There are lots of rivalry games in college football this weekend, starting as early as Thursday with the Thanksgiving games. However, not all of them hold the same weight. Which ones do you really need to focus on as the season works its way toward its conclusion? Here’s the short list:
1. Auburn Tigers at Alabama Crimson Tide – Saturday, November 29
Odds: Alabama -9.5
Alabama is now one win away from claiming the SEC West championship and a chance to play either Missouri or Georgia in the SEC Championship Game on Dec. 6 in Atlanta. Alabama was headed toward the national title last year but Auburn knocked off the Tide on a 109-yard field goal return on the final play of the game. Alabama wants revenge and that’s going to be a powerful motivating factor for the Tide in this home game. Auburn, for its part, has looked terrible over the past few weeks, losing consecutive SEC games to Texas A&M and Georgia with very inconsistent performances on both sides of the ball. Auburn needs to find more reliable play from its receivers and more of a pass rush from its defensive line. The Tigers hope they can play the best game of their season, because that’s the only way they’ll compete with Alabama.
2. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Georgia Bulldogs – Saturday, November 29
Odds: Georgia -13
When Georgia Tech and Georgia have played in recent years, it’s always been Georgia which has been playing for a big bowl game or some other important goal. This time, Georgia Tech is trying to ensure that it will be the highest-ranked team in the ACC after Atlantic Division champion Florida State.
If Georgia Tech, as the Coastal Division champion, does finish as the second-highest ranked team in the ACC, it should get a spot in the Orange Bowl. Beating Georgia is something Georgia Tech has not often done over the past decade. A win here makes this season a huge success for the Yellow Jackets. Georgia is playing for the right to stay in the College Football Playoff race, though on the outside edges of it.
3. Arizona State Sun Devils at Arizona Wildcats – Friday, November 28
Odds: N/A
The Sun Devils and Wildcats have never played each other with so much potentially on the line. Both teams are 9-2 and in contention for the Pac-12 South Division championship. These teams both need UCLA to lose to Stanford on Friday afternoon. If that happens, though, the winner of this game will indeed move to the Pac-12 Championship Game to face Oregon and have a chance to win a rare conference crown. Even if UCLA beats Stanford, going 10-2 for the winner would lead to a better bowl bid.
4. Mississippi State Bulldogs at Ole Miss Rebels – Saturday, November 29
Odds: Mississippi State -1
About a month ago, this was supposed to be one epic Egg Bowl. However, Ole Miss has lost three times in their last four games and their balloon of optimism has deflated. Or, more aptly, it was popped last week with a 30-0 spanking at Arkansas.
Mississippi State still has plenty to play for but the Bulldogs are waiting and hoping that Alabama will lose to Auburn on Saturday. If Alabama loses, Mississippi State can win the SEC West, play for the SEC title, and become one of the four teams in the College Football Playoff.
Even though Ole Miss is on a skid, don’t expect them to lay down here. This is one of college football’s most bitter local feuds.
