Week 14 in college football marks the highly anticipated Rivalry Week, with big matchups and storylines set to unfold as teams gear up for the final week of the regular season. The stakes are high, with conference championships looming on the horizon.
One of the marquee matchups of the week features No. 3 Texas taking on No. 20 Texas A&M in a crucial conference showdown. The Longhorns will be looking to secure a spot in the SEC title game, but they’ll have to navigate the hostile environment at Kyle Field on Saturday to emerge victorious.
In the Big 12, there is a four-way tie at the top of the conference standings, with nine teams still in contention to reach the Big 12 title game. The scenarios are aplenty, and our college football experts are here to break down the big games and storylines heading into Week 14.
The Texas vs. Texas A&M clash is identified as the rivalry matchup with the biggest College Football Playoff (CFP) implications. A win for Texas A&M could propel them into the SEC title game, while a loss would likely eliminate them from playoff contention. On the other hand, Texas is eyeing a potential No. 2 seed, but falling short against A&M could lead to a challenging first-round matchup.
In another key rivalry game, Arizona State will face off against Arizona, with CFP implications on the line for the Sun Devils. A win for Arizona State could boost their chances of making the Big 12 championship game and improving their ranking for a shot at securing an automatic spot as a conference champion.
South Carolina will visit Clemson in a surprising matchup, with the Gamecocks making a case for a spot in the CFP field. South Carolina has been on a winning streak and will look to continue their momentum against Clemson, who have their sights set on an ACC title game spot with a potential CFP berth on the line.
When it comes to the Texas vs. Texas A&M showdown, the Longhorns will need to focus on red zone execution, an area where they have struggled in big games in the past. Texas A&M, on the other hand, will look to pressure Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers and capitalize on opportunities on both sides of the ball to secure a win.
In the Big 12, the race to the title game is wide open, with nine teams still in contention. The scenarios are complex, but teams like Arizona State, Iowa State, BYU, and Colorado are in the mix, with various outcomes determining the eventual matchup for the conference championship.
As teams prepare for Rivalry Week, emotions are running high, with coaches and players expressing the significance of these games and the impact they can have on their season. Each matchup carries weight, and the outcomes will undoubtedly shape the playoff picture as teams jockey for position in the final stretch of the season.
