Previewing & Predicting the Biggest Week 10 Games in College Football

October 28, 2025·2 hr 5 min·5 clips

Why are the hosts previewing 12 games but skipping Ohio State-Penn State, a preseason top-five matchup?

This episode previews the biggest Week 10 college football games with hosts Max and Dalton, analysts from PFF who track team performance data and maintain a season-long prediction record. They highlight an unusually lopsided weekend where traditional powerhouses like Ohio State-Penn State are overshadowed by other matchups, setting a theme for potential upsets. The hosts dive into 12 specific games, starting with the high-stakes clash between #9 Vanderbilt and #20 Texas, which carries major playoff implications for both programs. Vanderbilt can clinch its first playoff berth by winning two of its final three games if it beats Texas, while the Longhorns must win out to stay in contention. Texas quarterback Arch Manning is in concussion protocol, creating uncertainty, and the Longhorns' running backs rank 98th nationally in rushing grade. Vanderbilt's defense is 24th in run defense grade, led by Langston Patterson, while Texas boasts a top-five defense featuring Colin Simmons and Anthony Hill Jr.. Vanderbilt's offensive line is a weakness, ranking eighth-lowest in the Power Five, with quarterback Diego Pavia facing an elite Texas pass rush. The hosts disagree on the outcome, with Dalton picking Vanderbilt 24-20 and Max predicting a 20-17 Texas win, assuming Manning plays. They preview #10 Miami at SMU, noting Miami's playoff destiny control and SMU's defensive line, which has the highest run defense grade nationally. Miami's offensive line is third-highest graded, but quarterback Carson Beck's passing grade drops without play action. SMU's offensive line has an 85.6 pass blocking grade, though it faltered last week, and must protect quarterback Kevin Jennings against Miami's elite pass rush led by Reuben Bain Jr.. The game between Navy and North Texas is crucial for the Group of Six playoff race, with undefeated Navy facing a tough stretch and North Texas needing a win to stay alive in the American Conference. Navy blitzes at the fifth-highest rate, challenging North Texas quarterback Drew Messmaker, whose passing grade drops against pressure. Navy quarterback Blake Horvath leads all quarterbacks in rushing yards and has an 83 passing grade, while North Texas linebackers all have run defense grades over 77. In #16 Louisville at Virginia Tech, the Hokies' offense relies on quarterback Kyron Drones and running backs to force missed tackles, ranking third nationally in that category. Louisville's offensive line struggles in pass protection, but Virginia Tech has the second-worst coverage grade in the Power Five, offering opportunities for Cardinals receiver Chris Bell. The most surprising insight is the hosts skipping Ohio State-Penn State due to a 20.5-point spread, reflecting the weekend's unpredictable nature. They emphasize that Vanderbilt, typically an underdog, is now a playoff contender facing a Texas team whose season hinges on this game. The detailed analysis reveals SMU's underrated defensive line could disrupt Miami's playoff path, and Navy's complex, multi-concept run game challenges traditional service academy stereotypes. A memorable moment is the hosts' personal anecdote about family canceling a trip to the Ohio State-Penn State game, underscoring its diminished appeal. The tone is conversational and analytical, blending data-driven predictions with casual banter between the co-hosts. Their style is educational, using specific PFF grades and stats to break down matchups while maintaining an engaging, debate-like flow. College football fans who enjoy deep statistical analysis and playoff scenario discussions will love this episode. Listeners seeking narrative storytelling or highlights from top-ranked matchups like Ohio State-Penn State might want to skip it.

As heard by us

A sharp Week 10 preview, with rivalry tension and lopsided matchups doing most of the work.

The episode treats Week 10 as a messy board of lopsided matchups, rivalry pressure, and the kind of weekend that still feels worth circling. It moves best when it gets straight to Ohio State-Penn State, then pivots to Georgia-Florida and Florida's post-Billy Napier reset,…

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Why you'd press play

You want a fast Week 10 board built around a weird slate and a lot of road favorites.

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