In the Ohio State football building, a dedicated section focuses on the intense rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan, with a countdown clock ticking away the seconds until their monumental matchup. As this countdown nears its end, the clash between these Big Ten powerhouses will determine the East Division winner and a top spot in the College Football Playoff race.
However, Rivalry Week offers more than just the Ohio State-Michigan showdown; several other games could significantly impact the playoff picture. The emotional intensity, shared history, and player familiarity in these rivalry matchups add an unpredictable element to the playoff race.
Here are the top nine rivalry games of the week, ranked by the potential impact on Selection Day:
1. Ohio State (11-0) at Michigan (11-0)
– If Ohio State wins: The Buckeyes secure the East, setting up a clash with Iowa in the conference championship. A loss to Iowa could jeopardize their playoff chances. Michigan, with a loss, faces challenges making the top four without a conference title.
– If Michigan wins: Wolverines claim the East, advancing to face Iowa. Ohio State’s playoff hopes remain but face a tougher road. The loser might contend with Pac-12, Big 12, and ACC champs.
2. Florida State (11-0) at Florida (5-6)
– If Florida State wins: The Seminoles aim for a top-four spot. Backup QB Rodemaker faces scrutiny. Convincing wins strengthen their case. A struggle could raise doubts, impacting Washington’s performance in the Apple Cup.
– If Florida wins: ACC’s playoff hopes diminish. Bad losses for both FSU and Louisville could hurt the conference. Multiple upsets needed for ACC contention.
3. Oregon State (8-3) at Oregon (10-1)
– If Oregon State wins: Oregon’s CFP hopes collapse, opening a path for a three-loss Pac-12 champion. Pressure on Washington to win for Pac-12 representation.
– If Oregon wins: Ducks secure a Pac-12 title game spot, eyeing redemption against Washington. A one-loss Pac-12 champion has strong playoff prospects.
4. Washington State (5-6) at Washington (11-0)
– If Washington State wins: Huskies’ playoff hopes suffer, emphasizing past concerns. Washington must hope for favorable matchups in title games and rivals’ losses.
– If Washington wins: Undefeated Huskies likely secure a top-four spot, barring chaos in other conferences.
5. Alabama (10-1) at Auburn (6-5)
– If Alabama wins: Tide heads to SEC championship with a 10-game streak, a strong resume. Texas’ loss could affect head-to-head considerations.
– If Auburn wins: Two-loss Alabama as SEC champ faces challenges. Previous playoff exclusions for two-loss teams weigh against them.
6. Texas Tech (6-5) at Texas (10-1)
– If Texas wins: Longhorns secure Big 12 title game, aiming to avenge the only regular-season loss against Oklahoma. Head-to-head with Alabama remains impactful.
– If Texas Tech wins: Big 12 chaos as a two-loss champ complicates the playoff race. Head-to-head with Alabama becomes irrelevant.
7. Kentucky (6-5) at Louisville (10-1)
– If Kentucky wins: Two-loss Louisville’s CFP chances vanish. Bad defeats undermine their case.
– If Louisville wins: Slim CFP hopes remain. Upsetting FSU in the ACC title game becomes crucial.
8. Arizona (8-3) at Arizona State (3-8)
– If Arizona wins: Pac-12’s playoff scenario flips. Arizona eyes the title game against Washington. Pressure on the Huskies to win for playoff contention.
– If Arizona State wins: Oregon secures Pac-12 title game, regardless of its result.
9. Georgia (11-0) at Georgia Tech (6-5)
– If Georgia Tech wins: SEC needs Alabama to win for playoff representation. Georgia faces an unlikely scenario for a top-four finish.
– If Georgia wins: Bulldogs maintain top spot, keeping slim hopes for a top-four finish without winning the SEC. Alabama winning helps Georgia’s case.