With October here, fans will need a little more patience for the crucial games that will shape the race for spots in the expanded College Football Playoff. Fortunately, Week 6 promises some exciting matchups to keep spectators engaged.

Though it’s tough to surpass last week’s Alabama-Georgia showdown, the current conference matches offer plenty for viewers to enjoy.

We’ve selected seven key games to keep an eye on, with the usual note that fans may want to switch channels if unexpected twists occur.

No. 9 Missouri at No. 21 Texas A&M

Time/TV: noon ET, ABC.

Why watch: This is the only Top 25 game in Week 6, making it significant in the tightly contested SEC standings. The Aggies started their season with a loss to Notre Dame but remain unbeaten in conference play. Missouri needed extra time to defeat Vanderbilt in their last outing, so fans will hope the team has used their break to make important improvements. Tigers QB Brady Cook and WR Luther Burden III have yet to fully showcase their abilities, and they’ll face a challenge against disruptive Aggies DE Nic Scourton. However, Cook also has skilled teammates like WR Theo Wease Jr. and RB Nate Noel. Although Texas A&M’s offense may lack flash, QB Marcel Reed’s turnover-free performance was crucial in last week’s narrow win against Arkansas. Reed should expect to find Tigers LB Corey Flagg Jr. nearby wherever he goes.

Why it could disappoint: This matchup may not be the cleanest game you’ll see. Both teams are among the most penalized in the league, so frequent penalties are likely. If any team gains a solid lead, it’s more probably the Tigers, although they’ve not dominated against stronger competition.

Iowa at No. 3 Ohio State

Time/TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS.

Why watch: The Buckeyes performed well in their initial Big Ten match against Michigan State and now return home to face the Hawkeyes, known for their strong defense. Ohio State QB Will Howard and his talented playmakers have proven to be nearly unstoppable so far, even against lesser competition. Iowa’s seasoned LBs Jay Higgins and Nick Jackson will try to challenge the Buckeyes. This year, the Hawkeyes are showing improvement on offense with QB Cade McNamara back in the game, needing to support RB Kaleb Johnson to prevent DB Sonny Styles and the formidable Ohio State secondary from dominating the field.

Why it could disappoint: Iowa must avoid turning this into a high-scoring game. If the Buckeyes score quickly, it could lead to a long afternoon for the Hawkeyes in Columbus.

No. 10 Michigan at Washington

Time/TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBC.

Why watch: This matchup lacks the excitement expected for a rematch of last year’s national championship game, largely due to considerable changes in both teams. The Wolverines are not as dominant as last year’s title-winning team but still remain competitive in the Big Ten. They are traveling to face the new west-coast representatives in the league, while the Huskies look to bounce back after a tough loss to Rutgers. Michigan QB Alex Orji may not frequently throw deep passes, but he needs to balance his game enough to create space for RBs Kalel Mullings and Donovan Edwards. Washington’s LBs Carson Bruener and Alphonzo Tuputala will focus on restricting their movement. The Huskies had success moving the football against Rutgers but struggled in finishing drives. QB Will Rogers, WR Denzel Boston, and RB Jonah Coleman can all strike quickly, but Michigan’s DT Rayshaun Benny and his teammates are hard to push off the ball.

Why it could disappoint: This game may not match the intensity of Alabama vs. Georgia. While there could be some substantial runs, scoring chances might be limited. That might suit Michigan, but Washington could also find ways to capitalize.

No. 11 Mississippi at South Carolina

Time/TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN.

Why watch: After a smooth run through their non-conference games, the energetic Rebels faced a surprising setback by losing their SEC opener to Kentucky. They are now in a must-win scenario as they face the Gamecocks, who recently dominated that same Kentucky team and nearly toppled LSU. Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart was unable to make his usual big plays last week, and Gamecocks DE Kyle Kennard will aim to repeat that performance. South Carolina QB LaNorris Sellers missed the previous game due to an ankle injury but should be ready to return and will need his agility to escape the pressure from Rebels DE Princeley Umanmielen.

Why it could disappoint: A disappointment is unlikely unless one team becomes sloppy.

With the ball in play, both offensive teams possess the ability to mount a comeback if necessary, making a one-sided game seem improbable.

No. 4 Tennessee at Arkansas

Time/TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC.

Why tune in: The Razorbacks still have a chance to impact the SEC standings after narrowly losing to Texas A&M. However, their schedule remains tough, starting with this match against the Volunteers at home. Tennessee also cannot afford to stumble with significant challenges ahead. Following a solid start at Oklahoma, QB Nico Iamaleava is expected to tap into the playbook more, aided by RB Dylan Sampson’s ability to convert drives. Arkansas will need a more polished performance from their dynamic yet turnover-prone QB Taylen Green, who will rely heavily on RB Ja’Quinden Jackson. On defense, keep an eye on Razorbacks LB Xavian Sorey and Tennessee LB Arion Carter—they’re likely to make plenty of plays.

Potential letdown: The pressure is certainly on the Razorbacks. If they fall behind early and feel the need to force plays, it could lead to a downhill spiral.

SMU at No. 22 Louisville

Time/TV: Noon ET, ESPN.

Why tune in: The Mustangs had an excellent start to their ACC journey last week with a decisive win over a struggling Florida State team. They now face their first away game in the conference against a Cardinals team that is still feeling frustrated after squandering a chance against Notre Dame. Since Kevin Jennings took over as the starting QB, the SMU offense has exploded. His key players include RB Brashard Smith and TE RJ Maryland Jr., all of whom will keep Louisville’s LB Stanquan Clark and the front line busy. QB Tyler Shough and the Cardinals’ unit will be eager to play at home after facing a tough experience in South Bend, but they need to watch out for DB Ahmaad Moses, who has snagged three interceptions this season.

Potential letdown: It will be fascinating to see how each team adapts to their current circumstances, with the Mustangs on a high and the Cardinals recovering from a loss. Both teams are unlikely to be unprepared, but execution will be crucial.

No. 8 Miami at California

Time/TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN.

Why tune in: As part of #ACCAfterDark, this matchup sees the Golden Bears hosting their first significant game in their new conference. Cal started strong but saw their momentum stall against Florida State a couple of weeks ago. They enjoyed a bye last week while the Hurricanes faced a fierce battle with Virginia Tech, decided by a somewhat contentious replay call. Cal’s RB Jaydn Ott, slowed by an ankle issue, should be at full strength after the break, adding a crucial boost for QB Fernando Mendoza as he aims to tackle Miami’s LB Francisco Mauigoa and the defense. Hurricanes fans are familiar with QB Cam Ward’s high-risk, high-reward style, which keeps things exciting. He often heavily targets WR Xavier Restrepo, although Cal CB Nohl Williams will be keeping a close watch on him.

Potential letdown: Honestly, this game may disappoint. If the Hurricanes avoid turnovers, a few quick scores could effectively seal the game early on.