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West Virginia vs Oklahoma St
Saturday, November 26, 2022 12:00 PM (ET)
The last few weeks certainly haven't been what West Virginia and Oklahoma State had in mind in terms of finishing the season strong.
Both have been stumbling to the finish line of the 2022 season, but one at least will have a chance to end Big 12 play on a winning note when the teams meet on Saturday in Stillwater, Okla.
West Virginia (4-7, 2-6 Big 12) enters having lost four of its last five games, including a 48-31 home loss to Kansas State last week.
Defense has been the main problem in that stretch for the Mountaineers, who have given up an average of 37.6 points per game in those contests.
West Virginia has managed to put up more than 31 points a game this season behind quarterback JT Daniels, a transfer from Georgia who completed 61.2 percent of his passes for 2,107 yards, 13 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
However, Daniels was benched for last week's game against Kansas State in favor of Garrett Greene. It's not clear yet who will be starting at QB against Oklahoma State.
West Virginia coach Neal Brown said a big reason for his team's offensive production has been improvement along the team's offensive line.
"We've gotten to where we are playing pretty well up front," Brown said. "We blocked (Kansas State) well."
On the other side, Oklahoma State has lost three of its last four games to see a season that at one time had promise of a Big 12 title and possible berth in the College Football Playoff go to one that'll result in a mid-tier bowl game.
The Cowboys (7-4, 4-4) are coming off a 28-13 loss at rival Oklahoma in what was the continuation of offensive struggles over the past four games.
A traditionally prolific Oklahoma State offense has averaged just 12.3 points a game in its last four contests.
"There's times when you watch them on tape (and) they're playing as good as most teams in this league," Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy said. "And then there's times I'm sure that Neal would wish they would play better, (same with) our team."
Saturday, November 26, 2022 12:00 PM (ET)
The last few weeks certainly haven't been what West Virginia and Oklahoma State had in mind in terms of finishing the season strong.
Both have been stumbling to the finish line of the 2022 season, but one at least will have a chance to end Big 12 play on a winning note when the teams meet on Saturday in Stillwater, Okla.
West Virginia (4-7, 2-6 Big 12) enters having lost four of its last five games, including a 48-31 home loss to Kansas State last week.
Defense has been the main problem in that stretch for the Mountaineers, who have given up an average of 37.6 points per game in those contests.
West Virginia has managed to put up more than 31 points a game this season behind quarterback JT Daniels, a transfer from Georgia who completed 61.2 percent of his passes for 2,107 yards, 13 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
However, Daniels was benched for last week's game against Kansas State in favor of Garrett Greene. It's not clear yet who will be starting at QB against Oklahoma State.
West Virginia coach Neal Brown said a big reason for his team's offensive production has been improvement along the team's offensive line.
"We've gotten to where we are playing pretty well up front," Brown said. "We blocked (Kansas State) well."
On the other side, Oklahoma State has lost three of its last four games to see a season that at one time had promise of a Big 12 title and possible berth in the College Football Playoff go to one that'll result in a mid-tier bowl game.
The Cowboys (7-4, 4-4) are coming off a 28-13 loss at rival Oklahoma in what was the continuation of offensive struggles over the past four games.
A traditionally prolific Oklahoma State offense has averaged just 12.3 points a game in its last four contests.
"There's times when you watch them on tape (and) they're playing as good as most teams in this league," Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy said. "And then there's times I'm sure that Neal would wish they would play better, (same with) our team."
Rutgers vs Maryland
Saturday, November 26, 2022 12:00 PM (ET)
Since they began playing in the Big Ten in 2014, Maryland and Rutgers have had the misfortune of playing in the same division as Ohio State, Michigan and Penn State.
While Rutgers is 1-26 against the big three since it entered the league, Maryland has gone 3-22 against the perennial powers.
On Saturday, when Rutgers (4-7, 1-7) travels to Maryland (6-5, 3-5) for the Big Ten matchup in College Park, the teams will cap regular seasons in which they each went winless against the big three, though in much different fashion.
While Rutgers was hammered in all three of its meetings with the elites, including Saturday's 55-10 loss to No. 11 Penn State, Maryland played competitive games against two of the powerhouses, including No. 2 Ohio State on Saturday in a 43-30 loss.
The Terps outgained the Buckeyes 402-401, with quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa -- 26 of 36 passing, 293 yards, two touchdowns -- comparing favorably to Buckeyes' Heisman Trophy candidate C.J. Stroud (18 of 30, 241 yards, one TD).
"You saw us go blow for blow with the team I consider one of the best in the country," Maryland coach Mike Locksley said.
While Maryland can show it has gained ground in its pursuit of the Big Ten's top dogs, it's tough for Rutgers to make the same claim. The combined score of the Scarlet Knights' losses to the big three was 156-37.
"As I said when I took the job, we are chasing a moving target and really we're chasing moving targets," Rutgers coach Greg Schiano said. "We will get there."
Rutgers opened the season with three straight wins, but the Scarlet Knights' uncertain quarterback situation was presaged in their opening game as three different players took snaps from center on their first three plays from scrimmage.
Schiano recently has turned to the quarterback of the future, Gavin Wimsatt, who has received the majority of the snaps in the past four games. For the season, though, Wimsatt has completed 45.5 percent of his passes and has more interceptions (seven) than touchdown passes (five).
Maryland beat Rutgers 40-16 in last year's regular-season finale as Tagovailoa threw for 312 yards and three touchdowns.
Saturday, November 26, 2022 12:00 PM (ET)
Since they began playing in the Big Ten in 2014, Maryland and Rutgers have had the misfortune of playing in the same division as Ohio State, Michigan and Penn State.
While Rutgers is 1-26 against the big three since it entered the league, Maryland has gone 3-22 against the perennial powers.
On Saturday, when Rutgers (4-7, 1-7) travels to Maryland (6-5, 3-5) for the Big Ten matchup in College Park, the teams will cap regular seasons in which they each went winless against the big three, though in much different fashion.
While Rutgers was hammered in all three of its meetings with the elites, including Saturday's 55-10 loss to No. 11 Penn State, Maryland played competitive games against two of the powerhouses, including No. 2 Ohio State on Saturday in a 43-30 loss.
The Terps outgained the Buckeyes 402-401, with quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa -- 26 of 36 passing, 293 yards, two touchdowns -- comparing favorably to Buckeyes' Heisman Trophy candidate C.J. Stroud (18 of 30, 241 yards, one TD).
"You saw us go blow for blow with the team I consider one of the best in the country," Maryland coach Mike Locksley said.
While Maryland can show it has gained ground in its pursuit of the Big Ten's top dogs, it's tough for Rutgers to make the same claim. The combined score of the Scarlet Knights' losses to the big three was 156-37.
"As I said when I took the job, we are chasing a moving target and really we're chasing moving targets," Rutgers coach Greg Schiano said. "We will get there."
Rutgers opened the season with three straight wins, but the Scarlet Knights' uncertain quarterback situation was presaged in their opening game as three different players took snaps from center on their first three plays from scrimmage.
Schiano recently has turned to the quarterback of the future, Gavin Wimsatt, who has received the majority of the snaps in the past four games. For the season, though, Wimsatt has completed 45.5 percent of his passes and has more interceptions (seven) than touchdown passes (five).
Maryland beat Rutgers 40-16 in last year's regular-season finale as Tagovailoa threw for 312 yards and three touchdowns.
South Carolina vs Clemson
Saturday, November 26, 2022 12:00 PM (ET)
Riding high after a big victory over then-ranked No. 5 Tennessee, South Carolina will aim for its second straight win over a Top 10 opponent when it visits No. 8 Clemson on Saturday.
Quarterback Spencer Rattler led the Gamecocks (7-4) to a 63-38 rout of the Volunteers. The transfer from Oklahoma had the best game of his South Carolina career as he passed for 438 yards and six touchdowns. His favorite target was Antwane Wells Jr., who caught 11 passes for 177 yards. Josh Vann and Jaheim Bell each caught two touchdown passes.
"Spencer was really, really accurate," South Carolina coach Shane Beamer said. "Our guys played with confidence. The offensive line played great and allowed Spencer to get comfortable back there as well. We fed off the energy of the crowd."
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney also was complimentary of Rattler ahead of this week's matchup, saying, "He's done a lot of great things and is a really talented player. He's got all the tools."
It was just the seventh time in program history that the Gamecocks beat a Top 5 team, their first such win since taking down No. 2 Georgia in double overtime in 2019.
The 63 points were the most produced by South Carolina in an Southeastern Conference game since 1995. In every way, it was a historic win.
But now South Carolina is set to face in-state rival Clemson (10-1). It's the second week in a row that the Gamecocks will have the opportunity to play spoiler against a team with aspirations of making the College Football Playoff, but they haven't beaten the Tigers since 2013. The Gamecocks have changed coaches twice since then.
"Excited for the 2022 chapter of that rivalry and looking forward to getting up there on Saturday," Beamer said. "(Clemson is) extremely talented, as you know. They are extremely well-coached, as you know. Offensively, they are playing really good football here, especially last week -- you could argue it was their best game."
Clemson has won two straight since taking its only loss of the season at Notre Dame on Nov. 5. The Tigers have since beaten Louisville and Miami -- both at home -- by a combined 45 points.
Last week, the Tigers held the Hurricanes to 98 total yards. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. had nine tackles for Clemson. On offense, the Tigers were powered by DJ Uiagalelei, who passed for 227 yards and ran for 89 while totaling three touchdowns.
Clemson has won seven straight against South Carolina. This will be the 119th meeting between the Tigers and the Gamecocks, with Clemson holding a 72-42-4 lead in the series.
The Tigers already have booked their ticket to the ACC championship game in Charlotte on Dec. 3, but Swinney seemed to think that Tennessee overlooked South Carolina as it peeked toward the playoff. He doesn't want his team to make that mistake.
"Next thing you know you forget you've got to go play," Swinney said. "I think you've just got to give all the credit to South Carolina. I think they just flat-out kicked (Tennessee's) butt."
Swinney said defensive tackle Bryan Bresee, who missed last week's game because of an illness, and wide receiver Beaux Collins, who has been out for two weeks due to a shoulder ailment, should be "ready to roll" against South Carolina. However, starting left guard Marcus Tate will miss the rest of the year with a knee injury.
Saturday, November 26, 2022 12:00 PM (ET)
Riding high after a big victory over then-ranked No. 5 Tennessee, South Carolina will aim for its second straight win over a Top 10 opponent when it visits No. 8 Clemson on Saturday.
Quarterback Spencer Rattler led the Gamecocks (7-4) to a 63-38 rout of the Volunteers. The transfer from Oklahoma had the best game of his South Carolina career as he passed for 438 yards and six touchdowns. His favorite target was Antwane Wells Jr., who caught 11 passes for 177 yards. Josh Vann and Jaheim Bell each caught two touchdown passes.
"Spencer was really, really accurate," South Carolina coach Shane Beamer said. "Our guys played with confidence. The offensive line played great and allowed Spencer to get comfortable back there as well. We fed off the energy of the crowd."
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney also was complimentary of Rattler ahead of this week's matchup, saying, "He's done a lot of great things and is a really talented player. He's got all the tools."
It was just the seventh time in program history that the Gamecocks beat a Top 5 team, their first such win since taking down No. 2 Georgia in double overtime in 2019.
The 63 points were the most produced by South Carolina in an Southeastern Conference game since 1995. In every way, it was a historic win.
But now South Carolina is set to face in-state rival Clemson (10-1). It's the second week in a row that the Gamecocks will have the opportunity to play spoiler against a team with aspirations of making the College Football Playoff, but they haven't beaten the Tigers since 2013. The Gamecocks have changed coaches twice since then.
"Excited for the 2022 chapter of that rivalry and looking forward to getting up there on Saturday," Beamer said. "(Clemson is) extremely talented, as you know. They are extremely well-coached, as you know. Offensively, they are playing really good football here, especially last week -- you could argue it was their best game."
Clemson has won two straight since taking its only loss of the season at Notre Dame on Nov. 5. The Tigers have since beaten Louisville and Miami -- both at home -- by a combined 45 points.
Last week, the Tigers held the Hurricanes to 98 total yards. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. had nine tackles for Clemson. On offense, the Tigers were powered by DJ Uiagalelei, who passed for 227 yards and ran for 89 while totaling three touchdowns.
Clemson has won seven straight against South Carolina. This will be the 119th meeting between the Tigers and the Gamecocks, with Clemson holding a 72-42-4 lead in the series.
The Tigers already have booked their ticket to the ACC championship game in Charlotte on Dec. 3, but Swinney seemed to think that Tennessee overlooked South Carolina as it peeked toward the playoff. He doesn't want his team to make that mistake.
"Next thing you know you forget you've got to go play," Swinney said. "I think you've just got to give all the credit to South Carolina. I think they just flat-out kicked (Tennessee's) butt."
Swinney said defensive tackle Bryan Bresee, who missed last week's game because of an illness, and wide receiver Beaux Collins, who has been out for two weeks due to a shoulder ailment, should be "ready to roll" against South Carolina. However, starting left guard Marcus Tate will miss the rest of the year with a knee injury.
Georgia Tech vs Georgia
Saturday, November 26, 2022 12:00 PM (E
Top-ranked Georgia will look to secure consecutive undefeated regular seasons for the first time in school history by continuing its dominance over in-state rival Georgia Tech on Saturday in Athens, Ga.
The game, which is nicknamed "Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate," has become as one-sided as any in the nation. Georgia has won the past four meetings by an average of 36.3 points after a 45-0 win last year. The Bulldogs have beaten the Yellow Jackets in 17 of the past 20 meetings.
Georgia (11-0, 8-0 SEC) is coming off a 16-6 victory at Kentucky on Saturday and will play in the SEC title game for the fifth time in the past six years when it faces LSU on Dec. 3.
Georgia Tech (5-6, 4-4 ACC) rallied from a 17-0 second-quarter deficit to pull out a 21-17 upset of then-No. 13 North Carolina (9-2, 6-1 ACC) on Saturday in Chapel Hill, N.C.
The Yellow Jackets, however, must defeat Georgia to become bowl-eligible for the first time since 2018.
Georgia is first nationally in scoring defense (11.09 points per game), third in rushing defense (83.1 yards per game), fifth in total defense (272.1 ypg) and 11th in scoring offense (38.4 points).
Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett has completed 67.8 percent of his passes for 3,011 yards, 14 touchdowns and six interceptions, leading an offense that is seventh in the country in yards per game (496.3).
Tight end Brock Bowers has 41 receptions for 625 yards with four touchdowns, while Ladd McConkey has 46 catches for 606 yards and four touchdowns. Kenny McIntosh has been a threat out of the backfield with 33 receptions for 341 yards and a score, in addition to rushing for 568 yards and seven scores on 111 carries.
The Bulldogs' Daijun Edwards is averaging 5.1 yards per carry, having rushed for 547 yards and seven touchdowns on 107 carries.
Georgia Tech has gone 4-3 under interim coach Brent Key, who was promoted from assistant head coach and run game coordinator after the school fired Geoff Collins following a loss to Central Florida on Sept. 24 that dropped the Yellow Jackets to 1-3.
Key, however, could be coaching his final game with the Yellow Jackets. Georgia Tech also fired athletic director Rick Stansbury and hired J Batt, the former executive deputy director of athletics, chief operating officer and chief revenue officer at Alabama.
"I'm worried about Georgia, it's the No. 1 team in the country," Key said. "It's the biggest challenge of my life right now, taking this group over there to Athens at 12 o'clock on Saturday.
"It's Georgia and Georgia Tech, and that's why you come to school here, is to play this game, it's an honor."
The Yellow Jackets' two quarterback system of Zach Gibson, who went 13-for-18 passing for 174 yards, and Taisun Phommachanh, who went 2-for-5 passing for 13 yards in addition to rushing for 44 yards and a score on 10 carries, led an offense that amassed 373 yards against the Tar Heels.
The defense held North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye, a Heisman Trophy candidate, to 16-for-30 passing for 202 yards and an interception.
"They're playing really well now. They're playing really hard now," Georgia coach Kirby Smart said. "I think (Key) has done a tremendous job at getting these guys to compete."
Saturday, November 26, 2022 12:00 PM (E
Top-ranked Georgia will look to secure consecutive undefeated regular seasons for the first time in school history by continuing its dominance over in-state rival Georgia Tech on Saturday in Athens, Ga.
The game, which is nicknamed "Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate," has become as one-sided as any in the nation. Georgia has won the past four meetings by an average of 36.3 points after a 45-0 win last year. The Bulldogs have beaten the Yellow Jackets in 17 of the past 20 meetings.
Georgia (11-0, 8-0 SEC) is coming off a 16-6 victory at Kentucky on Saturday and will play in the SEC title game for the fifth time in the past six years when it faces LSU on Dec. 3.
Georgia Tech (5-6, 4-4 ACC) rallied from a 17-0 second-quarter deficit to pull out a 21-17 upset of then-No. 13 North Carolina (9-2, 6-1 ACC) on Saturday in Chapel Hill, N.C.
The Yellow Jackets, however, must defeat Georgia to become bowl-eligible for the first time since 2018.
Georgia is first nationally in scoring defense (11.09 points per game), third in rushing defense (83.1 yards per game), fifth in total defense (272.1 ypg) and 11th in scoring offense (38.4 points).
Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett has completed 67.8 percent of his passes for 3,011 yards, 14 touchdowns and six interceptions, leading an offense that is seventh in the country in yards per game (496.3).
Tight end Brock Bowers has 41 receptions for 625 yards with four touchdowns, while Ladd McConkey has 46 catches for 606 yards and four touchdowns. Kenny McIntosh has been a threat out of the backfield with 33 receptions for 341 yards and a score, in addition to rushing for 568 yards and seven scores on 111 carries.
The Bulldogs' Daijun Edwards is averaging 5.1 yards per carry, having rushed for 547 yards and seven touchdowns on 107 carries.
Georgia Tech has gone 4-3 under interim coach Brent Key, who was promoted from assistant head coach and run game coordinator after the school fired Geoff Collins following a loss to Central Florida on Sept. 24 that dropped the Yellow Jackets to 1-3.
Key, however, could be coaching his final game with the Yellow Jackets. Georgia Tech also fired athletic director Rick Stansbury and hired J Batt, the former executive deputy director of athletics, chief operating officer and chief revenue officer at Alabama.
"I'm worried about Georgia, it's the No. 1 team in the country," Key said. "It's the biggest challenge of my life right now, taking this group over there to Athens at 12 o'clock on Saturday.
"It's Georgia and Georgia Tech, and that's why you come to school here, is to play this game, it's an honor."
The Yellow Jackets' two quarterback system of Zach Gibson, who went 13-for-18 passing for 174 yards, and Taisun Phommachanh, who went 2-for-5 passing for 13 yards in addition to rushing for 44 yards and a score on 10 carries, led an offense that amassed 373 yards against the Tar Heels.
The defense held North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye, a Heisman Trophy candidate, to 16-for-30 passing for 202 yards and an interception.
"They're playing really well now. They're playing really hard now," Georgia coach Kirby Smart said. "I think (Key) has done a tremendous job at getting these guys to compete."
Michigan vs Ohio St.
In a showdown that could be decided by which powerhouse can successfully move the ball on the ground, the health of the running backs will be in the spotlight when No. 3 Michigan plays No. 2 Ohio State on Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.
The Wolverines (11-0, 8-0 Big Ten) rely on Heisman Trophy candidate Blake Corum, who has rushed for 1,457 yards on 5.9 yards per carry with 18 touchdowns, but he left the Illinois game last Saturday in the third quarter with a knee injury.
Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh said Tuesday that he had no injury update although that could be some gamesmanship because Corum told the Detroit News on Sunday, "It's good. I'll be fine. I'll be back."
The Buckeyes (11-0, 8-0) have the two-pronged attack of Miyan Williams (783 yards, 6.7 per carry, 13 touchdowns) and TreVeyon Henderson (571, 5.3, six), but they have rarely been used as a tandem in the game.
Henderson has missed three games due to injury and was hurt in the first half against Maryland last Saturday. Williams did not play versus the Terrapins, has sat out two other games and left another early.
Ohio State coach Ryan Day on Tuesday said he is hopeful they'll be ready for Michigan.
"We'd like for them to practice, but if they miss a little bit we'll adjust accordingly," he said.
In their absence, freshman Dallan Hayden has filled the void. He rushed for 146 yards and three touchdowns against Maryland and 102 yards and one score versus Indiana in the previous game, averaging 5.4 yards per carry in each contest.
"To see the way he stepped up last week was tremendous and encouraging," Day said.
When asked if a healthy Hayden is better than Williams and Henderson if they're not 100 percent, Day said, "I think it's definitely worth a conversation."
Michigan backup running back Donovan Edwards and edge rusher Mike Morris also were unavailable against Illinois -- Harbaugh did not have updates -- but Corum is the key.
"He's a great player, but I think everybody else is just going to step up with him out and I think that we're up to the challenge and we will do that," Michigan left tackle Ryan Hayes said Monday on the possibility of Corum being out.
If Corum plays, he'll be looking for a Heisman moment, as will Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud, who has completed 66.4 percent of his passes for 2,991 yards with 35 touchdowns and four interceptions. Michigan is No. 1 in the nation in total defense (241.3 yards per game) and second in points allowed (11.7).
The Wolverines' 42-27 win in Ann Arbor, Mich., last season broke an eight-game losing streak to the Buckeyes, who are 17-3 versus Michigan since 2001.
"Looking up at the scoreboard, personally in my mind, not only did we fail our number one goal, I felt like I let them (past Buckeyes) down in that game," Ohio State left tackle Paris Johnson said.
The Wolverines have lost nine consecutive games in Ohio Stadium since 2001 in the heated rivalry, but this is their first trip there since 2018 because the 2020 game was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"It's through a strong opponent that you figure out how good you are," Harbaugh said. "I think you're going to find we're made of the right stuff."
In a showdown that could be decided by which powerhouse can successfully move the ball on the ground, the health of the running backs will be in the spotlight when No. 3 Michigan plays No. 2 Ohio State on Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.
The Wolverines (11-0, 8-0 Big Ten) rely on Heisman Trophy candidate Blake Corum, who has rushed for 1,457 yards on 5.9 yards per carry with 18 touchdowns, but he left the Illinois game last Saturday in the third quarter with a knee injury.
Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh said Tuesday that he had no injury update although that could be some gamesmanship because Corum told the Detroit News on Sunday, "It's good. I'll be fine. I'll be back."
The Buckeyes (11-0, 8-0) have the two-pronged attack of Miyan Williams (783 yards, 6.7 per carry, 13 touchdowns) and TreVeyon Henderson (571, 5.3, six), but they have rarely been used as a tandem in the game.
Henderson has missed three games due to injury and was hurt in the first half against Maryland last Saturday. Williams did not play versus the Terrapins, has sat out two other games and left another early.
Ohio State coach Ryan Day on Tuesday said he is hopeful they'll be ready for Michigan.
"We'd like for them to practice, but if they miss a little bit we'll adjust accordingly," he said.
In their absence, freshman Dallan Hayden has filled the void. He rushed for 146 yards and three touchdowns against Maryland and 102 yards and one score versus Indiana in the previous game, averaging 5.4 yards per carry in each contest.
"To see the way he stepped up last week was tremendous and encouraging," Day said.
When asked if a healthy Hayden is better than Williams and Henderson if they're not 100 percent, Day said, "I think it's definitely worth a conversation."
Michigan backup running back Donovan Edwards and edge rusher Mike Morris also were unavailable against Illinois -- Harbaugh did not have updates -- but Corum is the key.
"He's a great player, but I think everybody else is just going to step up with him out and I think that we're up to the challenge and we will do that," Michigan left tackle Ryan Hayes said Monday on the possibility of Corum being out.
If Corum plays, he'll be looking for a Heisman moment, as will Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud, who has completed 66.4 percent of his passes for 2,991 yards with 35 touchdowns and four interceptions. Michigan is No. 1 in the nation in total defense (241.3 yards per game) and second in points allowed (11.7).
The Wolverines' 42-27 win in Ann Arbor, Mich., last season broke an eight-game losing streak to the Buckeyes, who are 17-3 versus Michigan since 2001.
"Looking up at the scoreboard, personally in my mind, not only did we fail our number one goal, I felt like I let them (past Buckeyes) down in that game," Ohio State left tackle Paris Johnson said.
The Wolverines have lost nine consecutive games in Ohio Stadium since 2001 in the heated rivalry, but this is their first trip there since 2018 because the 2020 game was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"It's through a strong opponent that you figure out how good you are," Harbaugh said. "I think you're going to find we're made of the right stuff."
Louisville vs Kentucky
The 34th version of the Governor's Cup will have the Bluegrass State enthralled Saturday afternoon when No. 25 Louisville faces Kentucky at Lexington, Ky.
Winners of five of its past six outings, Louisville (7-4) is coming off a 25-10 win over N.C. State, which the Cardinals achieved without the services of star quarterback Malik Cunningham (shoulder).
If the senior can't play this Saturday, coach Scott Satterfield will count on junior Brock Domann, who has defeated both N.C. State and Virginia.
"Brock is 2-0 as a starter," Satterfield said. "He runs the operation. He runs our offense. We will see where Malik is at. ... He has gotten better as the week's gone on so we will see where he is at."
Kentucky coach Mark Stoops said the Wildcats (6-5) would game-plan for Cunningham, a dangerous, dual-threat weapon.
"We have to prepare for Malik," said Stoops, who signed an extension this week that runs through the 2030 season. "And they do the same with Brock, as far as some of the quarterback run game -- designed. Just with the zone-read keeps and things with the gun runs, you have to be prepared for."
The Wildcats are just 2-5 since starting the season with four straight wins and moving up as high as No. 7 in the rankings. Then they lost at Ole Miss 22-19 on Oct. 1.
With a school-record seventh consecutive bowl appearance locked down, they hope their injury concern along their offensive line -- shaky for most of the season -- will be resolved.
Starting left tackle Kenneth Horsey didn't play against top-ranked Georgia in Kentucky's 16-6 home loss Saturday. The senior from Sanford, Fla., was injured in pregame warmups and is questionable against Louisville.
The Wildcats have won the last three meetings in the series by an average margin of victory of 36.3 points per game.
Kentucky holds an 18-15 edge in the series that dates back 110 years, with the Wildcats triumphant in the first seven meetings for the longest streak in the matchup.
Improvement on defense has been key for the Cardinals. In 2021, they ranked 83rd in total defense, while improving to 37th this season. They also forced eight turnovers in a 48-21 win over Wake Forest.
Louisville, which owns the nation's No. 54 run defense at 139 yards per game, will face a serious task in slowing down Kentucky's Chris Rodriguez Jr., a 5-foot-11, 224-pound juggernaut.
Despite missing the first four games due to suspension, the senior from McDonough, Ga., has 784 rushing yards on 151 carries (5.2 per attempt) to go along with six TDs and no fumbles
"I think defensively, we've been really good," said Satterfield. "The negatives from some of those early losses was just the big plays. We were still playing good defense, what we call havoc defense: tackles for loss, sacks, turnovers. It's been really, really good this year.
"We're No. 1 in the country in sacks. We're No. 2 in takeaways. It's hard to get any better than that."
On Monday, Louisville kicker James Turner was named the ACC Co-Specialist of the Week after tying a school record with four field goals against the Wolfpack.
Turner, a native of Saline, Mich., has drilled 19 of 21 field goals this season, just two off the school mark for total in a season.
The 34th version of the Governor's Cup will have the Bluegrass State enthralled Saturday afternoon when No. 25 Louisville faces Kentucky at Lexington, Ky.
Winners of five of its past six outings, Louisville (7-4) is coming off a 25-10 win over N.C. State, which the Cardinals achieved without the services of star quarterback Malik Cunningham (shoulder).
If the senior can't play this Saturday, coach Scott Satterfield will count on junior Brock Domann, who has defeated both N.C. State and Virginia.
"Brock is 2-0 as a starter," Satterfield said. "He runs the operation. He runs our offense. We will see where Malik is at. ... He has gotten better as the week's gone on so we will see where he is at."
Kentucky coach Mark Stoops said the Wildcats (6-5) would game-plan for Cunningham, a dangerous, dual-threat weapon.
"We have to prepare for Malik," said Stoops, who signed an extension this week that runs through the 2030 season. "And they do the same with Brock, as far as some of the quarterback run game -- designed. Just with the zone-read keeps and things with the gun runs, you have to be prepared for."
The Wildcats are just 2-5 since starting the season with four straight wins and moving up as high as No. 7 in the rankings. Then they lost at Ole Miss 22-19 on Oct. 1.
With a school-record seventh consecutive bowl appearance locked down, they hope their injury concern along their offensive line -- shaky for most of the season -- will be resolved.
Starting left tackle Kenneth Horsey didn't play against top-ranked Georgia in Kentucky's 16-6 home loss Saturday. The senior from Sanford, Fla., was injured in pregame warmups and is questionable against Louisville.
The Wildcats have won the last three meetings in the series by an average margin of victory of 36.3 points per game.
Kentucky holds an 18-15 edge in the series that dates back 110 years, with the Wildcats triumphant in the first seven meetings for the longest streak in the matchup.
Improvement on defense has been key for the Cardinals. In 2021, they ranked 83rd in total defense, while improving to 37th this season. They also forced eight turnovers in a 48-21 win over Wake Forest.
Louisville, which owns the nation's No. 54 run defense at 139 yards per game, will face a serious task in slowing down Kentucky's Chris Rodriguez Jr., a 5-foot-11, 224-pound juggernaut.
Despite missing the first four games due to suspension, the senior from McDonough, Ga., has 784 rushing yards on 151 carries (5.2 per attempt) to go along with six TDs and no fumbles
"I think defensively, we've been really good," said Satterfield. "The negatives from some of those early losses was just the big plays. We were still playing good defense, what we call havoc defense: tackles for loss, sacks, turnovers. It's been really, really good this year.
"We're No. 1 in the country in sacks. We're No. 2 in takeaways. It's hard to get any better than that."
On Monday, Louisville kicker James Turner was named the ACC Co-Specialist of the Week after tying a school record with four field goals against the Wolfpack.
Turner, a native of Saline, Mich., has drilled 19 of 21 field goals this season, just two off the school mark for total in a season.
Purdue vs Indiana
Purdue's path to its first Big Ten West Division title is relatively simple: defeat the host Indiana Hoosiers on Saturday and hope Iowa falls at home to the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Friday.
The Boilermakers (7-4, 5-3) head to Bloomington, Ind., trying to defeat the Hoosiers (4-7, 2-6) and claim the Old Oaken Bucket trophy for the fourth time in five years.
"You have a lot that you're playing for," Purdue quarterback Aidan O'Connell said. "A lot of people talk about postseason stuff, whether it's a bowl game or whatever it is. We preach it's a one-game season. It's not that we're blind and we don't see it, but it's to make sure we're locked in."
Purdue is coming off a 17-9 win over Northwestern in which O'Connell went 16-for-25 passing for 159 yards and two touchdowns. It was the Boilermakers' second straight victory, returning them to contention after they were left for dead upon losing to fellow West contenders Wisconsin and Iowa.
Indiana, meantime, ended a seven-game losing streak when Shaun Shivers' 1-yard run in the second overtime -- followed by a two-point conversion and a defensive stand -- lifted the Hoosiers to a 39-31 win at Michigan State.
The biggest question facing Purdue is the availability of leading rusher Devin Mockobee. He suffered a concussion in the first quarter against Northwestern and his status for Saturday is uncertain. Mockobee has rushed for 750 yards and seven touchdowns on 150 carries this season.
Purdue's O'Connell leads the Big Ten with 283.4 passing yards per game (20 TDs, 11 interceptions) with Charlie Jones third nationally in receptions (93 for 1,056 yards) and touchdown catches (11).
Indiana coach Tom Allen will wait until later in the week to announce who will start for the Hoosiers under center.
Connor Bazelak was benched against Michigan State in favor of the more mobile Dexter Williams II, who went 2-for-7 passing for 31 yards, in addition to rushing for 86 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. Bazelak has completed just 54.9 percent of his passes for 2,111 yards with 12 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
Shivers leads the ground game, rushing for 534 yards and six scores.
"I said this is the biggest game of the season. Why? Because it's the next one," Allen said. "I get it. We understand we're playing for a trophy and a trophy that means a whole lot to this university."
It will be the 124th meeting between the in-state schools, with Purdue leading the series 75-42-6. It's the 97th game for the Old Oaken Bucket, with the Boilermakers holding a 61-32-3 edge.
Purdue's path to its first Big Ten West Division title is relatively simple: defeat the host Indiana Hoosiers on Saturday and hope Iowa falls at home to the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Friday.
The Boilermakers (7-4, 5-3) head to Bloomington, Ind., trying to defeat the Hoosiers (4-7, 2-6) and claim the Old Oaken Bucket trophy for the fourth time in five years.
"You have a lot that you're playing for," Purdue quarterback Aidan O'Connell said. "A lot of people talk about postseason stuff, whether it's a bowl game or whatever it is. We preach it's a one-game season. It's not that we're blind and we don't see it, but it's to make sure we're locked in."
Purdue is coming off a 17-9 win over Northwestern in which O'Connell went 16-for-25 passing for 159 yards and two touchdowns. It was the Boilermakers' second straight victory, returning them to contention after they were left for dead upon losing to fellow West contenders Wisconsin and Iowa.
Indiana, meantime, ended a seven-game losing streak when Shaun Shivers' 1-yard run in the second overtime -- followed by a two-point conversion and a defensive stand -- lifted the Hoosiers to a 39-31 win at Michigan State.
The biggest question facing Purdue is the availability of leading rusher Devin Mockobee. He suffered a concussion in the first quarter against Northwestern and his status for Saturday is uncertain. Mockobee has rushed for 750 yards and seven touchdowns on 150 carries this season.
Purdue's O'Connell leads the Big Ten with 283.4 passing yards per game (20 TDs, 11 interceptions) with Charlie Jones third nationally in receptions (93 for 1,056 yards) and touchdown catches (11).
Indiana coach Tom Allen will wait until later in the week to announce who will start for the Hoosiers under center.
Connor Bazelak was benched against Michigan State in favor of the more mobile Dexter Williams II, who went 2-for-7 passing for 31 yards, in addition to rushing for 86 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. Bazelak has completed just 54.9 percent of his passes for 2,111 yards with 12 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
Shivers leads the ground game, rushing for 534 yards and six scores.
"I said this is the biggest game of the season. Why? Because it's the next one," Allen said. "I get it. We understand we're playing for a trophy and a trophy that means a whole lot to this university."
It will be the 124th meeting between the in-state schools, with Purdue leading the series 75-42-6. It's the 97th game for the Old Oaken Bucket, with the Boilermakers holding a 61-32-3 edge.
Illinois vs Northwestern
Despite losing its last three games, Illinois still has a shot to represent the West Division in the Big Ten championship game on Dec. 3 -- but three rivalry games must go their way this weekend.
Not only do the Illini need Iowa to lose to Nebraska and Purdue to lose to Indiana, they need to hold on to the Land of Lincoln Trophy in Saturday's regular-season finale at Northwestern.
On paper, Illinois (7-4, 4-4) should be a significant favorite after coming within nine seconds of knocking off undefeated Michigan last week in the Big House. There's also the fact that Northwestern (1-10, 1-7) has dropped 10 games in a row -- the school's longest losing streak since a 14-game run from 1988-90.
"Northwestern is a 1-10 football team that has played really good," Illinois coach Bret Bielema said. "I think if you ask Ohio State and Purdue -- two of their last three opponents -- how good they are, I think they'd have an answer for you that they come to play every day, they're extremely tough, they're physical, they're well-coached."
Bielema's mother, Marilyn, passed away Thursday, so his week began with her visitation Sunday and burial Monday in his hometown of Prophetstown, Ill.
"Sunday was a really tough day," Bielema said. "I got home in the afternoon (and that was) the first time I've been around my family, so that was really, really, really tough. The visitation Sunday night had hundreds of people come through our little community."
Not only will Illinois be gunning to keep the Land of Lincoln Trophy, but Chase Brown will be shooting to claim the national rushing title. Brown leads the nation with 1,582 rushing yards -- 58 more than Minnesota's Mohamed Ibrahim -- and was named Tuesday as one of 10 semifinalists for the Doak Walker Award.
Northwestern, too, will be focused on the ground game. Sophomore walk-on Cole Freeman -- the team's fourth-stringer at the start of the year -- figures to make his second straight start at quarterback, but the Wildcats' only touchdown drive last week at Purdue came when running backs Evan Hull and Cam Porter took turns running out of the Wildcat formation.
Freeman completed 9 of 20 passes for 78 yards and one interception. He also fumbled twice while being sacked.
"He learned a ton of valuable quarterback college lessons on Saturday," said Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald. "He did a lot of things really, really well and some things that he's going to learn and grow from. I was really proud of him. I think he stepped up for everybody. I'm sure he's going to step up again this week with his preparation and get ready to go play one week better against the Illini."
Despite losing its last three games, Illinois still has a shot to represent the West Division in the Big Ten championship game on Dec. 3 -- but three rivalry games must go their way this weekend.
Not only do the Illini need Iowa to lose to Nebraska and Purdue to lose to Indiana, they need to hold on to the Land of Lincoln Trophy in Saturday's regular-season finale at Northwestern.
On paper, Illinois (7-4, 4-4) should be a significant favorite after coming within nine seconds of knocking off undefeated Michigan last week in the Big House. There's also the fact that Northwestern (1-10, 1-7) has dropped 10 games in a row -- the school's longest losing streak since a 14-game run from 1988-90.
"Northwestern is a 1-10 football team that has played really good," Illinois coach Bret Bielema said. "I think if you ask Ohio State and Purdue -- two of their last three opponents -- how good they are, I think they'd have an answer for you that they come to play every day, they're extremely tough, they're physical, they're well-coached."
Bielema's mother, Marilyn, passed away Thursday, so his week began with her visitation Sunday and burial Monday in his hometown of Prophetstown, Ill.
"Sunday was a really tough day," Bielema said. "I got home in the afternoon (and that was) the first time I've been around my family, so that was really, really, really tough. The visitation Sunday night had hundreds of people come through our little community."
Not only will Illinois be gunning to keep the Land of Lincoln Trophy, but Chase Brown will be shooting to claim the national rushing title. Brown leads the nation with 1,582 rushing yards -- 58 more than Minnesota's Mohamed Ibrahim -- and was named Tuesday as one of 10 semifinalists for the Doak Walker Award.
Northwestern, too, will be focused on the ground game. Sophomore walk-on Cole Freeman -- the team's fourth-stringer at the start of the year -- figures to make his second straight start at quarterback, but the Wildcats' only touchdown drive last week at Purdue came when running backs Evan Hull and Cam Porter took turns running out of the Wildcat formation.
Freeman completed 9 of 20 passes for 78 yards and one interception. He also fumbled twice while being sacked.
"He learned a ton of valuable quarterback college lessons on Saturday," said Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald. "He did a lot of things really, really well and some things that he's going to learn and grow from. I was really proud of him. I think he stepped up for everybody. I'm sure he's going to step up again this week with his preparation and get ready to go play one week better against the Illini."
Minnesota vs Wisconsin
More than Paul Bunyan's Axe will be at stake when Wisconsin hosts arch-rival Minnesota on Saturday in Madison, Wis.
It is the nation's longest-running football rivalry, covering 131 games dating back to 1890. Wisconsin leads the series 62-61-8 and has won 16 of the last 18.
"It's the longest rivalry in college football," interim Wisconsin head coach Jim Leonhard said. "If that doesn't mean anything to you, then it's hard. We've talked at length on what I feel about rivalries in college football. It's what makes the game special."
Wisconsin (6-5, 4-4 Big Ten) is coming off a 15-14 road victory at Nebraska, rallying with two touchdowns in the final 11 minutes to become bowl eligible for the 21st consecutive season and improve to 4-2 under Leonhard.
Shortly after the Badgers win over Nebraska, Wisconsin publicly posted the job opening for the permanent head coaching position. Leonhard was promoted from defensive coordinator to the interim job after Paul Chryst was fired the day after a 34-10 home loss to Illinois on Oct. 1.
Several Wisconsin players have lobbied on social media for Leonhard to get the permanent job and published reports say he is the front-runner.
Minnesota (7-4, 4-4) lost 13-10 to Iowa on Saturday on a field goal with 28 seconds left to fall a game back of the Hawkeyes and Purdue in the congested Big Ten West.
For Wisconsin, inconsistent quarterback Graham Mertz bounced back from a costly interception to direct the two touchdown drives against Nebraska, throwing for one score and then sneaking in from 1 yard out with 35 seconds left for the game-winner.
Braelon Allen, who leads the Badgers with 1,121 yards rushing, battled through a shoulder issue for 92 yards against Nebraska before leaving in the fourth quarter with an ankle sprain. Chez Mellusi, sidelined for four games after breaking his arm, returned to carry 21 times for 98 yards against the Huskers.
"They're just really athletic at every position," Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck said of the Badgers. "Whether they're 325 pounds, or they're 180 pounds, the whole team is athletic. Sometimes they're really strong, big, physical -- and they still are that -- but very athletic across the board on both sides of the ball and special teams."
Minnesota lost at Iowa despite Mohamed Ibrahim's career-high 263 rushing yards. He has rushed for a Big Ten-leading 1,524 yards and 19 touchdowns.
Redshirt freshman Athan Kaliakmanis, who made his third start versus Iowa in place of injured Tanner Morgan, has completed just 34 of 73 passes (46.6 percent) for 547 yards with one touchdown and four picks. Morgan's status for Wisconsin has not been announced.
More than Paul Bunyan's Axe will be at stake when Wisconsin hosts arch-rival Minnesota on Saturday in Madison, Wis.
It is the nation's longest-running football rivalry, covering 131 games dating back to 1890. Wisconsin leads the series 62-61-8 and has won 16 of the last 18.
"It's the longest rivalry in college football," interim Wisconsin head coach Jim Leonhard said. "If that doesn't mean anything to you, then it's hard. We've talked at length on what I feel about rivalries in college football. It's what makes the game special."
Wisconsin (6-5, 4-4 Big Ten) is coming off a 15-14 road victory at Nebraska, rallying with two touchdowns in the final 11 minutes to become bowl eligible for the 21st consecutive season and improve to 4-2 under Leonhard.
Shortly after the Badgers win over Nebraska, Wisconsin publicly posted the job opening for the permanent head coaching position. Leonhard was promoted from defensive coordinator to the interim job after Paul Chryst was fired the day after a 34-10 home loss to Illinois on Oct. 1.
Several Wisconsin players have lobbied on social media for Leonhard to get the permanent job and published reports say he is the front-runner.
Minnesota (7-4, 4-4) lost 13-10 to Iowa on Saturday on a field goal with 28 seconds left to fall a game back of the Hawkeyes and Purdue in the congested Big Ten West.
For Wisconsin, inconsistent quarterback Graham Mertz bounced back from a costly interception to direct the two touchdown drives against Nebraska, throwing for one score and then sneaking in from 1 yard out with 35 seconds left for the game-winner.
Braelon Allen, who leads the Badgers with 1,121 yards rushing, battled through a shoulder issue for 92 yards against Nebraska before leaving in the fourth quarter with an ankle sprain. Chez Mellusi, sidelined for four games after breaking his arm, returned to carry 21 times for 98 yards against the Huskers.
"They're just really athletic at every position," Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck said of the Badgers. "Whether they're 325 pounds, or they're 180 pounds, the whole team is athletic. Sometimes they're really strong, big, physical -- and they still are that -- but very athletic across the board on both sides of the ball and special teams."
Minnesota lost at Iowa despite Mohamed Ibrahim's career-high 263 rushing yards. He has rushed for a Big Ten-leading 1,524 yards and 19 touchdowns.
Redshirt freshman Athan Kaliakmanis, who made his third start versus Iowa in place of injured Tanner Morgan, has completed just 34 of 73 passes (46.6 percent) for 547 yards with one touchdown and four picks. Morgan's status for Wisconsin has not been announced.
Wake Forest vs Duke.
Wake Forest and Duke have more in common than their win-loss records.
This year's matchup brings another element to the rivalry -- strong connections among members of the coaching staffs.
The teams wrap up the regular season in Saturday's game in Durham, N.C.
While Wake Forest (7-4, 3-4 Atlantic Coast Conference) fell short of returning to the ACC championship game, Duke (7-4, 4-3) has been the surprise of the league after failing to win a conference game last year.
"We still want to get better," Wake Forest coach Dave Clawson said, feeling better after a three-game skid ended last week when the Deacons beat visiting Syracuse on Senior Day.
A longtime assistant coach under Clawson, Duke's first-year head coach Mike Elko rates as a leading candidate for ACC Coach of the Year.
Elko, a former defensive coordinator at Wake Forest, said he sees the Demon Deacons still evolving on defense under coordinator Brad Lambert, who returned to the position this year.
"I think you are starting to see them get more and more comfortable each week with how they want to play their scheme and play their system," Elko said. "They play extremely hard and have the ability to get after you up front. I am really impressed with their defensive line."
Clawson and Elko spent 12 seasons together with Elko on Clawson's staffs at Fordham, Richmond, Bowling Green and Wake Forest.
Elko said he is not all that familiar with Wake Forest's offensive scheme.
"I wasn't really there when it was running the way it is running now," Elko said. "We've spent a lot of time as a staff on it schematically and it is certainly different. It requires a lot of attention. It requires a lot of detail in terms of how we are going to have to execute to stop it."
Wake Forest quarterback Sam Hartman has thrown 104 career touchdown passes, three shy of former Clemson quarterback Tahj Boyd's ACC record.
Duke quarterback Riley Leonard has emerged as a dual threat this year.
"Sam has been in this league for a long time, and he has played a lot more football and made a lot more plays," Elko said. "I think Riley is going to compete, he has shown that every week."
Hartman said the Demon Deacons are aiming for a rewarding finishing stretch, saying, "It's a lot more fun when you win and you play well."
Duke is bound to try to expose Wake Forest's secondary.
"When you don't defend the deep ball well, it's hard to breathe," Clawson said.
Wake Forest has won three straight games in the series.
Duke will honor 32 players as part of Senior Day.
Wake Forest and Duke have more in common than their win-loss records.
This year's matchup brings another element to the rivalry -- strong connections among members of the coaching staffs.
The teams wrap up the regular season in Saturday's game in Durham, N.C.
While Wake Forest (7-4, 3-4 Atlantic Coast Conference) fell short of returning to the ACC championship game, Duke (7-4, 4-3) has been the surprise of the league after failing to win a conference game last year.
"We still want to get better," Wake Forest coach Dave Clawson said, feeling better after a three-game skid ended last week when the Deacons beat visiting Syracuse on Senior Day.
A longtime assistant coach under Clawson, Duke's first-year head coach Mike Elko rates as a leading candidate for ACC Coach of the Year.
Elko, a former defensive coordinator at Wake Forest, said he sees the Demon Deacons still evolving on defense under coordinator Brad Lambert, who returned to the position this year.
"I think you are starting to see them get more and more comfortable each week with how they want to play their scheme and play their system," Elko said. "They play extremely hard and have the ability to get after you up front. I am really impressed with their defensive line."
Clawson and Elko spent 12 seasons together with Elko on Clawson's staffs at Fordham, Richmond, Bowling Green and Wake Forest.
Elko said he is not all that familiar with Wake Forest's offensive scheme.
"I wasn't really there when it was running the way it is running now," Elko said. "We've spent a lot of time as a staff on it schematically and it is certainly different. It requires a lot of attention. It requires a lot of detail in terms of how we are going to have to execute to stop it."
Wake Forest quarterback Sam Hartman has thrown 104 career touchdown passes, three shy of former Clemson quarterback Tahj Boyd's ACC record.
Duke quarterback Riley Leonard has emerged as a dual threat this year.
"Sam has been in this league for a long time, and he has played a lot more football and made a lot more plays," Elko said. "I think Riley is going to compete, he has shown that every week."
Hartman said the Demon Deacons are aiming for a rewarding finishing stretch, saying, "It's a lot more fun when you win and you play well."
Duke is bound to try to expose Wake Forest's secondary.
"When you don't defend the deep ball well, it's hard to breathe," Clawson said.
Wake Forest has won three straight games in the series.
Duke will honor 32 players as part of Senior Day.
Memphis vs SMU
Memphis and SMU, a pair of 6-5 American Athletic Conference teams, meet Saturday in Dallas hoping to finish the regular season strong heading into what have become annual bowl trips.
Looking to win its third straight game to cap the campaign, Memphis (6-5, 3-4) is coming off a 59-0 win over North Alabama to become bowl eligible for the ninth consecutive season.
SMU (6-5, 4-3), meantime, clinched a fourth consecutive bowl trip back on Nov. 12 before stumbling through a 59-24 shellacking at No. 19 Tulane last Thursday.
Coach Rhett Lashlee's Mustangs didn't do much right against the Green Wave, committing five turnovers and allowing 310 yards rushing.
"It's embarrassing, yes, when you're getting your butt kicked by a team that's good, but you feel like if you played well, you can play with," Lashlee said. "Anybody who watched the game could tell we got our butts handed to us.
"How do you respond in the moment when it's not fun? When the whole world is watching and you don't finish?" wondered Lashlee. "How do you pick yourself up after? That's our job now."
In hosting the Tigers, the Ponies will challenge a team hitting on all cylinders lately.
After losing their season-opening contest against Southeastern Conference member Mississippi State, the Tigers (6-5, 3-4) ran off four consecutive wins. Following a winless four-game stretch from Oct. 7 to Nov. 5, they have rebounded with a pair of victories and sit on the cusp of a seven-win season.
The nine-bowl streak is a testament to heightened expectations at Memphis.
"It means everything," said running back Asa Martin. "It's nine in a row. We didn't want to be the team to end that streak. The program is growing, and there's a lot of progression over the last couple of years.
"Of course, you always want to get to the AAC championship or the Cotton Bowl game and games like that. Just get to a bowl game and keep that thing going."
Memphis has 77 wins since 2014, the most among AAC schools. It has also won seven of the past eight meetings with SMU.
Memphis and SMU, a pair of 6-5 American Athletic Conference teams, meet Saturday in Dallas hoping to finish the regular season strong heading into what have become annual bowl trips.
Looking to win its third straight game to cap the campaign, Memphis (6-5, 3-4) is coming off a 59-0 win over North Alabama to become bowl eligible for the ninth consecutive season.
SMU (6-5, 4-3), meantime, clinched a fourth consecutive bowl trip back on Nov. 12 before stumbling through a 59-24 shellacking at No. 19 Tulane last Thursday.
Coach Rhett Lashlee's Mustangs didn't do much right against the Green Wave, committing five turnovers and allowing 310 yards rushing.
"It's embarrassing, yes, when you're getting your butt kicked by a team that's good, but you feel like if you played well, you can play with," Lashlee said. "Anybody who watched the game could tell we got our butts handed to us.
"How do you respond in the moment when it's not fun? When the whole world is watching and you don't finish?" wondered Lashlee. "How do you pick yourself up after? That's our job now."
In hosting the Tigers, the Ponies will challenge a team hitting on all cylinders lately.
After losing their season-opening contest against Southeastern Conference member Mississippi State, the Tigers (6-5, 3-4) ran off four consecutive wins. Following a winless four-game stretch from Oct. 7 to Nov. 5, they have rebounded with a pair of victories and sit on the cusp of a seven-win season.
The nine-bowl streak is a testament to heightened expectations at Memphis.
"It means everything," said running back Asa Martin. "It's nine in a row. We didn't want to be the team to end that streak. The program is growing, and there's a lot of progression over the last couple of years.
"Of course, you always want to get to the AAC championship or the Cotton Bowl game and games like that. Just get to a bowl game and keep that thing going."
Memphis has 77 wins since 2014, the most among AAC schools. It has also won seven of the past eight meetings with SMU.
Auburn vs Alabama
No. 7 Alabama grasps the slimmest of College Football Playoff hopes with clenched fists at the ready for the annual rivalry game with Auburn on Saturday in Tuscaloosa.
The Iron Bowl has been owned by the Crimson Tide in recent vintage with Alabama claiming six of the last eight meetings. But things are different for both sides this week.
Alabama (9-2) is ranked outside the Top 5 entering the Thanksgiving Weekend game for the first time since 2010 -- then No. 9, the Crimson Tide lost 28-27 to No. 2 Auburn -- but the Tigers are something more than an underdog at 5-6 and in sixth place in the SEC West.
"We're excited to have this challenge in front of us," Tigers interim coach Carnell Williams said. "We are fired up."
Williams said the physical defensive front of Alabama, including the Tide's LB corps, is as impressive as any he can recall.
"Ooh, they're are physical bunch, big, long," Williams said. "Will Anderson, he's a handful. (Linebackers) get downhill and can run. We ... have a challenge. But we are going down there to fight and compete."
Alabama coach Nick Saban attempts to steer the Crimson Tide away from a third SEC loss to remain in position for a prime bowl.
"We've got to keep coaching our team to get it right on a consistent basis. This is one of the greatest rivalry games in college football. Most every team and rivalry games, this is part of their legacy in terms of how did they do in the rivalry games. This is one of the biggest ones. It means a lot to a lot of people in our state. It means a lot to us."
Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young can move to second all-time on the Alabama passing yards list with 233 yards, which would pass John Parker Wilson and settle the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner behind AJ McCarron despite starting just 25 career games to date. Young has a TD pass in every game he has started, including a pair in last year's four-overtime win over the Tigers.
Young said he's delaying a decision about playing in any postseason games and the NFL draft until next week.
"Obviously this is huge. This is a huge game," Young said. "This means a lot to me, to people in the entire state. To us as a team. This is a huge game. All I think about is today. How can I be the best version of myself today? To get ready to put myself in the best circumstances. How we as a team can do that. That's all my head is focused on."
Alabama has two losses by a total of four points: 52-49 at Tennessee and 32-21 at LSU in overtime. With Alabama, Saban is 6-1 all-time against Auburn at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
On the Alabama list of goals, beating Auburn is a constant but falls below the championship standard Saban established. He said that this week the focus and preparation need to be at a championship level even if the usual trophies aren't on the table for the perennial contenders.
It could be the final SEC game for several Alabama stars who could choose to be recognized on Senior Day, including Young and Anderson, projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
"Will has done great for us. He helps other players play better. He does his job extremely well, and if they're focusing on him a little bit more it gives others an opportunity to make plays," Saban said. "He helps our team as much as any player on our team."
Auburn beat Texas A&M (13-10) and Western Kentucky (41-17) to build momentum. The Tigers are leaning into the typical drumbeat of "Beat 'Bama" this week and are also motivated to help make Williams' position permanent.
But Saban said players didn't have to publicly endorse Williams as their choice as head coach -- it's obvious in their play on the field.
"The energy, the enthusiasm, the way they compete to win -- and he was the same way as a player, a great competitor," Saban said of Williams.
No. 7 Alabama grasps the slimmest of College Football Playoff hopes with clenched fists at the ready for the annual rivalry game with Auburn on Saturday in Tuscaloosa.
The Iron Bowl has been owned by the Crimson Tide in recent vintage with Alabama claiming six of the last eight meetings. But things are different for both sides this week.
Alabama (9-2) is ranked outside the Top 5 entering the Thanksgiving Weekend game for the first time since 2010 -- then No. 9, the Crimson Tide lost 28-27 to No. 2 Auburn -- but the Tigers are something more than an underdog at 5-6 and in sixth place in the SEC West.
"We're excited to have this challenge in front of us," Tigers interim coach Carnell Williams said. "We are fired up."
Williams said the physical defensive front of Alabama, including the Tide's LB corps, is as impressive as any he can recall.
"Ooh, they're are physical bunch, big, long," Williams said. "Will Anderson, he's a handful. (Linebackers) get downhill and can run. We ... have a challenge. But we are going down there to fight and compete."
Alabama coach Nick Saban attempts to steer the Crimson Tide away from a third SEC loss to remain in position for a prime bowl.
"We've got to keep coaching our team to get it right on a consistent basis. This is one of the greatest rivalry games in college football. Most every team and rivalry games, this is part of their legacy in terms of how did they do in the rivalry games. This is one of the biggest ones. It means a lot to a lot of people in our state. It means a lot to us."
Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young can move to second all-time on the Alabama passing yards list with 233 yards, which would pass John Parker Wilson and settle the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner behind AJ McCarron despite starting just 25 career games to date. Young has a TD pass in every game he has started, including a pair in last year's four-overtime win over the Tigers.
Young said he's delaying a decision about playing in any postseason games and the NFL draft until next week.
"Obviously this is huge. This is a huge game," Young said. "This means a lot to me, to people in the entire state. To us as a team. This is a huge game. All I think about is today. How can I be the best version of myself today? To get ready to put myself in the best circumstances. How we as a team can do that. That's all my head is focused on."
Alabama has two losses by a total of four points: 52-49 at Tennessee and 32-21 at LSU in overtime. With Alabama, Saban is 6-1 all-time against Auburn at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
On the Alabama list of goals, beating Auburn is a constant but falls below the championship standard Saban established. He said that this week the focus and preparation need to be at a championship level even if the usual trophies aren't on the table for the perennial contenders.
It could be the final SEC game for several Alabama stars who could choose to be recognized on Senior Day, including Young and Anderson, projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
"Will has done great for us. He helps other players play better. He does his job extremely well, and if they're focusing on him a little bit more it gives others an opportunity to make plays," Saban said. "He helps our team as much as any player on our team."
Auburn beat Texas A&M (13-10) and Western Kentucky (41-17) to build momentum. The Tigers are leaning into the typical drumbeat of "Beat 'Bama" this week and are also motivated to help make Williams' position permanent.
But Saban said players didn't have to publicly endorse Williams as their choice as head coach -- it's obvious in their play on the field.
"The energy, the enthusiasm, the way they compete to win -- and he was the same way as a player, a great competitor," Saban said of Williams.
Oregon vs Oregon St.
Oregon coach Dan Lanning isn't tipping his hand, especially when it comes to quarterback Bo Nix's health, entering his first rivalry game against Oregon State on Saturday in Corvallis, Ore.
Lanning said Nix would continue to undergo treatment on his injured right foot and be evaluated on a daily basis.
Nix played in the No. 9 Ducks' 20-17 victory against Utah last Saturday, though he barely practiced during the week. He completed 25 of 37 passes for 287 yards and one touchdown with one interception.
"We'll see," Lanning said of Nix's availability for the regular-season finale. "We have a great medical staff, they do a good job. Bo understands, playing the game for a long time, he understands the way his body feels. Obviously he was able to go out there on Saturday, but we keep evaluating as we get closer to each game."
The Ducks (9-2, 7-1 Pac-12) can clinch a berth in the conference title game against No. 6 Southern California and keep alive their slim hopes for a spot in the College Football Playoff with a victory against the No. 21 Beavers (8-3, 5-3).
Nix isn't the only Oregon player with health concerns. Starting center Alex Forsyth missed last week's game because of a right shoulder injury, fellow offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson left after sustaining a leg injury, and receiver Chase Cota has missed the past three games with an undisclosed ailment.
"We have a lot of tough kids," said Lanning, who declined to discuss the status of those three players. "It's that time of year when you're banged up and you're hurting and it's not Week 1 anymore. We have a lot of guys that are banged up."
Beavers coach Jonathan Smith announced that quarterback Ben Gulbranson, who has started the past six games and gone 5-1 with Chance Nolan sidelined due to a neck injury, would remain the starter for the remainder of the season.
Gulbranson has thrown for 1,005 yards and eight TDs with just one interception since taking over. His lone loss was a 24-21 setback at Washington, which is now ranked No. 13.
Gulbranson completed 15 of 21 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown in a 31-7 victory last Saturday at Arizona State.
"He's gotten better each week," Smith said of Gulbranson. "Competition is healthy, so whenever Chance gets healthy again, or next year even, Ben's gonna have to compete."
Freshman running back Damien Martinez rushed for 138 yards and two touchdowns against the Sun Devils, his fifth consecutive game with more than 100 yards on the ground. That's the longest streak by a Beavers player since Steven Jackson had a six-game stretch in 2003.
"He won't go down easy," Smith said of Martinez. "He's getting to the line, guys are starting to hang, he's making guys miss, he's pushing the pile, he's finishing runs."
While Smith was reluctant to talk about the Oregon game until this week, his players have shown no such reservations.
"I've been thinking about the Ducks (since) before the season," Oregon State linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold said. "We're ready for that."
Oregon coach Dan Lanning isn't tipping his hand, especially when it comes to quarterback Bo Nix's health, entering his first rivalry game against Oregon State on Saturday in Corvallis, Ore.
Lanning said Nix would continue to undergo treatment on his injured right foot and be evaluated on a daily basis.
Nix played in the No. 9 Ducks' 20-17 victory against Utah last Saturday, though he barely practiced during the week. He completed 25 of 37 passes for 287 yards and one touchdown with one interception.
"We'll see," Lanning said of Nix's availability for the regular-season finale. "We have a great medical staff, they do a good job. Bo understands, playing the game for a long time, he understands the way his body feels. Obviously he was able to go out there on Saturday, but we keep evaluating as we get closer to each game."
The Ducks (9-2, 7-1 Pac-12) can clinch a berth in the conference title game against No. 6 Southern California and keep alive their slim hopes for a spot in the College Football Playoff with a victory against the No. 21 Beavers (8-3, 5-3).
Nix isn't the only Oregon player with health concerns. Starting center Alex Forsyth missed last week's game because of a right shoulder injury, fellow offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson left after sustaining a leg injury, and receiver Chase Cota has missed the past three games with an undisclosed ailment.
"We have a lot of tough kids," said Lanning, who declined to discuss the status of those three players. "It's that time of year when you're banged up and you're hurting and it's not Week 1 anymore. We have a lot of guys that are banged up."
Beavers coach Jonathan Smith announced that quarterback Ben Gulbranson, who has started the past six games and gone 5-1 with Chance Nolan sidelined due to a neck injury, would remain the starter for the remainder of the season.
Gulbranson has thrown for 1,005 yards and eight TDs with just one interception since taking over. His lone loss was a 24-21 setback at Washington, which is now ranked No. 13.
Gulbranson completed 15 of 21 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown in a 31-7 victory last Saturday at Arizona State.
"He's gotten better each week," Smith said of Gulbranson. "Competition is healthy, so whenever Chance gets healthy again, or next year even, Ben's gonna have to compete."
Freshman running back Damien Martinez rushed for 138 yards and two touchdowns against the Sun Devils, his fifth consecutive game with more than 100 yards on the ground. That's the longest streak by a Beavers player since Steven Jackson had a six-game stretch in 2003.
"He won't go down easy," Smith said of Martinez. "He's getting to the line, guys are starting to hang, he's making guys miss, he's pushing the pile, he's finishing runs."
While Smith was reluctant to talk about the Oregon game until this week, his players have shown no such reservations.
"I've been thinking about the Ducks (since) before the season," Oregon State linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold said. "We're ready for that."
