CFB Week 10: Playoff Contenders Face Off

**College Football Playoff Hopes Hang in Balance as Week 10 Kicks Off, Klatt Outlines Key Showdowns**

**NEW YORK – November 2, 2023** – As the college football season hurtles towards its thrilling conclusion, the stakes reach an all-time high in Week 10, with several pivotal matchups set to profoundly impact the College Football Playoff (CFP) picture. FOX Sports analyst and former college quarterback Joel Klatt has offered his expert insights into the must-watch games, emphasizing the critical factors that will determine the fortunes of contending teams.

This Saturday, November 4th, features a slate of contests where every snap carries immense weight, but two games, in particular, stand out for their potential to reshape the national landscape.

**Big Ten Battle: Penn State Aims to Topple Unbeaten Ohio State**

The biggest spotlight of the weekend undoubtedly shines on Columbus, Ohio, where the No. 9 Penn State Nittany Lions (7-1) travel to Ohio Stadium to face the undefeated and No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes (8-0). This fierce Big Ten East rivalry game, scheduled for a noon ET kickoff on FOX as part of the “Big Noon Kickoff” broadcast, is a de facto playoff eliminator for Penn State and a significant test for Ohio State’s national championship aspirations.

Klatt meticulously broke down Penn State’s path to an upset. He underscored the absolute necessity for the Nittany Lions’ potent running back duo of Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton to establish a dominant ground game. “Penn State’s identity starts with their ability to run the football,” Klatt stated, “They have to win the line of scrimmage and control the clock to keep Ohio State’s offense off the field.”

On the defensive side, Klatt highlighted the monumental task awaiting Penn State’s vaunted defense, one of the nation’s best in terms of points and yards allowed. Their primary objective: contain Ohio State’s superstar wide receiver, Marvin Harrison Jr., a leading contender for the Heisman Trophy and a projected top NFL Draft pick. Additionally, the Nittany Lions’ defensive front will need to pressure Buckeyes quarterback Kyle McCord to disrupt their generally formidable passing attack.

For sophomore quarterback Drew Allar, Klatt emphasized the critical importance of a near-perfect performance. “Allar cannot afford turnovers,” Klatt warned. “He’s going to face significant pressure, and his decision-making under duress will be paramount.” In essence, Klatt’s analysis suggests Penn State must control the tempo, win the turnover battle, and consistently move the chains to have a legitimate shot at derailing Ohio State’s perfect season.

**Texas Faces Critical Test Against Resurgent Kansas State**

In Austin, Texas, the No. 7 Texas Longhorns (7-1) face their own crucial Big 12 challenge against the No. 25 Kansas State Wildcats (6-2). This conference showdown, also kicking off at noon ET on FOX, presents Texas with an opportunity to solidify its CFP resume and demonstrate its playoff worthiness to the selection committee.

Klatt stressed that for Texas, a win alone against the reigning Big 12 champions might not be enough. They need a “decisive and dominant” performance. “The eye test matters immensely at this stage,” Klatt explained. “Texas needs to show they are a complete team capable of handling a strong opponent convincingly.”

Much of Texas’s success hinges on the health and efficiency of quarterback Quinn Ewers. Assuming he is fully fit, Klatt expects Ewers to lead the offense with precision, minimizing mistakes and maximizing scoring opportunities. The Longhorns’ defense, a consistent strength throughout the season, will also need to maintain its high level of play to stifle Kansas State’s balanced attack, led by quarterback Will Howard and running back DJ Giddens. A slip-up here – whether a loss or even a sloppy victory – could deal a devastating blow to Texas’s postseason aspirations.

Klatt’s overall message for Week 10 is clear: the margin for error is shrinking rapidly. For teams with championship dreams, every game from this point forward serves as an explicit audition for the College Football Playoff, with each performance having significant implications as the regular season approaches its dramatic conclusion.