As the 2014 college football season reaches its midway point, there is no doubt that this season has continued to exceed its high expectations. With the College Football Playoff committee coming out with its first poll on Oct. 28, each game is becoming more important with minimal room for error.

Headlined by a top-five matchup, five games will feature ranked opponents facing off. However, none will be watched more closely than the epic showdown between the reigning national champion and its toughest competition to date.

Here are the top-five games to watch this weekend (predicted winners in bold):

1) No. 2 Florida State vs. No. 5 Notre Dame (5 p.m. ABC): Florida State is riding a 22-game winning streak, has the reigning Heisman Trophy winner and took home the coveted crystal ball last year, yet somehow, the Seminoles aren’t getting all the respect they might deserve. The battle between Jameis Winston and Notre Dame’s stout defense could be one of the best matchups of the year but don’t forget about Fighting Irish quarterback Everett Golson, a leader who continues to win regardless of the scenario.

2) No. 11 Oklahoma vs. No. 14 Kansas State (9 a.m. ESPN)/No. 12 TCU vs. No. 15 Oklahoma State (1 p.m. Fox Sports One): The winners of these games will be in the driver’s seat to win the Big-12 if Baylor stumbles somewhere down the road.

3) No. 7 Alabama vs. No. 21 Texas A&M (12:30 p.m. CBS): The Crimson Tide needs a win to stay in the SEC West race while the Aggies just need a strong performance from Kenny Hill to avoid its third consecutive loss of the season.

4) No. 17 Arizona State vs. No. 23 Stanford (7:30 p.m. ESPN): The Pac-12 is an absolute mess and if Stanford can somehow beat ASU on the road, look for the conference to get even messier.

5) Indiana vs. No. 8 Michigan State (12:30 p.m. ESPN): The nation’s leading rusher in Tevin Coleman (176.67 yards per game) goes against the No. 5 ranked rushing defense in Michigan State. Who prevails?

Starting today, the Emerald will feature a different sports bar from the Eugene/Springfield area every week where students can watch the game. This week, it is The Cooler Restaurant and Bar.

According to its website, The Cooler has been voted as Eugene’s number one sports bar for the past five years and there’s a reason for that. Not only does the bar offer great food and a ridiculous amount of drinks, the additional levels make it feel as if the place is never crowded.

Here are the top-five reasons to check out The Cooler this week:

1) The bar throws a big “pre-funk” party prior to kickoff while serving food till 2 a.m., a huge bonus for pre-and-post game activities.

2) Thursday night karaoke is a common theme around Eugene, but The Cooler offers the best variety of songs with a stage to make you feel like a star.

3) The Cooler offers the best chicken wings around. You can choose from three different flavors and the wings are always packed with tons of meat on the bones.

4) The Caramel Appletini may sound like a girly drink, but it’s one of the best alcoholic beverages you’ll ever have.

5) Finally, the bar is hosting the Washington Tailgate Party at noon this Saturday before kickoff, so go have some fun with the rival fans.

Follow Ryan Kostecka on Twitter @Ryan_Kostecka