Top 10 early-season women's CBB games

The women’s college basketball season tips off next week, and November is already packed with powerhouse showdowns. Here’s a look at the top-10 games of the first month of play

#10 No. 9 NC State vs No. 17 TCU | Nov. 16

After losing senior guards Saniya Rivers and Aziaha James, NC State will rely on junior Zoe Brooks, Vanderbilt transfer Khamil Pierre and sophomore Zamareya Jones. The Wolfpack will already have faced two ranked opponents before meeting TCU, setting up some early battle-tested moments.

The Horned Frogs, coming off their best season in program history that included a Big 12 title and Elite Eight run, will get their first major challenge against the Wolfpack. Notre Dame transfer Olivia Miles, who scored 22 points against NC State last year, will be the difference-maker for TCU.

#9 No. 1 UConn vs No. 13 Michigan | Nov. 21

Defending national champion UConn looks reloaded with returning stars Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong, plus transfer Serah Williams, who averaged nearly 19.2 points at Wisconsin.

Michigan returns a solid young core led by Olivia Olson and Syla Swords, both of whom averaged in double-digits in their freshman seasons. The Wolverines also welcome Bucknell transfer Ashley Sofilkanich, who was last year's Patriot League Player of the Year.

Michigan's inexperience might make it tough to keep up with UConn’s veteran squad, but a strong showing could mean big things for the Wolverines.

#8 No. 7 Duke vs No. 16 Baylor | Nov. 3

What better way to kick off the season than a top-20 matchup in Paris?

Duke, fresh off an ACC title and Elite Eight appearance, returns top contributors Toby Fournier, Ashlon Jackson and Delaney Thomas. Baylor counters with All-Big 12 selection Darianna Littlepage-Buggs and Auburn transfer Taliah Scott.

Expect this high-profile matchup to set the tone for both teams’ seasons.

#7 No. 15 Notre Dame vs No. 18 USC | Nov. 21

USC will be without superstar Juju Watkins, who’s sidelined for the season after tearing her ACL in the Elite Eight. Freshman Jazzy Davidson, the nation’s top recruit, will get her chance to shine alongside returner Kennedy Smith.

Notre Dame lost Sonia Citron to graduation and Olivia Miles to the portal, leaving All-American Hannah Hidalgo to shoulder most of the scoring load.

Without Watkins, USC faces an uphill battle in an attempt to match Hidalgo’s skillset, but Davidson and Smith will be the key for the Trojans in this top-20 matchup

#6 No. 13 Michigan vs No. 15 Notre Dame | Nov. 15

For Michigan, this is a much more crucial game than the one against UConn, because it’s more winnable and against a team with which they have a better chance of competing. As for the Irish, this matchup has bigger threats on the opposing side than USC does.

The last time these teams met was in last year's Sweet 16, a contest that Notre Dame won 76-55. In this game, Olson scored 20 points for the Wolverines, almost matching Hidalgo’s 21.

Michigan returns most of its core, while the Irish are rebuilding after losing key pieces. With both teams on this list twice, this battle could carry major résumé weight come March.

#5 No. 3 UCLA vs No. 8 Tennessee | Nov. 30

UCLA, coming off a Final Four run and Big Ten Tournament title, enters with sky-high expectations. Senior stars Kiki Rice and Lauren Betts headline the Bruins, with Betts fresh off a First-Team All-American season.

Tennessee, meanwhile, is looking to return to national relevance under coach Kellie Harper. Talaysia Cooper, a Second-Team All-SEC selection, leads the Lady Vols, who could make a statement with a late-November upset.

#4 No. 2 South Carolina vs No. 7 Duke | Nov. 26

While football is an exciting Thanksgiving tradition, college basketball is a great way to spend Thanksgiving Eve, and even better when it’s two top-10 teams.

These teams met in last year's Elite Eight, which South Carolina won 54-50. This meeting showed Duke can hang with the Gamecocks

As already mentioned above, the Blue Devils have a tough season opener, but this matchup will really show what Duke is made of.

South Carolina hasn’t shown many cracks in recent years, so don’t expect Dawn Staley’s squad to be phased by this early test. The biggest name for the Gamecocks this season is Florida State transfer Ta’Niya Latson, who led the nation in scoring a year ago.

#3 No. 8 Tennessee vs No. 9 NC State | Nov. 4

How about a top-10 Tuesday?

An opening-week top-10 clash pits two programs with something to prove. Tennessee brings experience and depth, while NC State enters with a revamped lineup.

Both teams are reloading after Sweet 16 runs last year, making this an early measuring stick for their postseason potential. Freshmen twins Mya and Mia Pauldo for Tennessee and Destiny Lunan for NC State are some young names to look out for in this one.

#2 No. 3 UCLA vs No. 6 Oklahoma | Nov. 10

UCLA appears on this list again, this time against one of last season's highest-scoring teams. Oklahoma’s offense revolves around Raegan Beers, who averaged 17.3 points last campaign.

The frontcourt duel between Beers and Betts, two of the nation’s elite post players, should be one of the best individual duels of the season.

#1 No. 3 UCLA vs No. 4 Texas | Nov. 26

Yes, the Bruins are on this list for a third time. This proves one thing: Coach Cori Close and her squad are making sure to challenge themselves with a nonconference gauntlet. This time it's against another member of last year's Final Four.

Heading into this Thanksgiving week matchup, UCLA would’ve already faced Oklahoma, whereas this’ll be Texas’ first key game.

Texas brings back SEC Player of the Year Madison Booker and veteran guard Rori Harmon, forming one of the nation’s toughest backcourts. UCLA’s star duo of Betts and Rice will have their hands full in this Thanksgiving week showdown that could easily be a March preview.

Gianna Dowling is a third-year student majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email gmd5738@psu.edu.