The 2025 college football season is approaching its conclusion, and the stakes are rising for several teams. This week, interim coaches at LSU and Auburn will face immediate challenges in crucial away games. Meanwhile, Notre Dame is poised for a significant test as it aims to strengthen its playoff position.
As November arrives, the football landscape has witnessed the dismissal of a Power Four coach each Sunday for the past month. With Wisconsin confirming that Luke Fickell will remain at the helm next season, the coaching carousel shows no signs of slowing down. This week is relatively quiet in terms of marquee matchups, featuring only three games between ranked teams: No. 7 BYU against No. 8 Texas Tech, No. 3 Texas A&M facing No. 22 Missouri, and No. 9 Oregon taking on No. 20 Iowa. Each of these contests has the potential to impact the race for the College Football Playoff.
Challenges for Interim Coaches
Saturday marks the debut of two new interim coaches, each immediately thrust into top-25 matchups. Frank Wilson, new at LSU, will navigate a challenging away game against No. 4 Alabama, having had a bye week to prepare. In contrast, DJ Durkin, promoted from defensive coordinator to interim head coach at Auburn after Hugh Freeze‘s dismissal, faces No. 16 Vanderbilt. Notably, Diego Pavia, a former New Mexico State quarterback, seeks to extend his winning streak against Auburn to three games.
The interim coaching landscape also raises questions about who might earn a permanent position. Kent State recently decided to promote Mark Carney from interim to full-time head coach after positive performances. In contrast, Bobby Petrino at Arkansas has struggled, failing to secure a win since taking over. The Razorbacks will finish the season with games against LSU, No. 11 Texas, and No. 22 Missouri, making a turnaround challenging.
Another interim coach, Tim Skipper at UCLA, initially made headlines with three consecutive victories, including a notable win over a top-10 Penn State team. However, a heavy 56-6 defeat to Indiana has raised doubts about his prospects for the permanent role. If Skipper can secure wins against tough opponents such as No. 1 Ohio State and No. 19 USC, he may still be in contention.
Notre Dame’s Playoff Aspirations
The Fighting Irish have made a notable entry into the College Football Playoff rankings at No. 10. Despite setbacks against No. 3 Texas A&M and No. 18 Miami, Notre Dame has a manageable schedule ahead. If the team can win its remaining games, it is likely to secure a playoff spot, despite skepticism from rivals in the SEC.
This weekend, Notre Dame faces a challenging match against Navy, which boasts a potent offense averaging 34.8 points per game. Blake Horvath, Navy’s quarterback, has accumulated 20 total touchdowns this season. While the Midshipmen recently suffered a loss to North Texas, they remain competitive in the American title race.
As the season progresses, reactions from fans and analysts continue to shape the narrative surrounding various programs. Concerns about coaching effectiveness and fan expectations are prevalent. For instance, Wisconsin’s decision to retain Fickell, despite a disappointing record of 15-19 over his tenure, has sparked debate among Badgers fans. Athletic Director Chris McIntosh cited a commitment to long-term success rather than immediate results, a stance that has met with mixed responses.
In a landscape where playoff aspirations drive fan expectations, coaches are under immense pressure to deliver results. With only 12 playoff spots available and numerous programs vying for them, the competition remains fierce. As the season nears its end, each game becomes critical, not only for the teams involved but also for the futures of the coaches leading them.