How did we get to the final week of the regular season already?
There’s a lot at stake for the College Football Playoff and in the Big 12. Rivalry week only features two games between ranked teams, but don’t let that make you think it won’t be an entertaining weekend of football. Just look at what happened in Week 13 when three SEC teams in the hunt for the playoff all lost to unranked opponents on the road.
Here’s what we’re watching the rest of the day. (Scroll down for live updates.)
No. 5 Notre Dame at USC
Time: 3:30 p.m. | TV: CBS | Line: Notre Dame -7.5 | Total: 51.5
The Trojans can help salvage a frustrating season and potentially derail Notre Dame’s playoff hopes with an upset. The Irish are a very bad matchup for a USC defense that allows over five yards a carry. Notre Dame’s run game is one of the best in the country as Jeremiyah Love has turned into a home-run hitter. Love has 121 carries for 850 yards and 14 TDs.
No. 3 Texas at No. 20 Texas A&M
Time: 7:30 p.m. | TV: ABC | Line: Texas -5.5 | Total: 48.5
It’s fantastic that these two longtime rivals are finally playing each other again. And it’s made even better by the stakes. The winner will play Georgia for the SEC title on Dec. 7. The Longhorns and Aggies haven’t played since 2011, when Texas needed a late field goal in College Station for a 27-25 win. That was A&M’s final game in the Big 12 before moving to the SEC.
No. 24 Kansas State at No. 18 Iowa State
Time: 7:30 p.m. | TV: Fox | Line: Iowa State -3 | Total: 51.5
Farmageddon has serious Big 12 title implications. Both teams are alive for the conference title, though Kansas State will know by kickoff if it still has a chance. If there’s a four-way tie at 7-2, Iowa State is in the Big 12 title game against Arizona State. If the Cyclones lose, they’re out of the title race.
Live45 updates
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South Carolina on the march
Meanwhile, the Gamecocks are driving and inside the red zone in Death Valley as the game hits the 2-minute mark. They’re down 14-10 but in great position to win it.
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Big run by Michigan!
What a huge moment for the Wolverines! Kalel Mullings ran into a pile of bodies at the line before bouncing it outside for a 27-yard run into the red zone.
There’s just 2 minutes left in the game.
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South Carolina adds FG
The Gamecocks tacked on a field goal just past the midway point in the fourth quarter and they’ll have it back after a three-and-out by the Tigers.
Clemson 14, South Carolina 10
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Interception Ohio State!
The Wolverines had worked all the way down to the OSU 3-yard line, but Davis Warren made a huge mistake as they tried to get into the end zone. The QB underthrew his receiver and Jack Sawyer came down with the pick.
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Interception Clemson!
The Gamecocks were driving and near the red zone, but Clemson’s Khalil Barnes made an incredible diving interception on a LaNorris Sellers pass to get the ball back for the Tigers.
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End of 3Q: OSU 10, Michigan 10
There weren’t too many highlights in that third quarter as both coaches opted for more conservative playcalling after the turnovers. Michigan has the ball in its own territory as we head to the fourth quarter.
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Touchdown Tennessee
The Vols have found their rhythm in Nashville. Nico Iamaleava hit Mike Matthews for a 14-yard touchdown — Iamaleava’s fourth TD pass of the day.
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Ohio State misses FG
The Buckeyes went with some timid playcalling after the interception and settled for another field goal attempt, which was pulled left by kicker Jayden Fielding.
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Interception Ohio State!
The Buckeyes get it right back two plays later after Caleb Downs made a diving pick. Ohio State has a short field to work with after the turnover.
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Interception Michigan!
Will Howard has made another huge mistake! The OSU QB didn’t appear to see Michigan’s Makari Paige dropping into coverage and it’s another turnover for the Buckeyes.
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The Buckeyes have the ball back and they’re already in scoring position after a solid run by Quinshon Judkins.
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We are back for the second half at the Horseshoe. The Buckeyes had a decent drive going, but it fizzled out just past midfield and they punted it over to Michigan.
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Touchdown Clemson!
It’s Cade Klubnik again with his legs! The quarterback scrambled out of the pocket and ran 18 yards for the score.
Clemson 14, South Carolina 7
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Scoreboard update
Here’s where things stand as the first wave of games hits halftime:
Scoreboard update -
Touchdown Tennessee!
The Vols have found the end zone just before the half. Nico Iamaleava hit Miles Kitselman over the middle for an 18-yard touchdown.
Tennessee 24, Vanderbilt 17
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Halftime: Ohio State 10, Michigan 10
The Wolverines were happy to just run out the clock with their final possession. The Buckeyes will have the ball when the teams return for the second half.
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Touchdown Ohio State!
The Buckeyes are finally in the end zone after struggling throughout the first half and it’s freshman phenom Jeremiah Smith that gets it done. There’s just 30 seconds left in the half.
OSU 10, Michigan 10
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Ohio State on the march
The Buckeyes have moved the ball over midfield as the first half winds to a close. We’re under the 2-minute mark now.
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Touchdown Tennessee!
The Vols have tied things up in Nashville on a 86-yard catch and run by Dont’e Thornton.
Tennessee 17, Vanderbilt 17
