The 9 College Football Games to Watch During Rivalry Week

Please forgive me for some of the brief game summaries below, but I have good reason. For one, it will save you from reading “it’s a game where you can throw the records out” over and over again. Secondly, I’m writing this post-Thanksgiving meal while digesting an outrageous amount of food.

FRIDAY

(#7)Ole Miss at Mississippi StateNoon, ABC

Ole Miss should have little trouble getting through the Egg Bowl on the way to its first playoff appearance. However, it will be interesting to see how the team responds to the circus of the Lane Kiffin sweepstake as it prepares to kickoff a wild coaching carousel one way or another.Prediction: Ole Miss-31, Mississippi State-21

(#4)Georgia at Georgia Tech3:30 p.m., ABC

Could we get another instant classic like last year’s eight-OT marathon? Anything could happen, but these teams have been trending in different directions as of late. Georgia seems to be peaking at the right time and will be a handful in the playoffs. Meanwhile, Georgia Tech has likely played itself out of the ACC race with a defense that has fallen apart in the last month.Prediction: Georgia-34, Georgia Tech-24  

(#3)Texas A&M at (#16)Texas7:30 p.m., ABC 

This will be an electric atmosphere for a game between HEATED rivals. Can the Longhorns crowd help will them to victory? Texas can make it interesting, but will have trouble keeping pace with an explosive undefeated Aggies squad.Prediction: Texas A&M-31, Texas-21 

(#25)Arizona at (#20)Arizona State9 p.m., FOX

A nice little Black Friday nightcap with a ranked-vs. ranked in-state rivalry. The Wildcats have been a pleasant surprise, and now get the chance to end their season by beating the reigning Big XII champs.Prediction: Arizona-30, Arizona State-28

SATURDAY

(#1)Ohio State at (#15)MichiganNoon, FOX

The Buckeyes are loaded with so much talent on both sides of the ball it’s hard to see anyone hang with them as they prepare for a deep playoff run. But Michigan has had their number as of late, going for their improbable fifth victory in a row in the series.Ohio State could be without Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate, which could alter their offensive gameplan without the nation’s best receiving duo. This could be another classic match-up with snow showers expected in Ann Arbor.Prediction: Ohio State-24, Michigan-20  

(#12)Miami at (#22)PittNoon, ABC

The ‘Canes are playing for their playoff lives after once appearing to be a strong national title contender early in the year. Meanwhile, Pitt is hoping to make its way to the ACC Championship Game after knocking off Georgia Tech last week. Miami will be met with a nice chilly Pittsburgh day, which the Panthers will look to take full advantage of.Prediction: Pitt-34, Miami-31 

Clemson at South CarolinaNoon, SECN 

The season did not go as expected for either team. Clemson was a national title pick heading into the season, while South Carolina had dreams of making the playoffs. Both dreams were dashed long ago, but they have continued to fight and will now look to end their season with a satisfying win over their rival.Prediction: South Carolina-21, Clemson-20 

(#14)Vanderbilt at (#19)Tennessee3:30 p.m., ESPN

Both teams are just outside the playoff picture, but that doesn’t mean this game will be an afterthought. Vanderbilt is determined to prove they are here to stay, and a win over the in-state Vols would help them jump up in the SEC pecking order. Prediction: Vanderbilt-27, Tennessee-24

(#10)Alabama at Auburn7:30 p.m., ABC 

It’s been a rough year for the Tigers. They haven’t been necessarily a bad team, but continued to be on the wrong side of one-possession games week after week. They also have a stingy defense that could challenge a ‘Bama offense that has not been able to run the ball consistently. Auburn would love nothing more than to end the season with a ‘W’ in the Iron Bowl and keep the Tide out of the playoffs.Prediction: Auburn-23, Alabama-21