Bleacher Report's Ultimate Guide to College Football Rivalry Weekend
If there was nothing else at stake—just good ol’ fashion hate, holiday bragging rights and maybe a sixer of a local IPA—this weekend, the last stand for many, would spawn plenty of emotion all by its lonesome.
See, before the College Football Playoff consumed every bit of our attention and turned us all into chaos zombies, there were rivalries. These matchups between two teams, usually tied together geographically—although not always—are the epicenter of our interests. They are essentially why we’re all here.
The first thing one does when he picks a college football team, before butchering the words of the fight song the first few times through, is learn who to hate. It’s on Page 1 of the manual.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Masked deep within this hate, of course, exists a great deal of respect. It’s not a respect you talk about or celebrate, but it’s there. This relationship between two programs is complicated.
Oh, Rivalry Week is indeed special. It doesn’t demand anything more than itself. The hate (and silent respect) is enough to carry us through. It just so happens, however, that this particular Rivalry Week also has so much more.
The suspense that has been building over the course of a wild and unpredictable season ends here, at least for some. And if Rivalry Week wasn’t enough, perhaps playoff and Heisman implications will draw you in.
Here is a look at (gasp!) the final week of college football’s regular season, where rivalry hate isn’t just tolerated; it’s required to gain access to the door.
The Thanksgiving Buffet: Previewing the Top Five Games of Week 13
5. UCLA at USC (Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC or ESPN2)
The victor will play the following weekend; I suppose we should start there. Although the dream seasons for both SoCal teams did not matriculate, winning the Pac-12 South isn’t a bad consolation. And the fact that a rivalry game will also decide the division is also a juicy bit of local drama.
Josh Rosen, presently, loves not throwing interceptions. The true freshman has not thrown the ball to the other team since October 15. While his numbers in Saturday’s victory over Utah weren’t Vernon Adams Jr.-esque, the 17-9 victory against a ranked team worked just fine.
USC allowed just a few more points last week. Well, more than a few. In fact, on the topic of Adams, he totaled six touchdowns against a defense that has been torn apart by injuries. The Trojans lost, 48-28, which is a suboptimal way to transition into a truly meaningful game.
Still, the offense is not without weapons. Despite the lopsided defeat, USC still managed to total 186 yards on the ground. It will no doubt score. But can it stop the other team from scoring more?
We’re about to find out. Regardless, even though other games have greater playoff implications, you’ll want to catch this one.
4. Alabama at Auburn (Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS)
Having spent last weekend in Alabama, I can confirm that the Iron Bowl is still rather important these days. That part will never change. Despite the vastly different seasons unfolding, this one is always circled in red pen.
Yes, Alabama is good. Very good, in fact. Nick Saban, a week removed from a splendid rant that involved excrement and a tin horn, has his group looking like a fine misery machine heading into the last regular-season stop.
Derrick Henry didn’t have to do much last week with Charleston Southern on tap, although he still totaled 96 yards and scored twice. That will likely change this week, and the end result, when it’s all said and done, could be a bronze statue.
After looking like it had stabilized matters, Auburn’s loss to Georgia put the climb on hold. The Tigers had no issues with Idaho in Week 12, posting 56 points behind quarterback Jeremy Johnson.
While the Jovon Robinson versus the Alabama front seven matchup won’t garner the same hype that Leonard Fournette versus Alabama's defense received, it will be one to keep an eye on. Robinson, a physical freak of nature, has emerged in the second half.
Ultimately, it will take a gargantuan effort for Auburn to spring the upset. But given the way this season has gone, nothing should be assumed.
3. Ohio State at Michigan (Saturday, 12:00 p.m. ET, ABC)
The first round of Urban Meyer vs. Jim Harbaugh suddenly has a little less vigor than it did late last week. That’s not to say this game isn’t A) hugely important or B) loaded with entertainment.
But the stakes have changed. Well, maybe.
In losing to Michigan State, Ohio State didn’t just hurt its own Big Ten championship hopes. Michigan needed the Buckeyes to win that game, too. Now both need Michigan State to fall to Penn State, which is certainly feasible. That game (more on it in a bit) will take place later in the day.
For Ohio State to rally, the offense needs to find a rhythm. That’s stating the obvious after the Buckeyes finished with just five first downs and 132 total yards in Saturday’s 17-14 loss. The running game was absent. The passing game, given limited opportunities, could never get churning in difficult weather.
Making matters even more taxing this week is the nation’s No. 6 scoring defense. Michigan has been superb on that side of the ball, a trend that continued Saturday. The Wolverines limited Penn State to just 207 yards in their win. On offense, quarterback Jake Rudock continued his excellent play. He’s been on a roll these last three games.
Do yourself a favor and curl up in front of this game with a warm fire. The hate will be real, regardless of what happens next. This could be the start of something special—something that could carry on well beyond December.
2. Notre Dame at Stanford (Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET, Fox)
It’s hard to know precisely what is on the line here, but it’s safe to say it's a lot. The loser will be removed from College Football Playoff consideration; the winner will add a gold star to its resume and make a compelling case for the Top Four, especially if the winner is Notre Dame.
A few weeks ago, we buried Stanford’s playoff hopes. But then losses happened. Then there were more losses. Now, having taken care of Cal behind the continued Superman (and potential Heisman) efforts of running back Christian McCaffrey—who totaled a school-record 389 all-purpose yards Saturday— the Cardinal are in a position to storm back with a win against Notre Dame and a Pac-12 Championship.
Stanford’s playoff hopes are still somewhat unlikely, but they are not dead by any means.
The Irish, of course, have become playoff fixtures in the past few weeks. It never truly felt like such hopes would be dashed against Boston College in Fenway Park, although the 19-16 final score didn’t exactly instill confidence in the committee.
Five Notre Dame turnovers were the story Saturday. For the Irish to move forward, quarterback DeShone Kizer has to protect the ball.
The health of Notre Dame is also a concern. Cornerback KeiVarae Russell is out, which is an enormous loss. Running back C.J. Prosise is also banged up and unlikely to play. What a year it’s been for injuries in South Bend.
But even with these mounting woes, there is optimism. Notre Dame is supremely talented and on the cusp. Stanford is dangerous and still alive. Let’s do this.
1. Oklahoma at Oklahoma State (Saturday, 8:00 p.m. ET, ABC)
The name "Bedlam" seems appropriate this year—perhaps more so than any other in recent memory. By the time Oklahoma and Oklahoma State finish late Saturday night, we might have our first College Football Playoff participant. Or perhaps the Big 12 will have played itself into a mystery position yet again.
Seriously, this is Bedlam in all of its beautiful madness.
It doesn’t have quite the same punch as it did a week ago, when Oklahoma State was heading into its final two games, both at home, undefeated. The Pokes could not withstand Baylor’s offensive surge, despite the fact that they knocked starting quarterback Jarrett Stidham out of the game, prompting the Bears to turn to their third-string QB. It did not matter.
Despite a strong effort from Oklahoma State quarterback Mason Rudolph—who threw for 430 yards and three touchdowns—the ground game, which totaled just eight yards, did not help matters. The defense, which allowed 700 yards, did not help either.
Oklahoma, meanwhile, barely escaped a TCU squad that is now a shell of its former self because of injuries. The moment Baker Mayfield left the game with an injury, the offense seemed to hit a road block. In many ways, the Sooners were lucky to escape with a 30-29 win. Samaje Perine’s 188 yards didn’t hurt.
The good news for Oklahoma is that Mayfield is likely to play. If that is the case, then the outlook on this game will change. But even if he plays, don’t assume that Oklahoma State won’t put up a tremendous fight. Despite last week’s result, this is still a deeply talented team capable of throwing the conference into a playoff predicament.
Leftovers of Intrigue: Games with Enormous Ramifications
Oh, it doesn’t end with the main course. Part of the joy of this week is eating turkey for every single meal through the weekend. The same theory applies with the football. Let us celebrate the leftovers.
Iowa at Nebraska (Friday, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC): What exactly is on the line here? Well, everything. If Iowa wins, it will voyage to Indianapolis for the Big Ten Championship Game with a spot in the College Football Playoff on the line. This is a real sentence that many are struggling to come to terms with but might as well start to now. Standing in the Hawkeyes' way, however, is a team that already derailed one undefeated season. Oh, and Nebraska is coming off a bye and playing for bowl eligibility. This is a delectable Friday matchup.
Penn State at Michigan State (Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC): The word for this game is “close,” which is appropriate on a variety of fronts. Most significantly, it’s the word Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio used to describe the status of starting quarterback Connor Cook and when he might return. If the Spartans beat Penn State at home, they’re in the Big Ten Championship Game and in prime shape for a spot in the playoff. Ohio State or Michigan will keep close tabs on this one.
Florida State at Florida (Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN): It has not come easy for Florida, which is a polite thing someone says after a team requires overtime to squeak past Florida Atlantic. Quite frankly, the Gators have looked underwhelming the past three games, especially on offense. And still, strangely, they have just one loss, and the playoffs are something we can still talk about. If Florida can beat its rival—regardless of how it happens—it will keep those peculiar hopes alive. Florida State has others plans in mind.
Thanksgiving Sides Power Ranking: Hot Turkey Takes
There is no bad side on Thanksgiving. That’s important. People enjoy different things for different reasons, which is why this holiday allows us to embrace multiple dishes at once. Still, with so little space on your plate and in your space, there is a clear pecking order of importance.
Consider this a guide. (Please note: Cranberry sauce is not included, because it’s really not great. This concludes my very hot Thanksgiving take.)
1. Stuffing: The Alabama of Thanksgiving sides. When cooked right—hopefully with a cornbread base—it’s nearly impossible to conquer. Even the worst stuffing is capable of dominance.
2. Green Bean Casserole: When done right, it’s pure joy. When done wrong, there could be issues. This is a volatile dish, depending on the quality of the chef, but the good far outweighs the bad.
3. Biscuits: It’s a long day. Carbs are important. And deep down, whether homemade or straight from the can, bread is never a bad idea.
4. Mashed Potatoes: It’s always slightly overrated, although it still warrants a spot in the top five. Add garlic, and now we’re talking. Results may vary, depending on the maker.
5. Homemade Apple Sauce: The most underrated and perhaps underutilized dish can add a nice bit of variety to any plate. You won’t find it in all kitchens, and perhaps that should change.
Parting Shot (Part 1): On Ezekiel Elliott and Our Quest for Honesty
Following Ohio State’s crushing 17-14 loss to Michigan State on Saturday, Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott—having been shown openly sobbing during the national anthem, knowing precisely what this game meant—let loose a bit of vocal honesty atypical at this level.
"I'm disappointed in the play-calling," an emotional Elliott told reporters after the game. "I feel like we just weren't put in the right opportunity to win this game. We weren't put in the right situations to win this game.”
Elliott provided the cherry on top when asked about his future, confirming the worst-kept secret. “There's no way I'm coming back next year,” he said. Social media went wild.
There are a few layers to this onion, so let’s peel. Blaming a coach in any capacity through the media is not something that should happen. This certainly could have (and should have) been avoided. Elliott has since apologized.
And yes, when it comes to announcing future plans, I suppose Elliott could have waited one week until after Michigan. In reality, however, he was simply confirming what we already knew. We knew this back in January.
But the reaction to this has been astounding. Enormous character assumptions have been established without hesitation. The masses have assumed that Elliott, having said exactly what the entire football world either knew or thought, just lost millions.
In being honest with his remarks, something the media craves and demands, Elliott confirmed the following: Being bland and predictable with the media is a much more desired route. Why on earth would one speak his mind if the product of honesty will be backlash?
I love personalities, and Elliott is one of them. And while one could very easily establish an opinion of his character in a moment that he would like back, watch the way Elliott throws his body around this week while blocking for his quarterback and a few extra yards. There is much more to this young man than a bad microphone visit.
Sure, things could have been handled a bit better. But this is not the doomsday scenario that so many have made it out to be. Elliott will still make millions—as he should—and will likely learn from this.
I imagine the athletes thinking about straying from the “we played hard” script will as well.
Parting Shot (Part 2): Brine Your Turkeys, and Enjoy the Greatest Holiday of the Year
I cannot stress enough how important it is to soak your bird in flavor before you cook it. Please, don’t be one of the lost souls who serve family members dry, tasteless bird. It’s not right. You are better than this.
Brine your turkey, and lives will be changed. Taste buds will be satisfied.
Also, have a wonderful Thanksgiving. There is no holiday that comes close to offering this kind of buffet of riches. I implore you to eat as much as you can, and please don’t blow a hamstring if you play football before watching football.
What a wonderful weekend it will be. See you on the other side.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
