Top 5 matchups for Week 10 of the 2024 college football season

5. No. 18 Pittsburgh at No. 20 SMU – Saturday, 8 p.m. ET, ACC Network

A matchup between Pittsburgh and SMU doesn’t jump off the page but is one of the few games between ranked opponents this weekend and will have a big impact on the ACC standings. The Panthers and Mustangs will meet for just the seventh time on Saturday and only the third time since 1948. SMU has won the last three matchups, including the 1983 Cotton Bowl and the 2012 BBVA Compass Bowl.

Pitt will look to end SMU’s winning streak and is riding high after a dominant win over Syracuse. The Panthers have had some close calls with three wins by four points or less, but they are a perfect 7-0 and are a darkhorse contender for the College Football Playoff. A road win over a ranked opponent would help the case and Pittsburgh has momentum on its side, particularly offensively where it ranks sixth in the nation in scoring and 25th overall. That’s been thanks to freshman quarterback Eli Holstein who has impressed with over 1,800 passing yards this season.

Pitt’s defense hasn’t been as consistent but stepped up against Syracuse, forcing five turnovers. The Panthers may need more takeaways to slow an SMU offense that ranks just behind Pitt at No. 26 in the country. Dual-threat quarterback Kevin Jennings has had a breakout season while Brashard Smith has also been one of the top running backs in college football. They’ve helped SMU to big road wins over Louisville and Duke while the Mustangs’ lone loss came against BYU. A strong performance on both sides of the ball could lead to another big win that may also put SMU on the fringe of the playoff conversation.