College Football Playoff Picture Intensifies with High-Stakes Week 14 Slate
November 24, 2023 – The College football Playoff race enters a critical juncture this week with several pivotal matchups poised to reshape the postseason landscape. Three games stand out as especially impactful, headlined by top-10 clashes that will determine conference championship game berths and at-large contention.
3.No.14 Vanderbilt (9-2) at No. 19 Tennessee (8-3), 3:30 p.m., ESPN
In a historic rivalry meeting, Vanderbilt travels to Tennessee with both teams ranked for the first time in 119 series encounters. The Commodores, led by Heisman hopeful quarterback Diego Pavia, need a road upset and favorable outcomes elsewhere to remain in the CFP conversation. Tennessee aims for a seventh consecutive victory over Vanderbilt and seeks momentum heading into the postseason. Vanderbilt has a 29 percent chance of reaching the CFP,while a win would secure the program’s first 10-win season.
Line: Tennessee -2.5
2. No. 3 Texas A&M (11-0) at no. 16 Texas (8-3), Fri., 7:30 p.m., ABC
Undefeated Texas A&M can clinch a spot in the SEC Championship Game with a victory over Texas on Black Friday. A win would also mark the Aggies’ first undefeated regular season as 1994 (though that season included a tie and NCAA sanctions). Their last undefeated season without a tie was 1939. While a CFP berth is a longshot for Texas even with an upset, they can spoil A&M’s perfect season and potentially alter the conference title game picture. Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning is coming off a six-total-touchdown performance against Arkansas.
Line: Texas A&M -2.5
1. No. 1 Ohio State (11-0) at no. 15 Michigan (9-2), Noon, Fox
“The Game” takes center stage as Ohio State visits Michigan. The Wolverines have won four straight in the series, including a stunning upset in Columbus last year. Ohio State, a double-digit favorite, seeks to end the losing streak and exorcise the demons of past defeats. Michigan, playing its best football of the season, coudl potentially play its way into the CFP and the Big Ten title game with a fifth consecutive win. The Buckeyes hope to have their two stud receivers back and are projected to reach the Playoff regardless of the outcome, but a victory over michigan would be a significant step.
Line: Ohio State -10
additional CFP Implications:
Alabama (10-1) is on the CFP cut line, vying for the final at-large spot. An Iron Bowl victory should be enough to secure a Playoff spot, but teams below Alabama in the rankings are hoping for a misstep by the Tide. Auburn (6-5), facing Alabama, has lost six of its last seven conference games and is playing under an interim head coach, but is less than a touchdown underdog at home.
