its usual luster, but the Trojans have upset two ranked sides already this season and will be playing for pride against the Irish.

In the Mountain West, current Group of Five leader Boise State looks to keep their New Year’s Six hopes on track when they host a talented Hawaii side on the famous blue turf in the Idaho capital.

College Football Rankings Check: Week 6

Due to North Carolina pushing No. 1 Clemson to the brink of an upset on Saturday, we have a change atop the polls for the first time this season. Alabama takes over the top spot from Clemson as four teams get first place votes from the media and the coaches.

AP Poll

Screen Shot 2019-10-01 at 3.46.11 PM.png — via ESPN

Others receiving votes: California 141, Memphis 71, Appalachian State 50, Army 44, Missouri 26, Baylor 19, Colorado 19, Minnesota 15, USC 7, Kansas State 1, Tulane 1

Dropped from rankings: California 15, USC 21, Kansas State 24

Alabama jumps to No. 1 for the first time this season while Clemson, Georgia, and Ohio State all receive first place votes. The Buckeyes hop over Louisiana State into the No. 4 spot after crushing Nebraska in Lincoln on Saturday night.

Most of the major movement in this week’s AP Poll came in the bottom half of the rankings where Washington, Utah, Central Florida, and Michigan all moved up with victories.

Virginia and Texas A&M both took a tumble but remained ranked, while California, Southern California, and Kansas State all rejoined the unranked party following losses over the weekend.

Arizona State, Oklahoma State, Wake Forest, and Southern Methodist all came away from Week 5 with big wins that were enough to help propel them into the Top 25 heading into another weekend slate of games.

For a closer look on how media members voted individually, check the image below.

Coaches Poll

Screen Shot 2019-10-01 at 3.46.33 PM.png — via ESPN

Others receiving votes: California 125, SMU 118, Arizona State 96, Army 47, Minnesota 34, Baylor 34, Appalachian State 28, Colorado 18, Duke 17, Tulane 16, Utah State 15, Kansas State 13, Hawai’i 10, USC 9, TCU 6, Mississippi State 3, Air Force 3, Washington State 3, Wyoming 2

Dropped from rankings: California 16, Kansas State 22, USC 25

Like the AP Poll, Alabama jumps Clemson to take over the No. 1 spot, but they do so with less first place votes. Georgia and Ohio State also snag first place votes but sit third and fifth respectively.

Again, like the AP poll, most of the notable movement takes place in the bottom half of the rankings. Central Florida and Wake Forest are the big movers while Washington, Utah, and Michigan climb marginally. Virginia is the biggest loser, tumbling for spots after its loss to Notre Dame.

California, Kansas State, and Southern California all drop out of the rankings to be replaced by Memphis, Michigan State, and Oklahoma State.

Top 25 Schedule: Week 6

Let’s take a quick peek at who the Top 25 teams will be playing in Week 6

Screen Shot 2019-10-01 at 4.15.40 PM.png — via NCAA

Three Top 25 matchups on the docket this week, all with potential long term playoff implications depending on how things shake out. No. 4 Ohio State has been perhaps the most impressive team in the country through five weeks, but they will be facing their first ranked matchup against Michigan State on Saturday.

No. 7 Auburn takes a trip to the swamp to face No. 10 Florida in what could serve as a playoff elimination game. Both sides are undefeated, but a win will propel one side up the standings while the other may see their playoff hopes shattered.

Kicking off this week’s slate of ranked matchups is No. 14 Iowa traveling to Ann Arbor for a Big Ten showdown with No. 19 Michigan. Michigan rebounded from their drubbing against Wisconsin with a win over Rutgers, but another loss likely ends any hope of a conference title let alone any future playoff hopes. Iowa needs to remain undefeated as long as possible and pick up wins against any ranked opponents along the way to keep their name in the playoff discussion.