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Crash Course: Rivalry Week is here as conference races heat up
Jabrill Peppers of the Michigan Wolverines can be one step closer to the Heisman with a solid showing against Ohio State. Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Crash Course: Rivalry Week is here as conference races heat up

This has always felt like a season that was always going to come down to these next two weeks. This week is usually so much fun because of all these rivalries but this year several of those rivalries have a lot on the line. There is the usual bragging rights, some division titles to be determined and possible playoff spots to play for. And from Tuscaloosa to Pullman, there should be some great football to see this weekend.

1-Southeastern Conference

Favorite: Alabama
Alabama has to feel great about their playoff hopes. The Tide should be among the top four even if the lose this week against Auburn or next week in the SEC Championship Game to Florida. However, with all the wild games happening around them, the Tide continue to roll.

Game of the Week: Auburn at Alabama
Alabama is a huge favorite but knows not to take Auburn lightly no matter what. The Tide have won 4 of 5 and 6 of 8 against the Tigers with the two losses coming off that magical comeback (or "Camback") by Cam Newton in 2010 and that missed field goal that was returned for a game winning touchdown by Chris Davis as time expired. There is so much on the line for Bama but they are likely in the playoff even if the lose this game.

Under-the-Radar Game: Florida-Florida State
Neither of these two are having the outstanding year everyone wished for but this is still a very good game between two very good teams. Florida's win at LSU last week clinched a spot in the SEC title game for the Gators. For the Gators, there is still a lot to play for. It is likely the Gators will lose next week to Alabama in Atlanta so beating the Seminoles is key to getting Florida a Sugar Bowl spot. The SEC team ranked highest (after Alabama) will go to New Orleans so the Gators don't want to be 8-4 and hope for the best.

Heisman Watch: Jalen Hurts, Alabama
Hurts has been big in all the big games for the Tide. While his stats aren't going to make you swoon, but he's been a typical solid Alabama signal caller.

Year in review
This has been a season where Alabama has been the cream of the crop and about four or five teams were temporarily their roommate in the penthouse. It started with Tennessee in the preseason, moved to Texas A&M and then Auburn and LSU were trying to get there.

Tennessee got off to a slow start and had to win a few games in comeback fashion (hello, Georgia). It was that two week stretch against Alabama and Texas A&M that upended those magical hopes, but the loss to South Carolina that eventually kept the Vols from the SEC title game. A&M was one of the best teams in the nation and their loss to Alabama didn't sink their playoff hopes. However, losses to both Mississippi schools (those teams are a combined 4-10 in conference play) knocked them down. LSU and Auburn turned around seasons that started rough and became tough outs for a while.

The thing is Alabama is a solid No. 1 in the College Football Playoff rankings. The next ranked team is Auburn at No. 15 and four more SEC schools are ranked behind them. This has been a quality league, per usual, but wasn't as challenging at the top.

2-Big Ten Conference

Favorite: Michigan
Really, is there a favorite? Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State can all still win the Big Ten East division but only Michigan controls their own destiny. Michigan wins in Columbus and they go to the Big Ten title game. If they lose, Penn State is in the title game with a win over Michigan State. If Penn State loses, Ohio State is in. Go that?

Game of the Week: Michigan at Ohio State
Not only is this arguably the biggest rivalry in college football but there is a division title and a possible playoff berth on the line. Michigan has lost 7 straight in Columbus and 11 of 12 in the series and it hasn't really been close. Last year the Buckeyes went into Ann Arbor and spanked the Wolverines, 42-13. With the eye test, Ohio State looks like the second best team in the nation but could the win this game and still not make the playoff? That's how weird this season is.

Under-the-Radar Game: Minnesota at Wisconsin
Sure, Michigan State-Penn State should be in the place as many fans will be looking to see if Penn State can get to the Big Ten title game, but this game should have meaning too. In the Big Ten West, Wisconsin and Nebraska are also vying for the conference crown. Wisconsin is in with a win or a Nebraska loss while the Cornhuskers need to win and the Badgers to lose. Nebraska plays at Iowa on Friday so the result will be well known in Madison for this game to begin. Minnesota has surprisingly hung with these two in the division and could actually be part of a three-way tie for first place if things play out accordingly.

Heisman Watch: Jabrill Peppers, Michigan
Just make sure Peppers gets to the ceremony, please.

Year in review
The Big Ten has been very good and competitive this year. The fact that the No. 4 Michigan and No. 2 Ohio State winner still might not get into the Big Ten title game is quite stunning. The fact that it is Penn State, who is five years removed from that horrible scandal that gutted the program could be the one to win the league is downright amazing.

While we have been focusing on that, the West division has been pretty good as well. Wisconsin and Nebraska have hung out in that second tier of the rankings for most of the season while Minnesota and Iowa have had solid seasons. Four of the eight top ranked schools in the College Football Playoff are Big Ten schools and all have them have a legit shot at both a Big Ten championship and a College Football playoff berth.

Yes, Michigan State has been a disappointment and Rutgers has been a national joke but this has been the best league all year.

3-Atlantic Coast Conference

Favorite: Clemson
Clemson won the ACC's Atlantic Division and will play Virginia Tech or North Carolina in the ACC title game next week. Clemson should win out and nab a playoff bid.

Game of the Week: South Carolina at Clemson
This game is on the top line just because the only real drama folks want to see is if Clemson can close out a playoff berth. Again, Clemson should be heavy favorites against South Carolina and the Coastal Division champion so a slip up would be devastating.

Under-the-Radar Game: Virginia at Virginia Tech
Who will Clemson play in the ACC title game? If Virginia Tech wins this game, they will be there in Orlando to face the Tigers. A Virginia Tech loss coupled with a North Carolina win puts the Tar Heels back into the ACC championship game. Since North Carolina's game with NC State happens Friday, the Hokies will know the stakes when this game goes down Saturday at noon. Of course, Virginia has arguably been the worst team in the ACC this year so the Hokies should feel confident this weekend.

Heisman Watch: Lamar Jackson, Louisville
Okay, Jackson laid an egg against Houston last week and looked bad in a nationally televised game. That happens but the feel good story of the Cardinals is lost and Jackson's iron grip on the Heisman loosened a bit.

Year in review
The ACC hasn't had the best of seasons. Yes, Clemson is exactly where we thought they'd be but they did lose a regular season game (at home to Pitt, no less) and have had quite a few close calls. They aren't the strong team as they were a year ago. After that, Louisville hung near the top with Lamar Jackson's video-game highlights and that lone loss at Clemson. Well, getting thrashed at Houston takes the shine off of that.

The rest of the conference did little to get notice. Florida State got thrashed by Louisville in September and no one has taken them serious since even though their other two losses were on a last second kick to North Carolina and a close one to Clemson. Heck even satellite "member" Notre Dame had an extremely disappointing season as they went 2-3 against the ACC and saw Duke and Virginia Tech walk into South Bend and beat the Irish.

Oh, and there was also that little thing about the ACC not knowing where their championship game would be played. After removing it from Charlotte due to anti-LGBTQ laws midseason, the site was in limbo for a few weeks before finally landing in Orlando.

4-Pacific 12 Conference

Favorite: Washington
The Huskies win the Apple Cup against Washington State and they are in the Pac-12 championship game becoming the first school other than Oregon or Stanford to represent the North division. Also, keep winning and Washington is most likely next up for a playoff berth.

Game of the Week: Washington at Washington State
The winner of this game is in the Pac-12 championship game. The loser gets an 'attaboy.' That's high stakes for this year's version of the Apple Cup. The Huskies have won 6 of 7 against the Cougars but Washington State is looking for its first Pac-12 title since 2002.

Under-the-Radar Game: Utah at Colorado
Utah can't win the division anymore but will play a huge part in who does. Colorado wins this game and the play Washington/Washington State in the Pac-12 title game. Utah wins and red-hot USC wins the division and heads to Santa Clara. USC's conference season is done (they'll be hosting rival Notre Dame).

Heisman Watch: Jake Browning, Washington
Browning just hasn't gotten the exposure other Heisman candidates have but he's had a fantastic season and could be leading the Huskies to a national championship.

Year in review
This has been an odd season. It looked in the preseason that the Pac-12 would be one of the better leagues stocked with quality. It's been good, but not what we though it would be. Stanford was a national title contender that just fell apart. Oregon has completely crumbled. UCLA didn't step up the way we thought. Arizona is winless in conference play.

Heading into this weekend, six of the Pac-12 teams have two conference wins or less.

However, Colorado and Washington State are playing for a conference title. Washington is playing for a national title. USC is one of the hottest teams in the country after a 1-3 start. Even for the biggest optimist, that was tough to see.

5-Big 12 Conference

Favorite: Oklahoma
Unlike most of the rest of the nation, this isn't finale week in the Big 12. Oklahoma got a huge win in snowy West Virginia and get a week to rest before the Bedlam Game.  The winner of that wins the Big 12. Oklahoma is on the outside looking in for a playoff berth but are certainly not out of it.

Game of the Week: West Virginia at Iowa State
This is not a banner week of games. So West Virginia gets to travel to Iowa State to face a team that just put up 66 points on Texas Tech. Remember that the Cyclones hung with Oklahoma and nearly beat Baylor earlier this season so they could put up a fight.

Under-the-Radar Game: TCU at Texas
A couple of teams with their heads hung low going into this one. TCU has lost three of four; Texas has lost 3 of 5. We are a long way from "the Longhorns are back," eh?

Heisman Watch: Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma
Mayfield might end up being the closest competition to Lamar Jackson for the Heisman. He's played well over the last two months but people won't forget that first couple of weeks of the season.

Year in review
Of course, the Big 12 isn't making it out of this season without scars. The expansion drama was a nightmare,  there is no shortage of disappointing teams and they may be shut out of the College Football Playoff yet again. Oklahoma has looked very good but we can't forget those early season losses to Houston and Ohio State. Oklahoma State has had a solid season but we can't forget that home loss to Central Michigan.

Remember when people were worried that Baylor – coming off an offseason filled with scandal – would end up representing the Big 12 in the playoff? The Bears are now 6-4 after a four-game skid. Remember when Texas was "back" after a season-opening win over Notre Dame? Turns out both teams weren't any good. To think that this league was going to add some lower tier conference teams into the mix.

Hey, at least Kansas finally won a Big 12 game!

6-Group of Five

Favorite: Boise State
Even though Western Michigan is undefeated, the College Football Playoff committee seems to like Boise State just a little bit more. Still, if Boise State can't win the Mountain West championship (more on that in a bit) then they still can't qualify for a New Year's Six bowl.

Game of the Week: Wyoming at New Mexico
How about this? Wyoming beats New Mexico and the Cowboys go to the Mountain West title game. If New Mexico beats Wyoming, they go to the MW title game with at Boise State loss. Boise goes win a win and New Mexico win. Got that? It's important because Boise State is the highest ranked Group of 5 team which puts them first in line for a New Year's Six bowl. However, that's designated for a conference champion and if Boise State cannot win this division they can't be a conference champion. If Wyoming wins, we'll get a repeat of that outstanding game they had with San Diego State last Saturday.

Under-the-radar Game: Toledo at West Michigan
The winner of this game will represent the MAC West division in the MAC Championship game. Western Michigan along with Alabama is the lone undefeated team in the land and they are two wins away from possibly getting a New Year's Six bowl appearance.

Heisman Watch: Donnel Pumphrey, San Diego State
Pumphrey is third on college football's career all-time rushing yards list. That's all.

Year in review
This has been a season with a big fat carrot dangling there but no one able to grab it. Houston began the season as the dark horse for a College Football Playoff spot and looked the part by beating Oklahoma on the opening weekend. A loss to Navy ended that dream. Then it was Boise State as the team that had a shot then a loss to Wyoming ended that. Western Michigan is still undefeated but aren't looked at as a serious threat for anything.

There was also the Big 12's realignment mess that saw teams from the Group of 5 positioning themselves to move up to higher ground (American teams to the Big 12; Conference USA teams to the American; Sun Belt teams to C-USA). Yet after a public courtship between the league and over a dozen schools, the Big 12 decided not to add on which left schools stunned and walking back to their leagues with the tails between their legs.

Still, this has been a decent season. The Mountain West has been very competitive with San Diego State, Boise State, Wyoming and New Mexico playing extremely well this season. Oklahoma couldn't beat Houston, but two American Athletic Conference teams could. With the stability coming from the Big 12 not expanding, these leagues will grow stronger and the rivalries cut much deeper. Soon one of these conferences will give us a team that will make the College Football Playoff.

Can you name the coaches in college football with the most wins?

Per Sports-Reference, this only includes games played by schools while they were considered major schools and will exclude notable coaches such as Eddie Robinson (408 wins) and John Gagliardi (489 wins)

SCORE:
0/10
TIME:
4:00
409 1966-2011
Joe Paterno
357 1970-2009
Bobby Bowden
323 1945-1982
Bear Bryant
311 1897-1938
Pop Warner
282 1891-1943
Amos Alonzo Stagg
257 1972-2000
LaVell Edwards
255 1973-1997
Tom Osborne
249 1969-2004
Lou Holtz
248 1990-
Nick Saban
245 1985-
Mack Brown

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