USA TODAY Sports

Once again the Red River Rivalry has taken center stage in college football.

While the passions between No. 5 Oklahoma and No. 19 Texas haven't ebbed in recent years, the importance of the game was less significant with the Longhorns struggling. This will be the first matchup with both teams ranked since 2012. The winner gets a huge push in the Big 12 race and possibly for the playoff. The loser must wait one year for revenge.

The other meeting of ranked opponent has huge stakes for No. 7 Notre Dame. Virginia Tech is the last team on its schedule currently in the Top 25. If the Irish can get by the 23rd-ranked Hokies, they may have clear sailing to an unbeaten season. Tech won't be a pushover, especially with the evening environment at Lane Stadium on their side.

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Elsewhere, there's some tricky road trips in the SEC for ranked teams. No. 6 LSU has a showdown set with Georgia next week, but first must get through Florida in The Swamp. No. 9 Auburn can't overlook its visit to Mississippi State, even if the Bulldogs have dropped two in a row. And No. 15 Kentucky will try to stay unbeaten at Texas A&M.