What happened: National projections slate No. 8 Texas and No. 10 Texas Tech for potential upset defeats during the upcoming weekend slate. Both programs face pivotal matchups as the November schedule tightens the national postseason picture.

Why it matters: A defeat would severely undermine either program's standing in the College Football Playoff bracket. Texas Tech climbed into contention after opening at No. 15 in the committee rankings, leaving little margin for error down the stretch. A November loss would effectively hand tiebreaker advantages to conference rivals.

What to watch: Both programs take the field Saturday to defend their top-10 rankings in high-leverage conference matchups.