Rivalry Week Showdowns: 37 College Football Games Impacting Playoff Hopes
College football fans, brace yourselves! Rivalry Week is here, and honestly, this one feels like it could be wild.
We’re talking historic showdowns like Ohio State vs. Michigan, plus Texas A&M vs. Texas, with the stakes sky-high. If you’re the kind of person who can’t stand to miss a big game, this is your week.
The High Stakes of Rivalry Week
This is the climax of college football’s regular season. Old grudges flare up, and every snap could change the story of a team’s year.
The playoff picture and conference titles are both on the line. These rivalries? They’re loaded with history, and every game feels heavy with that weight.
Ohio State vs. Michigan: The Game
Ohio State and Michigan—what else needs to be said? The Buckeyes are unbeaten, locked into a College Football Playoff spot, but their recent track record against Michigan is, well, not great.
Ohio State hasn’t beaten Michigan since 2020, which is wild considering how they’ve handled everyone else. This time, the Buckeyes could actually play spoiler and knock Michigan out of the playoff hunt.
Julian Sayin, Ohio State’s quarterback, has been sharp, even if he spends a lot of fourth quarters on the sideline. Michigan’s Bryce Underwood has a serious challenge ahead, especially with injuries piling up for both teams.
This one could go down to the wire.
Current line: Buckeyes -11.5 | SP+ projection: Buckeyes by 14.6 | FPI projection: Buckeyes by 8.5
Texas A&M vs. Texas: The Lone Star Showdown
For the first time since 2010, Texas A&M and Texas face off in Austin. The Aggies are dreaming of their first perfect regular season since 1939, plus a shot at the SEC title game.
A win here would also send Texas packing from the playoff conversation. Texas’ defense has been leaky lately, giving up 30+ points in four straight games, but Arch Manning and the offense have at least shown some spark.
Marcel Reed, A&M’s quarterback, is a bit of a mystery—sometimes he starts slow, sometimes he catches fire. The whole thing might hinge on which Reed shows up.
Current line: A&M -2.5 | SP+ projection: A&M by 5.3 | FPI projection: Texas by 0.3
Other Key Matchups
There’s more to Rivalry Week than just the headline games. Some of these other showdowns could shake up the playoff race or decide who gets a better bowl.
Tennessee vs. Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt heads to Tennessee, and the winner could land a better postseason spot. Both teams have looked good against weaker opponents but haven’t done much against the big dogs.
Tennessee fans are hoping for a win to salvage a rough schedule that’s kept them out of the playoff chase.
Current line: Vols -2.5 | SP+ projection: Vols by 0.7 | FPI projection: Vols by 2.0
Miami vs. Pitt
Miami, ranked 12th, takes on No. 22 Pitt in a game that’s all about defense. Miami’s D has been tough, but their offense just isn’t explosive.
Pitt’s defense loves to attack, so if Miami’s offense stalls, this one could get close—and maybe a little messy.
Current line: Miami -6.5 | SP+ projection: Miami by 6.0 | FPI projection: Miami by 5.2
Alabama vs. Auburn
Alabama and Auburn—that’s always a classic. Auburn’s defense is tough against the run, but Alabama leans on quarterback Ty Simpson and the passing game.
Both teams have had ups and downs, so who knows what’s coming? It’s one you have to watch.
Current line: Bama -5.5 | SP+ projection: Bama by 6.0 | FPI projection: Bama by 6.5
Potential for Chaos
Here’s the thing: nine of the eleven teams ranked between fourth and fourteenth are playing on the road. Upsets feel almost inevitable.
There’s about a 37% chance that at least three of these teams lose, which could flip the playoff picture upside down.
Oregon vs. Washington
Oregon, ranked sixth, heads into a tough matchup with Washington. Washington’s run defense is no joke, so Oregon might get pushed into some tough third downs.
Demond Williams Jr., Washington’s quarterback, has been great against bad defenses, but Oregon’s D is a different animal.
Current line: Ducks -6.5 | SP+ projection: Ducks by 6.7 | FPI projection: Ducks by 7.1
Georgia vs. Georgia Tech
Georgia faces Georgia Tech, and while the stakes aren’t what they used to be, it’s still a rivalry. Georgia’s run game is relentless, but Tech can move the ball too, especially with Haynes King at quarterback.
Current line: UGA -13.5 | SP+ projection: UGA by 12.9 | FPI projection: UGA by 13.8
Ole Miss vs. Mississippi State
Ole Miss and Mississippi State meet in a game that could get weird—rivalries tend to do that. Ole Miss is the better team, with a strong offense and good pass defense.
But honestly, with all the distractions and unpredictability, who’s to say?
Current line: Rebels -7.5 | SP+ projection: Rebels by 14.3 | FPI projection: Rebels by 8.5
Conclusion
Rivalry Week in college football—honestly, it’s when history, tradition, and sky-high stakes all crash together. You never really know what you’re going to get. Sometimes it’s a clash between top-ranked giants; sometimes it’s a wild upset that shakes up the whole playoff picture.
This week? It always delivers some kind of drama. If you’re a fan, you might as well grab your snacks and settle in, because it’s bound to be a ride.
Want to dig deeper or just lose yourself in previews? Take a look at the full article on ESPN.
