Five CFB games to watch: Ohio State-Michigan winner can book its ticket to CFP semifinal
The final week of the regular season is headlined by another meeting between undefeated Ohio State and unbeaten Michigan, but that's not the only game worth watching this holiday weekend. (All games are on Saturday except for Oregon State-Oregon on Friday night.)
The five-star game: No. 2 Ohio State (11-0, 8-0 in Big Ten) at No. 3 Michigan (11-0, 8-0) | 12 p.m. ET
With Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh serving a suspension because of a sign-stealing scandal, Michigan aims to win its third consecutive game in the rivalry and clinch a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game. The winner will play middling Iowa (9-2) in the conference title game, so it is almost guaranteed a ticket to the College Football Playoff semifinals.
Ohio State has arguably the most talented group of skill-position players in college football, including WR Marvin Harrison Jr. — a possible top-five pick in the 2024 NFL Draft — WR Emeka Egbuka, running back TreVeyon Henderson and tight end Cade Stover.
The Wolverines are led by running back Blake Corum, who has 20 rushing touchdowns, the most in college football this season. Michigan has the edge at quarterback, with veteran J.J. McCarthy a more known commodity than Kyle McCord.
Could Harbaugh have his eye on the NFL following the season? The sign-stealing scandal apparently will have no influence over how NFL teams view him, per Jay Glazer of Fox Sports.
Upset special: Kentucky (6-5) at No. 10 Louisville (10-1) | Noon ET
In his first season as head coach at Louisville, his alma mater, Jeff Brohm is one of the best stories in college football. Louisville has already clinched a spot in the ACC Championship Game against No. 5 Florida State, but it can't overlook in-state rival Kentucky.
As good as running backs Jawhar Jordan (Louisville) and Re'Mahn Davis (Kentucky) are, the offenses may have difficulty running against defensive fronts that both allow only 3.3 yards per rush. We expect this one to be tighter than the seven-point spread in favor of the Cardinals; the Wildcats will pull out all the stops for a game in which they have nothing to lose.
Under-the-radar game: No. 5 Florida State (11-0) at Florida (5-6) | 7 p.m. ET
The Seminoles will attempt to prove they are still a legitimate CFP threat after losing QB Jordan Travis to a season-ending leg injury against North Alabama last week. Quarterback Tate Rodemaker, his replacement, is 20-of-31 (64.5 percent) for 376 yards (12.1 yards per attempt), five touchdown passes and no interceptions this season.
Outstanding wide receivers Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson will make Rodemaker's job easier, as will Florida State's running game against a defense that allows 161.5 yards per game rushing and five yards per carry.
Gators quarterback Graham Mertz, a transfer from Wisconsin, has quietly put together an impressive season, completing 72.9 percent of his attempts with 20 touchdown passes and only three interceptions.
Wild-card game: Washington State (5-6, 2-6 in Pac-12) at No. 4 Washington (11-0, 8-0 in Pac-12) | 4 p.m. ET
With Washington heading to the Big Ten next season, this is the final Apple Cup meeting between the Huskies and Cougars as Pac-12 members. Bottom line: To keep its CFP hopes alive, Washington must win. Washington State, meanwhile, must win to become bowl-eligible.
The quarterback battle between Washington State's Cameron Ward and Washington's Michael Penix Jr. will be something to watch. Ward has completed 66.6 percent of his attempts this season with 30 total touchdowns and five interceptions. Meanwhile, Penix has a 66.5 completion percentage with 33 total touchdowns and seven interceptions.
The Heisman game: No. 16 Oregon State (8-3, 5-3 in Pac-12) at No. 6 Oregon (10-1, 7-1) | 8:30 p.m. ET (Friday)
Ducks quarterback Bo Nix will move one step closer to the Heisman with another big game in "The Civil War" against Oregon State. In a 49-13 drubbing of Arizona State last week, Nix only played the first half, finishing 24-of-29 for 404 yards and six touchdown passes. If he comes close to replicating that performance against the Beavers, it will make it hard for anyone to pass him up for the Heisman.
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