5 Key Matchups for Rivalry Week in College Football Week 13
Get ready for the week everyone has been eagerly anticipating - Rivalry Week. Let me show you which games are the most watchable among the many big matchups this week.
This is the weekend that makes college football worth it. For 364 days, you silently seethe with resentment towards your rival, hurling insults and mocking their failures through the veil of social media. In these games, legends are born, and the fate of entire seasons hangs in the balance. We can't wait to watch, our senses primed for an unforgettable experience.
No game carries more weight than the Saturday showdown between No. 2 Ohio State and No. 3 Michigan. Assuming a victory in the Big Ten title game the next week, the winner essentially guarantees themselves a spot in the College Football Playoff and inflicts a crushing defeat on their rival. Oregon, ranked at No. 6, is teetering on the edge of a playoff position and must withstand the challenge from No. 17 Oregon State to stay in the race for a spot in the final four.
The undefeated No. 5 Florida State faces a challenging road game against Florida, impacting their position in the committee's final rankings.
No. 2 Ohio State at No. 3 Michigan – The Big Game
When: Saturday, November 25th, 12:00 p.m. ET | Where: Michigan Stadium | Ann Arbor, Michigan | FOX
"The Game" is the much-anticipated standout event of the college football season to date. The undefeated Buckeyes (11–0, 8–0 Big Ten) are set to face off against the undefeated Wolverines (11–0, 8–0 Big Ten). The team that comes out on top will progress to the conference title game in Indianapolis, where No. 17 Iowa is waiting. Win there, and the doors to the College Football Playoff will swing wide open for you.
Opening the door to the College Football Playoff for the loser of this game would require more than just a little chaos. On the field, the Buckeyes boast two exceptionally dynamic players: Marvin Harrison, Jr., the wide receiver, and TreVeyon Henderson, the running back. Michigan has the better quarterback, though, in J.J. McCarthy. The absence of Jim Harbaugh on the sideline is keenly felt in this game for Michigan. In last year's game at Ohio State, he exuded a determined energy, coaching with a clear desire to win, while Buckeyes coach Ryan Day seemed more focused on avoiding defeat. I have doubts about offensive coordinator/interim Michigan coach Sherron Moore's willingness to be daring when the circumstances require it.
Although Michigan has the No. 1 scoring defense in the FBS, allowing only nine points per game, it struggles in November, evident from its three worst performances falling in this month. The offense has also stalled, posting a season-low point total against the Nittany Lions in a game that saw J.J. McCarthy throw for 60 yards on just eight attempts. In the next game against the Terrapins, he made an unfortunate mistake and threw his first interception since September. Blake Corum continues to impress, leading the nation with an astonishing 20 rushing touchdowns. His standout performance against Penn State showcased his true potential as the Wolverines shifted their focus away from the passing game in the second half.
This matchup promises to be intense, setting the stage for the day's remaining games. Prepare for a thrilling college football showdown with all the excitement you could hope for.
No. 16 Oregon State vs. No. 6 Oregon—The Civil War
When: Friday, Nov. 24th, 8:30 p.m. ET | Where: Autzen Stadium | Eugene, OR | FOX
On Friday night, No. 16 Oregon State (8-3) will face off against No. 6 Oregon (10-1) in a thrilling Pac-12 rivalry, with the former aiming to upset the latter's impressive record. The Beavers had their two-game winning streak abruptly ended in a narrow 22-20 loss to then-No. 5 Washington last week, falling to fourth place in the conference standings. With a win in this matchup, Oregon can secure its place in the Pac-12 title game and maintain its hopes of making it to the College Football Playoff. Riding high on a five-game winning streak, the Ducks crushed Arizona State with a 49-13 triumph.
Bo Nix, the senior quarterback, finds himself at the center of the Heisman Trophy competition, having amassed an impressive 3,539 yards and 35 touchdowns this season, while only throwing two interceptions. Against Arizona State last week, he put on a show, completing 24 of 29 passes for 404 yards and throwing six touchdowns. Oregon State has struggled to defeat Oregon on their home turf, losing seven games in a row.
I expect Oregon State to provide a tough challenge for the Ducks in this game. In my opinion, Oregon is the most well-rounded team in the Pac-12, but not invincible. Despite their ability to easily defeat weaker teams, I've observed the Ducks engage in intense matchups with strong adversaries. We won't know how this game will go until Friday, but I anticipate a fierce battle between the Beavers and their opponents, with the outcome likely determined by the performance of both teams in the final quarter.
Oregon is one of six teams that hold their destiny for the College Football Playoff, but the path ahead is challenging. If the Ducks win here, they will earn themselves a rematch with No. 5 Washington for the Pac-12 title and a chance at redemption. The Beavers' games are often characterized by suspenseful moments and narrow margins of victory. I like the Ducks to win, but not by much.
Washington State vs. No. 4 Washington—The Apple Cup
When: Saturday, November 25th, 4:00 p.m. ET | Where: Husky Stadium | Seattle, Washington | FOX
This year's Apple Cup marks the final showdown between conference rivals, but the fierce rivalry will persist thanks to a newly signed five-year agreement between the schools. Furthermore, the schools are currently entangled in legal disputes beyond the realm of their athletic endeavors.
Now that the future subplot is resolved, the spotlight is solely on Washington's opportunity to make history by concluding an unbeaten regular season. With an undefeated record of 11-0, including 8-0 in Pac-12 play, Washington has climbed to the No. 4 spot in the College Football Playoff rankings. A victory over the Cougars and a win in the upcoming Pac-12 championship game will secure their spot in the semifinals. Their winning streak stands at 18 games, with a notable win at Oregon State last week, where they emerged victorious with a close score of 22-20.
No. 4 Washington (11-0) is already locked into the Pac-12 championship game, but the Huskies cannot afford to underestimate Washington State (5-6) if they want to keep their national title hopes alive.
No. 8 Alabama vs. Auburn—The Iron Bowl
When: Saturday, November 25th, 3:30 p.m. ET | Where: Jordan-Hare Stadium | Auburn, Alabama | CBS
In their 88th meeting, No. 8 Alabama (10-1) is on the road against archrival Auburn (6-5). A 12-game winning streak and victory over Georgia would greatly enhance Alabama's chances of making the playoffs.
Alabama must remain focused on the present and not overlook their upcoming SEC title game against Georgia, the top-ranked, two-time defending national champion. It's hard to erase the image of coach Nick Saban's disbelief as Auburn's "Kick Six" touchdown sealed their win in the final moments of a tied game a decade ago.
No. 5 Florida State vs. Florida—The Sunshine Showdown
When: Saturday, November 25th, 7 p.m. ET | Where: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium | Gainesville, Florida | ESPN
Despite the injuries, both teams still share the same animosity towards each other, and their desperation to win remains unchanged, albeit for different motives. As Florida State enters the game at 11-0, the excitement in the air is palpable. Tate Rodemaker is determined to lead the 'Noles to victory over their rival in Gainesville.
With the backup quarterbacks taking the field this time, the sight of the game will be different, but the show must go on. With so much on the line and potential College Football Playoff implications for Florida State, everyone will be watching closely to see how Tate Rodemaker performs, particularly with the Seminoles' ACC Championship game looming. Will the Noles finally be defeated this week, or can Rodemaker steer the team back on track?
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