College Football Rivalry Week: Expert Picks for Key Matchups

College football rivalry week is here, and it’s always a wild ride. Emotions, upsets, and high stakes—what more could you want?

This year’s matchups look especially juicy. Ohio State, Michigan, Alabama, and Auburn headline the weekend, and the buzz is everywhere. Fans are restless, analysts are chattering, and the College Football Playoff (CFP) picture could flip in a heartbeat. Let’s get into the biggest games and see how the odds shake out.

Ohio State vs. Michigan: A Rivalry Renewed

All eyes are on No. 1 Ohio State facing off against No. 15 Michigan. Ohio State’s undefeated run has been impressive, with their only real scare coming in the opener against Texas.

The Buckeyes’ defense gives up just 7.6 points per game—best in the country, no less. Quarterback Julian Sayin, a Heisman hopeful, leads the charge with future NFL guys like Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate making plays all over the field.

Michigan’s Challenge

Michigan, at 9-2, wants to shake up the CFP and do it on their home turf. They’re underdogs by more than a touchdown, but last year’s upset is still fresh in everyone’s mind.

The Wolverines have a shot to derail Ohio State’s momentum and grab a statement win. Stakes don’t get much higher than this.

Alabama at Auburn: A Battle for Pride and Playoff Hopes

Next up, No. 10 Alabama heads to Auburn. Alabama needs this win to keep their Playoff dreams alive and lock in a spot in the SEC title game.

Even though Alabama’s won six straight against Auburn, Jordan-Hare Stadium has been a tough place for them. Two years ago, they barely escaped with a win after four overtimes.

Auburn’s Spoiler Potential

Auburn’s record isn’t great, but they love playing spoiler—especially against Alabama. The Tigers have a habit of pulling off surprises in this rivalry, so it’s hard to count them out.

Georgia vs. Georgia Tech: State Supremacy on the Line

No. 4 Georgia faces No. 23 Georgia Tech in another classic showdown. Georgia’s favored by nearly two touchdowns and wants to keep its grip on state bragging rights.

The Bulldogs have been rolling lately, stacking up seven straight wins and crushing teams like Mississippi State and Texas. They look locked in.

Georgia Tech’s Defensive Struggles

Georgia Tech’s defense has had a rough go, giving up big points in recent games. With the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, it’s probably going to feel like a Georgia home game.

Georgia Tech has a steep hill to climb if they want to pull off a shocker.

Texas A&M at Texas: A Rivalry Renewed After 15 Years

This one’s got some extra spice: No. 3 Texas A&M meets No. 16 Texas for the first time in 15 years. That long gap just adds to the hype.

Texas A&M, already in the CFP, wants to stay perfect and maybe punch a ticket to the SEC title game. The pressure’s on.

Texas’s Redemption

Texas, on the other hand, could spoil A&M’s season and find a little redemption after a tough year. They’re slight underdogs, but with this rivalry, you never really know what’ll happen.

Other Key Matchups and Their Stakes

There’s plenty more on the slate this weekend:

• No. 12 Miami at No. 22 Pitt: Miami heads north to take on Pitt, who’s still chasing the ACC. Cold weather might be a factor for the Hurricanes.
• No. 6 Oregon at Washington: Oregon wants to lock down a CFP spot but has to get past Washington, a team that’s given them trouble before.
• LSU at No. 8 Oklahoma: Oklahoma’s looking to boost their Playoff chances with a big home win over LSU.
• No. 14 Vanderbilt at No. 19 Tennessee: Tennessee’s beaten Vanderbilt six straight times and wants to keep that streak alive.

Expert Picks Against the Spread

Our staff threw out their picks for the week. Here’s what stood out:

• Matt Baker: Florida State to win at Florida (pick ’em)
• Mark Cooper: Boston College at Syracuse under 52.5
• Seth Emerson: Louisville -3 vs. Kentucky
• Sam Khan Jr.: Houston +2.5 at Baylor
• Austin Mock: Duke -1.5 vs. Wake Forest
• Dan Santaromita: Ole Miss -7 at Mississippi State
• Daniel Shirley: UNLV -7.5 at Nevada
• David Ubben: Georgia vs. Georgia Tech over 59.5
• Chris Vannini: SMU -10.5 at Cal

Conclusion

This year’s college football rivalry week looks wild. There are huge stakes and, honestly, more than a few chances for upsets.