Alabama football has to win the Iron Bowl at Auburn. That’s the No. 1 goal if the Crimson Tide hopes to make the College Football Playoff.

But UA is ranked No. 8. If it’s going to make the field of four, it’s going to need a bit of help.

Before the slate of rivalry week games begins Friday, here’s what to know about the matchups that could impact the Tide’s chances.

Georgia @ Georgia Tech

If all goes as it should on paper, this should be a speed bump for the No. 1 Bulldogs. The Yellow Jackets are bowl eligible, but don’t have nearly the talent that Georgia brings to the table.

If UGA takes care of business it will enter the SEC championship game against Alabama undefeated since losing to the Crimson Tide in the 2021 conference title game. The game will kick off at 6:30 p.m. Saturday and will be shown on ABC.

Ohio State @ Michigan

Finally, a game that’s going to create some movement ahead of Alabama in the CFP standings. Two undefeated teams are about to do battle, with a likely playoff spot on the line.

The No. 3 Wolverines are without head coach Jim Harbaugh against No. 2 OSU. The game is scheduled to kick off at 11 a.m. CT Saturday and will be aired on Fox.

Washington vs. Washington State

The final Apple Cup matchup in the Pac-12 will see the No. 4 Huskies heavily favored in Seattle. Washington moved into the top four this week, passing Florida State.

The matchup is scheduled for 3 p.m. Saturday and will be broadcast on Fox.

Florida State vs. Florida.

The Gators brought a fight to Missouri last week against, losing late to the No. 9 Tigers. The No. 5 Seminoles are without starting quarterback Jordan Travis for the rest of the season.

The game is set for 6 p.m. CT on Saturday and will be shown on ESPN.

Oregon vs. Oregon State

The No. 6 Ducks are currently ranked ahead of both Alabama and Texas despite not having a win against a team currently in the CFP top 25. Friday’s game against the No. 16 Beavers, who lost to Washington Saturday, is an opportunity to get one on the resume entering the Pac-12 championship.

Oregon and Oregon State are set to kick off at 7:30 p.m. CT Friday in Eugene. The game will be aired on Fox.

Texas vs. Texas Tech

The lone team to beat Alabama this season plays its final regular season game as a Big 12 member on Friday. The Red Raiders enter the matchup against the No. 7 Longhorns at 6-5 on the season.

Another Friday matchup is scheduled fo 6:30 p.m. that day. It will be aired on ABC.