November brings the games that can define a college football season, and this week’s Sportsvival Six-Pack delivers six matchups between teams in our Top 25. Miami faces a major road test at Notre Dame, BYU and Utah renew their rivalry, and four SEC showdowns could reshape the conference race.
All rankings below reflect Sportsvival’s Week 10 Top 25. All games are Saturday, November 7, and all kickoff times are Eastern. Score predictions are Sportsvival’s projections.
1) No. 1 Miami at No. 5 Notre Dame
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. | NBC | Notre Dame Stadium
Miami carries all four Sportsvival first-place votes and 100 points into South Bend, where fifth-ranked Notre Dame has an opportunity to shake up the top of our poll. The Hurricanes escaped North Carolina 38-35 last week, a reminder that their offense can deliver late while their defense still has work to do.
The matchup to circle is Miami’s passing attack against Notre Dame’s coverage. Sportsvival believes the Irish must make Miami work through long possessions and force someone besides Malachi Toney to deliver the decisive play. Miami, meanwhile, needs to pressure CJ Carr without giving him easy answers against the blitz.
Players to watch: Miami quarterback Darian Mensah and wide receiver Malachi Toney remain the offensive headliners. Toney caught seven passes for 75 yards and two touchdowns against North Carolina. Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr must handle pressure and finish scoring opportunities. Cornerback Leonard Moore, if available, is central to the Irish plan against Toney; his final availability remains worth monitoring.
The deciding factor: Red-zone touchdowns. Settling for field goals could be costly against either quarterback.
Sportsvival prediction: Miami 31, Notre Dame 27.
2) No. 6 BYU at No. 2 Utah
Kickoff: Noon | ABC | Rice-Eccles Stadium
Utah enters 8-0, while BYU arrives 7-1. The rivalry alone would command attention, but the Big 12 championship race and playoff stakes make this one of the season’s biggest games. Utah holds 94 points in our poll, with BYU sixth at 79.
Sportsvival believes quarterback discipline will decide this game. Both offenses can stress a defense with quarterback movement, but a rivalry atmosphere can turn one forced throw or missed assignment into a major swing. BYU must stay productive on early downs and keep the crowd from dictating its offensive rhythm.
Players to watch: Utah quarterback Devon Dampier challenges defenders with his legs and his ability to extend passing plays. BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier must balance aggression with ball security. BYU defensive linemen Bodie Schoonover and Keanu Tanuvasa are worth tracking as the Cougars try to close escape lanes and disrupt Utah’s timing.
The deciding factor: Containing quarterback scrambles on third down. A well-covered play means little if the quarterback runs for a first down.
Sportsvival prediction: Utah 30, BYU 24.
3) No. 3 Georgia at No. 11 Ole Miss
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. | ABC | Vaught-Hemingway Stadium
Georgia heads to Oxford at 7-1 against a 6-2 Ole Miss team with a chance to strengthen its postseason case. The Bulldogs sit third in Sportsvival’s poll with 92 points, while the Rebels hold 55 points at No. 11.
Georgia’s balance makes this a difficult assignment. The Bulldogs enter averaging 41 points while allowing 14.9 per game. Ole Miss needs sustained offensive production, because repeatedly handing Georgia favorable field position could allow the visitors to control both tempo and play selection.
Players to watch: Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton enters with a 71.8% completion rate. Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss must create productive plays without allowing pressure to produce mistakes. Georgia linebacker Chris Cole deserves attention after returning two fumbles for touchdowns this season.
The deciding factor: Whether Ole Miss can establish enough rushing production to keep Georgia from attacking obvious passing downs.
Sportsvival prediction: Georgia 34, Ole Miss 27.
4) No. 10 Alabama at No. 15 LSU
Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. | ABC | Tiger Stadium
Alabama and LSU both enter 6-2, giving this meeting a sense of urgency. The Crimson Tide hold 62 points in Sportsvival’s rankings, while LSU sits at No. 15 with 42.
Sportsvival believes this game begins with pass protection. Both teams need their quarterbacks to operate comfortably enough to convert third downs and avoid drives wrecked by sacks. LSU’s home crowd adds another challenge for Alabama’s communication, especially when the Tigers can force predictable passing situations.
Players to watch: Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell faces a demanding road setting. LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt must take advantage when protection gives him time. Tigers offensive tackle Jordan Seaton is a major scouting attraction, with his ability to protect the edge a key part of LSU’s offensive plan.
The deciding factor: Protection on third down. The team that consistently gives its quarterback a clean platform should have the advantage late.
Sportsvival prediction: LSU 28, Alabama 24.
5) No. 8 Kentucky at No. 16 Tennessee
Kickoff: 6:15 p.m. | ESPN | Neyland Stadium
Kentucky has climbed to eighth in our poll with 68 points, while Tennessee sits 16th with 39. Both teams come off open weeks, and the Wildcats bring a six-game winning streak into a challenging road environment.
Kentucky’s ability to finish close games has become a defining part of its season. Tennessee needs to disrupt that composure by winning early downs and making the Wildcats play from behind the chains. The Volunteers’ quarterback decision also remains a storyline, with Josh Heupel indicating that the staff would work through the week before settling it.
Players to watch: Tennessee running back DeSean Bishop is the central offensive name, with his health and workload important details to monitor. Kentucky quarterback Kenny Minchey has delivered decisive plays in tight games. Tennessee linebacker Arion Carter must help limit Kentucky’s efficient possessions and keep short gains from becoming extended drives.
The deciding factor: Ball security. Giving either team extra possessions could outweigh the home-field advantage or the difference in rankings.
Sportsvival prediction: Tennessee 27, Kentucky 24.
6) No. 12 Texas at No. 20 Missouri
Kickoff: Noon | ESPN | Memorial Stadium/Faurot Field
Texas enters with 55 Sportsvival points, while Missouri holds 21. The Longhorns are coming off a 31-3 victory over Mississippi State, and their defense provides a compelling matchup against Missouri’s ground game.
The battle between Missouri running back Jamal Roberts and Texas’ defensive front is the starting point. Sportsvival believes Missouri needs manageable third downs and sustained possessions to keep Texas from dictating the afternoon. For the Longhorns, patience on offense matters, especially if the Tigers make this a physical game with fewer possessions.
Players to watch: Texas quarterback Arch Manning must keep the offense efficient on the road. Longhorns linebacker Rasheem Biles, our Week 9 Impact HVAC Player of the Week, is a focal point against the run. Edge defender Colin Simmons can change passing situations, while Missouri running back Jamal Roberts must create yards through contact and keep the Tigers on schedule.
The deciding factor: Missouri’s rushing efficiency. If Texas consistently forces third-and-long, its pass rush can become the difference.
Sportsvival prediction: Texas 27, Missouri 20.
A Saturday Built for November Football
From the opening kickoffs in Salt Lake City and Columbia to the night games in South Bend and Oxford, Week 10 offers opportunities for statement wins and major movement in Sportsvival’s next Top 25. Our picks include home upsets by LSU and Tennessee, while Miami and Utah face serious tests of their places at the top.
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