College Football Weekend Open Thread

Hopefully many of you have today off of work which gives you a chance to watch some college football throughout the entire weekend. This should be an Apple Cup gameday but at least we’re set to still get a conference game even if it’s not the one we would have preferred.

I’ll run through the games of interest at each time slot just like I have the last several weeks you just get a bonus day this time. Lucky you.

Friday November 27th

#13 Iowa State (PK) at #17 Texas (PK), 9:00am- ABC

The Cyclones are in the driver’s seat for a Big-12 title despite their season opening loss to Louisiana. However, a loss at Texas would put them in a 4-way tie in the loss column with the Longhorns and the Oklahoma schools so this is a big game. All of these teams are essentially already eliminated from the College Football Playoff already but this still a big game for potential New Year’s 6 placement. When Texas QB Sam Ehlinger is on he’s a ton of fun to watch and Iowa State RB Breece Hall leads the nation in rushing yards. Also, you don’t see many games that are a straight up pick’em which makes this extra fun.

#2 Notre Dame (-4.5) at #19 North Carolina, 12:30pm- ABC

If you happen to be someone who doesn’t want to see Notre Dame make the College Football Playoff then rooting for the Tar Heels and then for Clemson in an ACC title game rematch is probably your best shot. UNC QB Sam Howell is 4th in the nation in passing yards so this could easily turn into a high scoring back and forth.

Second Screen: Stanford at California (-1.5), 1:00pm- FOX

The big game doesn’t feel all that big this year with both teams currently 0-2 and fighting to avoid a last place finish in the Pac-12 North. But this is a chance to scout Stanford who are scheduled (not that that means much these days) to play the Huskies the following week.

#15 Oregon (-13.5) at Oregon State, 4:30pm- ESPN

The Ducks have not exactly looked like juggernauts so far and Oregon State kept the score close against Washington on the backs of sloppy special teams play by the Dawgs. If the Beavers are able to get Jermar Jefferson going and avoid turning the ball over then this might be their best chance in a while to spring an upset. Oregon’s won 11 of the last 12 meetings and the last 3. Also, in case you missed it the game is no longer being referred to as the Civil War. Let the battle for the platypus commence.

Saturday November 27th

Penn State at Michigan (-2), 9:00am- ABC

The two best teams playing at this time are Ohio State and Florida and each are more than 3 touchdown favorites. So instead feast your eyes on some schadenfreude. Both entered the season with expectations to compete for a Big 10 title and instead have had miserable seasons. Penn State has set records for the most consecutive losses to start a season as a preseason top-ten team. And Jim Harbaugh may not make it to the Washington game projected to open next season if he loses this one (or maybe even if he does win this one).

Second Screen: Maryland at #12 Indiana (-11.5), 9:00pm- ESPN

#22 Auburn at #1 Alabama (-24.5), 12:30pm- CBS

This will be an interesting Iron Bowl given that Alabama head coach Nick Saban tested positive for COVID-19 again (this time with symptoms) and is expected to miss the game. The Crimson Tide have looked like by far the best team in the country and are a juggernaut. So maybe your best bet is to watch this game until you can determine whether Auburn is capable of putting up and if not...then maybe watch something else.