Key Storylines for Every Ranked Game on October 12’s Epic College Football Matchups
October 12 has been circled on the calendars of college football fans for months, marking a highly anticipated day filled with thrilling matchups. With three ranked-versus-ranked games, numerous other ranked teams in action, and Heisman contenders showcasing their talents late into the night, this Saturday promises excitement across the board. Here’s a closer look at the key storylines for each game featuring a ranked team.
Ranked vs. Ranked Showdowns
No. 1 Texas vs. No. 18 Oklahoma
In the iconic Red River Rivalry, history shows that a No. 1 team has fallen only twice, both times being Oklahoma in 1963 and 2008. Can Texas keep their top ranking intact, or will Oklahoma pull off an upset?
No. 2 Ohio State vs. No. 3 Oregon
Every time these two programs have faced off in the 21st century, at least one of them has been ranked in the top 10. The stakes are high, and both teams will be vying for supremacy in what could be a College Football Playoff preview.
No. 9 Ole Miss vs. No. 13 LSU
While Jaxson Dart garners much attention for Ole Miss, the team’s ground game shines in the red zone, with 17 rushing touchdowns, ranking them third nationally. LSU will need to slow down that rushing attack to stay competitive.
Other Ranked Team Matchups
South Carolina vs. No. 7 Alabama
After Alabama’s previous three losses to unranked teams as a No. 1 team, they’ve responded with dominant victories, winning by an average of 35 points. Can they bounce back again and keep their playoff hopes alive?
No. 10 Clemson vs. Wake Forest
Clemson’s offense has been on fire, averaging 48.5 points during a four-game win streak since losing to Georgia in the season opener. Wake Forest will have its hands full trying to contain this high-powered offense.
No. 21 Missouri vs. UMass
UMass has yet to defeat a ranked opponent since joining the FBS in 2012. Missouri looks to extend that streak and build on their strong start to the season.
No. 4 Penn State vs. Southern California
USC head coach Lincoln Riley has struggled against ranked opponents since joining the Trojans in 2022, posting a 5-7 record in his last 12 games. Penn State will look to exploit those vulnerabilities and continue their playoff push.
Stanford vs. No. 11 Notre Dame
Stanford and Notre Dame have faced off for the Legends Trophy every year since 1997, with the exception of 2020’s pandemic-interrupted season. Notre Dame will try to maintain their dominance at home against their West Coast rival.
California vs. No. 22 Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is off to a stellar 5-0 start and is eyeing its first 6-0 record since 1982, when Dan Marino was at the helm. A victory against California would help the Panthers keep pace in the ACC.
Purdue vs. No. 23 Illinois
Purdue seeks its fifth straight win over Illinois, which would match their longest winning streak in the history of this rivalry. Illinois will need to step up to prevent Purdue from making history.
Arizona vs. No. 14 BYU
BYU’s third-down conversion rate sits at just 29.5%, one of the worst in the nation. They’ll need to find ways to extend drives if they hope to fend off a hungry Arizona team.
Mississippi State vs. No. 5 Georgia
Georgia quarterback Carson Beck has yet to throw a touchdown in the first quarter this season and has only one in the first half. Will Mississippi State’s defense be able to take advantage of Georgia’s slow starts?
Florida vs. No. 8 Tennessee
This matchup pits Tennessee’s second-ranked SEC offense against Florida’s second-worst SEC defense in terms of yardage allowed. The Volunteers will look to capitalize on that disparity to continue their climb in the rankings.
No. 11 Iowa State vs. West Virginia
Iowa State’s defense has been lights out, leading the Big 12 in points allowed, passing defense, and total defense. West Virginia will face a tall task in trying to move the ball against this suffocating unit.
No. 18 Kansas State vs. Colorado
Kansas State has struggled to defend against elite receivers, allowing a wide receiver to top 128 yards in all but one of their FBS games. Colorado’s Travis Hunter, a Heisman contender, will look to exploit that weakness.
No. 17 Boise State vs. Hawai’i
Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty has drawn comparisons to Barry Sanders’ legendary 1988 season, despite limited playing time. Jeanty will aim to continue his historic pace against Hawai’i in this late-night showdown.
October 12 is shaping up to be an unforgettable day of college football. Whether you’re rooting for a playoff contender, following Heisman hopefuls, or simply enjoying the ranked matchups, this Saturday is sure to deliver the drama and excitement that fans have been waiting for.