Bloglander

It’s rivalry weekend around the nation and there’s a lot more on the plate than Thanksgiving leftovers. Here’s some of what’s on deck and what it could mean for some of your favorite college football teams.

Ohio State vs. Michigan
This rivalry runs deep. Back to the Toledo War deep. The Ohio governor went so far as to ban pleated khakis and use of the “M” word this weekend. But this great rivalry will mean more than bragging rights. If Michigan State wins (see next paragraph), then neither of these teams will be going to the Big Ten Championship.
Watch: 12pm ET on ABC

Michigan State vs. Penn State
Don’t change the channel after the Buckeyes and Wolverines face off. Michigan State, who conquered OSU last weekend and snagged a last minute win against big brother Michigan, takes on Penn State on their own turf. If Michigan State loses, then Urban Meyer or Jim Harbaugh could still have a shot at the playoffs. If the Spartans win, then they have a seat at the Big Ten Championship table.
Watch: 3:30pm ET on ABC

UCLA vs. USC
The game will take place at USC’s Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, which UCLA is closer to than its own stadium. Needless to say, this is a tight rivalry. Even though neither team was too hot this season, a win could mean an appearance at the Rose Bowl and a Pac-12 South division title.
Watch: 3:30pm ET on ESPN2 or ABC

Alabama vs. Auburn
Auburn has the home advantage, but will need a lot more than that to beat the No. 2 Alabama. The Iron Bowl got its name because games were played in Birmingham, which was a hub for iron and steel, where the the largest stadium at the time resided. Besides bragging rights, a win here could mean a spot in the Southeastern Conference Championship game.
Watch: 3:30pm ET on CBS

Oklahoma vs Oklahoma State
Check out the rivalry wikipedia page and see all of the red on the wins-losses history for the Bedlam Series. It isn’t predicted to be very different this year. But just because the Sooners are favored and their injured golden boys will be playing doesn’t mean Oklahoma State can’t put up a win. This win could mean the Big 12 title for the Sooners, but Oklahoma State has the talent to dismantle that.
Watch: 8pm ET on ABC

Florida State vs. Florida
Another instate rivalry. The teams will be getting dirty in The Swamp and this meet-up could have implications on bowls and the SEC Championship. If the Gators defeat the Seminoles and win the SEC championship game next week, it’s the playoffs. If Florida State wins, they could end up in one of the “New Year’s Six Bowls,” depending on results the following weekend.
Watch: 7:30pm ET on ESPN

Stanford vs. Notre Dame
There are a lot of questions concerning who will win in this match-up, what will this mean for bowls, and perhaps playoffs. There’s one thing that will be a clear as that Irish crystal sitting on top of that California redwood trophy the winner will take home: The loser is out of playoffs. Simple as that. The winner takes home the Legends Trophy, and maaaaybe has a shot at playoffs.
Watch: 7:30pm ET on Fox

Heat up that mountain of food, slip on your jersey and put your feet up. You’ve got a full Saturday ahead.