As the college football season enters its final stretch, Week 14 brings a slate of high-stakes rivalry matchups that could make or break playoff dreams. With conference titles and CFP bids on the line, powerhouse programs are gearing up for their biggest tests yet.
Texas Faces First SEC Challenge Against A&M
In the most anticipated game of the week, the No. 3 Texas Longhorns head to Kyle Field for a showdown with the No. 15 Texas A&M Aggies. More than just in-state bragging rights are at stake—the winner will punch their ticket to the SEC Championship Game against top-ranked Georgia.
Texas opened as 6-point road favorites, but the Aggies have proven they can hang with elite competition. According to a source close to the team, A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher is “relishing the opportunity to spoil Texas’ season in their first meeting as conference foes.” With a raucous 12th Man behind them, the Aggies have the firepower to pull off the upset.
Ohio State Aims to Fend Off Rival Michigan
In another crucial clash, the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes host the Michigan Wolverines in the 117th edition of “The Game.” The Buckeyes are heavy 21-point favorites, but this bitter rivalry has a history of upsets. An Ohio State victory would keep their national title hopes alive, while a Michigan win would deal a devastating blow.
“This is what we play for—to have it all on the line against our biggest rival,” said an anonymous Ohio State player. “Rankings go out the window in this game. It’s about pride and proving who the better team is.”
Notre Dame Visits USC With Playoff Spot in Sight
The No. 6 Notre Dame Fighting Irish head west to battle the USC Trojans, needing a win to stay in the playoff mix. As 7.5-point road favorites, the Irish can’t afford a slip-up against their longtime rivals. A convincing victory could vault Notre Dame into the top four, but an inspired USC squad playing for pride will be no pushover.
Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate Takes Center Stage
One of the nation’s most underrated rivalries caps off Rivalry Week as Georgia Tech visits No. 10 Georgia. The Yellow Jackets have quietly put together an impressive 7-4 campaign and would love nothing more than to knock off their in-state nemesis. However, the Bulldogs enter as 19.5-point home favorites, boasting a stifling defense that ranks among the nation’s best.
Other notable matchups include:
- No. 11 Tennessee (-10.5) at Vanderbilt
- No. 18 South Carolina at No. 17 Clemson (-2.5)
- No. 25 Illinois (-7.5) at Northwestern
- No. 8 Miami (-11) at Syracuse
From the SEC to the Big Ten, Pac-12 to ACC, Rivalry Week will deliver answers to the season’s biggest questions. Can Ohio State hold serve at home? Will Notre Dame state its case for a playoff spot? Is Texas ready to be a contender in its new conference? By late Saturday night, the postseason picture will crystallize as college football’s best rivalry games take center stage.
