Thanksgiving week always serves up an appetizing selection of rivalry games. The College Football Playoff provides the garnishes.
The Iron Bowl, The Game and Bedlam always carry massive implications for teams and fans, but this week, they also impact CFP contenders and will help shape the final top four. The battle for Paul Bunyan's Axe has extra intrigue with Minnesota, a surprise CFP contender, getting a shot to defend the axe against Wisconsin for the first time since 2004. Michigan, Auburn, Oklahoma State and Wisconsin all can end or damage their rivals' playoff chances.
As rivalry week kicks off, I talked to coaches to help break down The Game, as well as what to expect in the Iron Bowl, Bedlam and the battle for Paul Bunyan's Axe.