As we get ready to feast on turkey and dressing (stuffing for you Yankees), we football fans are hungry for an entirely different meal- It’s called Rivalry week. This is the week we look forward to all season. It’s the game that you want to win so you can brag for the next 365 days. That’s why football is so much different in the South. We take this week more personal than any other week in the season. If your team loses, you have to hear it from your friends and family all year. It’s kind of like a Civil War, just more intense….(not really, but some people might think so).
There is a lot on the line this weekend and some teams don’t have much margin for error. Let’s take a look at the usual suspects:
- Iron Bowl– Auburn vs. Alabama– The crimson tide come into this game undefeated and #1 in the nation. The game is in Tuscaloosa. Perfect scenario for an upset, right? I think not. Auburn has been a roller coaster this year and they just can’t seem to stop anyone. Look for a big win for the Tide this weekend.
- The Game – Michigan vs. Ohio St. – As much as the spotlight has been on the buckeyes this season, I think the pressure is on Michigan. I say that because Harbaugh has yet to beat the buckeyes, and his team is currently #4 in the nation and playoff rankings. The Wolverines are the better team but this one will be closer than you think. Look for Urban to have something up his sleeve for this game.
- Clean, Old-Fashion Hate – Georgia Tech vs. Georgia – The yellow jackets have won the past two meetings in Athens. They have also won six out of their past seven games. Grant it, it hasn’t been pretty(Miami and Virginia) but they got it done with defense and special teams. They will need more of that and a solid ground game to keep up and upset the #5 bulldogs who have been playing great football since their loss to LSU. They’re calling 80% chance of rain in Athens so it could make an impact in the game.
- The battle of the Palmetto State – South Carolina vs. Clemson – No love loss in this rivalry. The Tigers are on a 4 game winning streak and are looking to add another one against their neighbors in Columbia. With the nation’s best defensive line, the gamecocks have a tough task ahead of them. Quaterback Jake Bentley will need to be on point and get help from his offensive line to have a shot against the Tigers.
- The Apple Cup – Washington vs. Washington St. – Mike Leach has his boys playing great football this season. They have high hopes of making a new years bowl, or even the playoff if a miracle happens. On the other hand, the Washington Huskies have had some good wins against Stanford and BYU, but dug themselves a hole with losses to Oregon and Cal. Look for another great edition to the Apple Cup on Friday night.
- UCF vs. South Florida – Now here’s an intriguing game. One team is trying to prove their relevance, the other is playing spoiler. If the Golden Knights want to add more claim to their so-called fame, they better run thru the bulls on Friday, or they can kiss Cinderella buh-bye.
- Oklahoma vs. West Virginia – If you like offense, then no look further than the Big XII showdown this Friday night in Morgantown, West Virginia. Oklahoma is averaging 49.5 points a game and averaging 576 yards a game. They’re also allowing 425 yards a game-ouch! Will Grier will be licking his chops against that lousy defense. Look for a shootout in Morgantown on Friday.
- Notre Dame vs. USC – The Fighting Irish look to end their season on a perfect note down in Los Angeles. If Notre Dame can get past USC, they will secure a spot in the College Football playoff. The men of troy haven’t played inspiring football as of late, but never count them out when playing the golden domers. I look for Notre Dame to win in a close one.
- LSU vs. Texas a&m – This is a fairly new rivalry game since the expansion of the SEC. Here’s a question: What does LSU do well? Run the ball. Here’s another question: What do the aggies do well? Stopping the run. Something is going to have to give down in College Station.
- Florida vs. Florida St – What a game this use to be. This game use to mean something. Here’s hoping it will again. Coach Taggart and FSU need this win. One, to get to a bowl. Two, to gain the confidence of a fan base not sure of their new head coach. The gators are looking to break a five game losing streak and hoping they can keep the noles home for the holidays. If FSU loses, it will be the first time they haven’t gone to a bowl game since 1980. Wow.
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