It’s the final weekend of the regular season, as we always hammer home, it flies by, just goes by so fast. Well it is the best week of the campaign, all the big rivalries and showdowns. There’s Michigan-Ohio State, Georgia versus the Jackets, Clemson-South Carolina, Florida-Florida State, the Iron Bowl, the Bowl, the Civil War, the Apple Cup, what a Saturday. A lifetime’s worth of memories, happy or misery, will be made. And for the contenders, it’s a must win Saturday, or dreams are shattered.
1. Georgia – The Bulldogs are an impressive 11-0 after a 38-10 victory at Tennessee. Kirby Smart’s program has won 44 of the last 45. Georgia takes on the arch rival Yellow Jackets on Saturday night in Atlanta, aiming for a third straight unbeaten regular season.
2. Ohio State – The Buckeyes defense was stellar once again, as they took care of Minnesota 37-3. Wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is having a terrific season. Now comes the super showdown with the Wolverines in Ann Arbor.
3. Washington – The Huskies continue to find a way to win. In the rain and chill of Corvallis, Washington pulled out a white-knuckling 22-20 victory over Oregon State. Washington takes on Washington State in the Apple Cup Saturday. It’s at home. 12-0 looms.
4. Michigan – The Wolverines came up with a tough win at Maryland, which generally scares the Big Ten heavyweights. Now the stage is set. Even with all of the controversy swirling around the program, Michigan is 11-0 and hosts Ohio State in the biggie.
5. Florida State – The Seminoles, after falling behind North Alabama 13-0, won 58-13. But Florida State quarterback Jordan Travis suffered a terrible leg injury. He has had a fantastic season. The ‘Noles will get Florida’s best shot Saturday in the swamp.
6. Texas – The Longhorns survived another tough challenge at a place where a lot of upsets have happened through the years. Texas beat Iowa State 26-16. Texas tangles with Texas Tech in Austin, aiming to stay in the playoff picture.
7. Alabama – The Crimson Tide took care of Chattanooga to make it 10-1 on the season, winning for a ninth straight time. Now it’s the Iron Bowl at Auburn, and the Tigers have been playing well the second half of the season. Alabama is rolling and thinking big.
8. Oregon – The Ducks jumped all over Arizona State, grabbing a 42-0 halftime lead. They cruised to a victory to make it 10-1. Now comes the big one against Oregon State in the civil war. Oregon is still alive in the playoff race, with Saturday, obviously, a must.
9. Missouri – In what was arguably the game of the day, and one of the best in the SEC all year, Mizzou edged Florida 33-31. Harrison Mevis and Luther Burden headlined the heroes. Next up is a trip to Fayetteville to take on Arkansas for a shot at a major bowl.
10. Ole Miss – The Rebels pulled away from Louisiana-Monroe and chalked up a win to make it 9-2 on the season. Now comes one of the most intense rivalries in all of college football. It’s the Egg Bowl against Mississippi State Thursday in Oxford.
11. Louisville – The Cardinals clinched a berth in the ACC Championship Game with an exciting 38-31 victory over Miami. Next up is the in-state battle with the Kentucky Wildcats in Louisville. The Cards are putting together one of their best ever seasons.
12. Tulane – The Green Wave – with that awesome logo – are in position again to grab that Group of Five berth in one of the major bowls. Tulane beat Florida Atlantic 24-8 last week. There’s some heavy lifting to do. Next up are the UTSA Roadrunners in New Orleans.