As college football’s regular season comes to a close, it’s time to enjoy the feast after the feast. The weekend slate is jam-packed with meaningful contests, many of which will pit the fiercest of rivals against each other.
As long-time readers know, we can’t preview every game here. And, while we’re sure many of you will be interested in Friday’s Egg Bowl (noon ET, ABC) and Saturday’s Iron Bowl (7:30 p.m. ET, ABC), we’ll respectfully direct the discerning fan’s attention to these contests with even more on the line.
Here then are our picks for the seven games you don’t want to miss:
No. 1 Ohio State at No. 15 Michigan
Time/TV: Saturday, noon ET, Fox.
Why watch: We’re quite sure you don’t actually need to ask, but we stick to the script regardless. As we saw last year, this is not a must-win for the Buckeyes. But don’t tell that to their fans, who hope to see their team snap a four-year losing streak against the hated Wolverines. As for Michigan, a win here could mean a berth in the Big Ten title game and would certainly merit at-large consideration. The Buckeyes used their most recent romp against Rutgers to finetune their ground attack, a worthwhile endeavor given the Wolverines’ defensive strength. But Ohio State’s advantage figures to be on the outside, assuming WRs Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate are ready to return to QB Julian Sayin’s impressive arsenal. Wolverines QB Bryce Underwood has had only sporadic success throwing the ball but has been helped by RB Jordan Marshall. But they, too, could have a hard time finding holes against Buckeyes defenders Sonny Styles and Caleb Downs.
Why it could disappoint: Mother Nature might have a hand in this one, with the possibility of frozen precipitation in the forecast that might curtail any deep passing. In theory that would seem to work in Michigan’s favor, though the ground game might also be affected. In any case, a big lead either way might prove insurmountable.
No. 3 Texas A&M at No. 16 Texas
Time/TV: Friday, 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC.
Why watch: As if bragging rights throughout the Lone Star State weren’t enough, this contest carries huge SEC title and College Football Playoff implications. The Aggies will play for the conference crown if they win here in Austin. The Longhorns can’t, but they’ll be very much in the at-large conversation if they can spring an upset. Notwithstanding a rough outing at Georgia a couple weeks ago, the Texas offense has operated with more crispness over the course of QB Arch Manning’s first full season as the starter, although last week’s output might be more attributable to Arkansas’s leaky defense. A&M isn’t always airtight either, but DE Cashius Howell must be accounted for at all times. The Aggies have always found points when they’ve needed them thus far, though QB Marcel Reed can be pick prone when under duress, and it will be Longhorns DE Colin Simmons bringing the heat. The game also features two of the nation’s most dangerous return threats, the Longhorns’ Ryan Niblett and A&M’s K.C. Concepcion.
Why it could disappoint: It’s unlikely that it will. Both teams have demonstrated a flair for the dramatic, and the intensity level will be dialed up to 11 given the stakes.
No. 4 Georgia vs. No. 19 Georgia Tech
Time/TV: Friday, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC.
Why watch: These Peach State foes staged eight overtimes worth of ‘clean old-fashioned hate’ last season. They aren’t likely to duplicate that, but there’s a lot on the line for the Yellow Jackets, who missed an opportunity to clinch a spot in the ACC title game and now need an at-large resume booster. This year’s edition will be off campus at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which will offer a unique environment. The Bulldogs can’t really help themselves but would like to enter the postseason on a high note anyway. Georgia QB Gunner Stockton has been quite efficient of late, improving his completion rate to a healthy 71.4%. DL Jordan van den Berg and the Yellow Jackets’ front seven hope to do a better job securing the line of scrimmage. Tech QB Haynes King is more than capable of keeping pace, though he tends to take a lot more punishment with his commitment tor running regularly. The Bulldogs have been more cohesive on defense over the latter half of the season, though standout LB CJ Allen is likely out after leaving the Texas game early with a knee injury
Why it could disappoint: It won’t if it’s anything close to last year’s version, but while Georgia has looked the part of a playoff team in November, the Yellow Jackets have not. Another slow start by Georgia Tech would be disastrous.
No. 13 Miami (Fla.) at No. 24 Pittsburgh
Time/TV: Saturday, noon ET, ABC.
Why watch: The Hurricanes need a lot of help they quite frankly aren’t likely to get to play for the ACC title. But they need to help themselves first by toppling the Panthers, who are fresh off a big win against Georgia Tech and might also have a shot at the ACC crown. The formula is pretty simple for Miami QB Carson Beck – get the ball in the hands of WR Malachi Toney as often as possible without giving it away. That will mean keeping the ball out of the reach of Panthers DB Kavir Bains-Marquez, who has three of the team’s 14 interceptions. Pitt QB Mason Heintschel must be similarly concerned with ball security, though that will be easier if he continues to get production from RB Ja’Kyrian Turner. Miami DE Rueben Bain Jr. will make that difficult.
Why it could disappoint: While it might be overly simplistic to say the Panthers phoned in the Notre Dame game and put all their proverbial eggs in the ACC basket, that’s certainly how it appears. But it’s also possible that the Hurricanes will have a similar personnel advantage and make this another rout, though closing out opponents isn’t exactly Miami’s strong suit.
No. 12 Vanderbilt at No. 18 Tennessee
Time/TV: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN.
Why watch: Neither team can reach the SEC final, but it’s nevertheless a contest with significant stakes. That is especially true for the Commodores, who are enjoying their best season in decades that could get even better. The Volunteers probably can’t crack the at-large playoff pool but would still like to keep hopes for a 10-win campaign alive. Vandy QB Diego Pavia is now up to 34 total TDs, and his ball distribution of late has made it difficult for opposing defenses to commit a spy to him. Vols LB Jeremiah Telander will nonetheless want to monitor him. Tennessee QB Joey Aguilar has quick-strike capability but might be better served relying on RBs DeSean Bishop and Star Thomas to control the clock. That will likely mean another busy day for Commodores LB Bryan Longwell and DB CJ Heard.
Why it could disappoint: The manner in which both teams manhandled lower-tier SEC opponents last week indicates they’ll be in top form for this one. About the only question is if Vanderbilt can beat a good team away from home.
No. 5 Oregon at Washington
Time/TV: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS.
Why watch: The Ducks secured their 10th victory last week and eliminated Southern California from the playoff picture in the process. They now look to close with a win against another of their former Pac-12 rivals. The Huskies at this point can only play for a more favorable bowl destination but would still not mind handing Oregon a costly setback. The backfield tandem of QB DeMond Williams Jr. and RB Jonah Coleman give Washington enough offensive balance to be troublesome, but LB Bryce Boettcher and the Ducks’ front can be quite formidable. Oregon QB Dante Moore has more weapons at his disposal, with TE Kenyon Sadiq often providing the key mismatch in the red zone. The Huskies will need Jacob Lane to provide pressure from the edge.
Why it could disappoint: The Ducks will do their best to make sure it does. Washington has been much better at home but probably won’t have enough answers against a top-tier defense.
LSU at No. 8 Oklahoma
Time/TV: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC.
Why watch: A 10-2 record that would include a quality non-conference triumph against Michigan would almost certainly mean a playoff invitation for the Sooners. The final obstacle is a feisty bunch of Tigers, who are similarly strong on defense but like OU have struggled to score points. The LSU attack will again be in the hands of QB Michael Van Buren with Garrett Nussmeier still sidelined with an abdominal injury. He’s almost certainly in for a long day against LB Kip Lewis and the stingy OU defense that ranks third against the run and sixth in scoring. Sooners QB John Mateer has not thrown as effectively since returning from hand surgery, but RBs Xavier Robinson and Tory Blaylock might provide more help this week. There might be good news for the Tigers on the injury front if LB Whit Weeks can play more snaps Saturday.
Why it could disappoint: This has the makings of a punting contest. It could therefore be a tough watch, but there might be a payoff at the end if it’s close in the final quarter.