The light at the end of the college football season's tunnel is rapidly approaching. Week 13 will mark the final Saturday with a full schedule of games, followed by the elongated Thanksgiving weekend and then championship weekend. This weekend's games offer numerous opportunities for unexpected results as the pressure to secure conference title games and potentially a spot in the College Football Playoff reaches its peak. Ohio State and Notre Dame are facing ranked opponents, as is Brigham Young, and Penn State is also on the road. So, where will the upsets occur on Saturday?
Why Ohio State Will Keep Their Streak Alive
It's not Indiana's fault that their 2024 schedule has been relatively easy. Like every other team, they play the opponents on that schedule and should not apologize for defeating most of them. That's what good teams do. On Saturday at noon, when the Hoosiers travel to play Ohio State, a nearly 11-point favorite, it shows that either people haven't been watching Indiana or Vegas has some insider knowledge. If this game were played in Bloomington, many would give the Hoosiers a chance. But it's not, and given that Ohio State has beaten Indiana 28 consecutive times, it doesn't bode well for Indiana. The stakes are high, and the loser is almost eliminated from Big Ten title game consideration. Look for another Buckeye victory, which will also boost their playoff ranking. — Scooby Axson 2: Ohio State has been a dominant force throughout the season. Their players are highly skilled and have a strong team chemistry. The coaching staff has done an excellent job of preparing them for each game. Indiana will face a tough challenge against this powerhouse team. They will need to play at their best to have a chance of pulling off an upset. But history is against them, as Ohio State has a long winning streak against them. It will take a special effort from the Hoosiers to break that streak.Indiana's Chance to Shine and Remain Undefeated
Despite being dominant nearly all season, Indiana still isn't getting the respect it deserves due to a relatively easy schedule. The matchup against Ohio State is their ultimate test and will determine if they deserve a College Football Playoff bid. It's assumed that Ohio State, with one of the top defenses in the country, will stop Indiana and expose them. But don't count out Curt Cignetti's team. They have a need to prove themselves, and their offense is capable of delivering big punches. If they can execute their game plan and play with confidence, they have a chance to take down the Buckeyes and stun the nation with an 11-0 record. After the win, there will be no denying that Indiana is a playoff team. — Jordan Mendoza 2: Indiana's players have been working hard all season to improve their skills and team performance. They have a talented roster with some key players who can make a difference in crucial moments. The coaching staff has been focusing on game strategies and team cohesion to ensure they are ready for any opponent. Against Ohio State, they will need to play with intensity and focus from the start. If they can establish an early lead or keep the game close, they will have a better chance of winning. It will be a tough battle, but Indiana has the potential to create some magic on Saturday.Kansas' Upset Victory over Colorado
Kansas takes down another ranked Big 12 opponent by beating Colorado and climbing within one win of bowl eligibility. While a loss wouldn't eliminate CU's chances of reaching the conference title game, they would need some help elsewhere to make the playoff. The Jayhawks have had a tough season, losing six games in heartbreaking fashion, but they rebounded after losing a rivalry game to Kansas State and have started to resemble the team that was picked in the Top 25 in the preseason US LBM Coaches Poll. — Paul Myerberg 2: Kansas has shown flashes of their potential this season. Their players have been determined to turn their season around and prove themselves. The coaching staff has been working on improving their game and making adjustments when needed. Against Colorado, they will need to play with a sense of urgency and take advantage of any opportunities that come their way. A win over a ranked opponent will give them a significant boost and increase their chances of making the postseason.Penn State's Playoff Hopes on the Line at Minnesota
The Nittany Lions have risen to No. 4 in the College Football Playoff rankings by passing all their tests except a stumble against Ohio State. Their last two road contests against quality opponents have not been easy wins. Penn State trailed at halftime against Southern California and Wisconsin before coming back to win. It will be important for them not to have a slow start against the Golden Gophers, who have one of the top defenses in the country and will be difficult to score against. This game is expected to be low-scoring and could turn on one big play or a turnover. Don't be surprised if it is the Nittany Lions that fall and lose their grip on a playoff spot. — Erick Smith 2: Penn State has a talented team with some experienced players who can make plays in crucial situations. However, they will need to be at their best against a tough Minnesota team. The Golden Gophers' defense is a major obstacle, and Penn State will need to find ways to move the ball and score points. Turnovers could be crucial in this game, as a mistake could give Minnesota the momentum. If Penn State can play a disciplined game and avoid costly errors, they have a chance to come out with a win and keep their playoff hopes alive.Big 12 Chaos Unfolds
We're about to witness complete chaos in the Big 12. A very realistic scenario is that there could be a four-way tie for the lead after this weekend's games. First, Arizona State needs to beat Brigham Young in Tempe. Given the way both teams have been performing, this seems quite likely. Next, Colorado must lose to Kansas, which is less likely but still possible as the Jayhawks have been improving. Finally, Iowa State needs to handle their road trip to Utah, where the Utes' season is in trouble. Will all this happen? It's very possible. Bring on the tiebreakers. — Eddie Timanus 2: The Big 12 has been a competitive conference this season, and these final games could determine the championship. Each team has a chance to make a move and secure a top spot. The potential for a four-way tie adds an extra layer of excitement and uncertainty. The teams will need to play their best and make the most of every opportunity. It will be a battle to the end in the Big 12.Auburn's Big Win over Texas A&M to Shake Up the SEC
Texas A&M has been one of the season's overachievers, and there is still a chance for them to make the playoff. Next weekend's home game against Texas, which resumed a dormant rivalry since 2011, has everyone's attention. It could even be for a spot in the SEC championship game. However, the Aggies first have to go to Auburn. Despite Auburn's problems this season, they still have a good defense and have only been blown out by Georgia. They are due for a big win, and knocking a good A&M team out of the playoff mix is the most Auburn thing possible. So, that's what we expect to happen on Saturday. — Dan Wolken 2: Auburn's players are hungry for a win and will be motivated to perform well against Texas A&M. The coaching staff has been working on improving the team's offense and defense in recent weeks. If they can play a solid game and take advantage of Texas A&M's weaknesses, they have a good chance of winning. A win over a strong team like Texas A&M would be a significant boost for Auburn and could have a big impact on their season.