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College Football Weekend Preview: Ohio State–Indiana Leads a Saturday Packed With Stakes

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October 16, 2026

College football’s October race heats up Saturday with a top-five showdown in Bloomington, a marquee Notre Dame road test and an Alabama–Tennessee rivalry game carrying significant SEC implications.

No. 4 Ohio State visits No. 5 Indiana, while No. 2 Notre Dame travels to No. 8 BYU. Both matchups give contenders a chance to strengthen their national standing as the season moves into its second half. pff.com

Ohio State at Indiana: The weekend’s centerpiece

Indiana enters Saturday unbeaten at 6–0, while Ohio State arrives at 5–1. Both are 3–0 in Big Ten play, making this a pivotal meeting in the conference race. foxsports.com

The matchup also brings a rematch of last season’s Big Ten Championship Game, which Indiana won. Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin and receiver Jeremiah Smith headline an offense facing an Indiana defense that has helped sustain the Hoosiers’ rise under Curt Cignetti.

The key question is whether Indiana can disrupt Ohio State’s timing without allowing explosive plays. For the Buckeyes, protecting Sayin and handling the road environment will be central to taking control. landgrantholyland.com

Alabama at Tennessee: Ground games take center stage

No. 6 Alabama and No. 14 Tennessee meet with both programs trying to avoid another setback. Alabama is coming off a loss to Georgia, while Tennessee survived a close game against Arkansas.

PFF’s preview identifies Alabama’s rushing attack against Tennessee’s run defense as a major advantage to watch. The Volunteers, meanwhile, have leaned heavily on their own ground game while seeking more consistency through the air. Tennessee’s ability to sustain drives and limit Alabama’s explosive runs could decide whether this rivalry stays close late. pff.com

Notre Dame at BYU: A major road examination

Notre Dame’s visit to BYU gives the evening schedule another top-10 attraction. PFF anticipates a defensive contest, highlighting Notre Dame’s improving offensive balance and BYU’s reliance on quarterback Bear Bachmeier.

That puts a premium on early-down efficiency. Avoiding obvious passing situations and finishing scoring opportunities could matter more than piling up yardage in a game with little room for wasted possessions. pff.com

Missouri at Ole Miss: Quarterbacks drive the storyline

No. 13 Missouri visits No. 9 Ole Miss in a matchup featuring Missouri quarterback Austin Simmons against his former program.

Simmons began last season as Ole Miss’ starter before an injury opened the door for Trinidad Chambliss. Now they meet on opposite sidelines. Missouri’s pass rush against Chambliss’ quick release and mobility is a particularly compelling matchup within the game. pff.com

San Antonio spotlight: Navy visits UTSA

At the Alamodome, UTSA looks to build on a 5–1 start against Navy in the programs’ first meeting. The Roadrunners enter 2–0 in American Conference play.

Navy’s rushing attack presents a demanding assignment for UTSA’s defense. The Roadrunners will need disciplined run fits and efficient possessions from quarterback Owen McCown to keep the Midshipmen from controlling the game’s pace. underdogdynasty.com

Saturday also serves as UTSA’s Salute to Armed Forces and Veterans game, adding a meaningful local element to the evening. expressnews.com

Selected Saturday games — October 17

All kickoff times Central.MatchupKickoffTVOhio State at Indiana11 a.m.FOXFlorida at Texas11 a.m.ABCAlabama at Tennessee2:30 p.m.ABCMissouri at Ole Miss2:30 p.m.SEC NetworkNotre Dame at BYU6:30 p.m.ABCOklahoma State at Houston6:30 p.m.FOXNavy at UTSA7 p.m.ESPNU

Schedule information comes from Ohio State Athletics, College Football News, PFF and the San Antonio Express-News. ohiostatebuckeyes.com

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