1 Alabama vs. No. 3 Ohio State (8 p.m., ESPN, Raymond James Stadium, Tamp | Forum

Its here. Tyler Johnson Lightning Jersey .College footballs Rivalry Week features trophies, grudges, season-making wins and season-breaking losses. Heres an illustrated look at seven of the sports biggest rivalries. All seven will be played this weekend, and all have some impact on the College Football Playoff race.We even threw in everything you need to know -- and read -- about each game.The Game (noon ET on Saturday, ABC)How could The Game get any bigger? No. 3 Michigan faces No. 2 Ohio State with playoff implications added to the tradition.All-time series: Michigan leads 58-48-6.Last years result: Ohio State 42, Michigan 13Everything you need to read before kickoffTen years later, the 2006 Michigan-Ohio State game still resonatesFootball and friendship bond Michigans Jourdan Lewis and the Vasher twinsThe power of J.T. Barretts voiceUrban Meyer, Jim Harbaugh lead to rivalrys new Ten Year WarInfographic: Jim Harbaughs handiwork at MichiganJim Harbaughs circle of friends is as cool as youd expectDear Jim Harbaugh, heres how you beat Ohio StateIron Bowl (3:30 p.m. ET Saturday, CBS)Can Auburn put a dent in No. 1 Alabamas perfect season? Can anybody put a dent in Alabamas perfect season??All-time series: Alabama leads 44-35-1.Last years result: Alabama 29, Auburn 13Everything you need to read before kickoffAlabamas Reuben Foster (and his Auburn tattoo) ready for final Iron BowlWhat if Sean White cant start for Auburn?Even for Bama, going undefeated is no easy featHow Auburn can beat AlabamaApple Cup (3:30 ET on Friday, FS1)This season, Washington and Washington State battle for control of the Pac-12 North. At stake (other than state pride, of course): The Huskies playoff hopes.All-time series: Washington leads 70-32-6.Last years result: Washington 45, Washington State 10Everything you need to read before kickoffFor Mike Leach, Apple Cup is the main prize for Washington StateWashingtons strength of schedule not wowing CFP committeeCelebrating the weird and wonderful history of the Apple CupThe story of Ol Crimson, Wazzus GameDay legendGovernors Cup (noon ET Saturday, ESPN)After falling out of the CFP top four, Louisville tries to bounce back against Kentucky. The Cardinals are probably a long shot, at best, to crack the CFPs top four. But theres still plenty to play for, especially for Heisman frontrunner Lamar Jackson.All-time series: Series tied 14-14.Last years result: Louisville 38, Kentucky 24Everything you need to read before kickoffLamar Jackson maintains strong Heisman lead despite poor performance against HoustonStoops, Kentucky jump major hurdle by making bowlPaul Bunyans Axe (3:30 p.m. ET Saturday, BTN)Wisconsin needs to keep winning, but Minnesota could make things interesting in the Big Ten West. The Badgers need to take out their old rivals to keep their CFP chances alive.All-time series:?Minnesota leads 59-58-8.Last years result: Wisconsin 31, Minnesota 21Everything you need to read before kickoffHow Wisconsins Vince Biegel went from a cranberry marsh to mashing QBsLand-grant rivals (3:30 p.m. ET Saturday, ESPN)Penn State has B1G title hopes. Can Michigan State, a CFP team a year ago, upset the playoff-hopeful Lions?All-time series:?Michigan State leads 15-14-1.Last years result: Michigan State 55, Penn State 16?Palmetto Bowl (7:30 p.m. ET Saturday, ESPN)No. 4 Clemson is trying to stay in the playoff race. South Carolina would love to ruin any playoff plans.All-time series:?Clemson leads 67-42-4.Last years result: Clemson 37, South Carolina 32Everything you need to read before kickoffJordan Leggett keeps pushing for a fallen teammate Martin St. Louis Jersey . Thousands of Southern California fans enveloped the Trojans to celebrate an improbable win secured by an interim coach, an inconsistent kicker and a thin defence that wouldnt break. Cedric Paquette Lightning Jersey . -- Nate Robinson has played for seven teams, so beating one of them is no longer a rare occurrence. http://www.lightninghockeystore.us/Ryan-Mcdonagh-Jersey/ . -- New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Reis is retiring after a 16-year career to become the goalie coach for the Los Angeles Galaxy. The bowl matchups are set, and its time to break down each one. Forty-one games. Forty-two predictions. Heres hoping for a better record than last year. (Dont ask.)Ready, set, bowl!Dec. 17Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl: North Carolina Central vs. Grambling? (noon ET, ABC, Georgia Dome, Atlanta) The bowl slate gets off to a competitive start in Atlanta as these teams have similar profiles, but its impossible to go against Mr. Excitement, Grambling running back Martez Carter, whose big-play ability puts the Tigers over the top. Grambling ?31, North Carolina Central 28.Gildan New Mexico Bowl: New Mexico vs. Texas-San Antonio(2 p.m., ESPN, University Stadium, Albuquerque, New Mexico) Former LSU assistant Frank Wilson has done an excellent job in his first season at UTSA, but the Roadrunners will struggle against the nations best rushing attack in New Mexico. Led by 1,200-yard back Teriyon Gipson, the Lobos get the win on their home field. New Mexico 38, UTSA 27.Las Vegas Bowl presented by Geico: Houston vs. San Diego State (3:30 p.m., ABC, Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas) Houston brings the nations No. 3 rushing defense to Sin City to face San Diego States Donnel Pumphrey, a Las Vegas native who ranks second nationally in rushing yards (2,018). Who gets the edge? Houstons motivation level is a concern, and Pumphrey had a big day in his return home. San Diego State 34, Houston 28.Raycom Media Camellia Bowl: Appalachian State vs. Toledo (5:30 p.m., ESPN, Cramton Bowl, Montgomery, Alabama) These teams are evenly matched -- Toledo is No. 55 in ESPNs FPI and Appalachian State is No. 58 -- and both have electrifying rushing threats in the Rockets Kareem Hunt and the Mountaineers Jalin Moore. Appalachian States defense will be the big difference, as the Mountaineers are stingy, especially on third down (15th nationally in conversions). Appalachian State 28, Toledo 23.AutoNation Cure Bowl: UCF vs. Arkansas State (5:30 p.m., CBS Sports Network, Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida) UCF is back in a bowl game under first-year coach Scott Frost after going 0-12 in 2015, while Arkansas State climbed out of an 0-4 hole to win seven of its final eight. Both teams will be motivated, but UCF is playing 25 minutes from campus and, led by the remarkable Shaquem Griffin, subdues the Red Wolves with defense. UCF 26, Arkansas State 21.R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl: Southern Mississippi vs. Louisiana-Lafayette (9 p.m., ESPN, Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans) The matchup oozes with regional flavor, but Southern Miss has a decided edge on offense behind quarterback Nick Mullens, who has a big night against a middling Louisiana-Lafayette team that suffers its first (non-vacated) loss in five appearances in the New Orleans Bowl. Southern Miss 40, Louisiana-Lafayette 36.Dec. 19Miami Beach Bowl: Central Michigan vs. Tulsa (2:30 p.m., ESPN, Marlins Park, Miami) Tulsa quietly had one of the better seasons among Group of 5 teams, as quarterback Dane Evans led a fast and talented offense that eclipsed 30 points in all but one game (Ohio State). The Golden Hurricane keep it rolling against a Central Michigan team that faded considerably down the stretch. Tulsa 45, Central Michigan 21.Dec. 20Boca Raton Bowl: Memphis vs. Western Kentucky (7 p.m., ESPN, FAU Stadium, Boca Raton, Florida) Take the over in this one. These teams combine to average 84.6 points per game. Western Kentucky has had four 50-point games, while Memphis scored 77 on Sept. 24. Memphis seems more battle-tested after playing in the AAC, and the uncertainty about coach Jeff Brohms future makes me leery about the Hilltoppers. Memphis in a shootout. Memphis 45, Western Kentucky 40.Dec. 21San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl: BYU vs. Wyoming (9 p.m., ESPN, Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego) Theres a common opponent here, as Wyoming beat Boise State while BYU fell a point short. But Kalani Sitakes team played a much tougher overall schedule and held its own every time out. BYUs defense is deciding factor in a low-scoring affair. BYU 26, Wyoming 19.Dec. 22Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Idaho vs. Colorado State (7 p.m., ESPN, Albertsons Stadium, Boise, Idaho) Idahos Paul Petrino quietly did one of the best jobs in the Group of 5, especially with the Vandals soon dropping down a level, but Colorado States powerful offense makes the difference. Nick Stevens is an emerging star, and the Rams quarterback has a big night in Boise. Colorado State 45, Idaho 34.Dec. 23Popeyes Bahamas Bowl: Eastern Michigan vs. Old Dominion (1 p.m., ESPN, Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, Nassau, Bahamas) Chris Creighton did an incredible job coaching Eastern Michigan to seven wins, especially with a rash of injuries, but a balanced Old Dominion offense led by quarterback David Washington and running back Ray Lawry will be too much to handle. Old Dominion 45, Eastern Michigan 27.Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl: Louisiana Tech vs. No. 25 Navy (4:30 p.m., ESPN, Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, Texas) Both teams dropped league championship games on Saturday, but Navy endured the more painful setback, losing quarterback Will Worth and slotback Toneo Gulley on the same play. Without Worth, Navy will have a hard time outlasting Ryan Higgins, Trent Taylor and the Louisiana Tech offense. Louisiana Tech 43, Navy 33.Dollar General Bowl: Ohio vs. Troy (8 p.m., ESPN, Ladd-Peebles Stadium, Mobile, Alabama) The age gap between Ohio coach Frank Solich (72) and Troy coach Neal Brown (36) will be a lot larger than the one on the scoreboard. Both teams had nice midseason stretches before fading late, but Troy has the edge at quarterback with Brandon Silvers, who puts up a big fourth quarter in the win. Troy 33, Ohio 27.Dec. 24Hawaii Bowl: Hawaii vs. Middle Tennessee (8 p.m., ESPN, Aloha Stadium, Honolulu) Hawaii has home-field advantage, and Middle Tennessee lost top quarterback Brent Stockstill to a broken collarbone in November. Still, its hard not to pick the Blue Raiders, with an offense that scored 115 points in the final two games without Stockstill. Middle Tennessee 40, Hawaii 28.Dec. 26St. Petersburg Bowl: Miami (Ohio) vs. Mississippi State (11 a.m., ESPN, Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida) Mississippi State is 5-7 and Miami (Ohio) went from 0-6 to 6-6, so sizing up this one is tricky. But Bulldogs dual-threat quarterback Nick Fitzgerald will make the difference against a good Miami defense, as another 5-7 squad finishes with a bowl victory. Mississippi State 33, Miami (Ohio) 24.Quick Lane Bowl: Maryland vs. Boston College (2:30 p.m., ESPN, Ford Field, Detroit) Maryland and BC are Nos. 75 and 76 in FPI, just above 3-9 Arizona, and both struggled mightily against the elite of their respective conferences. It comes down to which squad makes the most strides during bowl preparation. Boston College gets it done in Motown. Boston College 24, Maryland 21.Camping World Independence Bowl: NC State vs. Vanderbilt (5 p.m., ESPN2, Independence Stadium, Shreveport, Louisiana) Two of the nations best under-the-radar defenders share the field in Vanderbilt linebacker Zach Cunningham (16 tackles for loss) and NC State defensive end Bradley Chubb (21 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks). Neither offense gets much going, but NC State star Matthew Dayes reaches the end zone in the final minute for the win. NC State 20, Vanderbilt 17.Dec. 27Zaxbys Heart of Dallas Bowl: Army vs. North Texas (noon, ESPN, Cotton Bowl, Dallas) Whats exciting? Army is in its first bowl game since 2010. Whats not so exciting? These teams played Oct. 22, a 17-point North Texas victory. It will be closer this time around, but the Mean Green continue the success of 5-7 teams in bowl games. North Texas 28, Army 22.Military Bowl Presented by Northrop Grumman: No. 24 Temple vs. Wake Forest (3:30 p.m., ESPN, Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis, Maryland) Temple might be the Group of 5 version of USC: a team no one wants to play right now. Wake Forest struggled down the stretch and lacks the firepower to beat the remarkably balanced Owls, who outscored their opponents 427-224. Temple pulls away to secure its first bowl win since 2011 and just the second in team history. Temple 35, Wake Forest 17.National Funding Holiday Bowl: Minnesota vs. Washington State (7 p.m., ESPN, Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego) Both defenses are solid, but quarterback Luke Falk gives Washington State a major advantage over Minnesota, which simply hasnt seen the improvement it needed from veteran signal-caller Mitch Leidner. The Gophers hang around for a half before Falk and his wide receivers start stretching the field. Washington State 37, Minnesota 24.Motel 6 Cactus Bowl: Boise State vs. Baylor (10:15 p.m., ESPN, Chase Field, Phoenix) Baylors season cant end soon enough, while Boise State saw its New Years Six hopes fade with two losses in its final five league contests. The Broncos have more quality wins and a decided edge on defense against Baylor, with its offense missing quarterback?Seth Russell. Boise State pulls away in the fourth quarter behind running back?Jeremy McNichols. Boise State 44, Baylor 31.Dec. 28New Era Pinstripe Bowl: No. 23 Pittsburgh vs. Northwestern (2 p.m., ESPN, Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York) Pitt has the strongest 8-4 record in the country -- wins over No. 2 Clemson and No. 5 Penn State -- and a coach (Pat Narduzzi) who faced Northwestern as a defensive coordinator on various teams for years. Northwesterns offense has improved enough to keep pace into the second half, but Pitt will be too much in the fourth as James Conner scores two touchdowns. Pitt 38, Northwestern 28.Russell Athletic Bowl: No. 16 West Virginia vs. Miamii (5:30 p. Alex Killorn Jersey. m., ESPN, Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida) A streaky Miami team ended the season on an upswing, but West Virginia has the experience and talent on both sides of the ball. WVU has the edge on the perimeter with cornerback Rasul Douglas and a receiving corps -- Dakiel Shorts Jr.?and?Shelton Gibson -- loaded with playmakers. The Mountaineers win a tight one. West Virginia 34, Miami 33.Foster Farms Bowl: Indiana vs. No. 19 Utah (8:30 p.m., Fox, Levis Stadium, Santa Clara, California) Despite Utahs late-season fade, its hard to go against coach Kyle Whittingham, who is 9-1 in bowl games and brings the more talented squad to the Bay Area. New Indiana coach Tom Allen will have his Hoosiers ready to go, but Utahs defensive front, stocked with NFL-caliber talent, pushes the Utes over the top. Utah 37, Indiana 28.AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl: Texas A&M vs. Kansas State (9 p.m., ESPN, NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas) Texas A&M has more talent but limped to the finish, while Kansas State finished strong against mostly weak competition. The game site certainly favors Kevin Sumlins Aggies, but Kansas State is the more energized and motivated team, and rides its defense to victory. Kansas State 35, Texas A&M 28.Dec. 29Birmingham Bowl: South Florida vs. South Carolina (2 p.m., ESPN, Legion Field, Birmingham, Alabama) Remember what Deshaun Watson did to South Carolina a few weeks ago? Expect a slightly less severe version of that with South Floridas Quinton Flowers, one of the nations most underappreciated stars. Flowers accounts for four touchdowns in the Bulls first bowl win since 2010. South Florida 41, South Carolina 24.Belk Bowl: Arkansas vs. No. 22 Virginia Tech (5:30 p.m., ESPN, Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina) Despite an ACC championship game loss, Virginia Tech is trending in the right direction under Justin Fuente. Arkansas is simply too inconsistent and surprisingly shaky along both lines. Hokies quarterback Jerod Evans accounts for four scores as Virginia Tech finishes with 10 wins in Fuentes first season. Virginia Tech 38, Arkansas 27.Valero Alamo Bowl: No. 12 Oklahoma State vs. No. 10 Colorado (9 p.m., ESPN, Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas) San Antonio will host another entertaining and competitive game between two league runners-up, but Colorados experience and balance will make the difference. Mason Rudolph and James Washington strike early, but Colorado rallies behind running back?Phillip Lindsay?to cap an improbable season under coach Mike MacIntyre. Colorado 38, Oklahoma State 35.Dec. 30AutoZone Liberty Bowl: Georgia vs. TCU (noon, ESPN, Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, Memphis, Tennessee) TCUs Gary Patterson is great in the postseason, winning eight of his past 10 bowl appearances. But Georgia is the team with greater urgency after a disappointing debut season for Kirby Smart. Freshman quarterback Jacob Eason and the Bulldogs make the necessary progress during bowl preparation and hand TCU another close loss in a season filled with inconsistency. Georgia 28, TCU 25.Hyundai Sun Bowl: No. 18 Stanford vs. North Carolina (2 p.m., CBS Sun Bowl, El Paso, Texas) Theres no way Stanfords Christian McCaffrey replicates the 2016 Rose Bowl performance in El Paso ... or does he? McCaffrey quietly has been very productive for the Cardinal and North Carolina allows 235.5 rush yards per game. WildCaff runs wild in possibly his final college game as Stanford finishes with another 10-win season. Stanford 45, North Carolina 34.Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl: Nebraska vs. No. 21 Tennessee (3:30 p.m., ESPN, Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee) Both teams faded down the stretch, and its difficult to trust a Tennessee team that so rarely plays to its talent level. But the Vols will be playing a virtual home game, and Nebraska looked dreadful its last time out against Iowa. Tennessee ends a disappointing season on a feel-good note, but its fleeting, as Butch Jones will be on the hot seat in 2017. Tennessee 36, Nebraska 28.Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl: South Alabama vs. Air Force (5:30 p.m., Campus Insiders, Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Arizona) South Alabama had one of the stranger seasons in the FBS, beating an SEC team (Mississippi State) and a league champion (San Diego State) but struggling in most of its road games. Air Force endured an October slide but boasts wins against Boise State and Navy. Troy Calhouns coaching future is a subplot here, but Air Forces defense subdues South Alabama. Air Force 31, South Alabama 21.Capital One Orange Bowl: No. 6 Michigan vs. No. 11 Florida State (8 p.m., ESPN, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida) Michigan recorded 44 sacks under first-year defensive coordinator Don Brown aka Dr. Blitz. Florida State freshman Deondre Francois spent most of his freshman season absorbing hits. This is an awful matchup for FSUs offensive line, and despite great talent on the Noles roster, Michigan wins fairly easily. Michigan 34, Florida State 24.Dec. 31Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl: No. 20 LSU vs. No. 13 Louisville (11 a.m., ABC, Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida) Ed Orgeron draws Lamar Jackson, the likely Heisman Trophy winner, in his first game as LSUs permanent head coach. Motivation could be key here as Louisville looked like a lock for the New Years Six three weeks ago, while LSU is energized by Coach Os hiring. Dave Arandas defense limits Jackson, and LSUs run game steps up in crunch time. LSU 31, Louisville 27.TaxSlayer Bowl: Georgia Tech vs. Kentucky (11 a.m., ESPN, EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Florida) Both of these teams seemed to have several seasons packed into one, but Georgia Techs strong finish, propelled by quarterback Justin Thomas, makes the difference in a shootout against a Kentucky defense allowing 225 rush yards per game. Georgia Tech 42, Kentucky 36.Jan. 2Outback Bowl: No. 17 Florida vs. Iowa (1 p.m., ABC, Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida) The Gators season will end the same way as last year -- SEC East division title, lopsided losses to Florida State and to Alabama in the SEC title game, and a bowl loss -- although their bowl performance will be better this time. Points will be scarce, but the current Big Ten quarterback (Iowas C.J. Beathard) outplays the former Big Ten quarterback (Floridas Austin Appleby) as the Hawkeyes prevail. Iowa 17, Florida 14.Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic: No. 15 Western Michigan vs. No. 8 Wisconsin (1 p.m., ESPN, AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas) P.J. Flecks Boat Rowers are 2-0 against Big Ten teams this season, and star wide receiver Corey Davis will challenge a Wisconsin secondary that showed cracks against Penn State. But Wisconsins run game and defensive front seven make the difference in the second half as Corey Clement eclipses 200 rush yards against WMU. Wisconsin 36, Western Michigan 24.Rose Bowl Game Presented by Northwestern Mutual: No. 9 USC vs. No. 5 Penn State (5 p.m., ESPN, Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California) No two coaches led better in-season turnarounds than USCs Clay Helton and PSUs James Franklin thanks in large part to quarterbacks Sam Darnold (USC) and Trace McSorley (PSU). Both teams and both quarterbacks are hot, and both have dynamic running backs (Saquon Barkley at Penn State and Justin Davis at USC) and receivers (USCs JuJu Smith-Schuster and Penn States DaeSean Hamilton). Expect a shootout, but USC mounts a late drive for the win. USC 38, Penn State 36.Allstate Sugar Bowl: No. 14 Auburn vs. No. 7 Oklahoma (8:30 p.m., ESPN, Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans) Auburns defense gives the Tigers a real chance here, but Oklahoma simply has too much firepower, and its own defense made strides down the stretch. Both teams can run the ball effectively, but the Sooners have a massive edge at quarterback with Baker Mayfield, who channels predecessor Trevor Knight in outclassing an SEC team from Alabama in New Orleans. Oklahoma 34, Auburn 29.Dec. 31College Football Playoff semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl No. 4 Washington vs. No. 1 Alabama (3 p.m., ESPN, Georgia Dome, Atlanta) Washington actually has the type of defense and kicking game to keep pace with Alabama, but quarterback Jake Brownings struggles against top competition -- he completed just 38 of 80 passes against Utah, USC and Colorado -- dont bode well against a smothering Tide defense, which records another takeaway for points in the win. Alabama 31, Washington 20.College Football Playoff semifinal at the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl No. 3 Ohio State vs. No. 2 Clemson (7 p.m., ESPN, University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona) Clemson has the right talent mix to beat Alabama, but the Tigers have been too inconsistent. Urban Meyer has only two bowl losses -- one to Clemson three years ago -- but he elevates his young team, especially the passing game, in this one. Ohio State builds a lead and holds on against?Deshaun Watson?in an instant classic, winning on a field goal. Ohio State 31, Clemson 29.Jan. 9College Football Playoff National Championship No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 3 Ohio State (8 p.m., ESPN, Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida) College footballs pre-eminent coaches -- Alabamas Nick Saban and Ohio States Urban Meyer -- finally meet to decide a national title, and the game lives up to expectations. Both defenses record touchdowns, and Ohio State, despite its youth, pushes Alabama to the brink. But the Tide defense proves too much against a mostly youthful Buckeyes offense in the second half, and Alabama repeats at a perfect 15-0. Alabama 30, Ohio State 24. ' ' '