December brings with it the warmth of cozy fires and the sweetness of hot cocoa. Alongside these, a plethora of ranked hoops matchups await. In women's college basketball this week, the SEC/ACC challenge sets numerous national title contenders against each other. Additionally, FOX Sports showcases the first-ever Women's Champions Classic in Brooklyn, the home of the reigning WNBA champs. Just a month into the season, we've witnessed numerous upsets, with lower-ranked teams defeating ranked ones and unranked teams knocking off top 25 opponents. This indicates the growing parity within women's hoops, a sport that is on the rise at both the collegiate and pro levels. And this week, narrowing down our list of must-watch games was no easy task, further proving that the conference season and March Madness will be as chaotic as ever.

Coaches Poll: UCLA Passes Connecticut for No. 1 Spot

In the world of college basketball, the coaches' poll often holds significant weight. This week, UCLA managed to pass Connecticut and claim the No. 1 spot. It's a remarkable achievement that showcases the team's dominance. Against the backdrop of various matchups, this particular poll shift adds an extra layer of excitement. The teams are constantly vying for the top position, and each win or loss can have a profound impact on their standing. It's a testament to the competitiveness of the sport and the efforts of the coaches and players alike.Not only did UCLA make a significant move in the poll, but other teams also had their moments. No. 3 Texas faced off against No. 10 Notre Dame. Notre Dame initially thrived on their home floor against USC but then faced setbacks against TCU and Utah. Against the Longhorns, it's anyone's guess what to expect. However, this matchup features two of the best two-way guards in the country - Notre Dame's Hannah Hidalgo with 23.9 ppg and 4.6 spg, and Texas star Rori Harmon with 9.4 ppg and 6.6 apg. Additionally, Notre Dame's Olivia Miles with 16.7 ppg, 6.9 rpg, and 6.4 apg going up against Texas' Madison Booker with 16.0 ppg and 5.7 rpg makes this a game worth tuning in to.

USC at Oregon

In the era of inflated conferences, teams have to start league play earlier than usual. This leads to exciting matchups like USC and Oregon's first Big Ten matchup of the season. JuJu Watkins with 25.5 ppg and 6.3 rpg and Kiki Iriafen with 18.4 ppg and 8.8 rpg will battle it out against an Oregon roster that already has a win over a ranked team. Ducks guard Deja Kelly with 11.8 ppg, 5.6 rpg, and 3.8 apg is one of the top transfers in the country. But she'll need the support of her teammates if Oregon hopes to start conference play undefeated. This game will be a test of both teams' skills and strategies as they navigate through the early stages of the season.

Tennessee vs. No. 20 Iowa

The first game of the Champions Classic in Brooklyn's Barclays Center features an Iowa team that many believe might be even better and more balanced than the back-to-back Final Four squads. They'll be facing a Lady Vol roster that forces opponents into an average of 28 turnovers per game. Tennessee has made a strong impression under first-year coach Kim Caldwell and sits just outside the top 25 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll, garnering a significant number of votes. For Talaysia Cooper with 19.7 ppg and 3.0 spg and her team to break into the poll, they need to upset Lucy Olsen with 17.3 ppg and 5.3 apg and the Hawkeyes in prime time on national television. This game will be a battle of wills and skills as both teams strive for victory.

No. 22 Louisville vs. No. 2 UConn

The second game of the Champions Classic pits two of the top programs over the last decade against each other. It also serves as a preview of the game's future. UConn senior Paige Bueckers with 20.4 ppg and 4.6 apg is widely regarded as the presumptive No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA draft. Meanwhile, Louisville freshman Tajianna Roberts with 12.0 ppg and 2.4 rpg has shown great potential and could be an All-American sooner rather than later. But this game could very well come down to players whose names aren't as well known but whose games deserve respect. Players like UConn's Sarah Strong with 15.6 ppg and 7.6 rpg and Louisville's Olivia Cochran with 9.6 ppg and 6.3 rpg will play crucial roles in determining the outcome.

No. 4 South Carolina at No. 13 TCU

Just a few weeks into the season, both South Carolina and TCU have shown remarkable resilience. South Carolina, which was recently drilled on the road by UCLA, is now traveling to play upstart TCU. TCU, on the other hand, has managed to beat NC State and come from behind to defeat Notre Dame, both ranked teams. The Horned Frogs are undefeated largely due to one of the best duos in women's hoops - forward Sedona Prince with 19.4 ppg and 10.8 rpg and guard Hailey Van Lith with 19.4 ppg and 6.6 apg. The Gamecocks also have their own powerful one-two punch in forward Chloe Kitts with 10.9 ppg and 8.0 rpg and guard Te-Hina Paopao with 12.0 ppg and a 43.8% 3FG percentage. This matchup promises to be a thrilling battle between two teams with a lot to prove.