Thanksgiving football games: Nebraska-Penn State and plenty of matchups shake down college football Saturday

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By: Jessica Morrison

College football hits full throttle with Week 13 as the regular season races toward playoff implications. Nebraska (7-3) rolls into Penn State (4-6) on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 7 p.m. EST. Meanwhile, No. 1 Ohio State faces Rutgers at 12 p.m. ET in Columbus. The stakes? Everything turns on these final games.

🔥 Quick Facts:

  • Penn State is a 7.5-point favorite over Nebraska entering Saturday
  • The game kicks at 7 p.m. ET from Beaver Stadium in University Park
  • No. 1 Ohio State takes on Rutgers at 12 p.m. on FOX in Columbus
  • Multiple SEC and Big Ten matchups dominate the Saturday slate
  • The over/under for Nebraska-Penn State sits at 44.5 points

The Big Matchup: Nebraska at Penn State

Nebraska enters as a 7-3 team with clear bowl eligibility. But they’re +8 underdogs at Beaver Stadium. Penn State sits at 4-6, desperately needing wins down the stretch. It’s not about seeding anymore. It’s about salvaging respect.

The Cornhuskers come off a solid run. But facing Penn State at home? That’s different. NBC will broadcast the action to millions. The betting line has shifted slightly, with Penn State favored somewhere between 7.5 to 8 points. Vegas sees the home field advantage as crucial.

This matchup carries Big Ten weight. Both teams need statement wins. Nebraska wants Bowl Championship Series respect. Penn State needs to prove they’re still fighting hard.

Week 13 Gets Loaded Fast

It’s not just Nebraska and Penn State grabbing headlines. Ohio State opens as 32.5-point favorites versus Rutgers. That’s a mismatch waiting to happen.

No. 3 Texas A&M hosts Samford at 12 p.m. on the SEC Network+. No. 8 Oklahoma faces Missouri in ABC coverage. The weekend explodes with Big Ten, SEC, ACC, and Big 12 action running simultaneously.

Fans don’t get rest between kickoffs. The games stack from 9 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. ET. College football Saturday demands commitment. Channel surfing is mandatory.

What’s Really At Stake

These aren’t just regular season games anymore. College Football Playoff positioning is locked in concept. Conference standings matter for bowl trajectories.

For Nebraska, beating Penn State would be huge. It validates their late-season surge. A loss? It stings but doesn’t derail bowl preparation. For Penn State, a win becomes everything. It signals they’re fighting back after a rough stretch.

Ohio State basically gets a bye week against Rutgers. But they’re No. 1 for a reason. Every remaining game could impact seeding. The details matter. The margins matter. Everything matters.

The Saturday Schedule at a Glance

Matchup Time (ET) Network Playoff Implications
Rutgers @ No. 1 Ohio State 12 p.m. ET FOX Ohio State playoff positioning
Samford @ No. 3 Texas A&M 12 p.m. ET SEC Network+ Aggies health check
Missouri @ No. 8 Oklahoma TBA ABC Big 12 conference race
Nebraska @ Penn State 7 p.m. ET NBC Big Ten bowl eligibility

How to Watch This Saturday

  • Start early with Ohio State dominance at 12 p.m. ET
  • Stream SEC Network+ for Texas A&M vs Samford action
  • Catch ABC coverage of Oklahoma vs Missouri momentum
  • Prime-time Nebraska at Penn State on NBC offers the marquee matchup
  • Check ESPN for all Week 13 game updates and live scores

Why Saturday Matters More Than You Think?

These games aren’t just entertainment. They shape bowl assignments. They impact transfer portal movement. They determine coaching job security for some.

Nebraska and Penn State need this. Penn State more desperately. A loss ends their push for respect. A win suggests life still exists in University Park. Nebraska just wants to stay hot.

Meanwhile, Ohio State keeps their No. 1 seed hopes alive. Every win matters now. The Buckeyes are playing for history. They’re playing for legacies.

Saturday brings the chaos and drama college football demands. Will Penn State handle Nebraska at home? Will Ohio State keep rolling? Will upsets happen? Only kickoff tells the tale.

Sources

  • ESPN College Football – Week 13 schedules and live coverage
  • Action Network – Nebraska vs Penn State betting odds and predictions
  • USA Today Sports – College football week 13 predictions and spreads

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