Copyright Athlon Sports
Key Points Three ranked-vs-ranked games highlight Week 10, key for College Football Playoff races. SEC clashes: Texas-Vanderbilt and Oklahoma-Tennessee headline, plus Cincinnati-Utah in Big 12. USC-Nebraska, Penn State-Ohio State, and Miami-SMU are also must-watch matchups. Saturday’s slate for Week 10 in the 2025 college football season features three matchups between ranked teams. The SEC features two of those showdowns, as Texas hosts Vanderbilt, and Oklahoma takes on Tennessee. Both of those games loom large in the race to get to the College Football Playoff. In the Big 12, Utah hosts Cincinnati in a crucial game for positioning within the conference. Outside of the SEC and Big 12, USC-Nebraska and Penn State-Ohio State provide intrigue in the Big Ten, while Miami-SMU tops the list of must-see ACC games. With those contests on tap, along with over 40 other games this Saturday, the Week 10 slate is sure to produce plenty of surprises. Which teams will emerge with a victory in some of Saturday’s biggest contests? Athlon Sports’ Steven Lassan and Kyle Wood preview and predict the 10 biggest games for Saturday’s slate in Week 10: 1. No. 18 Oklahoma at No. 14 Tennessee Kickoff/TV: 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC Spread: Tennessee -2.5 Steven Lassan: This high-profile SEC showdown on Saturday night is likely an elimination game in the College Football Playoff race. Tennessee (6-2, 3-2 SEC) doesn’t lose at home often under coach Josh Heupel, but Oklahoma’s (6-2, 2-2 SEC) standout defense is the toughest challenge the Volunteers’ high-powered offense has faced this year. The Sooners desperately need to find more balance and consistency on offense to take some of the pressure off of quarterback John Mateer’s right arm. Additionally, the junior needs to play better, as he ranks 14th in the SEC in quarterback rating. It’s strength versus strength when Tennessee’s offense meets Oklahoma’s defense. But the other side of the ball also presents intrigue, as the Volunteers have allowed over 30 points in every SEC game this season, while the Sooners have struggled to get their offense on track. I think Tennessee’s homefield edge, along with quarterback Joey Aguilar and receivers Chris Brazzell and Mike Matthews, find a way to make a couple of plays in the fourth quarter that wins this one. Prediction: Tennessee 30, Oklahoma 27 Kyle Wood: The loser of Saturday’s game in Knoxville can all but kiss the College Football Playoff goodbye. Three losses isn’t going to cut it for the Sooners or Volunteers, two teams with opposite identities. Tennessee is the unstoppable force, scoring the second-most points per game in the country (45.6) with Joey Aguilar slinging the ball all over the yard. Oklahoma is the immovable object, surrendering the fifth-fewest points nationally (12.5). The Sooners’ offense hasn’t been the same since John Mateer’s return from injury, but the Vols’s defense is vulnerable, having allowed 30-plus points in every game this season. Still, Tennessee hasn’t dropped a home game to a team not named Georgia since 2021. That gives the Vols, who beat OU in Norman last fall, a slim edge in this CFP elimination game. Prediction: Tennessee 27, Oklahoma 23 BEST BETS AGAINST THE SPREAD: Our experts’ picks for Week 10 2. No. 9 Vanderbilt at No. 20 Texas Kickoff/TV: Noon ET on ABC Spread: Texas -3 Lassan: A statement that would be crazy to make in the preseason but is certainly true now: Vanderbilt (7-1, 3-1 SEC) enters the month of November in better shape to make the College Football Playoff than Texas (6-2, 3-1 SEC). With one loss, the Commodores have more margin for error, while the Longhorns likely need to win out to make the 12-team field. After spending all week in concussion protocol, it’s unclear whether or not quarterback Arch Manning will go on Saturday. If he can’t, Matthew Caldwell will get the nod under center. Texas’ offensive line and rushing attack has been an issue all season, so regardless of which quarterback is taking snaps for coach Steve Sarkisian, they will have to make plays through the air to beat the Commodores. Vanderbilt’s offense managed only 265 yards in last week’s win over Missouri but hit enough timely plays to escape with a 17-10 victory. After struggling with the Tigers’ front last Saturday, Texas’ standout defense will be an even tougher challenge for quarterback Diego Pavia. Prediction: Texas 24, Vanderbilt 20 Wood: The Longhorns have been taken to overtime the last two weeks by two of the worst teams in the SEC, narrowly surviving to keep their CFP chances alive. The Commodores can put those hopes to bed and solidify their own case with a win this weekend. Arch Manning’s status is in question after he suffered a concussion in overtime against Mississippi State — backup Matthew Caldwell, who threw the game-winning touchdown, would start if Manning can’t go. Texas’ defense is stingy against the run, which presents a tough test for Diego Pavia and Vandy’s offense. But these ’Dores have been more than up to the task this, and they almost took down the Longhorns a year ago. Given Texas’ uncertain situation under center, Vanderbilt has more than a fair shot at scoring an upset on the road. Prediction: Vanderbilt 24, Texas 20 3. No. 17 Cincinnati at No. 24 Utah TV/Kickoff: 10:15 p.m. ET on ESPN Spread: Utah -10 Lassan: This game looms large in the Big 12 title picture. With two losses in conference play, Utah (6-2, 3-2 Big 12) needs a win to keep within striking distance of Texas Tech and BYU, while Cincinnati (7-1, 5-0 Big 12) can take a step forward in the title race by winning in Salt Lake City. The Utes should also have reinforcements with quarterback Devon Dampier expected to return after missing last week’s win over Colorado due to injury. The battle in the trenches provides intrigue. Can the Bearcats (No. 9 in the Big 12 against the run) slow Utah’s ground attack that ranks No. 1 in the Big 12? And when Cincinnati has the ball, can its offensive line protect quarterback Brendan Sorsby to attack a Utah secondary that’s allowed only five passing scores all season? The Bearcats are one of the biggest surprises of ‘25, but it’s tough to win in Salt Lake City. I think Dampier and Utah’s line of scrimmage lead coach Kyle Whittingham’s team to a key victory. Prediction: Utah 27, Cincinnati 24 Wood: The Bearcats are one of the hottest teams in the country, having ripped off seven straight wins since their season-opening loss to Nebraska. Since that game was out of conference play, Cincinnati is still tied with BYU atop the Big 12 standings. The Utes have fallen twice in conference play (including once at home), but they reminded the country what they’re capable of last week in running for well over 400 yards against Colorado without the dual-threat Devon Dampier, who’s expected to be back this week. Cincinnati has to hold its own in the trenches. The Bearcats run the ball well enough, but their defense could be in for a long night. Brendan Sorsby holds the keys to an upset in the first-ever meeting between these programs. Cincinnati’s underrated quarterback has 20 touchdowns to one interception on the year, and he can make plays with his legs, too. Prediction: Cincinnati 27, Utah 24 PREDICTIONS: Picks for Every College Football Game in Week 10 4. No. 23 USC at Nebraska TV/Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC Spread: USC -5.5 Lassan: Despite two losses on the resume, USC (5-2, 3-1 Big Ten) and Nebraska (6-2, 3-2 Big Ten) still have playoff hopes, so there’s a ton at stake on Saturday night. The Cornhuskers have been solid against the pass, ranking No. 16 nationally in success rate. However, coach Matt Rhule’s defense hasn’t faced a passing attack (No. 3 nationally in success rate) like the one USC is bringing to Lincoln, which features quarterback Jayden Maiava and receivers Ja’Kobi Lane and Makai Lemon. Can the Cornhuskers find a way to slow down that trio, as well as generate a few negative plays at the line of scrimmage to get this offense off schedule? To help its defense, Nebraska should give USC a heavy dose of running back Emmett Johnson (104.6 yards a game). Quarterback Dylan Raiola needs to play better after an up-and-down stretch, which includes six interceptions in five Big Ten matchups this year. Memorial Stadium in Lincoln is a tough environment, but USC’s offense has too much firepower for Nebraska. Prediction: USC 31, Nebraska 27 Wood: The Trojans have had some time to lick their wounds since their loss to Notre Dame. All of their goals are technically still in front of them, though both of USC’s losses have come on the road. The Cornhuskers are set up to take advantage of a defense that gave up over 300 rushing yards last time out the way Emmett Johnson has been playing. On the other hand, Dylan Raiola has struggled as of late, notably taking nine sacks in the loss to Minnesota. He needs to stay upright and in rhythm to give Nebraska a shot. With the weapons the Trojans have at Jayden Maiava’s disposal, this offense will not be denied. The Cornhuskers have never beaten USC before — that’s unlikely to change given the way the Trojans have been running the ball combined with their passing prowess. Prediction: USC 31, Nebraska 23 5. No. 5 Georgia vs. Florida (Jacksonville) TV/Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC Spread: Georgia -7 Lassan: Georgia (6-1, 4-1 SEC) has dominated this series in recent years by winning seven out of the last eight games. With Florida (3-4, 2-2 SEC) under the direction of interim coach Billy Gonzales, it’s tough to know what to expect out of this team in a rivalry game. Even though Billy Napier was dismissed after a 3-4 start, the Gators still have plenty of talent on both sides of the ball. Quarterback DJ Lagway and receiver Dallas Wilson will test a Georgia secondary that isn’t quite as dominant as coach Kirby Smart’s groups usually are. Additionally, the Bulldogs don’t get much pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Georgia’s offensive line has navigated a handful of injuries in recent weeks but could be at full strength for this game. That’s good news for quarterback Gunner Stockton, especially with Florida’s rush defense giving up just 3.4 yards a carry. Close wins have been a hallmark of Georgia’s season so far with three by 10 points or less. It’s tough to know what to expect out of the Gators, but I think they can at least get a cover in Jacksonville. Prediction: Georgia 27, Florida 20 Wood: One way or another, the Gators’ offense will look different in its first game since coach Billy Napier was fired. Perhaps that will unlock a unit that’s not short on talent but has underperformed expectations. Still, the Bulldogs have dominated this rivalry for the better part of the past decade, and they come into Jacksonville as clear favorites. That’s because Georgia’s offense has been so tough to stop with Gunner Stockton at the helm. He was last seen throwing for four touchdowns (and running in another) in a win against Ole Miss. The Bulldogs’ run game also came to life against the Rebels, though Florida’s defense can counter up front. Offensively, look for the Gators to rely heavily on running back Jadan Baugh and not put too much on DJ Lagway, who leads the SEC in interceptions and will be without his top target. Just like in recent years, UF might keep it close early, but Georgia will gradually pull away. Prediction: Georgia 31, Florida 17 6. No. 10 Miami at SMU TV/Kickoff: Noon ET on ESPN Spread: Miami -10.5 Lassan: In an odd scheduling quirk, this is Miami’s (6-1, 2-1 ACC) first game outside of the state of Florida this season. The Hurricanes rebounded from the loss to Louisville by pounding Stanford 42-7 last week, but with Georgia Tech and Virginia undefeated in ACC play, coach Mario Cristobal’s team has its back against the wall as it tries to claw back into the driver’s seat for the league title. SMU (5-3, 3-1 ACC) had a three-game winning streak snapped last week with a 13-12 loss at Wake Forest. The Mustangs have struggled to find balance on offense, but quarterback Kevin Jennings is still averaging 268.9 total yards a contest. Miami’s defense is the best unit Jennings has faced this year, with the front led by Rueben Bain and Akheem Mesidor likely to be a massive challenge for SMU’s front. Coach Rhett Lashlee’s offense is averaging only 5.5 yards a snap in ACC play and struggles to convert third downs. If that trend continues, the Mustangs won’t keep pace against Miami. Prediction: Miami 31, SMU 20 Wood: These are two teams that appear to be trending in opposite directions. After an upset loss to Louisville, the Hurricanes turned around and thumped Stanford last week. Meanwhile, the Mustangs’ followed up their revenge game against Clemson with a poor showing in a loss at Wake Forest. Miami going on the road for just the second time this season — and first time out of Florida — is an interesting wrinkle. However, the ’Canes can count on a suffocating defense to keep the elusive Kevin Jennings in check. On the other side of the ball, this is an opportunity for UM’s Carson Beck to have a day as SMU is one of two teams that allows more than 300 passing yards per game. Outside of the season finale at Pitt, this is the Hurricanes’ hardest remaining game. Coach Mario Cristobal’s team can’t afford another late-season letdown in its pursuit of a CFP bid. Prediction: Miami 34, SMU 20 PREDICTIONS: Picks for Every College Football Game in Week 10 7. Navy at North Texas TV/Kickoff: Noon ET on ESPN2 Spread: North Texas -7 Lassan: Styles make fights and that’s never been more true than on Saturday for this crucial American Conference matchup. North Texas (7-1, 3-1 American) ranks first nationally in scoring (46.1 points a game) and 17th nationally in yards per play (6.9) behind quarterback Drew Mestemaker and a high-powered offense. The Mean Green torched Charlotte for 608 passing yards last week and have eclipsed the 50-point mark in four games this season. Navy’s (7-0, 5-0 American) offense isn’t far behind on the stat sheet (37.3 points a game) behind standout quarterback Blake Horvath, but the Midshipmen will do the bulk of their damage on the ground. Coach Brian Newberry’s group ranks first nationally in rushing offense and dominating the time of possession is crucial on Saturday to keep Mestemaker on the sidelines. North Texas invested heavily this offseason to improve its defense under new coordinator Skyler Cassity. The Mean Green are going to give up some yards to Navy, but Cassity’s group should do enough, while Mestemaker sets the pace through the air. Prediction: North Texas 38, Navy 34 Wood: Can you say shootout? This American Conference clash has the highest over/under of the week, and these uber-efficient offenses make their hay in very different ways. The Midshipmen lead the nation with over 300 rushing yards per game, and it all starts with quarterback Blake Horvath, who has 800 yards on the ground. The Mean Green are the highest-scoring team in the country (46.1 points per game), and they also have their signal-caller to thank. Drew Mestemaker has the second most passing yards in the FBS after he set a conference record with 608 in a win over Charlotte. What makes this matchup even more interesting is that Navy can’t really stop the pass, and North Texas struggles against the run. There won’t be many empty trips up and down the field — this game might come down to whoever has the ball last. Give the Mean Green a slight edge at home, and their defense has performed marginally better as of late. Prediction: North Texas 41, Navy 34 8. No. 13 Texas Tech at Kansas State Kickoff/TV: 3:30 p.m. ET on Fox Spread: Texas Tech -7 Lassan: After a slow start to the ‘25 season, Kansas State (4-4, 3-2 Big 12) has won three out of its last four games. That in-season turnaround, along with the Wildcats owning a six-game winning streak over the Red Raiders in Manhattan, makes this a dangerous spot for Texas Tech (7-1, 4-1 Big 12). The Red Raiders are expected to have quarterback Behren Morton back under center after he missed the last two contests. The edge rusher pairing of Romello Height and David Bailey will be a handful for Kansas State’s offensive line, but quarterback Avery Johnson has found his rhythm, tossing 10 touchdown passes over the last four games. Outside of the loss to Arizona State, all of Texas Tech’s wins in Big 12 play have come by at least 24 points. K-State will keep it close, but the Red Raiders snap their losing streak in Manhattan. Prediction: Texas Tech 31, Kansas State 20 Wood: Quietly rounding into the form, the Wildcats are in position to play spoiler with the Red Raiders in town. Kansas State has scored 30-plus points in four straight games, and quarterback Avery Johnson has 12 total touchdowns during that stretch. But can he keep that going against one of the stingiest defenses in the country? The Red Raiders pitched their first shutout of the season last week, and their offense will be happy to welcome back quarterback Behren Morton. The Wildcats can hold their own on defense, and they’ve been up stout against the run in particular, but Texas Tech might be the most complete team in the Big 12. Coach Joey McGuire’s team has another chance to prove that on the road this week with a visit from No. 10 BYU on deck. Prediction: Texas Tech 30, Kansas State 20 9. Penn State at No. 1 Ohio State Kickoff/TV: Noon ET on Fox Spread: Ohio State -19.5 Lassan: This game was projected to be one of the Big Ten’s must-see matchups in the preseason but is barely on the radar with Penn State’s (3-4, 0-4 Big Ten) struggles this year. Ohio State (7-0, 4-0 Big Ten) is quietly handling its competition, winning six games by 18 or more points. The Buckeyes have the edge across the board in this matchup and would take a sloppy effort for this game to be close in the fourth quarter. With Ohio State giving up just 85.6 yards a game on the ground, Penn State needs quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer to have a huge performance in a tough spot to have a shot at the upset. Prediction: Ohio State 34, Penn State 10 Wood: The Nittany Lions have dropped four games in a row by one possession, including two since they fired coach James Franklin. They’ve also lost eight in a row against the Buckeyes dating back to 2017. It’s exceedingly unlikely that this is the team that breaks that streak. Ohio State has been eviscerating every team in its path, allowing less than six points per game. No defense is playing on par with the defending national champions, who also have an elite offense with Julian Sayin playing his best football of the season. Going on the road to Columbus was going to be a tough spot for Penn State before the season fell apart. Now, it’s more a matter of avoiding embarrassment. And these Buckeyes have embarrassed their fair share of teams this fall. Prediction: Ohio State 38, Penn State 10 BEST BETS AGAINST THE SPREAD: Our experts’ picks for Week 10 10. No. 8 Georgia Tech at NC State Kickoff/TV: 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2 Spread: Georgia Tech -5.5 Lassan: Is Georgia Tech (8-0, 5-0 ACC) on upset alert? NC State (4-4, 3-1 ACC) has one of the better homefield advantages in the ACC, but coach Dave Doeren’s team is just 1-4 in its last five games, with the only victory coming against a FCS team (Campbell) in that span. While the spot is tricky for Georgia Tech, the Wolfpack rank 10th against the run in the ACC. That’s bad news when quarterback Haynes King and running backs Jamal Haynes and Malachi Hosley are coming on Saturday night. The Yellow Jackets will find a way to avoid the upset, but the pairing of quarterback CJ Bailey and running back Hollywood Smothers will help the Wolfpack make this one more interesting than most expect. Prediction: Georgia Tech 34, NC State 27 Wood: The Wolfpack’s season is beginning to unravel after back-to-back blowout losses on the road. Though they return home this week, they have the unique challenge of facing one of the few remaining undefeated teams in the country. The Yellow Jackets bring a relentless run game to the table each and every week, and quarterback Haynes King — the battering ram of this offense — also just threw for a season-high 304 yards. NC State has an intimidating one-two punch between quarterback CJ Bailey and running back Hollywood Smothers, but that might not be enough to keep up. Georgia Tech won a thriller in this series last season, and that in a game that King left due to injury. The Yellow Jackets won’t let this one come down to the wire again. Prediction: Georgia Tech 34, NC State 21
