Week 13-14 Preview: 5 Important Games Remaining in the SEC & ACC

Written by Carter Ball

After an Oklahoma upset victory over Alabama for the second consecutive year, the SEC is wide open. Coming into Week 13, there are six teams solidly in CFP contention (2 losses or less), however, some of these teams will inevitably play each other in games that will shape the playoff landscape in a large way. In this article, we preview those games.

5. Kentucky at Louisville

A matchup with minimal implications for Kentucky, this game could significantly shape the ACC playoff landscape. If Kentucky can pull off this upset, the ACC could be left out of the playoffs entirely.

4. Missouri at Oklahoma

Dethroning a rolling Oklahoma team following an emotional road win at Alabama will be difficult for true freshman Matt Zollers and the rest of this Missouri team. However, OU's reliance on its passing game and inability to rush the ball consistently could leave the Sooners vulnerable to a potential upset. If OU wins this game, they all but guarantee themselves a 10-2 finish with a chance to sneak into the playoffs; a loss, however, takes OU out of contention entirely. Keep in mind that the group's season victory against Michigan will help OU in CFP discussions.

3. Vanderbilt at Tennessee

A rivalry matchup with loads of pride on the line following an offseason of trash talk from Diego Pavia gets a boost, considering the Commodores' playoff hopes rely entirely on this game. In Rocky Top with playoff implications in late November, don't be surprised if this game is the start of a new, wonderful chapter in one of CFB's oldest rivalries.

2. Alabama at Auburn

This was a game that didn't matter much prior to Bama choking their easy playoff path away against Oklahoma. With an interim head coach and the chance to ruin a rival's season, this will be one of the best and most important games of the year in yet another playoff play-in game for the Sooners.

1. Georgia at Georgia Tech

In yet another matchup with implications in both the SEC and the ACC, the Bulldogs and Yellow Jackets face off in a rivalry rematch of last year's overtime thriller. A win for GT helps ensure ACC representation in the playoffs and positively impacts the country's overall resume. Additionally, while the Dawgs would likely get in regardless following the group's commanding victory against top ten Texas last week, a loss could keep Georgia out of the playoffs depending on Alabama's result against Auburn. A rivalry matchup with playoff implications in two conferences, this will be must-watch TV.

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