Headed into Week 13 of the college football season, there was little change to the top teams in the latest College Football Playoff rankings. Teams moved around, but the contenders remain the same.
That’s practically guaranteed to change after Week 13 games. Not only will we see two of the top three teams face off against each other, but also each of the remaining top-8 teams will be forced to square off against an in-state rival.
How much chaos will rivalry week bring to the sport this year? Check out the top-5 games you’ll want to keep an eye on this weekend to see all the chaos for yourself.
5
No. 7 Texas vs. Texas Tech (Friday, 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC)
Favorite: Texas (-12.5)
Texas’ playoff hopes are still hanging by a thread with no margin for error, as the Longhorns head into their final two games. After narrowly surviving a tough road game against Iowa State, Texas returns home this week to face a Texas Tech team that’s 3-0 in the month of November and appears to be getting better, as its young defense gains maturity over the course of the season.
4
Auburn vs. No. 8 Alabama (Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS)
Favorite: Alabama (-15)
Last weekend’s stunning upset loss to New Mexico State put a damper on Auburn’s enthusiasm for what is typically one of the wildest and most chaotic rivalry games in all of college football. But you should never count out the Tigers at home against their hated rival. While Alabama seems to be in a groove at the moment, the Crimson Tide hasn’t played in a truly hostile road environment since all the way back on October 7 when they traveled to Texas A&M. Will the atmosphere take Alabama out of its newfound offensive pace?
3
Florida vs. No. 4 Florida State (Saturday, 4 p.m. ET on FOX)
Favorite: Florida State (-6)
The injury to Jordan Travis has thrown what was once a near-guaranteed playoff berth for Florida State into a state of uncertainty. Travis was the engine that drove the entire team, and now FSU will have to see what its offense looks like with Tate Rodemaker at the helm, starting this weekend against Florida. The Gators have certainly struggled throughout the season and need to win this game to gain bowl eligibility. But with the game in Gainesville and Florida State missing its best player, we need to be on alert for a potential upset that could change the entire playoff race.
2
No. 6 Oregon vs. No. 11 Oregon State (Friday, 8:30 p.m. ET on FOX)
Favorite: Oregon (-13.5)
One of two massive in-state rivalry showdowns in the Pac-12 this weekend (along with Washington and Washington State) that will be conference games for the last time in the foreseeable future, this is a must-watch. This game feels like the more consequential of the two as Oregon, with one loss already, cannot afford to lose again and still have any hope for a playoff spot. The Ducks are also facing a genuine threat in Oregon State, as the Beavers have been one of the most consistently dangerous teams in the conference throughout the season and took Washington to the wire a week ago.
1
No. 3 Michigan vs. No. 2 Ohio State (Saturday, Noon ET on FOX)
Favorite: Michigan (-3.5)
The Game lives up to its name this weekend as once again, Michigan and Ohio State will have what amounts to a play-in game for the College Football Playoff (no disrespect to Iowa… actually, you know what? Yes, a little disrespect to Iowa). Michigan will once again be without head coach Jim Harbaugh on the sideline, as he serves the final game of his suspension over the sign-stealing scandal that has dominated the headlines for Michigan for the last month. Will Ryan Day’s staff be able to come up with a game plan that leaves the Wolverines wishing they had their dear leader there on the sidelines with them?
