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    College football games to watch in Week 9 include LSU-Texas A&M
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    College football games to watch in Week 9 include LSU-Texas A&M

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    Another eventful week of college football is upon us. Conference play is in full swing as we prepare to close the curtain on the month of October. So the potential for unexpected results that upset the table is high.

    We've already had a few of those, which has given us some top 25 matches that may not have looked that attractive in the preseason calendar, but are suddenly very important.

    A total of five contests between ranked teams highlight our list of seven must-watch games this week. As always, keep the remote within reach and enjoy the show.

    No. 7 LSU at No. 14 Texas A&M

    Time/TV: Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC.

    Why watch: The winner of this prime-time contest in College Station will hold the all-time lead in the SEC. That seemed more than unlikely after the first week in which both teams were on the fence in non-conference games, but now they are each starting a six-game winning streak and are the last two teams without a league loss. QB Conner Weigman has led the Aggies' last two wins since returning from a shoulder injury, although he had a tough time beating Mississippi State on the road a week ago. But the key to A&M's success could be RB Le'Veon Moss, who will do his best to avoid hard-hit LSU LB Whit Weeks. Tigers QB Garrett Nussmeier distributes the ball well to various targets, but WR Kyren Lacy and TE Mason Taylor keep the chains moving most often. LSU has only given up two sacks all year, overall Aggies DE Nic Scourton will look to step up.

    Why it might disappoint: A defeat either way seems unlikely as both teams have struggled to finish even during their current winning streak. LSU had an easier time with Arkansas than the Aggies did a few weeks ago, but transitive results aren't usually good predictors in this sport.

    No. 17 Missouri and No. 15 Alabama

    Time/TV: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC.

    Why watch: There's not much more at stake for these former top 10 clubs with dwindling championship hopes. Things are a little tense in Tuscaloosa as the Crimson Tide's playoff goals hang in the balance. The Tigers, who brought their own lofty expectations out of the fire last week, are looking to take advantage of Alabama's apparent loss of invincibility. Tide QB Jalen Milroe has struggled with accuracy in his last few games. His opaque protection hasn't helped, and Mizzou DL Chris McClellan will lead the effort to continue that trend. Tigers QB Brady Cook forever endeared himself to fans when he returned from injury to lead the game-winning drive against Auburn last week. However, his availability this week is very questionable, and the offense hasn't been as explosive as hoped, even with Cook in charge this season. Backup Drew Pyne has plenty of playing experience from his time at Notre Dame and Arizona State, and Alabama's secondary has also underperformed. The absence of Tide DB Keon Sabb due to a foot injury is another setback that could mean even more coverage responsibility for Malachi Moore.

    Why it might disappoint: There will be no shortage of intensity, but it's fair to wonder whether the level of execution will enhance the experience. However, mistakes often mean swings in momentum, and we are likely to experience a lot of them.

    TOP 10 LIST: These remaining games will decide the playoff field

    WEEKEND FORECAST: Expert tips for every Top 25 game

    No. 6 Texas at No. 25 Vanderbilt

    Time/TV: Saturday, 4:15 p.m. ET, SECN.

    Why watch: Yes, that's Vanderbilt with a number in front of the name. The Commodores have managed to keep winning since their historic victory over Alabama and have another chance to shake up the overall picture of the sport. However, the Longhorns will be somewhat unsettled when they arrive in Nashville after Georgia knocked them from their spot at the top of the rankings. Neither starting quarterback Quinn Ewers nor touted backup Arch Manning could do much for Texas against Georgia's pass rush last week. Ewers and WR Isaiah Bond will try to get things going quicker this time around, although Vandy LB Nick Rinaldi is an effective blitzer. QB Diego Pavia is the Commodores' offensive catalyst with 11 touchdown passes, three more scores on the ground and just one INT on the season. He should become well acquainted with the ever-present Longhorns LB Anthony Hill Jr.

    Why it might disappoint: Vandy's success with a ball control approach this season has kept it in most games. A fast start by the Longhorns could lead to a snowball effect, but these Commodores were anything but pushovers.

    No. 11 Notre Dame vs. No. 24 Navy

    Time/TV: Saturday, 12 p.m. ET, ABC.

    Why watch: The Fighting Irish and Midshipmen have competed against each other every year for decades. However, this meeting in East Rutherford, New Jersey, is one of the most important in the series' recent history, as both teams are ranked for only the second time since 1978 and both could strengthen their chances of making the playoffs with a win. The Navy is still conducting an options-based attack, but that by no means means it doesn't have explosive potential. QB Blake Horvath has already recorded 20 TDs, 10 each by land and air. His playmakers include SB Eli Heidenreich and FB Alex Tecza. The Fighting Irish have the personnel to contain big winners, but LBs Drayk Bowen and Jack Kiser need to get results quickly. Seeing Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard in practice every day could help them prepare, as he too is a threat when it comes to keeping the ball. However, his passing can be erratic, and Navy DBs Dashaun Peele and Rayuan Lane could make him pay for mistakes.

    Why it might disappoint: Navy has never faced a team of this caliber, and it's possible Notre Dame's physical advantage on the front line will make itself felt right from the start. But the Midshipmen look forward to this challenge every year and will be as prepared and emotionally engaged as possible.

    No. 21 Illinois at No. 1 Oregon

    Time/TV: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS.

    Why watch: The Ducks will defend their top ranking on their home court for the first time as they host the Fighting Illini, who, even despite a setback at Penn State a few weeks ago, are still at the top of the Big Ten chase. It took Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel a few games to find his rhythm, but now the offense is rolling and making excellent use of WRs Tez Johnson and Evan Stewart. But Illinois' defensive front with LBs Gabe Jacas and Seth Coleman can be disruptive. Illini QB Luke Altmyer isn't quite as productive, but he's only been selected once this season and has his own deep threat in WR Pat Bryant. Expect LB Bryce Boettcher, Oregon's defensive center, to be on the ball often.

    Why it might disappoint: The Ducks appear to have found the additional equipment that was missing from their first outings of the season. If they get it right again, the Illini could be overwhelmed with their lack of explosiveness on offense.

    No. 19 Boise State at UNLV

    Time/TV: Friday, 10:30 p.m. ET, CBSSN.

    Why watch: The weekend starts late and early, so to speak, with this important Mountain West showdown that might be worth losing some sleep over. The Broncos would have a compelling argument for playoff inclusion if they were at the top of the league, but the Rebels, also unscathed in MWC play, might have something to say about that. The headliner is Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty, who is averaging 208 rushing yards per game and has 18 total touchdowns this season. His QB Maddux Madsen has other weapons like WR Cam Camper and TE Matt Lauter, all of which will keep UNLV LB Jackson Woodard and DB Jalen Catalon busy. The Rebels' offense hasn't caught a break since Hajj-Malik Williams took over at QB following the highly publicized departure of Matt Sluka. All-American-caliber WR Ricky White III certainly helps, and Broncos DB Ty Benefield will lead the effort to keep him under control.

    Why it might disappoint: That shouldn't be the case. It might actually be one of the most entertaining contests of the weekend. A few big early plays from the Broncos could neutralize UNLV's home crowd, but the Rebels should have the firepower to keep up if the game becomes a track and field meet.

    No. 22 SMU at Duke

    Time/TV: Saturday, 8:00 p.m. ET, ACCN.

    Why watch: If you predicted before the season that this game, and not Miami-Florida State, would be the most important showdown of the week on the ACC slate, then congratulations on that time machine patent. This matchup pits the most successful of the conference's three new members to date against a school better known for its prowess on the hardwood and continuing to thrive on the gridiron despite a coaching change. The signing of Manny Diaz has paid dividends for the Duke defense, as LBs Alex Howard and Tre Freeman lead a unit that is allowing just 17.3 points per game. They will be challenged by QB Kevin Jennings and the Mustangs, who have scored 34 or more points against their first three ACC opponents in addition to putting up 66 against Iron Skillet rival TCU. The Blue Devils weren't quite as successful on the other side of the ball, but QB Maalik Murphy made plays when needed. SMU DL Isaiah Smith will look to make his job difficult.

    Why it might disappoint: Despite Duke's relative success in football of late, its home-field advantage hasn't quite reached the level that the Cameron Crazies have in basketball. Given the Blue Devils' offensive limitations, a few quick hits from the Mustangs could prove insurmountable.

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