The final week of the college football regular season is upon us, leading to a long weekend packed with rivalry games after Thanksgiving. As teams face off across the nation, many conference title spots will be decided, alongside key bids for the College Football Playoff (CFP).

This weekend is shaped by recent performances, like Georgia Tech’s unexpected loss last Saturday which emphasized the stakes involved as teams seek to clinch their playoff aspirations in fierce rivalry matchups.

Rivalries generally prompt exciting showdowns, and with playoff ambitions on the line, teams must channel their competitiveness to secure their postseason spots, or face disappointment. Rivals will push hard to try and thwart each other’s plans, making these contests crucial to watch.

Notable Matchups:

• No. 1 Ohio State at No. 18 Michigan: Snowy conditions may influence this anticipated rematch, which has significant implications for both teams.
• No. 4 Georgia at No. 16 Georgia Tech: Georgia’s momentum will be crucial against a struggling Yellow Jackets team that needs a strong performance to prove itself.
• No. 3 Texas A&M at No. 17 Texas: The Aggies seek to solidify their title chances against a fierce rival, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle.
• No. 6 Ole Miss at Mississippi State: A classic rivalry and critical matchup, as Ole Miss looks to secure their playoff standing amid coaching speculation.

The outcomes of these rivalry games could upend current standings within conferences and potentially shake up the final CFP rankings. Keep an eye out for unexpected results and thrilling finishes.

NOTE: Rankings cited are from the previous week’s CFP Top 25.