Rivalry Week Heads Up: 10 electrifying college football matchups that will give fans goosebumps ft. The Game
College football's Week 14 is arguably better known as Rivalry Week. Whether it's big conference games or cross-conference in-state battles, the slate is full of must-see games. Even better for football watchers, the games tend to be well spread over Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Here are the 10 biggest games that you wouldn't want to miss in Week 14.
10 best Rivalry Week matchups in college football
#10. California/SMU
SMU (10-1, 7-0 in ACC) was already No. 13 in the CFP rankings last week. But after several teams ahead of them lost, the Mustangs have an excellent shot at the playoff. But SMU can't lose to California (6-5, 2-5 in ACC) or they'll have to best Miami or Clemson to reach the playoff.
#9. Washington/Oregon
Oregon (11-0, 8-0 in Big 10) is the clear No. 1 team in the nation. But they don't want to take a loss to their old Pac-12 rival Washington (6-5, 4-4 in Big 10). Frankly, Oregon is in the playoff even if they lose their next two games. But the momentum of the perfect season and the chance for a CFP bye make this game meaningful.
#8. Auburn/Alabama
Alabama (8-3, 4-3 in SEC) is coming off a devastating loss to Oklahoma. They have to take down in-state rival Auburn (5-6, 2-5 in SEC) and probably get lucky otherwise to sneak into the CFP. But the Tigers are coming off an upset of Texas A&M and could bury Alabama's playoff hopes.
#7. Miami/Syracuse
Miami (10-1, 6-1 in ACC) is playing for a spot in the ACC title game. The Hurricanes would also represent the ACC's best shot at getting a non-champion into the playoff. That limitation would only apply if they don't stumble against a solid Syracuse (8-3, 4-3 in ACC) team.
#6. Notre Dame/USC
One of college football's best and most glamorous rivalries feels a bit one-sided this year. That said, USC (6-5, 4-5 in Big Ten) has a chance to spoil a CFP spot for the Irish (10-1). It could be that even a 10-2 Notre Dame team would make the playoff. But the Irish would prefer not to find out.
#5. Oregon State/Boise State
The clear "Group of Five" favorite for the final playoff spot, Boise State (10-1, 7-0 in MWC) needs to not take a bad loss to Oregon State (5-6). While Boise is a hefty favorite, the Broncos have had some close calls lately and will certainly breathe easier if they can get off to a hot start and take control early.
#4. Georgia/Georgia Tech
Georgia (9-2, 6-2 in SEC) has already clinched a spot in the SEC championship game. But a third loss would be devastating and Tech (7-4, 5-3 in ACC) has proven capable of besting some good teams. After all, Tech knocked off Miami two weeks ago, which seemed to put the Hurricanes' playoff hopes in peril. This is a bigger installment of this rivalry than most.
#3. South Carolina/Clemson
These two teams are ranked next to each other in the CFP standings – Clemson (9-2, 7-1 in ACC) is No. 17 while South Carolina (8-3, 5-3 in SEC) is No. 18. Both teams have vague CFP hopes, but those hopes become clearer for whichever team wins. Clemson still needs a Miami loss to reach the ACC championship game, while Carolina is purely seeking an overall resume boost.
#2. Texas/Texas A&M
An SEC championship game berth is on the line in this rivalry game. Texas (10-1, 6-1 in the SEC) is currently a six-point road favorite against Texas A&M (8-3, 5-2 in the SEC). The SEC gamut behind Texas includes 6-2 Georgia, 5-2 A&M, 5-2 Tennessee and 5-3 South Carolina. The Aggies might not make the playoff with a win, but they'd certainly creep closer.
#1. Ohio State/Michigan
This particular installment of Rivalry Week, dubbed "The Game", doesn't seem likely to be too competitive. Yes, Michigan (6-5, 4-4 in the Big Ten) is coming off a national title. But Ohio State (10-1, 7-2 in the Big Ten) is a three-touchdown favorite and has been explosive all season. An upset might not move OSU out of the playoff, but Michigan fans would welcome the possibility.
What do you think of this list of must-see Week 14 Rivalry Week matchups? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.