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As the leaves start to change color and the crisp fall air settles in, football season kicks into high gear. October brings some of the most anticipated matchups both in the NFL and college football, setting the stage for pivotal moments in the season. Whether you're a die-hard fan tracking your Alma mater or an NFL aficionado who is keen on fantasy points, there's no shortage of action-packed games to mark on your calendar.
Bills at Jets - The October 14 game will be the first of two clashes between these AFC squads who seem poised to finish 1-2 or 2-1 in the east division standings. Josh Allen vs. Aaron Rodgers is all we need to know. They met twice when Rodgers was in Green Bay and split those games. The Jets have a solid defense that's tied for 2nd in yards allowed per game, 5th in points allowed, and 2nd on passing yards allowed. But if teams can exploit the Jets' 20th-ranked run defense, things could start to go south in a hurry for the J-E-T-S Jets.
Cowboys at 49ers - The Cowboys enter October with records of 2-2 over-all and 1-1 in the NFC, but are 1-0 in the east division. They actually don't have ANY divisional games this month as they visit Pittsburgh, host Detroit, and then take a week off before heading west for what could be a classic Battle on the Bay.
Vikings vs. Lions - Not only are the Vikes4-0 over-all, but they're 3-0 in the AFC and 1-0 in the north division with this past weekend's win at Green Bay. Neither Chicago or Detroit have played a divisional game. Minnesota's only divisional game in October will be the home matchup against the Lions. This Sunday, the Vikings will be in London to take on the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Alabama at Tennessee - An SEC heavyweight battle that could dictate the pace of the conference and has a significant impact on the College Football Playoff race. Quarterbacks Nico Iamaleava of Tennessee and Jalen Milroe of Alabama lead balanced offenses that rank 2nd (Vols) and 5th in the SEC.
Ohio State at Oregon - This week, Ohio State needs to survive Iowa, and Oregon has to avoid the letdown against Michigan State. If those items are accomplished, this will be one of those "Game of the Year" matchups. Fans have had it circled since long before the season began. The Buckeyes go west for their toughest game on the schedule. Oregon will still have to contend with several tough games, including Illinois and Washington at home, and visits to Michigan and Wisconsin.
Oklahoma vs. Texas (at Dallas) - The same huge Red River Rivalry game, but now it's an SEC showdown and not a Big12 battle. Both schools have this week off to prepare for next week's collision.
As the college football season progresses into October, teams begin to hit their stride or falter, leading to unexpected results on the field. Keep an eye on these teams on October who are just two of the schools that have already surprised us with their September performance.
Arizona (3-1, 1-0) - This program is making noise in its new home in the Big 12. In October, the 'Cats get Texas Tech at home, then visit BYU before finishing with Colorado and West Virginia in their friendly confines. They could be 5-0 in the conference by the time the page turns to November.
Indiana (5-0, 2-0) - We are curious to see what happens to the Hoosiers this month as the finished September with their first 5-0 start since 1967 when that team opened with 8 straight wins and finished 9-2. Curt Cignetti is doing this in his first season as head coach after moving over from James Madison in the offseason. He brought a bunch of JMU players with him, such as wide receiver Elijah Sarratt. But he also has Wake Forest transfer RB Justice Ellison, and Ohio Bobcat transfer QB Kurtis Rourke - just to name a few of the fresh faces that have somehow jelled quickly.
Indiana only has three games In October with a visit to Northwestern this week, followed by a bye week before hosting Nebraska and Washington. All three are win-able so we are starting to think that we need to circle the November 23rd trip to Ohio State as a future must-see game.
For those looking to dive deeper into the analytics and predictions, checking out the latest odds by FanDuel can provide an extra layer of excitement.
Whether you're planning your next bet or just curious about the statistical underpinnings, these insights can be invaluable. Moreover, tuning into a college football podcast can enrich your understanding of the key dynamics at play.
Analysts naturally dissect team strategies, player performance, and upcoming matchups, offering fans a richer narrative that complements the on-field action. These digital resources transform each game from a mere spectator event into a dynamic discussion point for fans across the nation.
October's football schedule is packed with must-see games that promise to deliver all the excitement and drama fans crave. From the strategic battles in the NFL to the passionate rivalries in college football, each game offers a unique story and potential implications that stretch far beyond the field. Make sure to set your reminders and prepare for some of the best football of the year.