Playoff, bowls top of mind for many

Here’s what to know for Week 13:

5 games to watch No. 19 Tulane vs. No. 24 Cincinnati (Noon, Friday, ABC):

The winner clinches a spot in the American Athletic Conference title game and keeps its New Year’s Six bowl hopes alive. With Cincinnati (and other AAC powers Central Florida and Houston) headed to the Big 12 next season, this could be the start of a sustained run of success for Tulane.

No. 3 Michigan at No. 2 Ohio State (Noon, Saturday, Fox):

The best rivalry game in college football will likely determine the Big Ten champion and the conference’s College Football Playoff entrant. It’s a wonderful clash of styles, with Ohio State airing it out behind quarterback C.J. Stroud and Michigan pounding the rock behind running back Blake Corum — who might be limited after suffering an apparent injury against Illinois.

No. 9 Oregon at No. 21 Oregon State (3:30 p.m. Saturday, ABC):

The Beavers might be one of the most overlooked 8-3 teams in a Power Five conference in years, but nobody will overlook them if they can take down their hated rival. Oregon can secure a trip to the Pac-12 title game with a win.

Iowa State at No. 4 TCU (4 p.m. Saturday, Fox):

In 2011, Iowa State put an end to No. 2 Oklahoma State’s national title hopes with a 37-31 upset victory. Can the Cyclones pull off another stunner against the undefeated Horned Frogs? Their talented defense suggests they can at least keep it close until the fourth quarter.

No. 15 Notre Dame vs. No. 6 USC (7:30 p.m. Saturday, ABC):

There’s no question USC’s offense is playoff-caliber, but its defense is not. If the Trojans don’t get their usual turnover luck, Notre Dame could hang around and deny USC a chance to crack the playoff field.

5 players to watch South Carolina QB Spencer Rattler (vs. No. 8 Clemson):

The former Oklahoma star and one-time top NFL draft prospect produced 438 yards and six touchdowns in a 63-38 upset win over then-No. 5 Tennessee last week. Can he derail the Tigers’ playoff hopes, too?

With Hendon Hooker out for the season with a torn ACL, Milton is back in the spotlight. The Michigan transfer can help salvage what’s been a disappointing end to the season for the Volunteers.

Tennessee QB Joe Milton III (at Vanderbilt): Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. (at Washington State):

The nation’s leader in passing yards faces a tough test against what is surprisingly one of the best defenses in the country. The Huskies need some help but are still alive for a Pac-12 title-game berth.

Now led by former Auburn running back Cadillac Williams as interim coach, Bigsby could be the star of the Iron Bowl. Wisconsin LB Nick Herbig (vs. Minnesota): The Badgers’ star pass rusher trails USC’s Tuli Tuipulotu and Central Michigan’s Thomas Incoom by a half-sack for the national lead, but he must sit out the first half after a controversial targeting call against Nebraska. When he returns, he could be the difference in what should be a tight game.

Auburn RB Tank Bigsby (at No. 7 Alabama): 5 teams to pay attention to

No. 12 Kansas State (vs. Kansas): The Wildcats can clinch a spot in the Big 12 championship game with a win at home or a loss by No. 23 Texas against Baylor.

No. 16 Florida State (vs. Florida): After a midseason threegame slide, the Seminoles have outscored opponents by an average of 33 points over the last four games. A big win over the rival Gators would be a nice way to end a rebound season for coach Mike Norvell.

James Madison (vs. Coastal Carolina): In their first season at the FBS level, the Dukes have a chance to win eight games. They’re big favorites over a Chanticleers team that has quarterback questions but has already clinched a spot in the Sun Belt title game.

Vanderbilt (vs. No. 10 Tennessee): After an 0-5 start in SEC play, the Commodores knocked off then-No. 24 Kentucky and Florida and could become bowl-eligible for the first time since 2018 with another upset against the Vols.

Syracuse (at Boston College): After starting 6-0, the Orange are in danger of finishing the regular season 6-6.