After an exciting Week 12, the college football schedule is about to ramp up for what should be a thrilling end to the regular season. The action kicks off with the latest installment of one of the more intriguing rivalries in the Big Ten and then heats up with a key SEC showdown with major playoff implications. The night slate includes another meeting of top-25 teams and a Pac-12 rivalry showdown that will determine whether or not Washington State makes the conference title game. Here is a look at the top televised games for Week 13 of the college football season.
#1 Alabama Crimson Tide @ #6 Auburn Tigers
Saturday, 3:30 PM ET – CBS
The latest installment of the Iron Bowl has major implications on the national stage. Alabama has once again ascended to the top of the college football rankings with a perfect 11 straight wins to open the season. Now they will need to take down their biggest rival in order to remain there heading in to the SEC Championship game. Auburn has surprised with an impressive 9-2 record and nobody will forget their upset win over the Crimson Tide back in 2013. Nick Saban’s team is 7-3 all-time against the Tigers but that won’t mean much when they meet on Saturday. Quarterback Jarrett Stidham and running back Kerryon Johnson have formed a nice 1-2 punch for Auburn and if they perform to their potential they could surprise. Meanwhile, quarterback Jalen Hurts has been outstanding for Alabama all season and all eyes will be on him this week as he attempts to lead the Crimson Tide to another perfect regular season.
#9 Ohio State Buckeyes @ #24 Michigan Wolverines
Saturday, 12:00 PM ET
Ohio State has already booked its spot in the Big Ten championship game versus Wisconsin but that doesn’t mean this game doesn’t matter to both programs. The Buckeyes and Wolverines have a fierce rivalry. Considering Ohio State is still an outlier in the College Football Playoff structure they clearly need a signature win this week. Meanwhile, Michigan fell short against the Badgers following three straight wins but can earn a measure of redemption for its fans with a big win this week. The status of quarterback Brandon Peters is in doubt after he was injured in the loss to Wisconsin. Even if Peters is available, the Wolverines will have a tough time keeping up with Ohio State at home. If he isn’t available, this matchup will become a lot more lopsided.
#9 Notre Dame Fighting Irish @ #20 Stanford Cardinal
Saturday, 8:00 PM ET – ABC
Stanford is headed to the Pac-12 championship game but first they get Notre Dame at home. One interesting storyline to monitor is the status of running back Bryce Love. Love likely won’t catch Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield in the Heisman trophy voting but he still has a chance to produce another big performance if the Cardinal gives him the opportunity to do so against the Fighting Irish. Stanford could decide to hold Love out and keep him fresh for the Pac-12 title game. Or they could turn to Love and hope that he is healthy enough to lead them to a big win. Notre Dame didn’t exactly look convincing in last week’s win over Navy so this could be a tough game on the road against the Cardinal.
#14 Washington State Cougars @ #15 Washington Huskies
Saturday, 8:00 PM ET – FOX
The Pac-12 title race will once again be in the prime time spotlight this week. Washington State is one win away from an appearance in the conference championship game but it won’t be easy on the road against a tough Huskies team. Washington barely survived a tough test from Utah at home with a 33-30 win last week and will need to be better in order to beat the Cougars. Luke Falk has led Washington State to a 2-0 record against ranked opponents this season. He will need another one this week in prime time in order for the Cougars to remain in the hunt for a Pac-12 championship.
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