Ranking Week 11 Games By College Football Playoff Implications

Nov 1, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils place kicker Zane Gonzalez (5) (center) celebrates with teammates after beating the Utah Utes 19-16 in overtime at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

No. 10 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (7-1) at No. 9 Arizona State Sun Devils (7-1)

Here is a huge game between two teams that have one loss but don’t feel like they’ve gotten the respect they deserve yet. Arizona State had that blowout loss to UCLA hanging over their head, but they have reeled off four straight and picked up a huge win against Utah last weekend. Now, they are also a one-loss Pac-12 team just like Oregon.

And the game against Notre Dame Saturday is a potential elimination game for both teams unless two-loss teams break into the conversation.

Given that such a thing hasn’t happened yet, we can say with confidence that this is a crucial game for both teams involved.

Notre Dame also wants to get some respect, which they haven’t yet despite almost beating Florida State. The Fighting Irish don’t have many chances for quality wins this year, so this is it for them. If they win, they vault into contention and knock the Sun Devils out. But with a loss, there’s no chance of them going anywhere as a two-loss team because their schedule is far too light.

Both teams have got to win on Saturday, making this a crucial elimination game. So keep an eye on this one from start to finish.

Next: No. 2 Ranked Week 11 Game Based on College Football Playoff Impact