It’s the final week of the regular season in College Football, and teams with hopes of reaching the College Football Playoff will have one final week to ensure their chances. Plenty of big rivalry games will make for an interesting final Saturday of November. From “The Game” to the Iron Bowl, there are plenty of intriguing match-ups to watch. Can Utah prove that it deserves a spot in the CFP? What about Alabama? All kinds of questions but they will be answered on Saturday, as the Conference Championship Games will be decided. Let’s jump into the key College Football Playoff Storylines in week 14.
Can the Buckeyes complete another undefeated regular season?
All eyes will be on Ann Arbor, at around noon Eastern Time, as the #1 Ohio State Buckeyes will go to battle against their hated rival the 13th-ranked Michigan Wolverines. Michigan is hungry for its first win over Ohio State since 2011, and they look like they could be in a position to do just that. The belief all started with very convincing wins over other rivals Notre Dame and Michigan State. The Buckeyes have been in this situation on many occasions in the past and will be ready for whatever Michigan throws at them, there is no doubt this could be one of the best games of the year. Last season’s meeting proved there was quite a gap between these programs, is it still there in 2019? Is Justin Fields healthy? The Buckeyes are the Big Ten’s best shot for the CFP right?
Is LSU the best team?
The LSU Tigers looked to be the top-dog on the block, as they have arguably the best win to this point. The Tigers win over Alabama was huge in regards to their chances of reaching the CFP. Yet is LSU the best of the bunch. They were able to take care of business since their huge win over Alabama, but they no longer hold the top spot in the rankings. Neither the Tigers or Buckeyes will want to face Clemson in the Semifinals, so both will be looking for ways to impress the committee. That’s where Ohio State could have the edge especially if they can avoid the upset-minded Wolverines, which would give them a huge road win against a rival. LSU gets Texas A&M in Baton Rouge. The race for the top spot in the playoffs is on, and LSU sits with prime games to get some style points moving forward.
Utah your the PAC 12’s only hope
The Utes have proved to be the real deal, as they have battled their way to a 10-1 record this season. With Colorado rolling into town this week, they will look for a shot at some style points, as they prepare for a clash with Oregon for the PAC-12 championship. Even if the Utes finish 12-1 with the PAC-12 Championship that doesn’t mean they can even jump an 11-1 Alabama. As the Playoff Committee has proved they are just fine with a non-confrence champion making the playoffs. Utah will need a couple of blowout victories to impress the committee, it’s going to be tough. Utah is the PAC 12’s only playoff hope.
Wisconsin vs. Minnesota for the Big Ten West
This game doesn’t spell playoff contenders in both teams cases, as the Badgers aren’t in play for the playoffs this year at 9-2. Yet they could not only dethrone a red-hot Minnesota team but could easily make something happen in the Big Ten Championship against Ohio State next week. The Gophers still have hope for the playoffs at 10-1, and if they can outlast Wisconsin, what’s to say they can’t knock off the Buckeyes too. It’s been done before, but not since 2013. The outcome of this match-up could send aftershocks throughout the Big Ten. It’s definitely going to be one of the best games of the week.
Don’t Look now its Alabama
You’re probably thinking, theirs no way. Wrong, the Crimson Tide is very much still alive in the playoff race. Will that be the same story Saturday afternoon as Alabama clashes with Auburn in the Iron Bowl. Which quarterback is ready for the stage, the Tide’s backup or the Auburn’s freshman? Alabama sits fifth in the CFP Rankings, and with a convincing win over the Tigers might be in the right place to sneak into the playoffs barring any other shocking outcomes during Conference Championship weekend. It’s not a given that Utah, Oklahoma, Baylor, or Minnesota can jump Alabama. After this weekend, the playoff grid should begin to be clear.
