As the Week 13 college football schedule unfolds, several pivotal games are set to captivate fans across the globe. This weekend features crucial matchups that could significantly impact the College Football Playoff picture. With teams battling for positioning and potential playoff berths, the stakes are higher than ever.
Critical Matchups Shaping the Playoff Landscape
One of the most anticipated games will see the Missouri Tigers facing the Oklahoma Sooners at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time on ABC. Missouri enters the game with three losses and no victories over ranked opponents, leaving them essentially out of playoff contention. However, they hold the power to influence the playoff rankings with a win. Meanwhile, Oklahoma has recently regained momentum, winning two consecutive SEC road games against Tennessee and Alabama. With two losses already, the Sooners are in a position where they cannot afford to lose again if they hope to secure a playoff spot.
At 3:30 p.m. on CBS, the Ohio State Buckeyes will take on the Indiana Hoosiers. While Ohio State is virtually assured a spot in the Big Ten championship game, the outcome of this matchup could affect the playoff rankings. The Oregon Ducks are also in a critical position, currently holding one loss to Indiana. With the playoff bubble tightening, a victory against a ranked opponent could solidify Oregon’s standing. The USC Trojans, sitting outside the playoff picture with two losses, face a must-win scenario against Oregon to keep their postseason hopes alive.
Implications for the ACC and Big 12
The Pittsburgh Panthers are looking to rebound after a disappointing loss to Notre Dame last week. They will face the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at 7:00 p.m. on ESPN. Pittsburgh’s aspirations for an ACC title are hanging by a thread, and they could disrupt Georgia Tech’s path to the championship game if they secure a win.
In the Big 12, the BYU Cougars are currently positioned just outside the playoff bracket after a significant loss to Texas Tech. A victory against the Cincinnati Bearcats at 8:00 p.m. on Fox could revive BYU’s chances for a conference championship. Cincinnati, having lost two in a row, is still in contention and could secure a spot in the championship game with a win, provided other results go their way.
As the playoff race heats up, fans are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting weekend of college football. Each game carries implications that could reshape the playoff landscape, making Week 13 a must-watch for college football enthusiasts.
