Welcome to Week 10 of the college football season!

The first College Football Playoffs rankings came out earlier in the week and, to be honest, I was not surprised. In fact, I wrote the prediction down on a sticky note at work. I came home, sat down to eat dinner and before the show came on I handed the piece of paper to my wife. Long story short, she asked why I even watched the show. The committee had good points, but it was totally predictable. No way on God’s green earth was Alabama going to be left out. There are some games to be played that will determine the outcome, but I knew the Bearcats would be left out in the cold. In most cases I pull for the “dawg”, sort of like Kenny Pickett winning the Heisman. Speaking of the Heisman Trophy, can they start etching the Michigan State running backs name on it?

These are the current rankings for the College Playoffs (if interested) and notable games that lie ahead.

1 - Georgia Bulldogs - SEC Championship

2 - Alabama Crimson Tide - Auburn remains on their schedule

3 - Michigan State Spartans - Ohio State and Penn State games remaining

4 - Oregon Ducks - Utah and Pac 12 Championship remain

5 - Ohio State Buckeyes - Michigan State and Michigan games remain

6 - Cincinnati Bearcats - Only a once ranked SMU team remains to help bolster resume

There is an extremely light Top 25 schedule this week. Going a tad off script I will start to highlight some different teams each week. I apologize in advance for the ones that aren’t fortunate enough to have the ACC and the SEC Networks to view these games.

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Auburn Tigers #12 at Texas A&M Aggies #13, 3:30, CBS

Ainias Smith vs Roger McCreary

Roger McCreary is a fundamentally sound and physical corner. Decent hips and coverage skills and can also play in multiple schemes.

Ainias Smith is a do it all speed merchant with position flexibility. Has reps as a running back and as a return man. In today’s game and more importantly in what the Steelers look to be doing, he could fit in Canada’s system and flourish.

Not sure how many reps they will go against one another but the possibility is there.

Auburn

Derek Hall #29 EDGE 6’3” 251lbs

Zakoby McClain #9 LB 6’ 219lbs

Owen Pappoe #0 ILB 6’1” 216lbs

Smoke Monday #21 SAF 6’3” 199lbs

Roger McCreary #23 CB 6’ 190lbs

Texas A&M

Kenyon Green #55 G 6’4” 325lb - Top ranked IOL

Jalen Wydermyer #85 TE 6’5” 255lbs

Isaiah Spiller #28 RB 6’1” 215lbs

Ainias Smith #0 WR 5’10” 190lbs

DeMarvin Leal #8 IDL 6’4” 290lbs - In a weak IDL class, keep him in mind

Demani Richardson #26 SAF 6’1” 210lbs

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NC State Wolfpack #19 at Florida State Seminoles, 4pm, ACC Network

The Seminoles are not what they used to be but there is a rumor that Prime Time Deion Sanders may be the next head coach at FSU. I’m for certain that the swagger would be back in Tallahassee if that were too happen. For the time being there is a possible intriguing match up between Ikem Ekwonu, the Tackle from NC State and the Georgia Bulldog EDGE transfer Jermaine Johnson ll.

NC State

Ikem Ekwonu #79 LT 6’4” 325lbs - I know the line is starting to come together and they really like Dan Moore Jr. but that shouldn’t stop the brass from improving the room. Tremendous run blocker that has serious athletic traits. Long arms with nice power in his hands. Some feel his best fit is a move inside to Guard, we’ll see? Either or, he one of the top offensive lineman in the 2022 draft class.

Zonavan Knight #7 RB 5”11” 206lbs

Emeka Emezie #86 WR 6’2” 220lbs

Cory Durden #48 IDL 6’4” 310lbs

Payton Wilson #11 LB 6’4” 235lbs

Florida State

Jermaine Johnson #11 EDGE 6’5” 262lbs - Sort of like Highsmith in that there is impact with out the gaudy in game stats. Solid in recognition and stout against the run.

Robert Cooper #91 IDL 6’2” 338lbs

Camren McDonald #87 TE 6’4” 245lbs

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Liberty Flames at Ole Miss Rebels #16, Noon, SEC Network

Get your Quarterback on! This match up may not be the flashiest in college football but it features a pair of dual threat quarterbacks that are ranked first and second on many boards. We are in the market? Why not get more for your dollar?

Ole Miss

Matt Corral #2 6’2” 205lbs

Liberty

Malik Willis #7 6’1” 225lbs

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Let us know what games you are watching and who you would like to see in the Black and Gold. As always stay safe and Go Steelers!