The stakes of Rivalry Week have shifted in 2024, but the essence remains unchanged. It’s all about the one-year lease on bragging rights over your rival, a tradition that embodies the spirit of college football. As we dive into Week 14, the excitement is palpable, with five major rivalry games on the horizon that could shake up the landscape of college football.
The new playoff landscape
In this era of the 12-team College Football Playoff, the dynamics have transformed significantly. Teams now have the opportunity to lose to their rivals yet still qualify for conference championship games, the playoff, or even contend for a national title. The question arises: is that acceptable? For many fans and players, the answer is a resounding no. Losing to a rival can sting, and the implications of such losses can linger long after the final whistle.
Best games on college football rivalry week
As we gear up for an action-packed Rivalry Week, here’s a look at the key matchups to watch:
| MATCHUP | TIME | TV |
| No. 6 Georgia at Georgia Tech (Friday) | 7:30 p.m. | ABC |
| Michigan at No. 2 Ohio State | 12 p.m. | Fox |
| No. 16 South Carolina at No. 12 Clemson | 12 p.m. | ABC |
| No. 5 Notre Dame at USC | 3:30 p.m. | CBS |
| No. 3 Texas at No. 20 Texas A&M | 7:30 p.m. | ABC |
Georgia vs. Georgia Tech
The first highlight of the week features No. 6 Georgia traveling to face Georgia Tech on Black Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET. This matchup could create significant chaos. What if the Yellow Jackets pull off an upset, sending the Bulldogs to the SEC championship game with three losses? It’s a scenario that raises eyebrows. Georgia Tech has a strong rushing attack, and if they can exploit Georgia’s vulnerabilities, they could change the narrative of the season.
Georgia has dominated this rivalry, winning the last six meetings by an average of 38.5 points. However, the Bulldogs’ recent performance against UMass, where they allowed a staggering 226 rushing yards, raises questions. Can Georgia Tech’s coach Brent Key orchestrate a surprise victory? The odds are against them, but anything can happen in rivalry games.
Michigan at Ohio State
Next up is the highly anticipated clash between Michigan and No. 2 Ohio State at noon on Saturday. The stakes couldn’t be higher. The Buckeyes, who have won two of three top-five matchups this season, are looking to clinch a spot in the Big Ten championship game. But what if Michigan, a 20.5-point underdog, manages to pull off the upset? The fallout would be monumental for Ohio State, a team that has struggled against their rivals in recent years.
The psychological impact of another loss to Michigan could be devastating for the Buckeyes. If they falter, it would not only affect their championship aspirations but also the morale of a senior class desperate to rewrite history. While the Wolverines have shown flashes of brilliance, their inconsistent offense could hinder their chances against Ohio State’s formidable defense.
South Carolina at Clemson
In another intriguing matchup, No. 16 South Carolina takes on No. 12 Clemson at noon. The Gamecocks are riding a five-game winning streak, including victories over ranked opponents. However, Clemson could still back into the ACC championship game even with a loss, depending on other outcomes. This scenario adds an extra layer of intrigue to the rivalry.
Clemson has dominated this series in recent years, but the stakes are high for both teams. If South Carolina manages to pull off an upset, it could shake up the conference standings dramatically. The implications for both teams are significant, and the atmosphere will be electric.
Notre Dame at USC
At 3:30 p.m. ET, No. 5 Notre Dame will face USC in a game that could have playoff implications. The Fighting Irish have been on a tear since their bye week, winning six straight games by a combined score of 267-65. However, a loss to USC could complicate their playoff aspirations.
What if the Trojans, who have shown resilience at home, manage to spoil Notre Dame’s season? Even if USC pulls off the upset, Notre Dame’s strong resume could still earn them a playoff spot. The stakes are high, and the outcome could determine the fate of both teams.
Texas at Texas A&M
Finally, the rivalry between No. 3 Texas and No. 20 Texas A&M is set to unfold at 7:30 p.m. ET. This matchup is particularly compelling, as the winner advances to the SEC championship game. The Aggies haven’t faced Texas since 2011, making this a highly anticipated clash.
If Texas A&M pulls off the upset, the SEC playoff picture could become even more convoluted. With multiple teams potentially vying for playoff spots, the implications of this game could resonate throughout the conference. The atmosphere at Kyle Field will be electric, and fans will be treated to a thrilling showdown.
In the end, Rivalry Week promises to deliver unforgettable moments, intense competition, and potential chaos in the rankings. As teams battle for bragging rights and playoff positioning, one thing is certain: college football never fails to captivate and excite.
