College football rivalries are the heartbeat of the sport, but some of these iconic matchups are on the brink of disappearing—and it’s not just about tradition, it’s about the soul of the game itself. Let’s dive into the rivalries that college football can’t afford to lose, along with the latest buzz in the sport, where UAB is finally moving on from the Trent Dilfer era and looking to hire a legitimate coach. But here’s where it gets controversial: are we letting money and convenience kill the very traditions that make college football special?
First Quarter: The Swift, Sudden, Stunning Fall of James Franklin
Penn State’s coaching saga has left fans reeling, and it’s a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in this mercurial ecosystem. For more on this, check out the full analysis here.
Second Quarter: Who Can Really Win National Titles?
Not all teams are created equal, and this breakdown of contenders and pretenders is eye-opening. Dive into the details here.
Third Quarter: The College Football Playoff Race at Midseason
As we hit the midpoint, the playoff picture is starting to take shape—but who’s in and who’s out? Get the full scoop here.
Now, onto the rivalries that define college football—and the ones hanging by a thread.
USC–Notre Dame: A Rivalry on Life Support
Status: Endangered. Why? Because USC seems to prioritize convenience over tradition. The Trojans’ reluctance to continue this nonconference matchup beyond next season is baffling, especially since they’ve willingly taken on the challenges of Big Ten travel. But here’s the kicker: USC’s offer to extend the series was vague, and moving the game to a neutral site or earlier in the season feels like a consolation prize. A Labor Day weekend game in Las Vegas or Mexico City? It’s better than nothing, but it’s a far cry from the iconic matchups at Notre Dame Stadium or the Coliseum. And this is the part most people miss: if this rivalry dies, it’s Exhibit A for the argument that college football is being run by soulless money chasers. Is tradition worth sacrificing for convenience? Let’s debate this in the comments.
This year’s game is a must-watch: USC, fresh off a big win over Michigan, faces a Notre Dame team that’s been dominant since early stumbles. The loser could be out of playoff contention. Dash pick: Notre Dame 38, USC 28.
Tennessee-Alabama: A Rivalry Preserved—For Now
Status: Preserved (for now). The SEC has locked in this annual matchup through 2029, ensuring the third Saturday in October remains sacred. But with both teams juggling other rivalries, it’s a delicate balance. This year’s game is a potential playoff eliminator, especially for Tennessee. Fun fact: the winner of this game has made the CFP nine times in the 11-year playoff era, while the loser has never advanced. Dash pick: Alabama 31, Tennessee 27.
Utah-BYU: The Holy War Lives On
Status: Preserved (for now). The Big 12 has committed to this rivalry through at least 2027, and thank goodness—these teams can’t even agree on when the rivalry started! BYU’s early struggles (0-17-3 before their first win in 1942) are legendary, but LaVell Edwards turned the tide. This year’s game has major Big 12 implications, with the winner positioning themselves as a favorite for the league title game. Dash pick: Utah 28, BYU 24.
Playoff Contenders on the Road
This week, several one-loss or undefeated teams face tough conference opponents, potentially thinning the playoff herd. Here’s a look at some key matchups:
Nebraska at Minnesota: The Cornhuskers are 5–1, but P.J. Fleck’s Minnesota always seems to pull off a Big Ten upset. Dash pick: Minnesota 26, Nebraska 24.
Georgia Tech at Duke: The 6–0 Yellow Jackets face a Duke team that thrives on turnovers. Dash pick: Georgia Tech 23, Duke 21.
Oklahoma at South Carolina: The Sooners’ lone loss came with an injured quarterback, but Shane Beamer’s South Carolina is an upset waiting to happen. Dash pick: South Carolina 21, Oklahoma 20.
Missouri at Auburn: Missouri is 5–1 but faces a tough road test against an Auburn team hungry for a win. Dash pick: Missouri 20, Auburn 17.
Texas A&M at Arkansas: The undefeated Aggies face an Arkansas team with a talented quarterback but a struggling defense. Dash pick: Texas A&M 45, Arkansas 31.
Coaching Spotlight
- Scott Satterfield (Cincinnati): Once on the hot seat, Satterfield is now 5–1. A neutral-site loss to Nebraska is the only blemish. Quarterback Brendan Sorsby has been on fire since that game.
- Mike Norvell (Florida State): After a 3–0 start, the Seminoles are now 3–3 and winless in ACC play since September. What’s going wrong in Tallahassee?
Finally, if you’re in Oregon, The Dash recommends a 3-Way IPA from Fort George Brewery—the perfect pairing for a weekend of football. Cheers!
Thought-Provoking Question: As rivalries like USC-Notre Dame face uncertainty, are we witnessing the slow erosion of college football’s identity? Or is this just the natural evolution of the sport? Share your thoughts below!
