UPDATE: As the 2025 college football season races toward its climax, interim coaches at LSU and Auburn face daunting challenges this weekend, just confirmed ahead of the November 11 matchups. With the stakes high, these coaches must deliver immediate results in critical games that could define their futures.
This weekend’s action features three pivotal ranked matchups: No. 7 BYU vs. No. 8 Texas Tech, No. 3 Texas A&M vs. No. 22 Missouri, and No. 9 Oregon vs. No. 20 Iowa. Each game carries significant weight in the College Football Playoff race, but the spotlight is on the interim coaches stepping into high-pressure situations.
Newly appointed LSU interim coach Frank Wilson faces a tough debut as he leads the team into a hostile environment against No. 4 Alabama. With a bye week to prepare, Wilson’s challenge isn’t just about strategy but also about rallying his players for a battle in Tuscaloosa.
At Auburn, defensive coordinator DJ Durkin has just been named interim head coach following the firing of Hugh Freeze. Durkin’s first test will be a tough road game against No. 16 Vanderbilt. His ability to inspire the team could determine whether he remains a viable candidate for the permanent position.
Meanwhile, Diego Pavia, who started his career at New Mexico State, aims to maintain his winning streak against Auburn, currently holding a 2-0 record against the Tigers. Both LSU and Auburn’s outcomes could dramatically affect the coaching landscape, especially as fans eagerly anticipate the next moves in an already tumultuous coaching carousel.
In the American Conference, Tulane faces Memphis in a must-win scenario for both teams, kicking off at 9 p.m. Eastern on Friday. Tulane’s head coach Jon Sumrall and Memphis’ Ryan Silverfield are both hot candidates for upcoming job openings. With Memphis favored by 4.5 points, this game could be pivotal for their respective futures.
In other significant news, Notre Dame is in a solid position, currently ranked No. 10 in the initial CFP rankings. Despite setbacks against No. 3 Texas A&M and No. 18 Miami, the Fighting Irish can still make a playoff run if they secure victories in their remaining games. This weekend, they face a formidable challenge against Navy, which boasts a powerful offense led by quarterback Blake Horvath. Navy’s performance could complicate Notre Dame’s path to the playoffs.
The backdrop to these matchups is the growing discontent among fans regarding coaching decisions. The Wisconsin Badgers face scrutiny as athletic director Chris McIntosh confirms Luke Fickell will return for a fourth season despite a disappointing record of 15-19. Fans are voicing their frustrations, questioning the rationale behind retaining Fickell amidst a chaotic season.
As the weekend approaches, all eyes are on these pivotal matchups that not only influence the playoff race but also have the potential to reshape coaching careers. The outcomes could resonate throughout the college football landscape, making this a weekend fans won’t want to miss.
Stay tuned for more updates as these crucial games unfold!
