The college football landscape heats up in Week 10 as three ranked matchups take center stage, promising dramatic implications for playoff aspirations. The games feature the **Vanderbilt Commodores** facing the **Texas Longhorns**, the **Miami Hurricanes** visiting the **SMU Mustangs**, and the **Navy Midshipmen** squaring off against the **North Texas Mean Green**. Each game could significantly alter the trajectory of the respective teams’ postseason hopes.
Vanderbilt Commodores vs. Texas Longhorns
The matchup between **No. 9 Vanderbilt** and **No. 20 Texas** could have substantial consequences for both teams’ playoff ambitions. Scheduled for **12 PM ET on ABC**, this game holds critical importance. If Vanderbilt secures a victory, they will likely need to win two out of their last three games against **Auburn**, **Kentucky**, and **Tennessee** to clinch their first-ever playoff berth. Conversely, Texas must win out to remain in contention for the 12-team playoff field.
A key aspect to monitor is whether Vanderbilt’s offensive line can withstand Texas’s formidable front seven. The Longhorns rank fifth nationally in expected points added (EPA) per play on defense. With stars like **Colin Simmons** and **Anthony Hill Jr.**, Texas will pose a considerable challenge for Vanderbilt’s quarterback **Diego Pavia**. Although Pavia has demonstrated prowess under pressure, he struggled against a similarly talented **Missouri** defensive line earlier this season.
When Texas has the ball, the question arises: can the Longhorns’ running backs improve their performance? With **Arch Manning** potentially sidelined, Texas’s rushing attack ranks 100th in the nation in PFF rushing grade. Their success hinges on the contributions of **Quintrevion Wisner**, **CJ Baxter**, and **Jerrick Gibson**.
Predictions for the game are mixed, with one analyst projecting a narrow Texas win at **20-17**, while another anticipates a slight upset by Vanderbilt, predicting a **24-20** victory for the Commodores.
Miami Hurricanes vs. SMU Mustangs
In another compelling contest, **No. 10 Miami** faces the **SMU Mustangs** at **12 PM ET on ESPN**. After suffering their first loss of the season against **Louisville**, Miami rebounded with a convincing **42-7** win over **Stanford**. The Hurricanes will need to navigate this tricky matchup against a **5-3** SMU team that remains in the hunt for the **ACC** title.
The battle in the trenches will be crucial, particularly Miami’s offensive line against SMU’s stout defensive unit, which boasts a top-ranked run defense. With **Francis Mauigoa** leading the offensive line, Miami ranks third in the nation for PFF offensive line grading. Conversely, SMU’s defensive front, featuring talents like **Cameron Robertson**, has effectively stifled opposing run games.
If SMU is to succeed, protecting quarterback **Kevin Jennings** against Miami’s aggressive pass rush will be essential. Predictions suggest Miami will triumph, with scores projected around **31-17** and **27-21** in favor of the Hurricanes.
Navy Midshipmen vs. North Texas Mean Green
The showdown between the **Navy Midshipmen** and the **North Texas Mean Green** carries significant weight within the **American Conference**. Navy enters the matchup with a perfect **7-0** record, making them the only unbeaten team in the Group of Six. North Texas, meanwhile, is aiming to position itself for a playoff spot, ranking fourth in odds to secure a berth.
A focal point will be how North Texas can contain Navy’s complex run scheme, which heavily relies on quarterback **Blake Horvath**. North Texas’s defense, while struggling against the run, has a strong linebacker unit, critical to countering Navy’s run-heavy offense.
Conversely, North Texas’s success will hinge on quarterback **Drew Mestemaker** navigating Navy’s blitz-heavy defensive strategy. Predictions for this high-stakes game lean towards a shootout, with one analyst favoring North Texas **37-30**, while another anticipates a Navy victory at **42-35**.
As Week 10 unfolds, these matchups promise to impact the playoff landscape significantly, with teams battling not just for wins but for their place in college football history.
