There are a handful of premier matchups across college football this week, but here are a few between ranked teams that will be important in their respective conference championship races.
No.12 Missouri (7-1, 3-1 in the SEC) at No.2 Georgia (8-0, 5-0 in the SEC), 2:30 p.m. CT, CBS
Georgia is one of five undefeated Power Five programs remaining across the country and is looking for a convincing win after being jumped by Ohio State in the first edition of this season’s College Football Playoff rankings. Georgia has cruised through the season so far, although a couple of conference opponents have made things close, and Missouri will be just its second ranked opponent this season.
The Bulldogs will play three of their final four games against top-17 teams. Meanwhile, Missouri is enjoying its best season in years and can throw a wrench into the SEC East and the College Football Playoff picture with an upset.
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No.5 Washington (8-0, 5-0 in the PAC-12) at No.20 USC (7-2, 5-1 in the PAC 12), 6:30 p.m. CT, ABC
Washington, USC, and Oregon are all battling for the top two spots in the PAC-12. Now that the conference no longer has divisions, the top two teams will face off in the conference championship in Las Vegas in December. Washington has solidified itself as the top team in the conference but has struggled against some inferior teams as of late.
All three teams have dynamic offenses, but USC’s defense had made it the odd-man out so far. Can the Trojans come up with a huge win to stay in the hunt after losing two of their last three, or will Washington strengthen its case as the PAC-12’s best team and a College Football Playoff contender?
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No.14 LSU (6-2, 4-1 in the SEC) at No.8 Alabama (7-1, 5-0 in the SEC), 6:45 p.m. CT, CBS
Alabama has won six in a row since an early loss to Texas, including two ranked wins. The Crimson Tide do not play another ranked opponent for the rest of the regular season and can take control of the SEC West with a win this weekend. LSU is 1-2 against ranked teams this season and needs a win to keep any chances of making the SEC Championship Game alive.
