The eight best college football games to watch in Week 13 starts with Ohio State-Michigan

Altogether now – (singing) It’s the most wonderful – (record scratch sound effect) … Actually, the lineup for college football’s Rivalry Week, usually touted as the most anticipated slate of the year to wrap up the regular season, features more than a few likely duds.

To be sure, there are a couple of games of extremely high import. You will see those first on our list of recommended viewing options for your extended holiday weekend enjoyment. Some other traditional season finales have some entertainment and surprise potential and will be included here, but we can’t in good conscience suggest some others that normally would be appointment TV like the Iron Bowl and the Apple Cup. You might enjoy those, of course, especially if you’re an Alabama or Washington fan.

But if you want drama and excitement, we think this menu of eight contests will fill the bill.

No. 2 Ohio State at No. 3 Michigan

Time/TV: Saturday, noon ET, Fox.

Why watch: You have to ask? For the second consecutive season, the Buckeyes and Wolverines are undefeated as they take the field in arguably the sport’s most intense rivalry. The stakes might be even higher this time around if that’s possible, as the loser would find itself in a less secure position as far as at-large playoff consideration is concerned. There’s also the subplot of Michigan’s sign-stealing investigation that will once again keep head coach Jim Harbaugh off the sidelines. Wolverines QB J.J. McCarthy wasn’t his sharpest at Maryland last week, and Buckeyes DBs Jordan Hancock and Denzel Burke are more than capable of swiping any errant tosses. Michigan RB Blake Corum is likely to become well acquainted with Ohio State LB Tommy Eichenberg, who is expected to be back in action after sitting out the Minnesota game to heal an arm injury. Buckeyes QB Kyle McCord has 22 scoring throws with just four picks, but taking on LB Junior Colson and the Michigan defense will be the toughest challenge to date for the first-year starter. Having WR Marvin Harrison Jr. and RB TreVeyon Henderson in his huddle will help, but he’ll have to get TE Cade Stover involved as well.

Why it could disappoint: It could turn out to be a defensive struggle with points at a premium, but even if that is the case the intensity level will be in the torrid zone all afternoon. A rout seems highly improbable, as such a result would be quite damaging to the loser’s at-large case.

WEEKEND FORECAST: Experts picks for Ohio State-Michigan and more

BOWL PROJECTIONS: Ohio State moves into College Football Playoff

No. 15 Oregon State at No. 6 Oregon

Time/TV: Friday, 8:30 p.m. ET, Fox

Why it could disappoint: It shouldn’t, but a fast start by the Ducks might force the Beavers to quicken their tempo beyond their comfort zone. If Oregon State can handle the hostile Autzen Stadium atmosphere and keep it within shouting distance by intermission, it could go down to the wire.

Kentucky at No. 9 Louisville

Time/TV: Saturday, noon ET, ABC.

Why it could disappoint: And there’s the problem for Kentucky, which has struggled to get all phases of the offense working for stretches all season. Louisville’ has been rock solid at home, save for a close call against Virginia a few weeks ago, and could take charge of this one quickly.

Texas Tech at No. 7 Texas

Time/TV: Friday, 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC.

Why it could disappoint: Given Texas’s maddening habit of letting opponents hang around after grabbing the lead, the drama-free tune-up Longhorns’ fans would undoubtedly like to see might not come to pass. If the Red Raiders are able to control the ball for long stretches, they’ll keep it interesting well into the second half.

No. 4 Florida State at Florida

Time/TV: Saturday, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN

Why it could disappoint: Both offenses will have continuity issues, particularly at the beginning, so the game itself might not be high on the aesthetics scale. The Seminoles’ depth across the roster should carry the day eventually, but it may take a while.

Texas A&M at No. 14 LSU

Time/TV: Saturday, noon ET, ESPN.

Why it could disappoint: It largely hinges on the motivation of the Aggies’ players. If they take this as an audition for their new coaching staff – or possibly future new programs if they decide to go the way of the portal –, they could give the Tigers a run. LSU has made no secret of its campaign for individual awards, however, so a slew of big plays could put this away early.

Texas-San Antonio at No. 18 Tulane

Time/TV: Friday, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC.

Why it could disappoint: Texas A&M’s courtship of Texas-San Antonio coach Jeff Traylor is perhaps an unwelcome distraction, but that isn’t likely to have much of an impact on the players. Four of the Green Wave’s last five wins have come by a touchdown or less, so a blowout here either way seems extremely unlikely.

No. 1 Georgia at Georgia Tech

Time/TV: Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC.

Why it could disappoint: Yeah, did we mention Georgia is looking like the two-time defending champ again? The Bulldogs will almost certainly make short work of this one, but the strides made by the Yellow Jackets under Brent Key shouldn’t be discounted.