UPDATE: As the 2025 college football season enters its final weeks, interim coaches at LSU and Auburn are preparing for high-stakes matchups this Saturday. With the clock ticking down to the playoffs, every game matters more than ever.
This weekend marks a pivotal moment as two new interim coaches debut under intense pressure. LSU’s Frank Wilson heads to No. 4 Alabama, while Auburn’s DJ Durkin faces off against No. 16 Vanderbilt. Both teams are seeking to turn around their fortunes in critical road games that could define their seasons.
With only three ranked matchups this week, including No. 7 BYU vs. No. 8 Texas Tech, and No. 3 Texas A&M vs. No. 22 Missouri, the stakes are incredibly high. The outcome of these games could reshape the College Football Playoff landscape, especially the Big 12 showdown in Lubbock.
The coaching carousel continues to spin, with interim coaches aiming for permanent positions. Kent State recently promoted Mark Carney after his impressive tenure. Meanwhile, last year’s interim at East Carolina, Blake Harrell, has had a solid season. Could LSU or Auburn’s interim coaches follow suit?
Arkansas’s Bobby Petrino, who has struggled since taking over, faces daunting challenges against No. 11 Texas and No. 22 Missouri. Similarly, UCLA’s Tim Skipper, after a tough loss to Indiana, needs wins against tough opponents to stay in the conversation for the full-time role.
Another major matchup on Friday night features Tulane at Memphis. Both teams are in the hunt for the American Conference title and a potential playoff spot. Tulane’s Jon Sumrall and Memphis’s Ryan Silverfield are both being eyed for coaching openings, making this game even more significant. Memphis, currently a 4.5-point favorite, aims to recover from a surprising loss to UAB.
In the midst of these developments, Notre Dame has emerged as a dark horse in the playoff race. Currently ranked No. 10 despite losses to No. 3 Texas A&M and No. 18 Miami, the Fighting Irish need to win out, starting with a tricky game against Navy. The Midshipmen, led by quarterback Blake Horvath, present a formidable challenge with their explosive offense, averaging 34.8 points per game.
As fans across the nation gear up for these crucial matchups, the pressure is mounting on coaches and players alike. With the playoff picture rapidly evolving, every game is a must-win, and the implications stretch far beyond this season.
Stay tuned as we follow these developing storylines closely, bringing you the latest updates and insights from the college football landscape.
