By Skeeter Smith
The College Football season is reaching its conclusion with Rivalry Week marking the end of the year. As playoff possibilities linger, many teams have the chance to play spoiler against their rivals in the final week. Let’s jump into the key matchups of the week.
16 Oregon State vs. 6 Oregon
Beavers’ rushing attack vs the Ducks’ run defense
The Ducks are teetering on the edge of playoff contention, with a real shot to get in if they can win these next 2 games. A significant challenge awaits them on Friday night against in-state rival Oregon State. The Beavers have run the ball effectively all season averaging around 192 yards per game. For an upset, they must not only wear down the Ducks’ defense but also control the clock to limit Oregon’s high-powered offense. This won’t be an easy task given Oregon’s strong run defense, just outside the top 10 nationally.
Kentucky vs. 10 Louisville
Ray Davis vs the Cardinals run defense
Quietly in playoff contention with only one loss, Louisville faces a crucial test against rival Kentucky. Despite the Wildcats’ lackluster year thus far, they have dominated this rivalry in recent years winning the last 4 games. The key in this one revolves around the Cardinals’ ability to contain running back Ray Davis. Louisville’s defense, allowing fewer than 100 yards per game will be challenged all day.
2 Ohio State vs. 3 Michigan
Wolverines’ ground game vs. the Buckeyes’ defense.
With a playoff berth at stake, both teams enter the game with immense pressure. Last year, Michigan had plenty of offensive success, particularly on the ground, rushing for over 250 yards against Ohio State. The Buckeyes have improved defensively in a big way this year, so expect Ohio State to try and stifle Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards, forcing Michigan’s quarterback, JJ McCarthy, to prove himself through the air.
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5 Florida State vs. Florida
Tate Rodemaker vs. Max Brown
A season-ending injury to star quarterback Jordan Travis has intensified this matchup, putting the Seminoles’ fate in the hands of Tate Rodemaker. Making his first career start on the road in a critical game, Rodemaker faces a daunting task going into the swamp. On the flip side, the Gators also contend with the loss of their starting QB, leading to Max Brown’s debut start as well. In a game featuring two backup quarterbacks, the unpredictable becomes the norm with playoff implications and bowl eligibility hanging in the balance.
