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Thanksgiving Week has brought college football fans a feast of high-stakes rivalry games, blending tradition, conference implications, and College Football Playoff (CFP) drama. From renewed rivalries like Texas versus Texas A&M to historic matchups like Michigan-Ohio State, Week 14 is packed with games that could shape the postseason. Here’s a ranking of the top 10 games to watch, complete with storylines and stakes.
10. Cal (6-5) at No. 9 SMU (10-1)
When: 3:30 p.m., ESPN2
SMU, already bound for the ACC Championship Game, aims to finish undefeated in its inaugural ACC season. The Mustangs’ slim CFP hopes hinge on a win to secure their spot among the nation’s elite. A victory would also position head coach Rhett Lashlee to tie the program’s single-season win record of 12.
Line: SMU -14
9. Auburn (5-6) at No. 13 Alabama (8-3)
When: 3:30 p.m., ABC
The Iron Bowl has added intrigue this year as Alabama clings to faint CFP hopes despite a rough 2023. After a shocking 24-3 loss to Oklahoma, the Crimson Tide must rebound against an unpredictable Auburn team fresh off a quadruple-overtime win over Texas A&M. A win here is critical for first-year head coach Kalen DeBoer to salvage Alabama’s season.
Line: Alabama -11.5
8. No. 8 Tennessee (9-2) at Vanderbilt (6-5)
When: Noon, ABC
Tennessee faces a must-win scenario on the road. A loss to Vanderbilt could knock the Vols out of CFP contention, while a win would solidify their standing. Tennessee’s defense, ranked top-five nationally, must contain a Vanderbilt offense that hasn’t topped 24 points since October.
Line: Tennessee -11
7. No. 16 Arizona State (9-2) at Arizona (4-7)
When: 3:30 p.m., Fox
The first Big 12-era Territorial Cup could decide Arizona State’s Big 12 Championship Game fate. The Sun Devils control their destiny and could cap a remarkable turnaround season under head coach Kenny Dillingham, who inherited a 3-9 team in 2023.
Line: Arizona State -9
6. No. 6 Miami (10-1) at Syracuse (8-3)
When: 3:30 p.m., ESPN
Miami must win to clinch its spot in the ACC title game against SMU. With one loss, the Hurricanes remain a strong Playoff contender, especially after benefiting from chaos in the rankings. Syracuse, quietly 8-3, has been a formidable opponent and could play spoiler.
Line: Miami -10.5
5. No. 24 Kansas State (8-3) at No. 18 Iowa State (9-2)
When: 7:30 p.m., Fox
The Farmageddon rivalry takes center stage with Big 12 title implications. A win by Iowa State could set program records for victories and potentially lead to its first conference title in over a century. Kansas State looks to play spoiler in what promises to be a heated matchup.
Line: Iowa State -2.5
4. No. 5 Notre Dame (10-1) at USC (6-5)
When: 3:30 p.m., CBS
Notre Dame needs a win to maintain its home Playoff berth hopes. Despite an inconsistent season, USC remains a dangerous team at the Coliseum, having pushed Penn State to overtime earlier in the season. A dominant win by the Irish could improve their CFP positioning.
Line: Notre Dame -7.5
3. Michigan (6-5) at No. 2 Ohio State (10-1)
When: Noon, Fox
The Game remains one of college football’s most iconic rivalries, even in a down year for Michigan. Ohio State needs a win to secure its spot in the Big Ten title game and erase the memory of three consecutive losses to Michigan. Despite their struggles, Michigan’s defense could pose a challenge to the Buckeyes.
Line: Ohio State -19.5
2. No. 15 South Carolina (8-3) at No. 12 Clemson (9-2)
When: Noon, ESPN
The Palmetto Bowl has massive CFP and ACC implications. Clemson is on the cusp of an at-large Playoff berth and needs a win to stay in contention. South Carolina, bolstered by close losses to LSU and Alabama, seeks to solidify its postseason credentials.
Line: Clemson -2.5
1. No. 3 Texas (10-1) at No. 20 Texas A&M (8-3)
When: 7:30 p.m., ABC
The revival of this bitter in-state rivalry after a 12-year hiatus takes center stage in Week 14. With a win, Texas would secure its CFP spot and eliminate A&M from contention. For the Aggies, this is a chance to keep their season alive and spoil Texas’s inaugural SEC campaign.
Line: Texas -5.5
Final Thoughts
Rivalry Week in college football never fails to deliver drama, and Week 14 is no exception. From historic clashes like Michigan-Ohio State to the renewal of Texas-Texas A&M, the stakes are higher than ever as teams vie for conference titles and Playoff spots. With so much on the line, fans are in for a weekend filled with thrilling finishes and memorable moments.
