Playoff Contenders Face Halloween Weekend Tests

Halloween weekend brings several chances for contenders to stumble, with Miami and Ohio State facing road tests and Utah trying to protect its place atop the Big 12 race. The unbeaten Hurricanes visit North Carolina before a much-anticipated game against Notre Dame next week. Miami is favored, but North Carolina has challenged strong opponents at home and has beaten the Hurricanes in five consecutive meetings, last winning in Chapel Hill in 2017.

Ohio State travels to USC without quarterback Julian Sayin, who will miss an indefinite stretch because of an injury to his throwing arm. Freshman Luke Fahey is expected to make his first start. The Buckeyes had a bye to prepare, but USC’s talented offense, led by Jayden Maiava, presents a demanding first assignment. A win would also give the two-loss Trojans a route back into the playoff conversation.

Utah, unbeaten at 7-0, visits Cincinnati after moving into first place in the Big 12 standings with a victory over Houston. Cincinnati is coming off a win over Texas Tech, while Utah’s recent turnovers add risk to the road matchup. Texas Tech, meanwhile, faces No. 22 Arizona after losing its unbeaten record at Cincinnati.

Georgia meets Florida, with the Bulldogs favored by double digits despite a recent loss to Auburn. Florida has won high-profile games this season and could make the matchup competitive if it runs effectively. Beyond this weekend, Georgia’s November 7 trip to Ole Miss looms: the Rebels beat the Bulldogs in last season’s playoff quarterfinal and have scored heavily against them in recent meetings.