It’s about that time of the season. The Top 25 is out, predictions and speculations are being made. Overrated. Underrated. Who’s the best of the Top 25 and who’s the worst. All of that, and more. However, I bet many of you don’t think about the traps being set, and the setup being made. While few of those teams, including Texas, Penn State, and Clemson, may have the best shot of going deep and winning the big one, one team (or two) on their schedule might be the bane of their existence. While we have keys to the game for that Top 25 team to get over, there are traps that they also must get around. Take your time or skim through it. Here are the key matchups and key trap games for The Top 25 teams.

1) TEXAS

KEY MATCHUP: AT GEORGIA

Texas can own the SEC this season, and all of that can happen if they can beat Georgia. Texas proved that they can matchup with Alabama and their roster’s built to compete in the SEC, but they must beat Georgia to seal it.

TRAP GAME: ARKANSAS

This is considered a trap because Texas faces Georgia prior that matchup. Wear and tear might be involved. Arkansas could make life complicated if Texas is worn down. November isn’t friendly to the SEC.

2) PENN STATE

KEY MATCHUP: AT OHIO STATE

This should be one of the best games of the season and potentially the year. This is Penn State’s chance to take control of the Big Ten standings if they can defeat Ohio State at Columbus.

TRAP GAME: AT MICHIGAN STATE

I’d advise not overlooking the Spartans. Michigan State’s expected to be slightly improved with a promising quarterback in Aidan Chiles. All it takes is a minor slip up by Penn State for a major upset to take place.

3) OHIO STATE

KEY MATCHUP: PENN STATE AND AT MICHIGAN

The Penn State game’s in November, which should make for one of the best games of the season and potentially the year to start out the month prior to the first CFP rankings. The Michigan game went from a trap to a key game. Since Michigan owns the rivalry and Ohio State’s going through a roster turnover, this should be as even as it gets which likely decides who’s in the Big Ten title/playoff spot.

TRAP GAME: AT WASHINGTON

Ohio State travels to Washington and that place is one of the most difficult places to play. Washington’s expected to be improved, and their quarterback looks promising. Ohio State must not slip up or they’re in a world of hurt.

4) CLEMSON

KEY MATCHUP: LSU

This is Clemson’s time to shine. This should be a great game between two teams that live in their respective Death Valleys.

TRAP GAME: AT LOUISVILLE

Louisville’s a thorn in Clemson’s side. They upset them last year while Clemson’s offense sputtered during 2024. While Clemson look’s better, Louisville’s still no slouch.

5) GEORGIA

KEY MATCHUP: ALABAMA

Georgia has yet to defeat Bama in the regular season since the Nick Saban era. It doesn’t matter if Kalen DeBoer had a down year last season, they still defeated Georgia. It was a nice comeback attempt last season, but Georgia is currently 0-8 in the regular season/SEC title game.

TRAP GAME: GEORGIA TECH (AT ATLANTA)

Brent Key got the Yellow Jackets going in the right direction. 2023 was their first taste blood against the Dawgs. Last season was their opportunity. If Georgia continues their decline, they could fall short of a playoff opportunity.

6) NOTRE DAME

KEY MATCHUP: AT MIAMI

It’s been a while since both teams faced each other. Miami ended their 4-game drought in 2017. This matchup should be great. What adds to it is Carson Beck looking to avenge Georgia’s loss that he was unable to play in due to injury.

TRAP GAME: AT PITTSBURGH

Pittsburgh’s a very tricky team. They’re rarely talked about, but they field a good roster to compete despite their 6-game fallout. I believe the Irish will have their hands full in November.

7) OREGON

KEY MATCHUP: AT WASHINGTON

Oregon’s going through a roster change while Washington’s expected to improve. Oregon maintain’s talent and experience across the board but playing at a hostile environment for the last week of the season spells upset. That’s also a reason that this is a key matchup between rivals.

TRAP GAME: AT IOWA

Nothing’s worse than playing at Kinnick Stadium (and it’s also in November). Iowa still has a vaunted defense and hopes to get the most out of their South Dakota State transfer quarterback. Not an ideal situation to start out the month.

8) ALABAMA

KEY MATCHUP: AT GEORGIA

Alabama sits on most of their success against Georgia (especially in the regular season). Georgia fields so much 5-star talent, but it’s not as successfully consistent as Bama’s for about two decades. Also, the NFL continues to siphon that talent to where the Dawgs can’t keep up like Bama’s. However, Bama allowing a near comeback for the ages last season is something to take into account.

TRAP GAME: AT SOUTH CAROLINA

Bama escaped the inevitable last season. However, they travel to Columbia still with questions for the program. When’s the last time Bama lost to South Carolina??? 2010 at Columbia. Also, Bama struggles against mobile QB’s.

9) LSU

KEY MATCHUP: AT ALABAMA

If LSU gets this far on their schedule, this is potentially the matchup of the year…if it’s not a blowout. The winner likely has leverage for an SEC title spot. Bama wrecked LSU at Death Valley, but LSU could do the same at Tuscaloosa, and both teams had success at each other’s place.

TRAP GAME: AT OLE MISS

If LSU overlooks Ole Miss again, Brian Kelly’s in so much trouble. Ole Miss won the last two matchups at home. They have a new quarterback in Austin Simmons, who showed potential against Georgia.

10) MIAMI

KEY MATCHUP: NOTRE DAME

Nothing like a renewed rivalry between the two. To add on to it, Carson Beck aims to avenge Georgia’s loss in the postseason that he couldn’t be a part of. He must set the example on the first possession.

TRAP GAME: AT VIRGINIA TECH AND AT PITT

Miami has a recent history of cooking early before cooling late. They’ve done it for the past few seasons but hopes to end the curse. Virginia Tech and Pitt await the Canes’ arrival in the last two games of November. Both are very horrible situations for Miami.

11) ARIZONA STATE

KEY MATCHUP: TEXAS TECH

Arizona State suffered an early setback against Texas Tech. It was a close, but it never stopped them from making the postseason. This matchup likely determines who leverages a spot in the Big 12 title game. Arizona State host Tech and are 2-0 in this matchup at home all-time.

TRAP GAME: AT MISSISSIPPI STATE

In their first ever meeting, Arizona State bested Mississippi State with a better roster. Now, they travel to Starkville where the cowbells ring for three-plus hours. Without Cam Skattebo’s 200-plus rushing yard performance, quarterback Sam Leavitt has more of a load to carry and must throw more than 69 yards in a potential shootout.

12) ILLINOIS

KEY MATCHUP: OHIO STATE

I wanted to put Indiana because it felt more key, but this is literally Illinois’s best opportunity to prove they’re ready for the moment. The last time they defeated Ohio State was at Columbus in 2007. They host Ohio State that’s going through a roster makeover. With experience on the Illini’s side, they must take advantage.

TRAP GAME: AT WISCONSIN

Whether or not Illinois pulls off the upset against Ohio State, the pressure mounts for a postseason appearance as they get close to the end of the season. Illinois travels to Wisconsin, and the Badgers could be fighting for bowl-eligibility. Desperation may work to their advantage and blindside Illinois for an upset.

13) SOUTH CAROLINA

KEY MATCHUP: AT LSU

South Carolina must have this marked on their calendar. After a botched opportunity, there’s no reason they won’t respond at their place. Unfortunately, they only defeated LSU twice all-time and their last win was in 1994. Time to find out if the ‘Cocks are for real.

TRAP GAME: AT TEXAS A&M

Texas A&M sounds like a trap with how high South Carolina’s expectations are compared to the Aggies. It’s a very difficult place to play with a surrounding noise of over 100,000 “12th Man” fans bearing down on young LaNorris Sellers.

14) MICHIGAN

KEY MATCHUP: AT OKLAHOMA

An early big matchup to make a statement. With true freshmen Bryce Underwood under primetime lights, this is where we find out how good he is and how good Michigan as a whole is while dealing with Oklahoma’s defense.

TRAP GAME: AT MARYLAND

Michigan’s biggest mistake would be overlooking Maryland ahead of The Game. Maryland’s given Michigan plenty of problems in the last two meetings and have nothing to lose. Maryland’s going through a new quarterback, Malik Washington, who’s been buzzing amongst the program. He could pose a problem.

15) FLORIDA

KEY MATCHUP: GEORGIA (JACKSONVILLE)

Georgia has questions while Florida hopefully has answers. Florida had opportunities for an upset before DJ Lagway suffered an injury. Beck threw turnovers that almost cost them, but they overcame it. Not sure how this matchup will go, which is why Florida may have a shot.

TRAP GAME: AT KENTUCKY

Florida might run the table in the SEC. Might. It’s all on Lagway as Florida travels to Kentucky. Florida blew them out last season, but Kentucky previously owned them four times in the last six seasons. A Lagway falter leads to bad things in Gainesville.

16) SMU

KEY MATCHUP: AT CLEMSON

SMU climbed back in a thriller and almost took down Clemson to boot them out of the playoffs. They’re on a mission to prove they can duel with the conference, and that includes Clemson.

TRAP GAME: AT BOSTON COLLEGE OR AT CAL

SMU’s in November and depending on how things go against Miami, they could be in line for a CFP return. However, Boston College and Cal could have traps set for the ponies. Cal and BC aren’t great, but they have hidden gems with their home environment to work against SMU.

17) KANSAS STATE

KEY MATCHUP: AT KANSAS

The Sunflower State rivalry this season will tell who makes a Big 12 title run. If the Jayhawks have a fully healthy Jalon Daniels, this could be a very interesting matchup. A quarterback battle between him and Avery Johnson will get farmers out of their routine to watch this.

TRAP GAME: AT OKLAHOMA STATE OR COLORADO

Kansas State had blunders down the stretch in November games. They’ve had opportunities to only come up short and play in bowl games instead of postseasons. If they get that far, Oklahoma State or Colorado will find a way to make them falter at the end again.

18) OKLAHOMA

KEY MATCHUP: MICHIGAN

Michigan makes sense over Texas because this is a statement matchup Oklahoma needs, and BOTH need it. Michigan’s true freshmen quarterback duels with an experienced transfer quarterback. Time to find out who needs it more.

TRAP GAME: MISSOURI

Missouri’s likely the worst trap for Oklahoma. No matter how good or bad the Tigers are, they’re a pain in the Sooners’ bum. Even at home and maybe battling for a playoff spot, Oklahoma can’t overlook their rival.

19) TEXAS A&M

KEY MATCHUP: AT NOTRE DAME

It’s probably the only key matchup that matters. It determines A&M’s season before it begins. Notre Dame may have a good track record on them, but Notre Dame’s going through changes that affects them a tad more. If the Aggies want this key win, Marcel Reed must prove he can lead an offense.

TRAP GAME: AUBURN

Two weeks later, either A&M feels good at home after a win against Notre Dame, or worried knowing they’re facing Auburn. Either way, Auburn could blindside them.

20) INDIANA

KEY MATCHUP: ILLINOIS

This is where it all starts. The first Big Ten game of the season is a statement maker between Indiana and Illinois. They have the boys back from last season, but Indiana’s postseason experience makes them a tad better.

TRAP GAME: AT MARYLAND

I think Maryland’s going to set Indiana up for a downfall. Maryland lost last season, but they previously won 3-straight. Despite the number of changes on their roster, maybe true freshmen quarterback Malik Washington and company could blindside the Hoosiers at the beginning of November.

21) OLE MISS

KEY MATCHUP: LSU

In four of the last five meetings, the matchup was chaos. LSU has quarterback experience, but Ole Miss has homefield advantage. However, they’re going through a new quarterback and needs every advantage possible to try upsetting the Tigers.

TRAP GAME: FLORIDA

Ole Miss is at home, but it’s moot when they haven’t defeated Florida since 2008 (which led to Tim Tebow’s iconic postgame speech, iconic halftime National Championship speech, and Natty victory after). Florida seems confident this year as long as their quarterback stays healthy. Ole Miss could struggle if their roster isn’t put together by November.

22) IOWA STATE

KEY MATCHUP: KANSAS STATE (DUBLIN, IRELAND)

Both teams ended their regular season matchup to only begin the season against each other in Week 0 out of the country. Farmers in Ireland will be intrigued to see how these boys play and maybe how they farm in the Midwest. Quarterbacks Rocco Becht vs. Avery Johnson should be electric.

TRAP GAME: AT OKLAHOMA STATE

Iowa State may surge into a relevant Big 12 team, but they haven’t proven to be one of the best. In the new Big 12, if you don’t start and finish strong, you won’t be in the Big 12 title game or compete for a playoff spot. Iowa State started strong but failed at the end. If there’s a team on their schedule to play spoiler, it’s the Pokes.

23) TEXAS TECH

KEY MATCHUP: AT ARIZONA STATE

Texas Tech poured their heart and soul (and money) into the offseason to build a legit roster to compete for the postseason. Even if they’re cooking, they run into Big 12 champ Arizona State who’s looking for revenge. Don’t be surprised if this turns out to be one of the better games of the season.

TRAP GAME: AT WEST VIRGINIA

Assume Tech gets that far and needs to close out the season for a Big 12 title appearance and a playoff spot. They still must go through Morgantown, one of the most difficult places to play with coach Rich Rodriguez running the show again. Rodriguez could have his roster figured out, making it complicated for Tech all game long.

24) TENNESSEE

KEY MATCHUP: AT FLORIDA

Tennessee has plenty of matchups but losing Nico could make this a discrepancy against Alabama, Georgia, and even Oklahoma. In comes Florida. Seems like the key matchup in late November when it comes to battling for the standings and maybe a playoff spot.

TRAP GAME: AT KENTUCKY

Like Florida, Tennessee could falter badly in October. They have Arkansas and Alabama and could be worn out prior to their trip to Lexington. Kentucky has a tough-minded quarterback in Zach Calzada with an underrated defense. October could be a nightmare month for Tennessee that ends in turmoil if they lose to Kentucky.

25) BOISE STATE

KEY MATCHUP: AT NOTRE DAME

Boise has had historical success against some of the bigger and better programs in the nation. That includes Florida State (1-0), Georgia (1-1), Oklahoma (1-0 UGH!!!!!), and Oregon (3-1). Now, they have Notre Dame and hope to add them to their resume prior to their move to the new Pac-12 next season.

TRAP GAME: FRESNO STATE

This is likely THE trap game for Boise State. The Bulldogs won the last two meetings (2022-2023) and won three of the last five meetings. What’ll be more challenging for Boise is Fresno’s quarterback Eli Warner (Kurt Warner’s son), who transferred in from Rice. He’s a gunslinger and could be a problem if Boise’s secondary doesn’t improve (106th in passing yards allowed).