Crucial Matchups in College Football’s Final Regular Season Week

As the college football regular season nears its conclusion, several high-stakes matchups are set to determine the landscape of the College Football Playoff (CFP) and conference championships. This weekend, particularly on Saturday, November 30, will feature some of the most critical games of the season.

One of the most anticipated games is the rivalry matchup between Michigan and Ohio State, scheduled for 12 p.m. ET on FOX. This game is crucial for both teams, especially for Michigan, which needs a win to stay in the CFP picture, and for Ohio State, which aims to secure its spot in the Big Ten Championship game.

Another significant game is the in-state rivalry between No. 3 Texas and No. 20 Texas A&M, kicking off at 3:30 p.m. ET. This game has substantial implications for the CFP, as Texas A&M’s only realistic path to the playoffs involves winning this game and then the SEC championship. A loss for Texas could drop them out of the top 12, despite their current ranking.

The Notre Dame–USC matchup at 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS is also pivotal. Notre Dame, with only one loss, is on the cusp of securing a CFP spot, but a second loss could jeopardize their chances. USC, despite a lackluster season, has the potential to spoil Notre Dame’s playoff hopes.

In the SEC, No. 8 Tennessee faces Vanderbilt at 12 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN+. While Vanderbilt is out of playoff contention, they could still spoil Tennessee’s postseason aspirations with an upset. This game is significant for Tennessee, which has no room for error after a recent loss to Georgia.

Other notable games include Auburn at Alabama, Maryland at Penn State, and the Big 12 showdowns that could decide the conference title game participants. The Big 12 has a complex tiebreaker scenario with multiple teams still in contention, adding to the excitement and unpredictability of the weekend.

These games will not only decide conference standings but also significantly impact the College Football Playoff picture, making this final week of the regular season one of the most compelling in recent memory.