This week is known for turkey and good feasting, and while we appreciate well-cooked birds, our focus is on guiding you, the avid college football fan, away from disappointing games during this festive time.

Keeping that perspective in mind, some key games affecting playoff hopes may not deliver thrilling finishes. Nonetheless, we believe these matchups warrant your attention as the final Saturday of the regular season approaches.

Here are our top seven exciting games to keep an eye on in Week 14.

No. 3 Texas at No. 19 Texas A&M

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

Why watch: Do we really need to explain? This game marks the highly anticipated return of two rival teams from Texas that have a history of animosity. Additionally, there’s a spot in the SEC title game against Georgia on the line. The Aggies are in dire need of a win as a fourth loss could ruin their chances at the playoffs, while the Longhorns aim to avoid dropping into the at-large pool. Texas QB Quinn Ewers is familiar with intense environments, but Kyle Field at night poses a unique challenge. He has reliable short-game options, like TE Gunnar Helm and RB Jaydon Blue, but connecting early on a deep pass to WR Isaiah Bond could diffuse the crowd’s energy. The Aggies’ defense tends to fluctuate, so Longhorns must keep an eye on DE Nic Scourton. A&M QB Marcel Reed has a solid receiving corps, though they lack game-breaking speed. He can run, but Texas LB Anthony Hill Jr. will likely keep him in check.

Why it could disappoint: The Aggies have shown frustrating inconsistency this season. The Longhorns will want to take control of the game early; allowing the Aggies to linger could make Kyle Field’s atmosphere a significant factor.

No. 14 South Carolina at No. 12 Clemson

Time/TV: noon ET, ESPN.

Why watch: The Palmetto Bowl won’t shake up the conference standings, but it’s still a crucial game. A victory here would provide valuable momentum and keep the winning team’s playoff hopes alive. South Carolina has been on a roll in the SEC, winning four straight games. Meanwhile, Clemson has been steady since their loss to Louisville on November 2, though that setback may cost them a shot at the ACC title, depending on Miami’s outcome against Syracuse. Gamecocks QB LaNorris Sellers has effectively utilized RB Raheim Sanders, who will be a significant focus for Clemson’s LB Barrett Carter. Tigers QB Cade Klubnik leans on RB Phil Mafah, while WR Antonio Williams will need to find open space against the Gamecocks’ defense led by DB Nick Emmanwori.

Why it could disappoint: Apart from the Pittsburgh win, Clemson’s games have mostly lacked excitement, with the Tigers either jumping to early leads or struggling to catch up without success. While this may not turn out this way, the Gamecocks are likely well-prepared for whatever Clemson has in store.

No. 7 Miami at Syracuse

Time/TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN.

Why watch: The Hurricanes have a clear mission—secure a win in the Carrier Dome and earn a chance to fight for the ACC title next week. Syracuse could have been in a similar position if not for some puzzling losses this season, though they have had a successful year under coach Fran Brown. Miami’s style is risky but rewarding, with QB Cam Ward boasting 34 TDs against seven interceptions. His main target, WR Xavier Restrepo, will likely face close coverage from Syracuse DB Jayden Bellamy. QB Kyle McCord for Syracuse has also been effective aside from a rough game against Pittsburgh, with TE Oronde Gadsden II and WR Jackson Meeks as key players. Miami DE Tyler Baron will aim to disrupt their passing game.

Why it could disappoint: The game is unlikely to be a letdown. The Hurricanes have played in tight contests all season, and even last week’s convincing win over Wake Forest was still a nail-biter until late. It won’t be easy to pull away from the Orange, especially at home, but a flurry of turnovers could change the course of the game.

Kansas State at No. 17 Iowa State

Time/TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, Fox.

Why watch: With so many tiebreakers in play, every game in the Big 12 this final weekend is crucial. This matchup promises to be one of the most entertaining, given both teams’ flair for close finishes. The Cyclones have pulled off three victories in their last moments, including their early-season win against Iowa. The Wildcats have played in plenty of tight games as well, although their last two outings were less thrilling. Iowa State QB Rocco Becht can rely on a strong receiving duo with WRs Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, who have nearly 2,000 combined receiving yards. K-State DL Brendan Mott will be key in trying to contain their passing attack. Wildcats QB Avery Johnson and RB DJ Giddens will seek to lead their team to victory.

To begin with, Johnson should focus on establishing the ground game. He has dependable receivers in the passing game, but he must be cautious of Cyclones DB Jontez Williams, who has intercepted four of the team’s 14 passes.

Why it could disappoint: There’s really no reason to expect disappointment. The Cyclones narrowly lost both of their games, while the Wildcats have suffered heavy defeats at times. Iowa State usually allows its opponents to stay competitive, so expect an exciting matchup in Ames.

No. 5 Notre Dame at Southern California

Time/TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS.

Why watch: As they continue to uphold their independent status, the Fighting Irish are making a case for the playoff committee. This game is more about avoiding a loss than it is about a mandatory win. The Trojans, on the other hand, would love nothing more than to ruin their rivals’ season in a year that has largely been disappointing for them. Notre Dame’s QB Riley Leonard has amassed 27 total touchdowns this season—14 passing and 13 rushing. He’ll receive plenty of attention from USC’s defensive leader, LB Easton Mascarenas-Arnold. Following a QB switch to Jayden Maiava at USC, there hasn’t seen a significant uptick in deep pass completions, though RB Woody Marks remains a consistent standout, often surpassing 100 rushing yards per game. Fighting Irish LBs Jack Kiser and Drayk Bowen will likely face him frequently in the trenches.

Why it could disappoint: This should be a closely matched game on paper, but USC has made too many critical mistakes this season to expect them to avoid that again. To put it into perspective, Notre Dame ranks second nationally in turnover margin, while the Trojans sit at 81^st.

No. 8 Tennessee at Vanderbilt

Time/TV: noon ET, ABC.

Why watch: While Tennessee is unable to compete for the league championship, the Volunteers can still position themselves favorably for an at-large bowl bid in a highly competitive SEC field. However, they must win this rivalry game against the Commodores, who have improved significantly in 2024 and aim to elevate their bowl prospects. QB Nico Iamaleava and the Volunteers let off steam in last week’s game against Texas-El Paso after a tough matchup with Georgia, but Vanderbilt’s DB Randon Fontenette and the defense have effectively limited big plays. RB Dylan Sampson could help Tennessee sustain drives against Vanderbilt. Vanderbilt’s QB Diego Pavia has struggled in recent games, and Tennessee’s LB Arion Carter along with his teammates will work hard to maintain that trend.

Why it could disappoint: Historically, it’s easy to write off the Commodores if they fall behind early. However, this year’s team has only suffered one significant loss in SEC play, and the Volunteers have not been overwhelmingly dominant even in their wins. Therefore, while it may not be the most thrilling football, a blowout isn’t likely.

Michigan at No. 2 Ohio State

Time/TV: noon ET, Fox.

Why watch: After successfully navigating their major challenge against rising Indiana, the Buckeyes now have one final test before potentially facing Oregon in Indianapolis next week. The game against the Wolverines is also a significant milestone for Ohio State coach Ryan Day, who is still seeking his first victory over Michigan since taking on a larger role in Columbus. The Michigan defense, with its LBs Ernest Hausmann and Jaishawn Barham, presents a formidable challenge for Ohio State QB Will Howard. Nonetheless, the dynamic RB duo of TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins is difficult to contain for an entire game, and at some point, one of Ohio State’s outstanding deep threats is likely to get free. Michigan’s running back tandem, Kalel Mullings and Donovan Edwards, has remained effective despite limited passing support, but finding space in the Horseshoe will be tough with aggressive Buckeyes DB Sonny Styles offering run support.

Why it could disappoint: Honestly, it’s tough to see why this matchup would let viewers down. It’s a rivalry game, ensuring both teams will enter with lots of energy. However, as long as Ohio State stays disciplined and avoids turnovers, they’re likely to secure a decisive victory.