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The final weekend of September college football action kicks off today, with multiple games featuring ranked teams facing off across the country. These matchups are expected to force AP Top 25 voters to make several important decisions in the upcoming poll.
This week, the Power Four conferences feature six games between ranked opponents. The SEC once again asserts its dominance, setting a national record with four such games in a single week—the most by any conference in history.
As Saturday's games approach, which AP-ranked programs are poised for a major leap? Here are the key matchups to watch.
No. 1 Texas at No. 14 Tennessee
Winning on the road in the SEC is always challenging, especially for a Manning entering the stadium where another Manning built his legacy. This time, Arch Manning heads into Peyton Manning's old stomping grounds for Texas's first SEC game and road debut. The Longhorns face a Tennessee defense that hasn't been truly tested but benefits from a formidable home-field advantage.
Conversely, the Volunteers have yet to face a serious challenge, having cruised past inferior opponents. They now must contain Texas's elite skill-position players. Quarterback Faizon Brandon and Tennessee's capable receivers will go up against a Longhorn defense that ranks 90th in FBS but allows only 15 points per game, bending without breaking.
No. 2 Georgia vs. Oklahoma
Georgia appears to be a well-oiled machine, leading college football with over 59 points per game. They even dominated their SEC opener on the road against Arkansas. However, Gunner Stockton will encounter a much tougher test at home against a stout Oklahoma defensive front, despite the Bulldogs being two-touchdown favorites.
No. 4 Ole Miss at No. 21 Florida
This is the moment for Pete Golding to demonstrate he can prepare his team following what might be the most emotional win of their lives. Beating Lane Kiffin and LSU is one thing, but the Rebels must prove they can stay motivated for their SEC road opener against an undefeated and seemingly improved Florida team in the Swamp.
Meanwhile, the Gators have their own challenge. Coming off a significant road win against Auburn and entering the AP poll, they now host a top-five Ole Miss team with a potent offense. However, the Rebels' leading rusher, Kewan Lacy, will be a game-time decision due to a shoulder injury.
No. 17 Iowa at No. 18 Michigan
The Hawkeyes built a strong 3-0 record against non-conference foes, but traveling to Michigan presents a completely different level of competition. If Iowa's formidable defensive front can contain Bryce Underwood in the pocket and prevent him from gaining momentum through the air, they could leave the Big House with a victory.
Michigan's passing offense remains a work in progress, but Underwood is a capable runner with 156 rushing yards. Freshman running back Savion Hiter is a potential star in the Wolverine backfield. However, Michigan's inability to consistently threaten downfield could put the outcome in doubt.
No. 23 Texas A&M at No. 10 LSU
The Aggies are already in a precarious position. Following a home loss to unranked Kentucky, they experienced the largest drop in the AP poll, falling from No. 9 to No. 23. Pollsters will be eager to penalize them further if they deliver a subpar performance on the road in Death Valley.
Similarly, the Tigers are coming off a loss at Ole Miss and desperately need to avoid a second consecutive defeat as they contend for respect in the SEC championship race and aim to impress playoff selectors. They must start faster on offense and contain the Aggies' blue-chip receiving threats.
No. 20 Oregon at No. 12 USC
What should we make of the Ducks this season? They nearly lost to Boise State at home, then fell to Oklahoma State on the road, before demolishing Portland State 84-0. While this may not be a playoff elimination game at this stage, it could become one if the loser drops another game or two later in the season.
USC's defense remains a recurring concern. Early on, it looked improved under Gary Patterson, but it still struggled to contain Rutgers last week. Yes, Rutgers. The Trojans won, but they now face a far superior Oregon offense in another litmus test for the ever-embattled Lincoln Riley.
No. 24 Mississippi State vs. No. 19 Missouri
Thanks to quarterback Kamario Taylor, the Bulldogs suddenly appear to be a contender in the SEC. They are one of only two teams nationally to win two road games against Power Four opponents. Now they return home to face a Missouri team that will be without Ahmad Hardy but does have Jamal Roberts, who rushed for 100 yards a week ago.
James Parks is the founder and publisher of College Football HQ. He has covered football for a decade, previously managing several team sites and publishing national content for 247Sports.com for five years. His work has also appeared on CBSSports.com. He founded College Football HQ in 2020, and the site joined the Sports Illustrated Fannation Network in 2022 and the On SI network in 2024.