Last week marked a crucial period as the 2025 college football season nears. While many are focused on the upcoming “Rivalry Week” and the final regular season weekend, Week 13 actually holds significant playoff implications with some key matchups.
Saturday features two games where both teams are ranked, with the highlight being USC at Oregon State. USC, now 8-2 after their recent win over Iowa, risks falling out of the College Football Playoff (CFP) picture if they lose again and accumulate three losses. Oregon State, sitting at 9-1 following a win over Iowa, is likely to secure a playoff spot with a victory. The Ducks aim to bounce back from last year’s Rose Bowl defeat after a perfect regular season, while USC is chasing its first-ever CFP appearance.
Missouri, a ranked but shorthanded team, heads to face Oklahoma in Norman. Oklahoma is optimistic after a big win last week, and among 17 other ranked teams competing that day, this game carries weight for postseason hopes.
Beyond football, Saturday is packed with action: college basketball, seven NBA games, and 12 NHL contests. Here’s a quick guide for watching and betting on November 22nd.
College Football Highlights:
– Missouri (#22) at Oklahoma (#8) kicks off at noon in Norman, Oklahoma, airing on ABC and streaming on Fubo (with free trial). Oklahoma leads the betting line by 16.5 points. Missouri likely missed the CFP with three losses, but hopes to end strong by leaning on QB Bo Nix if healthy. Oklahoma, recovering well from handing Alabama their second loss, is favored at home.
– USC (#15) visits Oregon (#7) at 3:30 pm in Eugene, Oregon, broadcast on CBS and Paramount+, also streaming on Fubo. The predicted combined points total is 59.5 or more, with a strong lean toward the over due to both teams’ explosive offenses. Oregon aims to cement its playoff spot, while USC cannot afford another loss after previous defeats. Expert analysis highlights Oregon’s scoring potential and USC’s weak run defense as key matchup factors.
NBA Spotlight:
– Detroit Pistons at Milwaukee Bucks, 8 pm in Milwaukee, airing on NBA TV and streaming on Fubo. Detroit rides an 11-game winning streak this season with a 13-2 record, a massive improvement over recent years. Milwaukee, currently 8-8 and on a losing skid, faces a tough challenge, but the Bucks are projected to cover the +8.5 spread in most model simulations.
NFL Preview:
– On Sunday at 1 pm, Kansas City Chiefs (-3.5) host the Indianapolis Colts at Arrowhead Stadium. Despite Chiefs’ struggles, they remain favorites to win and cover the spread, though some experts believe the Colts’ top-ranked offense and solid defense could eke out a close victory.
Fan Take: This upcoming week is huge for basketball fans because the overlap in major football, NBA, and college basketball contests creates an intense sports weekend that heightens rivalries and playoff races alike. The convergence of high-stakes games across sports promises thrilling competition and could signal shifts in team momentum as playoffs draw near.
