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Regular Season Finale: No. 12 USC vs. Notre Dame (Saturday, 12:30pm, ABC)
(all times listed in Pacific Standard Time)
The Trojans go into Saturday with everything to play for, and as Zach Helfand of the LA Times put it, this one ‘always counts.’ Notre Dame’s miserable season has taken away some of the luster normally associated with one of the country’s best rivalries, but with the Sam Darnold show still rolling, it should be an entertaining game, and a delightful end to the regular season.
As big as this game is, USC’s path forward will be determined elsewhere. The wildly unpredictable story of Pac-12 football will finally unfold this weekend. Here’s what to watch.
Friday:
No. 5 Washington (10-1) at No. 23 Washington State (8-3) (12:30pm, Fox)
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This might just be the juiciest Apple Cup we’ve ever had. For years, this has been nothing more than a traditional obligation. Friday night’s game will determine the Pac-12 North champion. A win by the Huskies would also get them back into the CFP top four (you would think). This could end up being a game of ‘who wants it more.’ Get the Thanksgiving leftovers ready - you won’t want to leave the house when this one starts.
Saturday:
No. 3 Michigan (10-1) at No. 2 Ohio State (10-1) (9:00am, ABC)
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This town ain’t big enough for the both of us. That’s the theme going into this epic contest, as one of these two Big Ten teams will likely be bounced from playoff contention. Both sides have been playing fantastic football all season long. It’s a tough game to pick, but the edge might be with the home team. Buckeyes are favored by 6 1/2.
No. 22 Utah (8-3) at No. 9 Colorado (9-2) (4:30pm, Fox)
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It’s the game every Trojan will be watching. Things worked in USC’s favor last week when Utah fell in the dying seconds to Oregon. Now, they need Colorado to choke in similar fashion. With the Buffaloes playing at home, and Utah still reeling, that might be a lot to ask for. But who can predict anything in the Pac-12 this year?
Did we forget anyone? Let us know who you’ll be watching with your comments.