Week 13 of the 2025 college football season is typically the appetizer before the main course of Rivalry Week. However, this year, several key games—especially in the SEC and Big Ten—are acting as massive, immediate playoff eliminators and conference title deciders, making this weekend anything but a breather.
The latest polls show Ohio State (10-0) at No. 1 and Texas A&M (10-0) at No. 3, both aiming to protect perfect records. Meanwhile, the SEC and the newly expanded Big Ten have critical ranked clashes.
The Marquee Matchups
1. Big Ten Mega-Showdown: CFP Elimination
#16 USC Trojans (8-2) at #6 Oregon Ducks (9-1)
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Time: Saturday, November 22, 3:30 PM EST (CBS)
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Location: Autzen Stadium, Eugene, OR
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The Stakes: This is the most crucial game of the weekend and a potential CFP elimination game. Oregon, with one loss, must win to remain a viable one-loss option for the Playoff and keep its destiny in the Big Ten Championship race alive. USC is playing for pride and a major bowl bid. This is the first Big Ten meeting between these two former Pac-12 rivals.
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Key Matchup: The Oregon offense, known for its high-powered attack, against the USC defense, which has been opportunistic in forcing turnovers. The atmosphere at Autzen will be intense, and the Ducks need to deliver a clean performance.
2. SEC Showdown: CFP Hope vs. Divisional Chaos
#23 Missouri Tigers (6-3) at #8 Oklahoma Sooners (8-2)
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Time: Saturday, November 22, 12:00 PM EST (ABC)
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Location: Memorial Stadium, Norman, OK
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The Stakes: This is a crucial SEC contest that directly impacts the Sooners’ CFP chances. Oklahoma controls its destiny and must win out to keep pressure on the teams ahead of them. A loss here is an immediate elimination. Missouri, having re-entered the Top 25, boasts a tough defense and wants to play spoiler.
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Key Matchup: Oklahoma’s elite rushing defense, which ranks near the top in the FBS, against Missouri’s offense, which has shown explosiveness but can be inconsistent. Oklahoma must stop the run and force the Tigers’ quarterback to win through the air.
Other High-Impact Games
These games feature ranked teams needing wins to secure conference championship berths or lock down major bowl slots.
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ACC Championship Race: #15 Miami Hurricanes (8-2) at Virginia Tech Hokies (7-3)
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Time: Saturday, November 22, 12:00 PM EST (ESPN)
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Analysis: Miami is still in the thick of the race for the ACC Championship Game and needs to avoid the upset in Blacksburg. Virginia Tech is a tough place to play, and the Hurricanes will need to bring their best road game to survive.
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Big 12 Positioning: Kansas State Wildcats (7-3) at #13 Utah Utes (8-2)
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Time: Saturday, November 22, 4:00 PM EST (ESPN2)
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Analysis: Utah is having a strong showing in its new conference home and has scenarios that could land them in the Big 12 Championship Game. They need a decisive home win against the Wildcats to stay relevant in the crowded conference race.
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SEC Race: Arkansas Razorbacks (6-4) at #17 Texas Longhorns (7-3)
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Time: Saturday, November 22, 3:30 PM EST (ABC)
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Analysis: Texas, despite two recent tough losses, needs to rebound and win this rivalry matchup to avoid ending their season on a sour note. Arkansas is seeking bowl eligibility and would love to spoil the afternoon for their former conference rivals.
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ACC Championship Race, Friday Night: Florida State Seminoles (7-3) at NC State Wolfpack (7-3)
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Time: Friday, November 21, 8:00 PM EST (ESPN)
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Analysis: Both teams have a shot, however slim, at reaching the ACC Championship game. This rivalry always delivers high intensity, and the winner moves on to fight another week.
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Playoff Contenders on Upset Alert
While some teams are facing non-conference opponents, the pressure to avoid a “bad loss” is immense with the CFP committee watching closely.
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#1 Ohio State Buckeyes (10-0) vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (6-4)
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Time: Saturday, November 22, 12:00 PM EST (FOX)
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The Situation: Ohio State must stay sharp ahead of “The Game” next week. The key question is whether the Buckeyes will potentially rest star players like wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate with their perfect season on the line.
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#3 Texas A&M Aggies (10-0) vs. Samford Bulldogs (9-1)
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Time: Saturday, November 22, 12:00 PM EST (SEC Network+)
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The Situation: Texas A&M is the SEC’s lone unbeaten team and needs a clean, dominant win at home to impress the committee and maintain their strong playoff position.
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#4 Georgia Bulldogs (9-1) vs. Charlotte 49ers (5-5)
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Time: Saturday, November 22, 12:45 PM EST (SEC Network)
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The Situation: Georgia, fresh off a statement win, gets a chance to fine-tune their offense before Rivalry Week. Their only focus is on execution and player health.
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The drama this week sets the perfect stage for Rivalry Week, as several conference championship and CFP spots are still on the line.
