On Gameday, Kirk Herbstreit just mentioned that this is the best Saturday in college football this year. So let’s take a look at some of the pivotal matchups brewing for today that can shape and sort out the pandemonium that is known as the Playoff. This is the time of year where numerous teams are fighting and clawing their way into the top 4, Heisman campaigns are rhetorical dissertations, and everyone wants you to buy what their selling. But now is the time where we all find out what is illusionary and exemplary, who’s in and who’s out (sorry ESPN), let’s get into it.

#3 Notre Dame @ #7 Miami 8:00 P.M.

Perennial powerhouses of college football are on the rise once again. Notre Dame and their Heisman candidate Josh Adams are looking to inch closer to a solidified Playoff spot, despite not having a conference championship game. Miami, a sleeping giant in college football, looks to shine in the spotlight with their QB Malik Rosier throwing for over 330 yards twice in the past 3 games. Miami has a stout defense and their matchup against Notre Dame’s offense will be key.

#8 TCU @ #5 Oklahoma 8:00 P.M. 

Both of these teams average over 30 points per game while vying for a Playoff spot, so we can expect a shootout. TCU faces a tough task keeping up with Oklahoma, but Kenny Hill will try to get the offense back up to that average. Hill has thrown under 150 yards in each of the past two games. TCU can blitz and be ferocious on defense. If the TCU offense gets back in the swing of things, this should be an entertaining game. Oklahoma just keeps rolling though, absolutely lighting it up with Baker Mayfield.

#2 Georgia @ #10 Auburn

Georgia has dominated this rivalry in recent years and is poised for the playoffs under freshman Jake Fromm. If there is any time for Auburn to change the momentum and cause chaos in the playoff picture, it’s now. Jordan-Hare Stadium will be rocking in a Saturday down South showdown. Auburn has to take advantage of this and get their offense in motion like last Saturday against Texas A&M. When they’re complacent, this offense can be hard to watch. Auburn has a chance if they play their cards right.

#1 Alabama @ #18 Mississippi State 7:00 P.M. 

This game can be closer than people think. Alabama has had a lot of injuries, especially at linebacker. Losing Shaun Dion Hamilton and Mack Hamilton damages a strength in this Alabama defense. Hamilton is an explosive defensive general and Alabama’s play caller, and the players filling in will be getting their feet wet in one of the most important games left on their schedule. Meanwhile, State can run the ball and cause problems with Nick Fitzgerald. Alabama could be on upset alert in Starkville.