A half-dozen matchups between what should be ranked teams are the highlight of a fully-loaded Week 7 college football schedule that gives college football fans what they've been waiting for.
The latest AP Poll will confirm that Sunday.
What's in store for the midpoint of the season? A Big Ten championship game rematch between Ohio State and Indiana. Notre Dame travels to BYU with the ESPN "College GameDay" spotlight. Another grinder of an SEC schedule highlighted by the Third Saturday in October between Alabama and Tennessee. There is all that – and a few classic rivalries along the way.
What are the best games on the Week 7 schedule? A closer look.
MORE: College Football Playoff Forecast entering Week 7
Week 7 matchups between ranked teams
1. Ohio State (5-1) at Indiana (6-0), 12 p.m. Fox
It's a matchup between the last two national champions. Who is the best team in the Big Ten? Indiana quarterback Josh Hoover averages 210.7 passing yards with 17 TDs and no interceptions. Can he give Indiana its first regular-season victory against the Buckeyes since a 41-7 victory in Bloomington, Ind., on Oct. 8, 1988? Who is going to cover Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith – who has eight of his 11 TDs in Big Ten play? The Buckeyes should be favored here, but it is another road test against a top-10 team.
MORE: Hoover pulls a 'Fernando' as Indiana escapes upset
2. Notre Dame (6-0) at BYU (5-0), 7:30 p.m., ABC
Remember when these teams could have played in the Pop-Tarts Bowl? This is the only matchup between unbeaten teams. Notre Dame has looked the part of a national championship contender under Marcus Freeman. BYU gets the national spotlight with coach Kalani Sitake. The quarterback matchup between CJ Carr and Bear Bachmeier should live up to expectations, too. Notre Dame hasn't been in Provo since Sept. 4, 2004 – a game the Cougars won 20-17.
4. Alabama (5-1) at Tennessee (5-1), 3:30 p.m., ABC/ESPN
The Crimson Tide lost 20-17 to Georgia – but there is no time for a hangover. The Vols have won the last two meetings in this series at Neyland Stadium. It's a huge game between one-loss SEC teams, and they will be dressed appropriately for the occasion.
MORE: Kalen DeBoer lost his poise, and his team followed suit
4. Missouri (5-1) at Ole Miss (4-1), 3:30 p.m., ABC/ESPN
Is this the best game on the SEC schedule? Is Missouri an SEC playoff threat? These questions will be answered. Remember, Trinidad Chambliss (1,435 yards, 11 TDs, 4 INTs) replaced Tigers quarterback Austin Simmons (1,434 yards, 14 TDs, 1 INT) last season. It's shaping up to be another memorable weekend in The Grove.
5. Oklahoma State (4-1) at Houston (5-1), 7:30 p.m., Fox
Big 12 contenders are in the prime-time spotlight. Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker has 10 TDs and one interception in the Cowboys' last three games. Houston's Conner Weigman has 15 TDs and one interception this season. Houston won 39-17 last season.
MORE: Drew Mestemaker stays hot as Cowboys cruise
6. Mississippi State (4-1) at LSU (4-2), 12 p.m., ABC/ESPN
Lane Kiffin now has two road losses in SEC play after a 35-34 overtime loss at Kentucky. The Tigers are in desperation mode now, and the Bulldogs are coming off a bye week with quarterback Kamario Taylor. Could Mississippi State deal LSU a third loss?
MORE: Where does upset loss to Kentucky leave Lane Kiffin, LSU?
Don't forget about …
Florida (4-2) at Texas (4-1), 12 p.m., ABC/ESPN
Who gets off the mat? Texas suffered a 27-24 loss in last-minute fashion in the Red River Rivalry against Oklahoma. Florida will not be ranked after back-to-back blowout losses to Missouri and South Carolina under first-year coach Jon Sumrall. Remember, the Gators beat the Longhorns 29-21 last season. Steve Sarkisian and Arch Manning are on the spot here.
MORE: Arch Manning meltdown costs Texas
Wisconsin (4-1) at UCLA (5-0), TBD
How will the Bruins handle success after a 17-15 victory against Oregon? Will Nico Iamaleava start? Wisconsin has improved under coach Luke Fickell, and these teams have not met since 2010. UCLA's Wayne Knight averages 126.7 rushing yards per game in Big Ten play.
MORE: UCLA's Bob Chesney has Bruins poised for run at CFP
Miami (5-0) at Florida State (3-3), 7 p.m., ESPN
The Hurricanes can make it three in a row in this "Sunshine State" rivalry. How will the Seminoles, who allowed an average of 47 points in losses to Louisville and Alabama, slow down a Miami offense led by quarterback Darian Mensah, who has an 84.2% completion percentage with 15 TDs and no interceptions?
Penn State (3-3) at Michigan (3-2), 3:30 p.m., CBS/FS1
This matchup is way down the pecking order, but think of the stakes for first-year coaches Matt Campbell and Kyle Whittingham. The Nittany Lions are trying to avoid an 0-4 start in Big Ten play. The Wolverines are looking to avoid a third straight loss, and the Bryce Underwood-Tommy Carr quarterback debate is getting loud in Ann Arbor.
