The Week 9 schedule gets interesting before the weekend even begins.

On Thursday night, No. 20 Pitt faces a tough test against Kyle McCord and Syracuse as the Panthers try to stay undefeated. Both teams are coming off a bye week and with a win there is a good chance the Orange will get into the AP poll as they were among the others receiving votes last week.

That will be followed by a big Group of Five showdown on Friday night when No. 15 Boise State travels to UNLV to stay in the driver’s seat for a playoff spot. Both teams are 5-1 coming off a bye week and tied at the top of the Mountain West standings.

Once Saturday finally arrives, the SEC will take center stage again.

Vanderbilt will look to pull off another upset at home against No. 1 Texas, while there are two matchups with ranked teams poised to shake up the Top 25 poll, with No. 19 Missouri taking on No. 7 Alabama and No. 8 LSU takes on No. 14 Texas A&M.

The Big Ten also has a busy day ahead, led by No. 22 Illinois taking on No. 2 Oregon on the road, as the Ducks try to stay undefeated while pushing for the No. 1 seed in the nation. The undefeated playoff contenders Indiana (against Washington) and Penn State (at Wisconsin) also face difficult, if unranked, opponents.

And finally, who would have thought that the Notre Dame vs. Navy game would have such a significant impact on the playoffs? Both teams are ranked and looking for a spot in the 12-team field.

By then it could be an elimination game for whoever comes up short. The Fighting Irish are trying to avoid a second loss while the Midshipmen are trying to stay undefeated and in the race for the playoff spot in the Group of Five.

See you all next Saturday!