Week 9 of an active college football program begins Saturday with several high-profile games that could have an impact on what the playoffs look like down the road. Here are the top games to keep an eye on today.

As we approach the end of October, things are heating up in the conference, so we have games coming up that will have an impact on what the league's championship race and the College Football Playoff race ultimately look like.

And that includes five different games from start to finish throughout the day that will feature head-to-head matchups with the ranked teams on the field, including a battle between the final two teams ranked in the SEC this week. game are undefeated.

There are two more games like this in the SEC and another in the Big Ten, as well as a key date between rivals involving a potential Group of Five contender in the playoff conversation.

As the Week 9 schedule begins today, here's a look at the biggest games on your TV screen that you should pay the most attention to.

Always east

Why watch? To see if the Cornhuskers have what it takes to play serious football after being beaten by Indiana and facing another critical test against a national title contender.

Ohio State is coming off a tough 1-point loss at Oregon and needs to be at its best with a date at Penn State next week, but first has to deal with a strong Nebraska front-seven defense that can apply some pressure.

12 p.m. on Fox

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Why watch? Navy is undefeated and crushing everything in its path, with another potent rushing attack and historically efficient quarterback play to boot.

When it comes to the Group of Five playoff spot, the Midshipmen haven't faced very strong competition yet, so we'll see how they fare against a tough Irish team that can't afford another loss after previously being beaten by one MAC team was upset this year.

12 p.m. on ABC

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Why watch? Everything may be on the line for these SEC rivals. Alabama is already at two in losses and its playoff chances hang in the balance in Kalen DeBoer's first year replacing Nick Saban and there are concerns about the roster, including quarterback accuracy, rushing offense, secondary play and offensive line protection.

Missouri could make some noise in this game with an aggressive defensive line up front, but there are doubts about whether quarterback Brady Cook and tailback Nate Noel will play, which could significantly limit this offense on the road.

3:30 p.m. on ABC

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Why watch? Vanderbilt is ranked this week after posting a 5-2 record that included a historic win over Alabama, and now the Longhorns have to try again in Music City.

Texas was No. 1 last week before a home loss to Georgia that exposed some potential guard risks, and the Dores are known for playing feisty football in the front seven.

And it can move the ball a bit, with dual-threat quarterback Diego Pavia and an offense that leads the SEC in third downs and can control the game clock. Can Vandy do it again?

4:15 p.m. on SEC Network

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Why watch? To see who ends the night as the undisputed No. 1 team in the SEC standings. Both teams are perfect in league play and are on a six-game winning streak, having each lost their Week 1 games to non-conference opponents. Now both are in a position to play their way to Atlanta and the College Football Playoff.

Texas A&M can give you some bruises defensively, but could struggle against an LSU line that is among the best in college football and protects one of the most dynamic and productive quarterbacks in the country. Can the Tigers beat the Aggies and The 12th Man in this road test?

7:30 p.m. on ABC

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