The tension is rising in the Bowl Subdivision.

Non-conference games are now behind us this season. Teams vying for playoff spots are facing tough competition within their conferences, with powerhouses like Michigan and Oklahoma facing elimination from the College Football Playoff conversation due to multiple losses in October.

Alabama is also on the brink of playoff exclusion. After starting October strong with a win over Georgia, the Crimson Tide suffered defeats to Vanderbilt and Tennessee, narrowly escaping a third loss with a 27-25 victory over South Carolina.

The playoff scenario remains uncertain with six weeks left until the conference championship games. Currently, there are 20 teams in the Power Four conferences that have one loss or none: six from the ACC and SEC, five from the Big Ten, and three from the Big 12.

The final stretch of the regular season will likely narrow down the playoff candidates. Starting this Saturday, here are 10 crucial games that will significantly impact the playoff outlook:

No. 21 Illinois at No. 1 Oregon, Oct. 26

After falling to Penn State and struggling with a narrow 50-49 victory against Purdue, Illinois bounced back with a convincing win over Michigan last Saturday. This weekend’s match against Oregon is critical for the Illini’s playoff ambitions. The Ducks are heavily favored by three touchdowns, underscoring the challenge Illinois faces to pull off a major upset.

No. 11 Notre Dame vs. No. 24 Navy, Oct. 26

Notre Dame is benefiting from Texas A&M’s rise in the rankings and the impressive start from Navy and Army, both of whom have combined for 13 wins. With only one loss, the Fighting Irish are currently in playoff contention, but a perfect finish with two additional ranked victories would greatly affect their playoff positioning. This game is set for MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, so a win here would hold significant value for the selection committee.

No. 4 Ohio State at No. 3 Penn State, Nov. 2

The winner of this game is likely to secure a spot in the Big Ten championship game, while the loser may have to settle for an at-large bid. A loss for Ohio State would heighten their stress with only four weeks remaining, although they are expected to win their remaining games against Purdue, Northwestern, Indiana, and Michigan. Meanwhile, if Penn State loses, they would still be in a good position for the at-large berth.

No. 5 Miami at Georgia Tech, Nov. 9

Miami has the clearest path to a perfect regular season among the unbeaten teams in the Power Four, beginning with a rivalry game against Florida State this Saturday. They do have strong opponents ahead, including Duke at home on Nov. 2 and a visit to Syracuse on Nov. 30. However, the toughest challenge appears to be their road game at Georgia Tech, although Notre Dame recently handled the Yellow Jackets with ease.

No. 15 Alabama at No. 7 LSU, Nov. 9

Before facing LSU, Alabama first needs to overcome No. 17 Missouri this weekend, which looks uncertain given their struggles throughout October. A win against the Tigers followed by a victory over LSU would help Kalen DeBoer’s first squad regain their playoff momentum with Mercer, Oklahoma, and Auburn still on the regular season schedule.

No. 8 Tennessee at No. 2 Georgia, Nov. 16

Similar to Alabama, Tennessee must not overlook Kentucky and Mississippi State ahead of their visit to Athens. Their recent 24-17 victory over Alabama was significant, especially considering their earlier wins against North Carolina State and Oklahoma now seem less impressive. A victory over Georgia could propel the Volunteers into the SEC championship game.

No. 9 Clemson at No. 20 Pittsburgh, Nov. 16

Clemson has been on a roll since losing to Georgia in their opening game. Their offense has been explosive, and with Miami’s inconsistent performances in conference play, the Tigers have emerged as the favorites in the ACC. Pittsburgh has performed well against Clemson, winning in 2016 and during their last meeting in 2021. A win for the Panthers could place them second in the conference standings and make them a serious playoff contender.

No. 13 Indiana at No. 4 Ohio State, Nov. 23

Indiana has surprised many, achieving the best start for the program since 1967. They have performed impressively in recent weeks, including a dominant 56-7 win against Nebraska, and could be favored to defeat Washington, Michigan State, and Michigan before facing Ohio State. However, the injury to quarterback Kurtis Rourke could sideline him for several weeks, which may affect their momentum.

No. 6 Texas at No. 14 Texas A&M, Nov. 30

The heated rivalry is back in action with a game that may decide which teams reach the SEC championship. It’s impressive how under new head coach Mike Elko, Texas A&M has transformed from one of Jimbo Fisher’s biggest letdowns to a strong contender in the SEC. If the Aggies manage to secure a win against LSU this Saturday, this could set up a clash between two one-loss teams where either could still make the playoffs, regardless of the outcome.

No. 16 Kansas State at No. 10 Iowa State, Nov. 30

It’s uncertain if Iowa State will sail to an 11-0 record before facing Kansas State, especially after their narrow victory against Central Florida last week. Nonetheless, this is poised to be a major matchup in the Big 12, even if they face off again the following week for the conference title and a playoff bye. After Kansas State ruled the series for many years, Iowa State has taken the upper hand recently, winning four of their last six encounters.