College football games today kicks off rivalry week with Navy-Memphis thriller and Ohio State-Michigan blockbuster coming Saturday

College football games today kick off rivalry week tonight with the Navy-Memphis Thanksgiving matchup already in the books, plus the massive Ohio State-Michigan showdown coming Saturday. The week delivers college football’s fiercest traditions and highest stakes as the regular season races toward conclusion.

Navy Defeats Memphis in Thanksgiving Thriller

The Navy Midshipmen delivered a dominant performance last night, crushing the Memphis Tigers 56-44 in a high-scoring Thanksgiving night battle. The game, played in Memphis, Tennessee at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, showcased Navy’s explosive offense and ability to outscore opponents even in an AAC shootout.

Quarterback Blake Horvath was the catalyst for Navy’s victory, accounting for five total touchdowns. He rushed for 211 yards and 1 touchdown while also throwing for 192 yards and 4 passing touchdowns, putting on a masterclass in dual-threat football. The Midshipmen’s balanced attack proved too much for Memphis to contain.

Navy improves to 9-2 on the season and boosts their conference record to 7-1 in AAC play. The victory keeps them in contention for the conference championship and strengthens their bowl positioning. Memphis falls to 8-3 after the loss, effectively ending their AAC title hopes despite a competitive effort.

Navy’s Dominant Offensive Display Overwhelms Memphis Defense

The Midshipmen’s offense fired on all cylinders throughout Thursday night’s contest. Navy’s dual-threat attack combined traditional option-style football with modern passing concepts, creating matchup nightmares for the Tigers defense. The score of 56 points demonstrates just how potent Navy’s weapons became once they got rolling.

Memphis tried to keep pace with an explosive offensive gameplan of their own, scoring 44 points, but couldn’t quite match Navy’s efficiency down the stretch. The Tigers’ defense struggled to contain Horvath’s mobility and the Midshipmen’s multiple scoring threats. Navy’s ability to balance rushing and passing attacks made them nearly impossible to defend on a Thanksgiving night.

Team	Final Score	Conference Record
Navy Midshipmen	56	7-1 AAC
Memphis Tigers	44	6-2 AAC

Ohio State and Michigan Prepare for Saturday Showdown

While Navy and Memphis battled in Memphis, all eyes now turn to Saturday, November 29, 2025 when No. 1 Ohio State travels to face No. 15 Michigan in the most storied rivalry in college football. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 PM ET at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, with FOX providing national coverage. The Buckeyes arrive undefeated at 11-0, while the Wolverines stand at 9-2 on the season.

This matchup represents the penultimate weekend before the Big Ten Championship, meaning the stakes couldn’t be higher for both programs. Ohio State (8-0 Big Ten) seeks to maintain perfection and secure their position as presumptive conference heavyweight heading into championship week. Michigan (7-1 Big Ten) needs a massive upset victory to stay alive in playoff conversations.

College GameDay will broadcast from Ann Arbor starting at 9:00 AM ET, adding to the pageantry and tradition surrounding what many consider college football’s greatest rivalry. The Wolverines can win their fifth consecutive game against Ohio State for the first time since 1927, a historic streak that drives the emotional intensity of this edition of The Game.

Buckeyes Favored as College Football Playoff Implications Mount

Ohio State enters as a 10-point favorite with the over/under set at 44.5 total points, reflecting the Buckeyes’ dominant season and the defensive prowess both teams bring. The spread indicates bookmakers expect a relatively tight game despite the substantial talent gap. Ohio State’s -395 moneyline versus Michigan’s +310 tells the story of confidence in the Buckeyes, but Michigan’s odds represent genuine championship-level betting value.

The Big Ten Championship Game awaits the winner on December 6, 2025, making this rivalry contest essentially a semifinal for conference supremacy. Both teams understand that a loss likely relegates them to secondary bowl destinations regardless of their overall resume. Ohio State’s undefeated record provides more cushion for a potential playoff path even with a defeat, while Michigan desperately needs this victory to remain in serious playoff consideration.

Michigan Stadium’s crowd advantage and mystique provide genuine benefits to the home team, traditionally one of the few factors that can disrupt Ohio State’s measured excellence. The Wolverines have won their last four meetings at home, giving them statistical consolation heading into Saturday’s matchup.

What Does This Rivalry Week Schedule Mean for College Football’s Future?

Rivalry week represents the final examination before conference championships determine which teams advance toward the College Football Playoff. The Navy-Memphis Thanksgiving night game launched the weekend’s action perfectly, delivering competitive football that showcased mid-tier teams performing at high levels. Saturday’s Ohio State-Michigan matchup carries vastly different weight—essentially a playoff game unto itself on the regular season’s final full Saturday.

Beyond the top matchup, other significant rivalries across the nation also determine conference alignment, bowl positioning, and playoff seeding for countless programs. Texas A&M vs. Texas, Alabama vs. Auburn, and numerous other traditional rivalries play out this week with national implications. These games remind fans why college football’s regular season matters so much more than professional football—the stakes touch nearly every program’s immediate and long-term future.

Navy’s convincing victory proved that even non-playoff-contending teams can deliver thrilling football when rivalry week rolls around. The Midshipmen’s explosive offensive performance establishes them as a genuine AAC threat heading toward postseason play.

How Will the Ohio State-Michigan Game Impact the College Football Playoff Race?

Saturday’s outcome carries seismic implications for the playoff picture. An Ohio State victory preserves their undefeated record and essentially locks them into a top-two playoff seed regardless of Big Ten Championship results. Meanwhile, a Michigan upset would dramatically shake up playoff projections, potentially moving the Wolverines into serious consideration and knocking Ohio State down to a three-seed or lower depending on other results.

The gameplan for both teams remains relatively straightforward—Ohio State wants to control the line of scrimmage while executing their efficient passing attack, while Michigan needs aggressive defensive pressure and productive rushing to compensate for any talent disparities. Michigan’s defensive front represents their best chance to disrupt Ohio State’s methodical offensive approach, forcing errors through constant pressure rather than allowing the Buckeyes’ rhythm offense to function smoothly.

This rivalry extends back to 1897, making it college football’s third-longest rivalry and certainly its most recognized matchup. Saturday’s game represents chapter 135 in this storied competition, with playoff aspirations adding modern context to ancient traditions. Whether Navy’s offensive fireworks or Ohio State’s measured dominance prevail, college football’s rivalry week delivers exactly what the sport promises—history, drama, and championship-level stakes.