Uncover the Intensity of College Football Rivalries
Michigan at No. 2 Ohio State (Noon ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app)
The Buckeyes and Wolverines have a long-standing rivalry, and for Ohio State's Ryan Day, this game is about revenge. The Buckeyes have struggled to beat their biggest rival over the past five years, but this time, they have the talent and determination to emerge victorious. With the best defense in the nation and a top-10 scoring offense, Ohio State is a force to be reckoned with. On the other hand, the Wolverines have had a tough season and will need quarterback Davis Warren to make explosive plays to pull off the upset. It will be a battle on the ground as both teams look to dominate.
Just look at what Day said about losing to Michigan: "Other than losing my father and a few other things, it’s quite honestly for my family the worst thing that [has] happened." The pressure is on for Ohio State to prove themselves and break their losing streak against Michigan.
No. 8 Tennessee at Vanderbilt (Noon ET)
Tennessee is in a prime position to make it to the College Football Playoff. A win over Vanderbilt could secure their spot, and they'll rely on their star running back Dylan Sampson, who set a school record with 22 rushing touchdowns. Vanderbilt, on the other hand, is no pushover. They have a respectable season and almost beat then-No. 5 Texas. Quarterback Diego Pavia has been impressive, but he'll face a tough test against Tennessee's second-best defense.
This game could be a key factor in determining Tennessee's playoff chances and Vanderbilt's bowl eligibility. It's sure to be a close and exciting matchup.
No. 15 South Carolina at No. 12 Clemson (Noon ET)
South Carolina is on a five-game winning streak and has shown great improvement under freshman quarterback LaNorris Sellers. They have already beaten two Top 25 teams and could have just one loss if not for close calls against LSU and Alabama. Clemson, however, is looking for its first win over a Top 25 opponent this season. Quarterback Cade Klubnik will face a tough defense led by Kyle Kennard, who leads the SEC in tackles for loss and sacks.
The outcome of this game could have a big impact on Clemson's chances of making it to the ACC Championship Game. They'll be keeping a close eye on the Miami (Fla.)-Syracuse game later in the day as well.
No. 24 Kansas State at No. 18 Iowa State (7:30 p.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app)
The Big 12 is in for a chaotic weekend, and this game could be a key factor. If Iowa State and Arizona State win, they'll meet in the conference championship game. But if either team loses, there are various scenarios where other teams could take the lead. Iowa State has a tough test as it faces the only Top 25 matchup in the Big 12. They have a chance to become the first team in program history to win 10 regular-season games.
Kansas State, meanwhile, may not have as much at stake, but they could play spoiler with their talented running back DJ Giddens and defensive end Brendan Mott. It's a game that could have a major impact on the Big 12 standings.
No. 3 Texas at No. 20 Texas A&M (7:30 p.m. ET)
The winner of this game will play No. 7 Georgia in the SEC Championship Game. Texas A&M left the Big 12 for the SEC in 2012, thinking they had escaped Texas. But now, they're conference foes again, and the Aggies haven't played for an SEC title in that time. If Texas A&M loses, they'll likely be eliminated from CFP contention. If Texas loses, they'll still likely make it as an at-large team.
Steve Sarkisian's team has a chance to clinch the No. 2 CFP seed with a win over Texas A&M and revenge against Georgia. It's a game with high stakes for both teams.
