Rivalry Week didn’t let us down as there were many tight games.
Rivalry Week was the last week of the regular season and now teams that are playing this week for Championship Week will keep positioning themselves for a berth in the CFP.
Teams that are Bowl eligible, but are not playing on Championship week will hold out hope that they are awarded a great Bowl Game!
This is one of the last Top 5 rankings of the year besides re-ranking after Championship week and then one last time after the bowl season.
Many teams have already written their story and will be remembered in 2023 as a Top 5 team or a team that needs to re-tool and try again next season.
How will your team end the season and will they be a Top 5 team in their Conference?
Take a look and see where your team stands in this week’s Top 5 Rankings.
Scroll to the bottom to see how Rivalry Sports did on their picks for the Week 14 games and to see a summary of this week’s picks!
Win/Loss Records of the picks for Week 12:
| Picker | Rivalry Sports – Dustin Kirby | Guest Picker |
| Win – Loss Record Week 12 | 20 – 2 | 13 – 9 |
| Overall Won/Loss Record on Picks (starting in Week 5 for Dustin, week 6 for guest pickers) | 133 – 40 | 111 – 44 |
Guest Picker Won/Loss Records
| Guest Picker | Week | Won/Loss Record on Picks | Winning Percentage |
| Stephanie Kirby | 6 | 11 – 7 | 61.11% |
| Lance Kirby | 7 | 12 – 8 | 60.00% |
| Brandon Kirby | 8 | 11 – 5 | 68.75% |
| Nolan Kirby | 9 | 12 – 6 | 66.7% |
| Richard Strick | 10 | 18 – 3 | 85.71 |
| Bob Kirby | 11 | 14 – 5 | 73.68% |
| Stephanie Kirby | 12 | 20 – 1 | 95.24% |
| Jarrod Kirby | 13 | 13 – 9 | 59.09% |
RIVALRY SPORTS LOCK PICK OF THE WEEK
| Week | Rivalry Sports Game Score Pick | Actual Result |
| 6 | Notre Dame over Louisville | Louisville Over Notre Dame 33 – 20 |
| 7 | Utah over California 24 – 10 | Utah over California 34 – 14 |
| 8 | Michigan over Michigan State 38 – 17 | Michigan over Michigan State 49 – 0 |
| 9 | Penn State over Indiana 38 – 10 | Penn State over Indiana 33 – 24 |
| 10 | Michigan over Purdue 45 – 17 | Michigan over Purdue 41 – 13 |
| 11 | Oklahoma State over UCF 27 – 20 | UCF over Oklahoma State 45 – 3 |
| 12 | Ole Miss over Louisiana Monroe 34 – 20 | Ole Miss over Louisiana Monroe 35 – 3 |
| 13 | Utah over Colorado 34 – 17 | Utah over Colorado 23 – 17 |
| 14 | Michigan over Iowa – 27 – 17 |
Check out last week’s Top 5 Rankings
College football never disappoints, and this year is no exception. Let’s check in with the Weekly Rivalry Sports Top 5 for each Power Conference.
SEC TOP FIVE
Rivalry week in the SEC was exciting, but the Top 5 teams all won to keep a hold on their spot. Take a look below.
1. GEORGIA (12 – 0) AP Ranking – #1
Georgia was tested by rival Georgia Tech this past weekend, but they stayed focused and won by the score of 31 – 23 to secure a spot in the SEC Championship Game.
The Dawgs are the number one team in the nation and with a win over Alabama in the SEC Championship they will cement their spot in the CFP and leave themselves an opportunity to win three National Championships in a row!
Even with a loss in the SEC Championship it will be hard to keep Georgia out of the CFP as they have looked like a Top 4 team all year.
Last Week SEC Ranking: 1
Week 14 Opponent: Alabama at 4:00 PM EDT Saturday 12/2/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
2. ALABAMA (11 – 1) AP Ranking – #8
What a season in Tuscaloosa!
This was not the dominant season that we are all used to from Alabama, but legendary coach Nick Saban still led the Tide to 11 wins so far and a spot in the SEC Championship game.
This past week they struggled with rival Auburn and would have lost but for a play that will always be remembered when QB Jalen Milroe threw a 4th and 31 pass for a TD to win the game 27 – 24!
With a win in the SEC Championship the Tide will most likely be in the CFP again, but a loss will leave them on the outside looking in.
Last Week SEC Ranking: 2
Week 14 Opponent: Alabama at 4:00 PM EDT Saturday 12/2/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Loss
3. OLE MISS (10 – 2) AP Ranking – #11
The Rebels played Mississippi State in the Egg Bowl this past weekend and won the game 17 – 7.
It was a tough game as rivalry games usually are, but Ole Miss proved that they are a strong program with another 10 win season.
They now await their Bowl game matchup, but a win would really put the cherry on top of the season and set the Rebels up to be even stronger in 2024!
Last Week SEC Ranking: 3
Week 14 Opponent: Bowl Game TBD
Rivalry Sports Prediction:
4. Missouri (10 – 2) AP Ranking – #9
What a season for Missouri!
The Tigers exceeded everyone’s expectations, but maybe their own with a 10 win season.
They ended the regular season strongly by demolishing Arkansas by the score of 48 -14.
Missouri now waits to be awarded a Bowl game and see who they will face in their final game of the year.
Last Week SEC Ranking: 4
Week 14 Opponent: Bowl Game TBD
Rivalry Sports Prediction:
5. LSU (9 – 3) AP Ranking – #13
LSU was led by star QB Jayden Daniels once again and came back to beat Texas A&M this past weekend by the score of 42 – 30.
The win assured the Tigers a chance at another 10 win season, but it could have been so much more if their Defense would have been half as good as their Offense has been this year.
The Tigers hope to get a good Bowl game and put one more win in the books for the 2023 season!
Last Week SEC Ranking: 5
Week 14 Opponent: Bowl Game TBD
Rivalry Sports Prediction:
Dropped from SEC Top 5 Rankings:
Same 5 Teams as last week
Big Ten TOP FIVE
The Big Ten is still owned by Michigan in the East division and they will face Iowa in the Big Ten Championship.
Iowa is a strong team, but many injuries have them as a large underdog to the Wolverines in the Championship game.
1. MICHIGAN (12 – 0) AP Ranking – #2
The Wolverines showed everyone this past week that they are a “Dominant” team.
They don’t need sign stealing and they didn’t even need head coach Jim Harbaugh to beat the number 2 team in the nation when they defeated Ohio State 30 – 24 this past weekend.
The Wolverines have won the Big Ten for two seasons in a row and will look to make it three when they take on Iowa in the Big Ten Championship game this weekend.
This Michigan team has handled all kinds of adversity this year and although they had two of their biggest stars knocked out of last week’s game, they just find a way to win.
This year they are looking to not only win the Big Ten, but they are looking for a National Championship!
Last Week B1G Ranking: 1
Week 14 Opponent: Iowa at 8:00 PM EDT Saturday 12/2/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
2. OHIO STATE (11 – 1) AP Ranking – #6
The Buckeyes were devastated by their 30 – 24 loss to Michigan this past weekend in “The Game”.
That is the third year in a row that Ohio State has lost to their bitter rivals and Ohio State fans are so mad that some are calling for coach Ryan Day to be fired even though he has an amazing record against all teams besides Michigan.
The Buckeyes will now wait to see what Bowl game they end up in and although they have an outside chance at making the CFP, they will need lots of help to get there.
Last Week B1G Ranking: 2
Week 14 Opponent: Bowl Game TBD
Rivalry Sports Prediction:
3. PENN STATE (10 – 2) AP Ranking – #10
Penn State ended their regular season with a dominating 42 – 0 win over Michigan State!
It was an emphatic ending to a good season when Penn State was led by one of the best Defenses in the country.
Penn State will now wait in anticipation to see what Bowl Game they will end up in and who they will play.
Last Week B1G Ranking: 3
Week 14 Opponent: Bowl Game TBD
Rivalry Sports Prediction:
4. Iowa (10 – 2) AP Ranking – #18
Iowa just keeps winning.
I have said that phrase before, but it perfectly describes this program.
They have had a multitude of injuries to key players, but they are a program built on toughness and doing your job and the next guy always steps up.
They have a tough task ahead of them as they will be large underdogs to Michigan this week in the Big Ten Championship game.
With a win they will shock the world and secure a great bowl game. With a loss the Hawkeyes will still go to a good Bowl Game and either way they have once again won the Big Ten West Division.
Last Week B1G Ranking: 4
Week 14 Opponent: Michigan at 8:00 PM EDT Saturday 12/2/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Loss
5. Maryland (7 – 5) AP Ranking – Unranked
Maryland snuck back into the Big Ten Top 5 after the last week of the regular season by virtue of their 42 – 24 win over Rutgers this past weekend.
The Terps stumbled toward the end of the season, but winning their last regular season game gives them momentum going into Bowl season where they hope to end the season on a winning note!
Last Week B1G Ranking: Unranked
Week 14 Opponent: Bowl Game TBD
Rivalry Sports Prediction:
Dropped from Big 10 Top 5 Rankings:
Rutgers (6 – 6)
PAC-12 TOP FIVE
The Pac-12 had a fun and exciting Rivalry Week and all of the Top 5 teams won with the exception of Oregon State who lost to Oregon.
All 5 teams will keep their place in the Pac-12 Top 5.
1. WASHINGTON (12 – 0) AP Ranking – #3
Washington once again proved their resiliency with a last second 24 – 21 win over rival Washington State 24 – 21.
Washington will now get ready to take on Oregon this week in the Pac 12 Championship game!
With a win Washington is virtually guaranteed a spot in the CFP and if the Huskies lose they will still have a shot at being one of the four teams that make the CFP.
Last Week Pac-12 Ranking: 1
Week 14 Opponent: Oregon at 8:00 PM EDT Friday 12/1/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Loss
2. OREGON (11 – 1) AP Ranking – #5
Oregon continued to look like the best “one-loss” team in the nation when they demolished rival Oregon State last week by the score of 31 – 7.
The Ducks now prepare for a rematch with Washington in the Pac 12 Championship game.
With a win Oregon is almost certain to make the CFP, but a loss will certainly cost them a spot in the CFP, although they will still make a great bowl game.
Last Week Pac-12 Ranking: 2
Week 14 Opponent: Washington at 8:00 PM EDT Friday 12/1/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
3. Arizona (9 – 3) AP Ranking – #14
Arizona finished the regular season with a strong 59 – 23 win over rival Arizona State.
The Wildcats will now wait a couple of weeks to find out what Bowl Game they will end up in.
Last Week Pac-12 Ranking: 3
Week 14 Opponent: Bowl Game TBD
Rivalry Sports Prediction:
4. OREGON STATE (8 – 4) AP Ranking – #22
Oregon State took two losses this past weekend.
First they were destroyed by their rival Oregon by the score of 31 – 7 and then head coach Jonathan Smith left the program to take the head coaching job at Michigan State.
It was a devastating way to end the season and although the Beavers had a good season, there is surely a sour taste left in their mouths.
They will look to end the season on a strong note when they play their Bowl game.
Last Week Pac-12 Ranking: 4
Week 14 Opponent: Bowl Game TBD
Rivalry Sports Prediction:
5. UTAH (8 – 4) AP Ranking – #Unranked
The Utes finished their season with a 23 – 17 win over Colorado.
Utah had a strong season, but still fell below their expectations.
They can win their Bowl game to leave a good taste in their mouths and they also have the return of star QB Cam Rising to look forward to for the 2024 season.
Last Week Pac-12 Ranking: 5
Week 14 Opponent: Bowl Game TBD
Rivalry Sports Prediction:
Dropped from Pac – 12 Top 5 Rankings:
Same 5 as Last Week
BIG 12 TOP FIVE
The Big 12 has been the most difficult Conference to determine the top two teams in, but we are set to have Texas battle Oklahoma State in the Big 12 Championship game!
1. TEXAS (11 – 1) AP Ranking – #7
Texas destroyed Texas Tech 57 – 7 this past week and secured their spot in the Big 12 Championship game.
With a win in the Championship game the Longhorns will hold on to a slight chance of making the CFP, but a loss will knock them out of the running.
Last Week Pac-12 Ranking: 1
Week 14 Opponent: Oklahoma State at 12:00 PM EDT Saturday 12/2/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
2. OKLAHOMA (10 – 2) AP Ranking – #12
The Sooners beat TCU 69 – 45 last week to keep the number two spot in the Big 12 Top 5, but they won’t be playing in the Big 12 Championship game.
By virtue of their loss to rival Oklahoma State earlier this year they lost out on the chance to make the Big 12 Championship game.
However the Sooners have had a good season and will be awarded a great Bowl game.
Last Week Pac-12 Ranking: 2
Week 14 Opponent: Bowl Game TBD
Rivalry Sports Prediction:
3. Oklahoma State (9 – 3) AP Ranking – #19
The Cowboys needed a win vs BYU to lock in their spot in the Big 12 Championship and they delivered with a 40 – 34 come from behind win.
The Cowboys are an erratic team, but when they are on, they are tough to beat.
They will look to spoil Texas’ chances at the CFP as well as improve their own Bowl game with a win in the Big 12 Championship game!
Last Week Pac-12 Ranking: 3
Week 14 Opponent: Texas at 12:00 PM EDT Saturday 12/2/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Loss
4. Kansas State (8 – 4) AP Ranking – #Unranked
Kansas State could never seem to put it all together this year and ended the regular season with a 42 – 35 loss to rival Iowa State.
The Wildcats have the talent and coaching, but were too inconsistent.
They will get one last shot at ending their season on a good note when they are awarded a spot in a Bowl game.
Last Week Big 12 Ranking: 4
Week 14 Opponent: Bowl Game TBD
Rivalry Sports Prediction:
5. KANSAS (8 – 4) AP Ranking – #Unranked
QB Jason Bean returned from injury and led Kansas to a 49 – 16 win over Cincinnati to close out the regular season on a strong note.
The Jayhawks will now look to see what Bowl game they are awarded and try to end their season on a winning streak.
Last Week Pac-12 Ranking: 5
Week 14 Opponent: Bowl Game TBD
Rivalry Sports Prediction:
Dropped from Big 12 Top 5 Rankings:
Same 5 as Last Week
ACC TOP FIVE
The ACC has taken a couple of hits over the past two weeks.
First, Florida State, the top team in the ACC lost their star QB for the season. Next, Louisville, the second place team in the ACC was upset by their rival Kentucky in a game that Louisville was favored to win.
It was not a good look for the ACC when their second place team was beat by a middling team in the SEC.
It also hurts FSU’s chances of making the CFP. The Seminoles are certainly “deserving” of a spot in the top 4, but will the committee see them as a top 4 team without star QB Jordan Travis, especially now that their Conference has looked weaker than other conferences.
1. FLORIDA STATE (12 – 0) AP Ranking – #4
The Seminoles came back to beat rival Florida by the score of 24 -15 last week.
It wasn’t a dominant victory, but any victory against the Gators in the Swamp is a good win.
Will the committee see it as enough to put FSU back in the top 4 with a backup QB leading the charge?
This week’s Championship game against Louisville is pivotal if FSU wants a chance at a CFP berth.
Last Week ACC Ranking: 1
Week 14 Opponent: Louisville Cardinals at 8:00 PM EDT Saturday 12/2/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
2. LOUISVILLE CARDINALS (10 – 2) AP Ranking – #15
The Cardinals have had a good season, but what a disappointing end of the year!
Not only did the Cardinals lose to their rival Kentucky 38 – 31 when they were favored, they also lost their outside chance at a CFP berth.
Louisville will look to right the ship when they take on Florida State in the ACC Championship Game this weekend.
A win gives the Cardinals the ACC Championship and cements this as a wildly successful season, while a loss slightly diminishes how the season is viewed.
Last Week ACC Ranking: 2
Week 14 Opponent: Louisville Cardinals at 8:00 PM EDT Saturday 12/2/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Loss
3. NC State (9 – 3) AP Ranking – #21
NC State continued their strong finish to the season with a dominant 39 – 20 win over rival North Carolina.
The Wolfpack have continued to improve throughout the season and will be a tough matchup for whomever they face in their Bowl game.
Last Week ACC Ranking: 3
Week 14 Opponent: Bowl Game TBD
Rivalry Sports Prediction:
4. Clemson (8 – 4) AP Ranking – #Unranked
Clemson did not have a season that met their high expectations, but they did end the season with a four game winning streak, including last week when they beat rival South Carolina 16 – 7.
It was a tough season for the Tigers, but with a strong finish it gives them hope in their Bowl game and then going into the 2024 season.
Last Week ACC Ranking: 5
Week 14 Opponent: Bowl Game TBD
Rivalry Sports Prediction:
5. NORTH CAROLINA (8 – 4) AP Ranking – #Unranked
LIke too many times in the last few seasons the Tar Heels stumbled to the finish line of the regular season after starting so strong.
This past week they were crushed by their rival NC State by the score of 39 – 20.
North Carolina will still get in a good bowl game, but that is little consolation when their season could have been so much more.
Last Week ACC Ranking: 4
Week 14 Opponent: Bowl Game TBD
Rivalry Sports Prediction:
Dropped from Big 12 Top 5 Rankings:
Same 5 as Last Week
NOTABLE Week 14 GAMES
The season just continues to provide us with games to look forward to. Rivalry week always has too many great games to mention as each game can make someone’s season, but here are a few of the highest ranked games.
- #5 Oregon vs #3 Washington – The Winner of this rematch will get into the CFP!
- #2 Michigan vs #18 Iowa – Michigan is a huge favorite and if they can win the game they will guarantee themselves a spot in the CFP! If Iowa can upset Michigan it will be one of the greatest upsets of all time.
- #1 Georgia vs #8 Alabama– Georgia has won 29 games in a row and with a win in this game they will be guaranteed a spot in the CFP. If Alabama is able to pull out a win it will put the CFP committee in a quandary as both Alabama and Georgia will be deserving of making the CFP, but that would leave other deserving teams out of the top 4.
- #19 Oklahoma State vs #7 Texas – With a win, Texas will have an outside shot at the CFP, but if Oklahoma State can beat Texas then they will gladly ruin the Longhorns season and will have had one of the biggest turnaround seasons from beginning to end ever!
- #15 Louisville vs #4 Florida State – FSU has put together a season deserving of a CFP berth, but with star QB Jordan Travis out for the season, many so called experts are saying they should not get into the CFP. The Seminoles are out to prove that one player does not make their team, but they will need to easily defeat Louisville to prove their point. On the other hand, Louisville just lost to their rival and want to get back to winning during their magical season and an ACC Championship would make their season a success.
Rivalry Sports Lock Pick of the Week – Michigan over Iowa – 27 – 17
Rivalry Sports Underdog Pick of the Week – Oregon over Washington
Check back in for updated Top 5 Rankings next week!
WEEK 13 PICKS REVIEWED
| Week 13 Pick Results by Conference | Record |
| SEC | 5 – 0 |
| B1G (Big Ten) | 4 – 1 |
| Pac – 12 | 5 – 0 |
| Big – 12 | 4 – 1 |
| ACC | 5 – 0 |
| Total | 23 – 2 |
WEEK 13 GAME PICK RESULTS
| GAME | RIVALRY SPORTS PICK – Dustin Kirby | GUEST PICKER PICK – Jarrod Kirby | WINNER |
| Georgia vs Georgia Tech | Georgia | Georgia | Georgia |
| Alabama vs Auburn | Alabama | Alabama | Alabama |
| Ole Miss vs Mississippi State | Ole Miss | Mississippi State | Ole Miss |
| Missouri vs Arkansas | Missouri | Missouri | Missouri |
| Texas A&M vs LSU | LSU | Texas A&M | LSU |
| Ohio State vs Michigan | Michigan | Michigan | Michigan |
| Penn State vs Michigan State | Penn State | Penn State | Penn State |
| Iowa vs Nebraska | Iowa | Nebraska | Iowa |
| Maryland vs Rutgers | Rutgers | Rutgers | Maryland |
| Washington State vs Washington | Washington | Washington | Washington |
| Oregon State vs Oregon | Oregon | Oregon | Oregon |
| Arizona vs Arizona State | Arizona | Arizona State | Arizona |
| Colorado vs Utah | Utah | Utah | Utah |
| Texas Tech vs Texas | Texas | Texas | Texas |
| TCU vs Oklahoma | Oklahoma | TCU | Oklahoma |
| BYU vs Oklahoma State | Oklahoma State | Oklahoma State | Oklahoma State |
| Iowa State vs Kansas State | Kansas State | Kansas State | Iowa State |
| Kansas vs Cincinnati | Kansas | Kansas | Kansas |
| Florida State vs Florida | Florida State | FSU | FSU |
| Kentucky vs Louisville | Kentucky | Louisville | Kentucky |
| North Carolina vs NC State | NC State | North Carolina | NC State |
| Clemson vs South Carolina | Clemson | Clemson | Clemson |
| WINS PER PICKER | 20 | 13 | 22 |
Week 14 Game Picks
| Game (Home team listed 2nd) | Rivalry Sports Pick – Dustin Kirby | Guest Picker – | Winner |
| Oregon vs Washington | Oregon | ||
| Oklahoma State vs Texas | Texas | ||
| Georgia vs Alabama | Georgia | ||
| Michigan vs Iowa | Michigan | ||
| Louisville vs Florida State | Florida State | ||
| WINS PER PICKER |
