This weekend’s slate of games is a good one. Not only are there great matchups across all of the viewing windows on Saturday, but Thursday and Friday evening aren’t too shabby either. With four contests that feature a pair of ranked teams and a myriad of possible trip-up spots for other ranked squads, Week 7 has some serious potential.

Without further ado, here are the best games available during each time slot.

Thursday, Oct. 10

Syracuse (3-2) @ NC State (3-2) —> 7 p.m. CST on ESPN

These two ACC foes are each averaging just under 30 points per game on offense with around 250 yards passing. Where they differ is on the defensive side of the ball. NC State only allows around 20 points per game, while Syracuse gives up 28. The Wolfpack is favored by 4.5 points, but Dino Babers and Tommy DeVito can be feisty for Syracuse. Overall, a solid Thursday night conference tilt.

Friday, Oct. 11

No. 20 Virginia (4-1) @ Miami (2-3) —> 7 p.m. CST on ESPN

The early returns for Manny Diaz have not been great for Miami. Already sporting two conferences losses, the Hurricanes somehow enter this game a slight home favorite. Virginia’s only loss has come on the road against Notre Dame, and quarterback Bryce Perkins has been inconsistent through the air. The matchup, on paper, is fairly even in terms of offense and defensive key statistics, but the records are very different. This game could have Cheez-It Bowl potential.

Colorado (3-2) @ No. 13 Oregon (4-1) —> 9 p.m. CST on FS1

Oregon is a big home favorite. The senior quarterbacks starting on both sides are very good in Steven Montez and Justin Herbert. Colorado receiver Laviska Shenault is an absolute dude, but he has missed some time this year because of injuries. While Oregon should win this game, Colorado has been frisky this year, especially against ranked opponents.

Saturday, Oct. 12

Morning games

No. 6 Oklahoma (5-0) @ No. 11 Texas (4-1) —> 11 a.m. CST on FOX

In years past, premier games during the early Saturday television window were a rarity, but with FOX’s new primetime slot being early, this distributes the Saturday slate nicely across the main television times. Jalen Hurts has been on fire this year with over 2,000 yards of total offense and 21 touchdowns as a graduate transfer. Sam Ehlinger for Texas has also been steady leading the Longhorns. Other than a stumble against LSU, Texas has looked great. This rivalry game is always fun, and the two teams split the series a year ago. I recommend watching if you can; I doubt the Red River Rivalry disappoints.

Other morning games of interest: South Carolina @ Georgia, Michigan @ Illinois, Maryland @ Purdue.

Afternoon games

Michigan State (4-2) @ No. 8 Wisconsin (5-0) —> 2:30 p.m. CST on BTN

This is obviously the most important game of the weekend for Badger fans, and B5Q has everything you need to prepare for this homecoming clash.

No. 1 Alabama (5-0) @ No. 24 Texas A&M (3-2) —> 2:30 p.m. CST on CBS

This is a game that Alabama should win. Texas A&M is the only ranked team with two losses in the polls, and it has only beaten Arkansas, Lamar and Texas State. Tua Tagovailoa has been on a roll this year, throwing for 1,718 yards in only five games with 23 touchdowns. The Heisman hopeful will have the chance to bolster his resume against an A&M team that has talent, but not to the same level as Alabama.

Other afternoon games of interest: Florida State @ Clemson, Washington State @ Arizona State, Cincinnati @ Houston, Texas Tech @ Baylor.

Primetime games

No. 10 Penn State (5-0) @ No. 17 Iowa (4-1) —> 6:30 p.m. CST on ABC

This could be a low-scoring affair, as both teams possess strong defenses. Sophomore quarterback Sean Clifford leads Penn State’s offense, and he has played well so far this season. Defensively, the Nittany Lions have some studs in Yetur Gross-Matos and Micah Parsons, and PSU’s defense has only surrendered just over seven points per game. Iowa isn’t far behind defensively, averaging just under nine points per game thanks to the leadership of A.J. Epenesa, one of the better defensive lineman in the country. Kinnick Stadium is always a tough road venue, so this matchup should be a very good game.

No. 7 Florida (6-0) @ No. 5 LSU (5-0) —> 7 p.m. CST on ESPN

Joe Burrow has been a man on a mission thus far this season. The senior quarterback has the LSU offense humming at a different level than before. Pair that with a good defense, and LSU has championship DNA. On the other sideline, Florida has won by leaning on its defense. The Gators have one of the best front sevens in all of college football, and they are able to get to the quarterback without bringing blitzes. LSU is a heavy favorite, but the game of the weekend could surprise.

Other primetime games of interest: USC @ Notre Dame, Nebraska @ Minnesota.

After dark

Hawaii (4-1) @ No. 14 Boise State (5-0) —> 9:15 p.m. CST on ESPN2

Boise State is currently the highest ranked mid-major program. The Broncos have been great to this point including a win at Florida State to open the season. Hawaii, lead by head coach Nick Rolovich, has been exciting to watch all season, and it has beaten two Pac-12 teams. With its only loss at the hands of Washington on the road, Hawaii has shown the ability to score in bunches on any team. While it is on a secondary network, this is one of the more intriguing games of the weekend.

Washington (4-2) @ Arizona (4-1) —> 10 p.m. CST on FS1

Arizona has been a surprise team to this point. Outside of a loss to Hawaii on the road, Khalil Tate has kept the Wildcats going strong. Washington enters this game licking its wounds after dropped a game at Stanford a week ago. One of the preseason favorites for the conference, Washington has had a bumpy ride with new starting quarterback Jacob Eason. The defense has a stellar secondary, but losses to Cal and Stanford put this team in unfamiliar territory heading into a tough matchup with a confident Arizona team. PAC-12 after dark has been noteworthy to this point, and this game has potential for fun as well.