As the college football season barrels toward its final stretch, most eyes are naturally glued to the marquee matchups: Alabama vs. Georgia, Ohio State vs. Michigan, or Oklahoma vs. Texas. But for those who follow the College Football Playoff (CFP) landscape closely, November is packed with pivotal games that could reshape the playoff picture—and they’re not all on the national primetime schedule.
Here’s a closer look at 10 under-the-radar games in November that could have outsized impacts on the playoff race, seeding, and even conference supremacy.
- Penn State at Michigan State (Nov. 2)
Penn State has quietly been one of the Big Ten’s most consistent programs this year, yet a slip-up in East Lansing could derail their CFP hopes. Michigan State has a knack for home upsets and thrives under head coach Mel Tucker’s leadership. This matchup isn’t getting the hype of Michigan-Ohio State, but it could be a deciding factor in the Big Ten East. - Wake Forest at North Carolina (Nov. 2)
The ACC has been wide open, and this game could be a defining moment for Wake Forest’s playoff aspirations. North Carolina has a high-powered offense, but Wake Forest’s disciplined defense and strong offensive line make this a genuine toss-up. - Washington at Oregon (Nov. 9)
Pac-12 contention could be shaken by this clash. Washington has shown flashes of CFP-caliber play, but Oregon’s home-field advantage and high-tempo offense make this a must-watch for playoff implications. A Washington loss here could open the door for a late-season Oregon surge. - Kansas State at Baylor (Nov. 9)
Big 12 chaos is real. Kansas State has quietly built a strong resume, and a win in Waco could vault them into serious CFP consideration. Baylor has the offense to compete with anyone, but Kansas State’s balanced attack makes them dangerous on the road. - Kentucky at Florida (Nov. 9)
The SEC East remains unpredictable, and Kentucky has been quietly carving out a strong season. A road victory at Florida could make Kentucky a contender in a division traditionally dominated by Georgia and Tennessee. - LSU at Ole Miss (Nov. 16)
The SEC West continues to be a minefield. Ole Miss has one of the top passing attacks in the nation, but LSU’s defensive resurgence makes this matchup key for playoff seeding and momentum heading into December. - Notre Dame at Syracuse (Nov. 16)
Notre Dame’s CFP hopes hinge on consistency. Syracuse has proven to be a giant-slayer at home, and a slip here could seriously impact the Irish’s chances to secure a spot. This game is flying under the radar despite its potential impact. - Michigan at Penn State (Nov. 23)
Yes, Michigan has its spotlight games, but this late-season Big Ten clash could determine the East division champion. Penn State has shown resilience, and Michigan’s defense will be tested in one of the most critical games of the month. - Florida State at Miami (Nov. 23)
Rivalry games always carry weight, but for Florida State, this contest could be the difference between a CFP berth and a near-miss. Miami’s young but explosive roster makes this a potential upset waiting to happen. - Oklahoma State at Oklahoma (Nov. 30)
Bedlam has national playoff implications more often than not. With both teams chasing Big 12 supremacy, this game could be a CFP decider. Oklahoma State’s disciplined approach vs. Oklahoma’s high-powered attack promises fireworks and playoff shake-ups.
Why These Games Matter
It’s easy to focus solely on the high-profile matchups in November, but the CFP selection committee looks at quality wins, conference championships, and late-season momentum. A single upset in these “under-the-radar” games could dramatically alter playoff seeding—or even bump a team out of contention entirely.
For example, an unheralded team like Wake Forest or Kansas State could leverage a late-season win to enter the CFP conversation, while a slip by a powerhouse like Penn State or Michigan could send shockwaves through the Big Ten standings. These games are not just about wins and losses—they are about narrative, timing, and positioning when the CFP rankings are released in December.
What Fans Should Watch For
Injuries and Depth: November is when team depth is tested. Injuries can swing even the most favorable matchups.
Momentum Swings: Teams that peak too early often stumble late. Conversely, teams that find their rhythm in November can surge unexpectedly.
Conference Implications: Many of these under-the-radar games double as conference deciders. Winning a division, even if you’re not in the national spotlight, is critical for playoff eligibility.
The Bottom Line
While the national audience may be fixated on the traditional marquee matchups, savvy college football fans know that November is filled with hidden CFP pivots. Paying attention to these 10 under-the-radar games could not only enrich your viewing experience but also give you a leg up in predicting the playoff field.
By the time conference championships roll around, it’s often the results of these quietly pivotal contests that shape the playoff landscape. Don’t blink—these are the games that could redefine the path to Atlanta for the 2025 College Football Playoff.