College football rivalry week is here, and The Transfer Portal CFB has you covered with intense matchups and crazy fans as we look forward to some unforgettable moments on the field. Get ready to witness the games that define the sport as we fill you in on what to watch with a fun twist.
The Game — Michigan vs. Ohio State
Turkey – Selecting a Thanksgiving item for this year’s matchup between Ohio State and Michigan was probably the easiest of all. The turkey, the centerpiece, the focal point, the nucleus of the Thanksgiving table and the 2023 rivalry week. There’s tons of drama heading into this year’s “The Game,” and there’s too many big-name players to even highlight, but once again it will be win and go to the College Football Playoff or lose and go home with your tail tucked between your legs.
Civil War — Oregon vs. Oregon State
Stuffing – This game isn’t the centerpiece, but it’s the next best thing. It’s actually better than the turkey but doesn’t get the same amount of attention to it. Oregon State will try to play spoiler again after Oregon blew a 17-point fourth-quarter lead last year. Two strong defenses and the quarterback duel between DJ Uiagalelei and Bo Nix have this matchup primed as must-watch television Friday night. Unfortunately, this will be the last matchup between these rivals for the foreseeable future due to conference realignment.
Sunshine Showdown — Florida vs. Florida State
Potatoes – Another top-tier side for Thanksgiving, just like this potential matchup should be. You won’t get the best for each team with both Jordan Travis and Graham Mertz out. Just like the many variations of potatoes you might see on your table, this year’s matchup has an unlimited number of possible outcomes with Tate Rodemaker and Max Brown under center. Look for Florida State to be on upset alert in The Swamp on Saturday.
The Iron Bowl — Auburn vs. Alabama
Gravy – The Iron Bowl will always be the gravy. It rules rivalry week in college football. Even if you are of the mind that think Michigan vs. Ohio State is the best game, you’re wrong. In a year when Auburn is still very mediocre, you will have to keep an eye out just to make sure there is no funny business happening at Jordan-Hare in a game Auburn has no business winning.
Governor’s Cup — Kentucky vs. Louisville
Liquor – It should probably be bourbon considering the state, but not every person likes the dark stuff. The Kentucky seesaw is in full effect, and just a week after losing to South Carolina, the Wildcats have their in-state rival on upset alert. Louisville may have 10 wins, but the Cardinals haven’t beaten Kentucky since 2017. This game could get messy like a karaoke night after too much bourbon.
The Heroes Game — Iowa vs. Nebraska
Green Bean Casserole – Once you really think about it, green bean casserole is kind of trash, just like the Iowa and Nebraska offenses. With the point total currently set at a whopping 25 points, I can not wait to eat up every single second of this mess.
North Carolina vs. NC State
Beer and Wine – NC State has slowly but quietly crept into an 8-3 record for third place in the ACC, and its Tobacco Road rival North Carolina has underperformed. Last year, the Wolfpack planted their flag in Chapel Hill, and we will see if UNC can do the same this year in Carter-Finley Stadium.
Duel in the Desert — Arizona State vs. Arizona
Cranberry Sauce – It’s not for everybody, but it deserves a place at the table. Arizona has become a wagon with Noah Fifita, Tetairoa McMillan, and a strong defense. Arizona State is on its way with Kenny Dillingham calling the shots, but the Sun Devils are still just at the beginning of their rebuild. This game also could have been put under the category “getting together with family after a long hiatus.” If you read up on the Territorial Cup, you’ll understand what I mean there.
The Apple Cup — Washington vs. Washington State
Apple Pie – It’s literally in the name and just like the desert, this game will be sweet. Cameron Ward and Washington State have been putting up a ton of points, and in a rivalry game you never know what will happen. I do think the Huskies will be able to handle business at home.
Farmageddon — Kansas State vs. Iowa State
Leftover Sandwich – This is the last game on Saturday with any conference championship implications. If Kansas State wins, the Wildcats will need Oklahoma State and Oklahoma to both lose to make the Big 12 Championship Game. It’s a lot to ask, but they need to focus on the task at hand with Iowa State as this isn’t an easy win. It should be snowing in Manhattan by kickoff Saturday night at 8:00 p.m. ET.
The Egg Bowl — Mississippi State vs. Ole Miss
Post-Dinner Politics Talk — This is the only game taking place on actual Thanksgiving, and these two fan bases absolutely hate each other. Last year, we saw Mississippi State squeak one out 24-22 after stopping Ole Miss on a two-point conversion late in the game. Ole Miss will head in to Starkville as a heavy favorite, but this game is always a toss-up and I really can not stress enough how much these two fan bases hate each other.
The Battle For The Chancellor’s Spurs — Texas vs. Texas Tech
Having to Spend Time With Your Future Ex-Family Member – This game has been played every year since 1960, and with the Texas move to the SEC, that will be coming to an end. Texas has won seven out of the last 10 but lost last year in the last game in Lubbock for the foreseeable future. The Longhorns should be on upset alert for this one as the Red Raiders will be looking to brand Texas one more time before it leaves the Big 12 for good.
Palmetto Bowl — South Carolina vs. Clemson
Your Drunk Problematic Uncle – It’s not just the two teams involved here, but their two coaches who are quite charismatic in their own right. South Carolina got its first win against Clemson in almost a decade, and the Tigers definitely haven’t forgotten that result. Look for both teams to try to end the year on a high note after their high expectations coming into 2023.
Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate — Georgia Tech vs. Georgia
Your Family Member That Always Shows Up Empty-Handed – I’m from the Atlanta area, and I’ve been to this game plenty of times, so I remember when this game used to be a competition but it’s turned into a yearly beating from the Dawgs to the Jackets. Georgia Tech has only won this matchup one time since Kirby Smart got to Athens in 2016. Georgia Tech is trying to get back to its old forms under Brent Key. The Tech faithful can scream The Good Word all they want this year but I don’t see any scenario where they keep it close against Georgia.
