As college football enters its 14th week, the slate is loaded with high-stakes matchups, intense rivalries, and significant playoff implications.
The outcomes of these important games will shape not only the College Football Playoff but also the upcoming conference championship battles.
Rivalry week is a time when tradition, pride, and emotions often outweigh rankings or records.
Teams facing their fiercest competitors tend to deliver unpredictable results, making this one of the most thrilling weekends of the college football season.
Two marquee matchups that stand out are the Michigan Wolverines visiting Columbus to face the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes and a critical showdown between the No. 3 Texas Longhorns and the No. 15 Texas A&M Aggies in College Station.
With respect to “The Game,” I think we all know more or less how that matchup will turn out.
Michigan is still riding high over the news of star quarterback Bryce Underwood’s decision to flip his commitment from LSU to the Wolverines.
However, those good vibes will do little to help Michigan on the field against the Buckeyes. (But crazier things have happened, haven’t they?)
Meanwhile, the more important and unpredictable matchup will take place in front of the world-famous “12th Man.”
The Texas-Texas A&M clash may be the most pivotal game of the entire weekend, with the winner securing a spot in the SEC Championship Game against the No. 10 Georgia Bulldogs.
While Texas enters as favorites, the Aggies are more than capable of pulling off the upset. In fact, some are predicting that’s exactly what will happen.
One of the more notable figures that predicts the Aggies will come out on top is NFL Draft guru Todd McShay.
“I always look at it like this: What is FanDuel asking me to do? They’re begging me here to pound Texas,” McShay said. “That’s why I think A&M is a live dog here. I truly do. I think, outside of Georgia, this is by far the best test [Texas] is gonna get.”
Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, who is banged up and far from 100%, remains a focal point of concern.
McShay noted Ewers’ diminished effectiveness in recent weeks, raising doubts about his mobility and overall readiness for the critical showdown against the rival Aggies.
However, head coach Steve Sarkisian provided an optimistic update, confirming that Ewers has been practicing this week and is feeling good heading into the vital matchup.
With the Longhorns boasting one of the nationâs top offensive lines, Ewers will have some protection. However, if he isnât fully recovered, the Aggies could exploit his limited mobility.
What are your thoughts on McShay’s prediction that Texas will be in major trouble on Saturday night?
Who do YOU think is on upset watch this weekend???
