Top 10 Under-the-Radar College Football Playoff Games in November

As November arrives, the College Football Playoff (CFP) conversation really heats up. Every game now feels like it could shake up the postseason picture.

Sure, everyone talks about the big rivalries—Michigan-Ohio State, Georgia-Georgia Tech. But there are some less-hyped November matchups that could actually matter just as much. Upsets, weird conference twists, and wild style clashes? Yeah, they’re all on the table. Here are 10 games you might want to keep an eye on.

Georgia Tech vs. NC State: A Clash of Styles

Georgia Tech’s been rolling, sitting at 8-0, with three straight wins by more than a touchdown. Haynes King does it all for them, and their ground game is scary good.

NC State, meanwhile, is 4-4. They show flashes, but their pass defense is a mess. This one’s a real test: can a strong run game break a leaky defense? If you’re into CFP drama, this is worth watching.

Key Factors

• Georgia Tech’s Running Game: Haynes King leads a dominant attack on the ground.
• NC State’s Pass Defense: Allowing 4.09 yards per carry puts them 72nd in the FBS.
• Inconsistency: NC State’s season swings wildly, so who knows what team shows up?

Virginia vs. Unnamed Opponent: A Perilous Journey

Virginia holds a 7-1 record and leads in most stats that matter. But lately, they’ve barely scraped by—just look at that overtime win against North Carolina.

Now they’ve got to travel across the country. That’s never easy, and it feels like a trap game that could really mess with their CFP hopes.

Key Factors

• Statistical Edge: Virginia’s numbers look great on paper.
• Close Calls: The Cavaliers have survived some real nail-biters.
• Travel: Long trips tend to throw teams off their game.

Texas Tech vs. Kansas State: A Big 12 Battle

Texas Tech came out hot, but a loss to Arizona State stung. At 7-1, the Red Raiders probably need a Big 12 title for a CFP shot.

Kansas State looked shaky early but now seems to have found its groove with wins over TCU and Kansas. This game in Manhattan is a huge one for both squads.

Key Factors

• Texas Tech’s Offense: They’ve outscored opponents 349-99. Not bad.
• Kansas State’s Resurgence: The Wildcats have flipped the script lately.
• Quarterback Play: Avery Johnson’s 15 touchdowns and only two picks stand out.

Vanderbilt vs. Auburn: Cinderella Story vs. Frustration

Vanderbilt’s become this year’s Cinderella, sitting at 7-1 and already knocking off three top-15 teams. Auburn, on the other hand, is just 1-10 against ranked teams under Hugh Freeze.

Will Vanderbilt keep the magic alive, or will Auburn finally let out some frustration? This one’s got plenty of storylines.

Key Factors

• Vanderbilt’s Momentum: Their best start since 1941. That’s a long time.
• Auburn’s Struggles: They can’t seem to beat ranked teams, but they do hang tough.
• Potential Letdown: Vanderbilt has to watch out for overconfidence.

Notre Dame vs. Pittsburgh: High Stakes Showdown

Notre Dame and Pittsburgh have a rivalry that goes way back. The Irish have won eight of the last nine, but this year both could be ranked, and the stakes are real.

Pittsburgh leads the ACC in scoring, while Notre Dame’s ground game can eat up clock and yards.

Key Factors

• Rivalry History: Notre Dame’s dominated lately, but rivalry games get weird.
• Offensive Firepower: Pitt puts up points, and Notre Dame runs it well.
• CFP Implications: Either team could take a big step—or a big fall—here.

Ole Miss vs. Florida: Revenge and Speculation

Ole Miss, sitting at 7-1, faces a Florida team that bounced them from the CFP race last year. There’s a lot of talk swirling around Florida’s coaching staff, which just adds to the tension.

If Ole Miss loses to Florida again, their CFP dreams could fade fast.

Key Factors

• Revenge Factor: Ole Miss still remembers last year’s sting.
• Coaching Speculation: Lane Kiffin’s future is a hot topic and could distract.
• CFP Bubble: Another loss, and Ole Miss might be on the outside looking in.

South Carolina vs. Texas A&M: Potential Upset

South Carolina’s season has been rough—all five losses came against top-20 teams. Now they face Texas A&M, who’s undefeated at 8-0 and thinking CFP.

Still, LaNorris Sellers at quarterback gives South Carolina a puncher’s chance at a massive upset. Could get interesting.

Key Factors

• South Carolina’s Tough Schedule: All their losses are to the best of the best.
• LaNorris Sellers: If he heats up, things could get wild.
• Texas A&M’s Form: The Aggies are coming off their most complete game yet.

Iowa vs. USC: A Contrast in Styles

Iowa and USC are about as different as it gets. Iowa brings the muscle and defense, while USC just lights up the scoreboard, leading the nation in yards per play.

Both teams are hanging around the CFP conversation. This one could tip the balance.

Key Factors

• Defensive Strength: Iowa’s defense is no joke.
• Offensive Firepower: USC racks up yards and points in a hurry.
• Tempo Control: Whoever sets the pace probably wins it.

BYU vs. Cincinnati: Battle of the Unbeatens

Not long ago, BYU and Cincinnati were afterthoughts in the conference, going a combined 3-15 two years back. Now? They’re the last unbeatens in the Big 12. Talk about a turnaround.