A clash of titans cometh. Georgia and Alabama have dominated the sport for the last decade, combining to win three of the last four national championships. On Saturday, they will meet in Tuscaloosa for a regular-season, must-see matchup. It has big implications for the SEC and the College Football Playoff picture, but it’s not the only game worth watching
Here are the five best games of the weekend ranked in inverse order.
5. Arkansas vs. No. 24 Texas A&M | Saturday | 3:30 p.m. ET | ESPN
The Southwest Classic will once again be played in AT&T Stadium in Dallas. A&M has won 11 of the last 12 and is 3-1 against Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman. Despite the lopsided record, those games have been decided by seven points or less six times in the last 12 meetings with three games going to overtime. Saturday should be another close one as Arkansas is trending in the right direction. The biggest question mark heading into the game is Texas A&M’s quarterback situation. Marcel Reed has done an admirable job in place of injured Conner Weigman. Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko said Weigman will be a game-time decision Saturday.
Prediction: Arkansas gets an important win for Pittman, defeating its rival 31-27.
4. No. 20 Oklahoma State at No. 23 Kansas State | Saturday | 12 p.m. ET | ESPN
Both teams are coming off of a loss and the loser of this one will be in serious danger of seeing the CFP slip away. Neither offense could get much going last week and both teams had their lowest point totals of the season. That’s not expected to be the case this week. Quarterbacks Alan Bowman (OSU) and Avery Johnson (KSU) can both sling it, but have also shown they’re prone to mistakes. Bowman has four interceptions to Johnson’s three. The QB who makes fewer mistakes Saturday will likely lead his team to a win.
Prediction: Johnson outplays Bowman and the Wildcats right the ship, winning 34-24.
3. No. 15 Louisville at No. 16 Notre Dame | Saturday | 3:30 p.m. ET | Peacock
It’s time to subscribe to Peacock if you haven’t already. This one is worth the watch. Notre Dame has rebounded from the embarrassing loss to Northern Illinois and Saturday gives the Irish another chance at a quality win. Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard was heavily criticized following the NIU loss, but he’s bounced back thanks to his ability to run the ball. In the last two games, he’s run for 243 yards and five touchdowns. Through the air, he hasn’t thrown a pick in either game. Louisville will have a hard time stopping that.
Prediction: Notre Dame handles its business, 28-17.
2. No. 19 Illinois at No. 9 Penn State | Saturday | 7:30 p.m. ET | NBC
Penn State is heavily favored, but there’s intrigue around this Illinois program. Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer has been one of the best in the nation this season and the Illini are coming in hot after winning at Nebraska last week. Could a big upset be in the cards? It would make for a great story. Watch out if this game is close. Illinois has already won a pair of one-score games this season. Still, Penn State is one of the best teams in the country and it will have the opportunity to prove it under the lights.
Prediction: Penn State squashes any thoughts of an upset early and wins big, 37-13.
1. No. 2 Georgia at No. 4 Alabama | Saturday | 7:30 p.m. ET | ABC
This can be Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer’s moment: An opportunity to take down Kirby Smart and the second-ranked Bulldogs who have their sights on officially taking over the SEC with Nick Saban retired. Alabama’s home crowd will play a factor and the Tide’s offense will be the difference maker. Quarterback Jalen Milroe and wide receiver Ryan Williams are electric. That duo will shine on Saturday.
Prediction: Alabama knocks off Georgia and Milroe becomes a Heisman favorite after leading the Tide to a 34-27 win.
