The allure of college football is multifaceted, but the passionate rivalries undeniably stand out. For enthusiasts of intense matchups and heated competition, the current Saturday presents a captivating scene as Rivalry Week reaches its crescendo.
Week 14, marking the culmination of the college football regular season, showcases pivotal clashes between long-standing adversaries. These games carry significant weight, encompassing coveted trophies and bragging rights. Furthermore, the outcomes hold the potential to shape College Football Playoff aspirations, determining which teams advance and which are left behind.
Foremost among these contests is the annual showdown between Ohio State and Michigan. The animosity between these programs is palpable, intensified by Michigan’s recent dominance with four consecutive victories, including last year’s triumph in Columbus that sparked a notable postgame confrontation when a Michigan player planted their team flag on the field. With the 11-0 Buckeyes traveling to face the 9-2 Wolverines, this history will undoubtedly fuel the intensity as Michigan seeks another victory to bolster their CFP chances.
The slate of rivalry games extends far beyond this marquee matchup. 9-2 Vanderbilt will face 8-3 Tennessee, 8-3 Washington will host 10-1 Oregon, and the Iron Bowl will see 9-2 Alabama clash with 5-6 Auburn. These three games are synonymous with fierce competition and have the potential to reshape the College Football Playoff landscape as the final selection process approaches.
Complementing the fervor of Rivalry Week in college football, Saturday offers a diverse range of compelling action across the NBA, NHL and college basketball. The following provides a glimpse into the notable events to follow and wager on at various betting platforms on Saturday, Nov. 29. All times Eastern.
CFB featured selections for today, including viewing information
No. 1 Ohio State at No. 15 Michigan
Time: 12 p.m. | Location: Ann Arbor | TV: FOX | Stream: Fubo (try for free)
SportsLine picks — Model: Michigan ML +311 Expert: Michigan +10.5 (Matt Severance)
The Buckeyes maintain a favorable position for CFP contention, yet they undoubtedly aim to overcome their recent struggles against their archrival. Michigan has secured victory in their last four encounters, reclaiming dominance in a rivalry that had previously favored Ohio State for much of the 21st century. Even during a challenging season last year, Michigan managed to upset Ohio State in Columbus. Beyond the surprising outcome, the postgame events garnered significant attention, as a Wolverines player planted a team flag on the OSU logo at midfield, leading to a skirmish that required police intervention. While this incident did not impede the Buckeyes’ CFP journey, Ohio State is determined to resolve its Michigan dilemma.
The Buckeyes have generally cruised through their schedule this year, but the conditions of star receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate, both of whom were absent last week, merit monitoring. In addition, the Wolverines boast a perfect 5-0 record at home this year. The SportsLine Projection Model suggests value in supporting the underdog Wolverines on the money line, projecting a 33% win probability. SportsLine expert Matt Severance anticipates Michigan to cover at +10.5, at a minimum.
No. 10 Alabama at Auburn
Time: 7:30 p.m. | Location: Auburn, Ala. | TV: ABC | Stream: Fubo (try for free)
SportsLine pick — Model: Alabama -5.5
The Crimson Tide achieved eight successive victories following their Week 1 loss to Florida State, positioning them favorably for CFP qualification after missing out the previous season. However, a recent unexpected loss to Oklahoma has introduced doubt, leaving Alabama with two losses on the year. A defeat against in-state rival Auburn would result in a 9-3 record, potentially excluding them from the playoff for the second consecutive year.
Auburn’s season has been marked by fluctuations, with a 5-6 record entering Week 14 and the recent dismissal of head coach Hugh Freeze. Auburn has demonstrated a tendency to maintain close, competitive games, with five of their six losses decided by a single score and the remaining loss being a 10-point margin against Georgia. Auburn will be striving for pride and the opportunity to eliminate their rival from CFP consideration, while a victory over Alabama would secure bowl eligibility with a 6-6 record.
According to the SportsLine model, Alabama is projected to prevail over its rival, with the Tide winning in the majority of simulations and covering the 5.5-point spread 55% of the time.
Additional CFB selections:
NBA featured selections for today, including viewing information
Boston Celtics at Minnesota Timberwolves
Time: 5 p.m. | Location: Minnesota | TV: NBA TV | Stream: Fubo (try for free)
SportsLine pick — Model: Boston ML +233
Two playoff contenders will begin Saturday’s NBA schedule with the Celtics visiting the Timberwolves. Boston, holding a 10-8 record, has secured two consecutive wins and seven victories in their last 10 games. Meanwhile, Minnesota, despite three recent losses, has won six of their last 10. The Celtics emerged victorious in all three encounters between these teams last year. Boston is currently navigating without star forward Jayson Tatum, who is recovering from a torn Achilles. In his absence, Jaylen Brown has assumed the primary scoring role, averaging 28.2 points per game. Anthony Edwards continues to lead the Timberwolves, averaging 28 points per game. Minnesota is favored at home, but the SportsLine model favors supporting the Celtics on the money line, projecting a 43% win probability, providing value at +233.
Time: 4:25 p.m., Sunday | Location: Kansas City | TV: CBS and Paramount+ | Stream: Fubo (try for free)
SportsLine picks — Model: Steelers ML +150 | Expert: Pittsburgh +4 (R.J. White)
A highlight of Sunday’s NFL schedule features a clash between two playoff contenders as the Bills visit the Steelers, potentially offering a glimpse of a future playoff matchup. Both teams aim to recover from recent setbacks, with Buffalo losing two of its last three, including last week’s defeat to Houston, while Pittsburgh has also lost two of three.
While the Bills are attempting to close the gap with the Patriots, who have secured nine consecutive victories leading into the weekend, the Steelers enter Week 13 with a narrow lead in the AFC North standings at 6-5, thanks to the Bengals’ victory over the Ravens on Thursday. Adding intrigue to this matchup, the Steelers anticipate the return of Aaron Rodgers this week, after he missed last week’s loss to Chicago due to a left wrist injury.
The Bills are favored despite playing in Pittsburgh, but the SportsLine model indicates greater value in backing Pittsburgh as underdogs at plus money on the money line. SportsLine’s R.J. White also supports the Steelers, but against the spread, citing a potential advantage for Pittsburgh against a weakened Buffalo offensive line. “The Bills faced difficulties offensively last Thursday when confronting an elite defensive front, and while the Steelers may not be at that same level, they still possess defenders capable of pressuring the passer,” White noted. “The Bills face significant injury concerns on the O-line, with both tackles missing practice early in the week, including Dion Dawkins being in concussion protocol, and they could be held under 20 points for the third time in four weeks.”
