Conference action begins across the country as college football’s Week 5 schedule begins today with several key games that will play a direct role in how the selection committee ultimately sees things when it makes the 12-team rankings, which forms the race for the national title.

Here’s a rundown of the key games to watch as the Week 5 schedule helps separate some of the contenders from the contenders throughout the day today.

Always east

Why watch? Two teams have already lost a game in the Big 12 and both need a win to come back stronger and stay in contention in the early race to Arlington. Ollie Gordon has been missing from action this season and needs to get started now, but will the Wildcats let him?

12 p.m. on ESPN

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Why watch? Louisville is trying to elbow its way into the ACC title race and has the offense to take a small lead, but the excellent Irish defense stands in its way here. Notre Dame lost to the Cardinals a year ago and is still in winning mode with one ugly loss on its record.

3:30 p.m. on Peacock

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Why watch? “Happy Valley Under the Lights” is always on college football’s agenda, and there’s a lot at stake here. Illinois is coming off a road win against a ranked Big Ten opponent after beating Nebraska, but if it can keep up with Penn State, that’s something worth taking note of.

7:30 p.m. on NBC

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Why watch? Two top-five SEC contenders in one of college football’s best environments, both fighting for an early playoff spot, with Kirby Smart looking to end his losing streak against the Tide and Kalen DeBoer hoping to prove himself that he is worthy of Nick Saban’s job is his first big test.

7:30 p.m. on ABC

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