Forget the rankings this weekend, reputations are on the line. Although your ranking is important, some teams argue they care more about their record against specific programs. With Week 8 highlighting many rivalry games, it’s no surprise some teams are fighting for more than just a playoff spot.
We start in the SEC, as No. 11 Tennessee will look to shock No. 6 Alabama on the road. Alabama has turned into the hottest team in the country after defeating three ranked SEC opponents in the last three weeks. This accomplishment is exceedingly rare and is believed to be done only by Alabama back in 2016, when they completed a perfect regular season. However, this spark could fuel another championship run like the one they had in 2016 if it continues with a potential fourth straight win against a ranked SEC opponent. Tennessee has shown strength all season long with their only loss coming in Week 3 to No. 6 Georgia in a close overtime thriller.
Staying in the SEC, undefeated No. 5 Ole Miss will travel to take on No. 9 Georgia. This will be a big test for both sides, with both conference and playoff implications. Ole Miss has not been tested yet on the road this season, with the trip to Georgia being their biggest one yet. Georgia will look to defend their home field after their only loss came from Alabama three weeks ago. This matchup will come down to offense vs. defense, and which side can outlast the other.
The final highly anticipated SEC matchup of the weekend will take place in Nashville, Tenn., as No. 17 Vanderbilt will host No. 10 Louisiana State University. Both squads are standing at 5-1 on the season, looking for a much-needed SEC-ranked win. Vanderbilt had blown out teams in their first five games with an average margin of victory of 24.2 points. Additionally, Vanderbilt is averaging 467.5 yards a game on offense (19th in college football). On the other hand, LSU is allowing just 11.8 points per game (5th best nationally) along with allowing less than 300 yards on defense. Vanderbilt’s overpowering offense will push them through this game if they can outplay LSU’s defense. If they can do that, Vanderbilt should come away with victory.
With the battle for the Big 12 still undecided, programs look to build their resume as spots for the championship game are still in the air. A significant game will take place in this conference when No. 23 Utah will look to hand No. 15 BYU their first loss of the season. BYU is coming off their closest game of the season, after they defeated Arizona 33-27 in double overtime. With Arizona pointing out some flaws in BYU’s game, Utah will look to expose them in this Top 25 matchup. Meanwhile, Utah is riding off a dominant performance against No. 21 Arizona State. With two hot programs, anything can happen in this one.
Lastly, the biggest rivalry will take place in South Bend, Indiana, when No. 20 University of Southern California will travel to take on No. 13 Notre Dame. This rivalry began in 1962 between both athletic directors of the schools. Although the exact reason for the rivalry is not known for sure, the most common explanation starts with USC looking for a rivalry at the time. USC traveled to Nebraska where Notre Dame was playing that weekend. Conversations arose, and the idea of USC and Notre Dame forming a rivalry series was sparked between the two sides. Although, distance was a potential problem having to travel so far, every year. It was not until Notre Dame athletic director Knute Rockne introduced the idea to his wife that she quickly jumped aboard and convinced him a trip to Los Angeles would be much better than snowy Nebraska. This helped solidify his opinion on it, and from then the rivalry started.
Additionally, both college football programs are described as “Blue Bloods” with a handful of national championships and multiple Heisman winners each. This game is more than just a resume booster as tradition speaks for itself. Notre Dame leads the all-time matchup 52-38-5. If this college football season has been any indication, anything can happen, especially as both squads fight for a postseason spot and, even more importantly, pride.
Every game this weekend carries weight; this may be through honor, pride or playoff implications. Each game holds value, and every team must come ready to play. With so many dominant matchups, teams must prove why they are the best and why they deserve a spot in the postseason.