These games could impact Alabama football’s CFP ranking this week
Nick Saban will tell anyone, Alabama football’s most important game on Saturday is the one the Crimson Tide will play at 11 a.m. CT at Kentucky on ESPN. However, with UA ranked No. 8 in the College Football Playoff top 25, the Tide will need some help to jump into the top four by season’s end.
Here’s a rundown of Saturday’s games that could impact UA’s playoff position.
Ohio State vs. Michigan State
The No. 1 Buckeyes have what should be one of their easier Big Ten games on Saturday. The Spartans have struggled throughout the season, even before the firing of former head coach Mel Tucker, and stand at 3-6 on the season, 1-5 in conference play.
The game is scheduled to kick off at 6:30 p.m. CT and will be aired on NBC.
Georgia vs. Ole Miss
Given No. 2 Georgia’s schedule, this could be its biggest chance of picking up a loss before the SEC championship game. In a matchup of former Alabama assistants, No. 9 Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin’s team is also looking to move up in the rankings, possibly leapfrogging Alabama with a victory.
The game will be aired on ESPN and is set to begin at 6 p.m. CT on Saturday.
Michigan @ Penn State
James Franklin’s Penn State squad has had trouble winning its biggest games during his tenure. The No. 10 Nittany Lions have a homefield advantage against No. 3 Michigan.
However, this Wolverines team is deadly, even as it deals with a sign-stealing scandal. The matchup is set to kick off at 11 a.m. CT on Fox.
Florida State vs. Miami
It’s been a strange season for the Hurricanes, who lost in heartbreaking fashion to Georgia Tech and also fell to NC State. Miami did beat Texas A&M early in the season and stands at 6-3 on the season, though just 2-3 in the ACC.
Saturday’s rivalry game against the No. 4 Seminoles is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CT and will be aired on ABC.
Washington vs. Utah
One of the week’s more intriguing games is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CT in Seattle. The Utes remain a tough matchup in the Pac-12, and the No. 5 Huskies have looked vulnerable at times this season, despite being undefeated.
However, a win would be another ranked victory for Washington and could even help it jump into the top four. The game will be aired on Fox.
Oregon vs. USC
No. 6 Oregon has had its CFP bona fides questioned this week given it has just one ranked win compared to three for Alabama and four for Texas. The Trojans have fallen out of the top 25, but still boast a powerful offense, led by Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams.
The game is set to kick off at 9:30 p.m. CT and will be aired on Fox.
Texas @ TCU
Steve Sarkisian’s No. 7 Texas team continues to prove it’s for real, surviving a game previous Longhorn squads would have dropped while missing its starting quarterback against a tough Kansas State. Quinn Ewers is set to return against the Horned Frogs.
Texas and TCU are scheduled to get underway at 6:30 p.m. CT Saturday on ABC.