Today’s games mark the culmination of Week 13 in college football, and this is where the TV schedule really starts cooking! Today, we get treated to one of the biggest games on the college football slate for the entire season, the Iron Bowl. But that’s far from the only game with major stakes kicking off today.
The college football playoff committee released their first rankings of the season earlier this week, and except for #2 Notre Dame, each of the top five are in action today. From here on out, any upset will have major implications for the playoff picture. Will any of the top-ranked teams get caught overlooking their opponent today?
Week 13 college football top games today — TV schedule
#4 Ohio State at Illinois — 12:00 PM ET | FS1
Ohio State is likely coming into today’s game against Illinois angry. They’re coming off only a one-score victory against #9 Indiana. Despite Clemson having a loss on their record to Notre Dame and a one-score victory of their own last week, Ohio State comes in ranked below the defending national championship runners-up. That doesn’t add up to a pretty result for the Illini.
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Look for the Buckeyes to come out and establish dominance early. The combination of quarterback Justin Fields and wide receiver Chris Olave should prove far too much for the Illinois defense to handle. Ohio State is averaging just over 45 points per game this season, and they should exceed that number by the time all is said and done in Champaign. Will it be enough for the Buckeyes to move up when the rankings come out next week? That remains to be seen.
Score prediction: Ohio State 52, Illinois 21
#22 Auburn at #1 Alabama — 3:30 PM ET | CBS
For my money, there’s no bigger game on the college football schedule today — or on the year, for that matter — than the Iron Bowl. There may be equivalent games, but I don’t think any rivalry games surpass the prestige this battle holds. The 2013 “Kick Six” game is arguably one of the greatest finishes in college football history. Will today have more of the theatrics and intrigue?
Unfortunately, that does not seem to be the case. Alabama comes in firmly atop the College Football Playoff committee’s initial rankings, while the Tigers sit just inside the top 25 at #22. Alabama quarterback Mac Jones is making a strong case for not only Heisman Trophy consideration but may have vaulted himself into first-round NFL Draft discussions.
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Alabama should win this game going away. However, it’s the Iron Bowl; you never know for sure! One thing is certain; this should be one of the best college football games on the TV schedule for Week 13.
Score prediction: Auburn 23, Alabama 41
Other matchups to keep an eye on
Pittsburgh at #3 Clemson — 3:30 PM ET | ABC
It’s been a rough couple of weeks for Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers. Three weeks ago, they nearly dropped a game against unranked Boston College. Then two weeks ago, they did drop a game, this time against #4 Notre Dame. To top things off, they had their game last week against Florida State postponed after safety concerns.
Despite all that, the Tigers are still firmly in the College Football Playoff picture, sitting in the #3 spot. Even better, they finally get star quarterback — and presumptive #1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft — Trevor Lawrence back after a two-week absence. Some may feel like the Buckeyes should have been ranked ahead of Clemson, which should only further fuel the Tigers.
Clemson only has one game left on their schedule after today, a season-ending showdown against Virginia Tech. Then it’s likely on to the ACC championship game and a rematch against Notre Dame. The winner of that contest may wind up as the nation’s top-ranked team, but first thing’s first: Pittsburgh.
Score prediction: Pittsburgh 17, Clemson 40
LSU at #5 Texas A&M — 7:00 PM ET | ESPN
The college football playoff committee has released their initial rankings, and it’s #5 Texas A&M who is on the outside looking in. In a normal season, a win over a program like LSU would almost assuredly vault the Aggies into the top four. But as we all know, few things have been normal this year.
LSU is firmly in the midst of rebuilding after a truly magical season last year. The defending National Champions are currently unranked and sitting at 3-3 on the season. The Aggies come in with a balanced attack on offense, averaging just over 250 yards per game through the air and almost 200 on the ground. The Tigers defense is giving up 32 points per game, and they should give up at least that many today.
Score prediction: LSU 24, Texas A&M 38
Other Top 25 games today — College football games Week 13
Kentucky at #6 Florida — 12:00 PM ET | ESPN
Score prediction: Kentucky 16, Florida 38
Maryland at #12 Indiana — 12:00 PM ET | ESPN2
Score prediction: Maryland 10, Indiana 27
Texas Tech at #23 Oklahoma State — 12:00 PM ET | FOX
Score prediction: Texas Tech 24, Oklahoma State 38
#20 Coastal Carolina at Texas State — 3:00 PM ET | ESPN+
Score prediction: Coastal Carolina 31, Texas State 17
#8 Northwestern at Michigan State — 3:30 PM ET | ESPN
Score prediction: Northwestern 37, Michigan State 13
#9 Georgia at South Carolina — 7:30 PM ET | SEC Network
Score prediction: Georgia 45, South Carolina 17
You can follow Chris on Twitter @CSpoonerPFN and Pro Football Network @PFN365.