The college football landscape heats up on Black Friday with a packed schedule, featuring crucial conference matchups and exciting rivalry games. As teams strive for postseason positions and potential spots in the College Football Playoff, several ranked teams will be in action, but there are also significant contests outside the top 25 to watch.
Among the key games, Wisconsin hosts Minnesota at noon on CBS. The Badgers are eager to maintain their remarkable streak of 22 consecutive seasons with a bowl bid, while Minnesota seeks to secure seven wins for the third time in four years under coach P.J. Fleck.
In another noon matchup, Colorado faces Oklahoma State, where a victory could bolster Colorado’s slim Big 12 aspirations. The afternoon excitement continues as Ole Miss looks to recover from recent disappointments against in-state rival Mississippi State, and Stanford completes its regular season against San Jose State in a nonconference battle.
As the day unfolds, Georgia has a chance to gain momentum heading into the SEC Championship Game against Georgia Tech, which managed to score a top-10 victory against Miami earlier this season.
For those looking for in-depth coverage, CBS Sports will have comprehensive coverage throughout the day.
Here’s a closer look at a few of the highlighted matchups:
– Mississippi State at No. 14 Ole Miss (3:30 p.m. | ABC): Ole Miss is expected to be fired up following a loss to Florida, but historical rivalry dynamics might lead to a surprising twist. It’s possible Mississippi State could keep the game tighter than anticipated.
– Stanford at San Jose State (4 p.m. | CBS): With a potential win, Stanford could surpass last season’s win total and build positive momentum. A strong performance against their Northern California rival would set a hopeful tone for the offseason.
– Georgia Tech at No. 7 Georgia (7:30 p.m. | ABC): While Georgia Tech may start strong, it’s expected that Georgia’s depth and talent will ultimately shine through as they aim for a decisive win.
– Minnesota at Wisconsin (Noon | CBS): Both teams are facing difficulties with offense, making a lower-scoring game likely. The expected struggle for points could make this matchup a defensive showcase.
– Oklahoma State at No. 25 Colorado (Noon | ABC): This game should see plenty of action, with Colorado’s high-octane offense going up against a struggling Oklahoma State defense.
– Oregon State at No. 11 Boise State (Noon | Fox): This contest presents a challenge for both teams, with significant stakes for bowl eligibility and playoff positioning.
As the 14th week of college football promises thrilling contests, fans have much to look forward to, with the potential for unexpected upsets and the joy of rivalry games. SportsLine suggests there could be up to 13 outright upsets throughout the weekend, keeping the excitement alive for all college football enthusiasts.
In conclusion, Black Friday not only showcases thrilling college football matches but also serves as a reminder of how unpredictable and exciting the season can be as teams vie for supremacy and postseason glory.