Rivalry Week is here, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. From championship implications to playoff dreams, these five marquee matchups feature everything we love about college football: high stakes, bitter rivalries, and thrilling storylines. Here’s your full breakdown of key stats, stories, and where to catch the action.
Duel in the Desert: Arizona vs. No. 14 Arizona State Preview
One of the fiercest rivalries in college football heats up again this Saturday as the Arizona Wildcats host the No. 14 Arizona State Sun Devils in Tucson. This year, the stakes are sky-high: a trip to the Big 12 Championship Game is on the line.
Game Details
- Kickoff: Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 3:30 PM ET
- Location: Arizona Stadium, Tucson, AZ
- Network: ABC
Key Players to Watch
Arizona State
- QB Jaden Rashada: The freshman has thrown for 2,800 yards and 25 touchdowns, driving the Sun Devils’ potent offense.
- RB Cameron Skattebo: With 1,100 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, he’s a consistent red-zone threat.
- LB Will Shaffer: Leads the defense with 85 tackles and three forced fumbles, setting the tone for Arizona State.
Arizona
- RB Jonah Coleman: The team’s workhorse back has rushed for 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns, crucial for clock control.
- QB Noah Fifita: A steady presence under center, with 18 touchdowns and only five interceptions this season.
- LB Jacob Manu: Arizona’s defensive anchor, leading the team with 95 tackles this season.
Key Stats
- Arizona State’s Offense: Ranks 14th nationally, averaging 472 yards per game.
- Arizona’s Defense: Has allowed just 17.5 points per game during their four-game win streak.
- Turnovers: Arizona leads the Big 12 in turnover margin at +12, while Arizona State has struggled with giveaways.
Storyline Summary
This game is essentially a playoff, with the winner earning a trip to the Big 12 Championship and the loser relegated to a mid-tier bowl, adding immense pressure to an already intense rivalry.
Betting Lines
- Spread: Arizona State -7.5
- Over/Under: 56.5
Michigan vs. Ohio State: Betting Trends and Key Matchups
This Saturday, the Michigan Wolverines and Ohio State Buckeyes face off in The Game, one of college football’s most historic rivalries. With Big Ten supremacy and playoff hopes on the line, both teams bring elite defenses and playmakers into what promises to be a hard-fought battle.
Game Details
- Kickoff: Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 12:00 PM ET
- Location: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH
- Network: FOX
Betting Odds
- Spread: -20.5 (-112) Ohio State
- Total: 46.5
Key Matchups
Michigan Wolverines
- Blake Corum (RB): Corum has been a touchdown machine this season, anchoring Michigan’s ground game.
- Junior Colson (LB): A key defensive leader, Colson will play a significant role in stopping Ohio State’s offense.
Ohio State Buckeyes
- Emeka Egbuka (WR): Ohio State’s top wide receiver this season, Egbuka’s big-play potential is crucial in this matchup.
- Jeremiah Smith (WR): The freshman sensation has quickly become a key target, adding depth to Ohio State’s receiving corps.
- Tommy Eichenberg (LB): A cornerstone of the Buckeyes’ defense, Eichenberg’s tackling and presence will be vital against Michigan’s rushing attack.
Betting Trends
- Michigan has covered the spread in 8 of their last 10 games, showcasing their consistency against tough opponents.
- The under has hit in 6 of Ohio State’s last 10 games, emphasizing the strength of their defense in keeping games low-scoring.
Iron Bowl: Auburn vs. Alabama
The Iron Bowl returns this Saturday as Alabama and Auburn meet in one of college football’s fiercest rivalries. With Alabama chasing a College Football Playoff spot and Auburn looking to play spoiler, this showdown at Jordan-Hare Stadium promises intense action.
Game Details
- Kickoff: Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 3:30 PM ET
- Location: Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, AL
- Network: CBS
Betting Odds
- Spread: Alabama -11.5
- Total: 51.5
Key Matchups
Auburn Tigers
- Jarquez Hunter (RB): Auburn’s lead back has rushed for over 1,000 yards and will be critical in controlling the tempo.
- Eugene Asante (LB): The defensive leader for Auburn, Asante will play a key role in slowing down Alabama’s offense.
Alabama Crimson Tide
- Jalen Milroe (QB): The dual-threat quarterback has accounted for 35 total touchdowns this season, leading Alabama’s dynamic offense.
- Dallas Turner (LB): A dominant pass rusher, Turner will look to disrupt Auburn’s offense and create game-changing plays.
Betting Trends
- Alabama is 6-2 against the spread in its last eight games.
- The over has hit in five of Auburn’s last six home games.
With playoff implications and rivalry bragging rights on the line, the Iron Bowl remains one of the most unpredictable games in college football.
South Carolina vs. Clemson
This year’s Palmetto Bowl brings high stakes as Clemson looks to keep its playoff hopes alive, while South Carolina aims to spoil their rival’s postseason aspirations. With both teams bringing strong playmakers to the field, this matchup should be as dramatic as ever.
Game Details
- Kickoff: Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 7:00 PM ET
- Location: Memorial Stadium, Clemson, SC
- Network: ESPN
Betting Odds
- Spread: Clemson -2.5
- Total: 49.5
Key Matchups
South Carolina Gamecocks
- LaNorris Sellers (QB): The redshirt freshman has taken over the starting role, bringing a dual-threat capability to South Carolina’s offense.
- Tonka Hemingway (DL): Hemingway’s ability to pressure Clemson’s quarterback will be critical for South Carolina’s defense.
Clemson Tigers
- Cade Klubnik (QB): Klubnik has led Clemson’s offense with precision, throwing for over 3,200 yards this season.
- Tyler Davis (DL): A dominant presence on the defensive line, Davis will aim to stifle South Carolina’s run game.
Betting Trends
- Clemson has won nine of the last 10 meetings.
- The under has hit in seven of Clemson’s last nine games.
With playoff hopes for Clemson and pride on the line for South Carolina, expect a hard-fought battle under the lights.
Texas vs. Texas A&M
The Lone Star Showdown is back, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. With Texas vying for a playoff berth and Texas A&M looking to claim in-state bragging rights, this rivalry promises a thrilling battle at Kyle Field.
Game Details
- Kickoff: Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 7:30 PM ET
- Location: Kyle Field, College Station, TX
- Network: ABC
Betting Odds
- Spread: Texas -5.5
- Total: 48.5
Key Matchups
Texas Longhorns
- Quinn Ewers (QB): Ewers has thrown for over 3,600 yards and is the leader of Texas’ explosive offense.
- T’Vondre Sweat (DL): A disruptive force on the defensive line, Sweat will be critical in containing Texas A&M’s ground game.
Texas A&M Aggies
- Le’Veon Moss (RB): Moss has emerged as a reliable offensive weapon, contributing heavily to the Aggies’ rushing attack.
- Fadil Diggs (DE): Diggs’ ability to generate pressure could be key in slowing down Texas’ passing game.
Betting Trends
- Texas is 7-3 against the spread in its last 10 games.
- The under has hit in eight of Texas A&M’s last 10 home games.
The rivalry’s return will bring plenty of fireworks, with Texas looking to solidify its playoff chances and Texas A&M aiming to spoil their season.
To read the full article click here
