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Three College Football Teams Facing Most Pressure in Rivalry Week | Deadspin.com

Three College Football Teams Facing Most Pressure in Rivalry Week | Deadspin.com

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Sep 28, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer asks for a pass interference call against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first half at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-Imagn Images

It’s my sad duty to remind you all that the final week of the college football regular season is upon us.

These three months have flown by, and we’re left with just one last full slate of madness.

But what a rivalry weekend it is shaping up to be, with plenty of teams looking to lock up College Football Playoff spots while others are seeking to emerge from convoluted tiebreaker scenarios to earn conference title game berths next week.

Here’s a look at the coaches and teams with the most on the line this weekend:

Kalen DeBoer

Nick Saban set an unattainably high bar for his Alabama successor. And yet, Kalen DeBoer has done pretty well filling those shoes, with an 18–5 record over his first two seasons.

With a win over Auburn on Saturday, the Crimson Tide would effectively clinch their first CFP appearance under DeBoer — and their ninth in 12 years.

Alabama is certainly a much better team than 5–6 Auburn. But DeBoer’s only real issue early in his tenure has been losing to less talented teams. Look how poorly that opening loss to Florida State has aged. Last year, losses to a pair of 6–6 teams in Vanderbilt and Oklahoma left the Tide as the first team out of the playoff.

Plus, Iron Bowls at Auburn always seem to get weird. Just two years ago, in Saban’s final season, No. 8 Alabama needed a fourth-and-31 miracle to beat a 6–5 Auburn team.

DeBoer absolutely cannot afford a slip-up this weekend — or he’ll enter Year 3 with far fewer fans in his corner.

Miami

Aug 31, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes running back CharMar Brown (6) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the third quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn ImagesAug 31, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes running back CharMar Brown (6) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the third quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

A strong case can be made that Miami is being mistreated by the CFP selection committee.

Despite a head-to-head win over Notre Dame and an identical record, the Hurricanes sit three spots behind the Irish in the rankings. Notre Dame seems safely in the playoff with a win over Stanford, while it’s entirely possible Miami ends up just short for the second straight season.

Miami still has a path — both for an at-large bid and a razor-thin chance to sneak into the ACC Championship Game — but everything hinges on winning this weekend.

The 12th-ranked Hurricanes visit No. 22 Pittsburgh on Saturday, offering another chance to strengthen their résumé. A convincing win could be the statement the committee needs to finally move Miami up.

Lane Kiffin

Nov 15, 2025; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin looks on during warm ups prior to the game against the Florida Gators at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn ImagesNov 15, 2025; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin looks on during warm ups prior to the game against the Florida Gators at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

And finally… the obvious one.

With a win Friday in the Egg Bowl vs. Mississippi State, No. 7 Ole Miss will make the College Football Playoff with an 11–1 record — even without a spot in the SEC title game.

But will their coach still be around to see it?

Ole Miss AD Keith Carter says an announcement on Kiffin’s future will come Saturday, as Kiffin has been heavily pursued by both LSU and Florida.

That doesn’t sound promising for the Rebels. And yet, it would be shocking — truly unprecedented — for a coach to leave weeks before his team competes in the CFP.

Ole Miss can make Kiffin’s decision far more complicated by winning on Friday.

A loss, especially from a team dealing with distraction, would make leaving that much easier.

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Deadspin | Shane McClanahan helps Rays blank hapless Giants May 1, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane McClanahan (18) throws a pitch during the first inning against San Francisco Giants at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Pablo Robles-Imagn Images Shane McClanahan crafted his second straight scoreless start, Yandy Diaz and Junior Caminero homered, and the Tampa Bay Rays opened a six-game homestand with a 3-0 win over the struggling San Francisco Giants on Friday night at St. Petersburg, Fla. In a season-longest six inning, the left-handed McClanahan (3-2) allowed five hits, struck out five and did not issue a walk. He pitched five scoreless against the Minnesota Twins in his previous outing, McClanahan was aided by two double plays to end his final two innings. Diaz slugged a solo home run in the second, but the designated hitter left the game for a pinch hitter in the seventh. Caminero added a massive solo in the fourth. Taylor Walls was 2-for-3 with a double, run and stolen base, though the Rays were outhit 6-5 by the visitors. Giants starting pitcher Robbie Ray (2-4) allowed just four hits in 6 1/3 innings, but three runs came across. He struck out five without a walk. Luis Arraez doubled for the club’s only extra-base hit as they lost their fourth straight game and were shutout for a majors-high seventh time. Leading off the bottom of the second and facing a 2-0 offering from Ray, Diaz belted his fifth homer to right on Ray’s four-seam fastball, taking it the other way an estimated 364 feet. The Giants failed to muster much against McClanahan through the first time through the order, but overaggressive baserunning by Arraez trying to turn his double into a triple led to right field Jake Fraley and shortstop combining to toss out the three-time batting champ at third base. Just as Diaz did two frames prior, Caminero opened the fourth with a 432-foot rocket to left on another four-seamer from Ray for a 2-0 lead. After Walls doubled to lead off the sixth and stole third, Chandler Simpson lifted a sacrifice fly for a 3-0 advantage. Over the seventh and eighth inning, respectively, Tampa Bay relievers Ian Seymour and Cole Sulser kept the Giants off the board. Closer Bryan Baker pitched a perfect ninth with a strikeout for his eighth save in 10 chances for the staff’s second shutout. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Shane #McClanahan #helps #Rays #blank #hapless #GiantsMay 1, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane McClanahan (18) throws a pitch during the first inning against San Francisco Giants at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Pablo Robles-Imagn Images

Shane McClanahan crafted his second straight scoreless start, Yandy Diaz and Junior Caminero homered, and the Tampa Bay Rays opened a six-game homestand with a 3-0 win over the struggling San Francisco Giants on Friday night at St. Petersburg, Fla.

In a season-longest six inning, the left-handed McClanahan (3-2) allowed five hits, struck out five and did not issue a walk. He pitched five scoreless against the Minnesota Twins in his previous outing,

McClanahan was aided by two double plays to end his final two innings.

Diaz slugged a solo home run in the second, but the designated hitter left the game for a pinch hitter in the seventh. Caminero added a massive solo in the fourth.

Taylor Walls was 2-for-3 with a double, run and stolen base, though the Rays were outhit 6-5 by the visitors.

Giants starting pitcher Robbie Ray (2-4) allowed just four hits in 6 1/3 innings, but three runs came across. He struck out five without a walk.


Luis Arraez doubled for the club’s only extra-base hit as they lost their fourth straight game and were shutout for a majors-high seventh time.

Leading off the bottom of the second and facing a 2-0 offering from Ray, Diaz belted his fifth homer to right on Ray’s four-seam fastball, taking it the other way an estimated 364 feet.

The Giants failed to muster much against McClanahan through the first time through the order, but overaggressive baserunning by Arraez trying to turn his double into a triple led to right field Jake Fraley and shortstop combining to toss out the three-time batting champ at third base.

Just as Diaz did two frames prior, Caminero opened the fourth with a 432-foot rocket to left on another four-seamer from Ray for a 2-0 lead.

After Walls doubled to lead off the sixth and stole third, Chandler Simpson lifted a sacrifice fly for a 3-0 advantage.

Over the seventh and eighth inning, respectively, Tampa Bay relievers Ian Seymour and Cole Sulser kept the Giants off the board.

Closer Bryan Baker pitched a perfect ninth with a strikeout for his eighth save in 10 chances for the staff’s second shutout.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Shane #McClanahan #helps #Rays #blank #hapless #Giants">Deadspin | Shane McClanahan helps Rays blank hapless Giants May 1, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane McClanahan (18) throws a pitch during the first inning against San Francisco Giants at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Pablo Robles-Imagn Images Shane McClanahan crafted his second straight scoreless start, Yandy Diaz and Junior Caminero homered, and the Tampa Bay Rays opened a six-game homestand with a 3-0 win over the struggling San Francisco Giants on Friday night at St. Petersburg, Fla. In a season-longest six inning, the left-handed McClanahan (3-2) allowed five hits, struck out five and did not issue a walk. He pitched five scoreless against the Minnesota Twins in his previous outing, McClanahan was aided by two double plays to end his final two innings. Diaz slugged a solo home run in the second, but the designated hitter left the game for a pinch hitter in the seventh. Caminero added a massive solo in the fourth. Taylor Walls was 2-for-3 with a double, run and stolen base, though the Rays were outhit 6-5 by the visitors. Giants starting pitcher Robbie Ray (2-4) allowed just four hits in 6 1/3 innings, but three runs came across. He struck out five without a walk. Luis Arraez doubled for the club’s only extra-base hit as they lost their fourth straight game and were shutout for a majors-high seventh time. Leading off the bottom of the second and facing a 2-0 offering from Ray, Diaz belted his fifth homer to right on Ray’s four-seam fastball, taking it the other way an estimated 364 feet. The Giants failed to muster much against McClanahan through the first time through the order, but overaggressive baserunning by Arraez trying to turn his double into a triple led to right field Jake Fraley and shortstop combining to toss out the three-time batting champ at third base. Just as Diaz did two frames prior, Caminero opened the fourth with a 432-foot rocket to left on another four-seamer from Ray for a 2-0 lead. After Walls doubled to lead off the sixth and stole third, Chandler Simpson lifted a sacrifice fly for a 3-0 advantage. Over the seventh and eighth inning, respectively, Tampa Bay relievers Ian Seymour and Cole Sulser kept the Giants off the board. Closer Bryan Baker pitched a perfect ninth with a strikeout for his eighth save in 10 chances for the staff’s second shutout. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Shane #McClanahan #helps #Rays #blank #hapless #Giants

Deadspin | Stars’ Mikko Rantanen fined K for cross-checking Apr 20, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) looks on during the game between the Stars and the Wild in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Stars forward Mikko Rantanen enters the offseason ,000 lighter, fined that amount Friday for cross-checking Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov on Thursday night. Minnesota defeated Dallas 5-2 in Game 6 to finish off a 4-2 win in the Western Conference first-round series. The incident occurred early in the third period with the game tied at 2-2 when Rantanen delivered a high hit while battling for a loose puck. He drew a two-minute penalty for roughing and Kaprizov was able to stay in the game. Rantanen, 29, recorded seven points (one goal, six assists) and 12 penalty minutes in six games in the series. He had 77 points (22 goals, 55 assists) in 64 games during the regular season, his first full campaign with Dallas. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Stars #Mikko #Rantanen #fined #crosscheckingApr 20, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) looks on during the game between the Stars and the Wild in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Stars forward Mikko Rantanen enters the offseason $5,000 lighter, fined that amount Friday for cross-checking Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov on Thursday night.

Minnesota defeated Dallas 5-2 in Game 6 to finish off a 4-2 win in the Western Conference first-round series.


The incident occurred early in the third period with the game tied at 2-2 when Rantanen delivered a high hit while battling for a loose puck. He drew a two-minute penalty for roughing and Kaprizov was able to stay in the game.

Rantanen, 29, recorded seven points (one goal, six assists) and 12 penalty minutes in six games in the series.

He had 77 points (22 goals, 55 assists) in 64 games during the regular season, his first full campaign with Dallas.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Stars #Mikko #Rantanen #fined #crosschecking">Deadspin | Stars’ Mikko Rantanen fined K for cross-checking Apr 20, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) looks on during the game between the Stars and the Wild in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Stars forward Mikko Rantanen enters the offseason ,000 lighter, fined that amount Friday for cross-checking Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov on Thursday night. Minnesota defeated Dallas 5-2 in Game 6 to finish off a 4-2 win in the Western Conference first-round series. The incident occurred early in the third period with the game tied at 2-2 when Rantanen delivered a high hit while battling for a loose puck. He drew a two-minute penalty for roughing and Kaprizov was able to stay in the game. Rantanen, 29, recorded seven points (one goal, six assists) and 12 penalty minutes in six games in the series. He had 77 points (22 goals, 55 assists) in 64 games during the regular season, his first full campaign with Dallas. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Stars #Mikko #Rantanen #fined #crosschecking

Following qualifying for the F1 Sprint race, the team hailed the “progress” those upgrades unlocked.

While both Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas were eliminated in SQ1, the team believes that Pérez was on the verge of a spot in SQ2 had he been able to complete a second run. Despite qualifying 19th, Pérez called the pace “promising” and indicated he was “happy” with the performance.

“I was very happy with my lap in Sprint Quali, and the pace is promising, but sadly I only had the one run. At some points we were looking like we were going to make it to SQ2, which is already progress, but the priority now is to get on top of our issues. I only had one run as we went out too late and then didn’t have time to refuel and make a second run. In practice we also lost some track time, so we are a bit on the back foot. When we get on top of this, we’ll be able to maximize the package, which is a step forward. We now need a smooth day tomorrow and see where we end up on Sunday,” said the veteran driver in the team’s media report.

Bottas, who will start behind his teammate in P20, said the team is heading in the “right direction.”

“The car feels better with the upgrade, so that’s good. We’ve definitely gained some load especially in high to medium speed. There’s still the need to take further steps, but at least the feeling is better and we’re heading in the right direction. We’ll see what can happen in the Sprint Race tomorrow and the rest of the weekend as we continue to understand our package,” added Bottas.

Team principal Graeme Lowdon outlined how the team needed to capitalize on the “progress” the upgrades displayed Friday.

“We brought a substantial aero upgrade package this weekend, which has translated to more load through the corners and ultimately more laptime on track,” said Lowdon. “The upgrades were on both cars, although Checo was missing one part that may have added a little bit but this will be rectified in rotation agreed between the drivers and team. He could potentially have made it to SQ2 had he got a second run but sadly we missed this after visiting the weigh bridge. This was a missed opportunity but we will learn from it and it shows that we have made a step forward. Valtteri likewise had a decent session so there’s some real promise. We now need to maximize everything operationally and technically to make the most of this progress.”

When Lowdon spoke exclusively with SB Nation ahead of the weekend, the Cadillac boss made it clear that continued development each week was the goal for the team. While points — or even podiums — would be nice, improvement was what the team needed to deliver.

That process is off to a solid start in Miami.

#progress #Cadillac #Miami #Grand #Prix">More ‘progress’ for Cadillac at the Miami Grand Prix Formula 1’s newest team took advantage of the unexpected break between the Japanese Grand Prix and this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix to develop a series of upgrades for their debut challenger.Following qualifying for the F1 Sprint race, the team hailed the “progress” those upgrades unlocked.While both Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas were eliminated in SQ1, the team believes that Pérez was on the verge of a spot in SQ2 had he been able to complete a second run. Despite qualifying 19th, Pérez called the pace “promising” and indicated he was “happy” with the performance.“I was very happy with my lap in Sprint Quali, and the pace is promising, but sadly I only had the one run. At some points we were looking like we were going to make it to SQ2, which is already progress, but the priority now is to get on top of our issues. I only had one run as we went out too late and then didn’t have time to refuel and make a second run. In practice we also lost some track time, so we are a bit on the back foot. When we get on top of this, we’ll be able to maximize the package, which is a step forward. We now need a smooth day tomorrow and see where we end up on Sunday,” said the veteran driver in the team’s media report.Bottas, who will start behind his teammate in P20, said the team is heading in the “right direction.”“The car feels better with the upgrade, so that’s good. We’ve definitely gained some load especially in high to medium speed. There’s still the need to take further steps, but at least the feeling is better and we’re heading in the right direction. We’ll see what can happen in the Sprint Race tomorrow and the rest of the weekend as we continue to understand our package,” added Bottas.Team principal Graeme Lowdon outlined how the team needed to capitalize on the “progress” the upgrades displayed Friday.“We brought a substantial aero upgrade package this weekend, which has translated to more load through the corners and ultimately more laptime on track,” said Lowdon. “The upgrades were on both cars, although Checo was missing one part that may have added a little bit but this will be rectified in rotation agreed between the drivers and team. He could potentially have made it to SQ2 had he got a second run but sadly we missed this after visiting the weigh bridge. This was a missed opportunity but we will learn from it and it shows that we have made a step forward. Valtteri likewise had a decent session so there’s some real promise. We now need to maximize everything operationally and technically to make the most of this progress.”When Lowdon spoke exclusively with SB Nation ahead of the weekend, the Cadillac boss made it clear that continued development each week was the goal for the team. While points — or even podiums — would be nice, improvement was what the team needed to deliver.That process is off to a solid start in Miami. #progress #Cadillac #Miami #Grand #Prix

exclusively with SB Nation ahead of the weekend, the Cadillac boss made it clear that continued development each week was the goal for the team. While points — or even podiums — would be nice, improvement was what the team needed to deliver.

That process is off to a solid start in Miami.

#progress #Cadillac #Miami #Grand #Prix">More ‘progress’ for Cadillac at the Miami Grand Prix

Formula 1’s newest team took advantage of the unexpected break between the Japanese Grand Prix and this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix to develop a series of upgrades for their debut challenger.

Following qualifying for the F1 Sprint race, the team hailed the “progress” those upgrades unlocked.

While both Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas were eliminated in SQ1, the team believes that Pérez was on the verge of a spot in SQ2 had he been able to complete a second run. Despite qualifying 19th, Pérez called the pace “promising” and indicated he was “happy” with the performance.

“I was very happy with my lap in Sprint Quali, and the pace is promising, but sadly I only had the one run. At some points we were looking like we were going to make it to SQ2, which is already progress, but the priority now is to get on top of our issues. I only had one run as we went out too late and then didn’t have time to refuel and make a second run. In practice we also lost some track time, so we are a bit on the back foot. When we get on top of this, we’ll be able to maximize the package, which is a step forward. We now need a smooth day tomorrow and see where we end up on Sunday,” said the veteran driver in the team’s media report.

Bottas, who will start behind his teammate in P20, said the team is heading in the “right direction.”

“The car feels better with the upgrade, so that’s good. We’ve definitely gained some load especially in high to medium speed. There’s still the need to take further steps, but at least the feeling is better and we’re heading in the right direction. We’ll see what can happen in the Sprint Race tomorrow and the rest of the weekend as we continue to understand our package,” added Bottas.

Team principal Graeme Lowdon outlined how the team needed to capitalize on the “progress” the upgrades displayed Friday.

“We brought a substantial aero upgrade package this weekend, which has translated to more load through the corners and ultimately more laptime on track,” said Lowdon. “The upgrades were on both cars, although Checo was missing one part that may have added a little bit but this will be rectified in rotation agreed between the drivers and team. He could potentially have made it to SQ2 had he got a second run but sadly we missed this after visiting the weigh bridge. This was a missed opportunity but we will learn from it and it shows that we have made a step forward. Valtteri likewise had a decent session so there’s some real promise. We now need to maximize everything operationally and technically to make the most of this progress.”

When Lowdon spoke exclusively with SB Nation ahead of the weekend, the Cadillac boss made it clear that continued development each week was the goal for the team. While points — or even podiums — would be nice, improvement was what the team needed to deliver.

That process is off to a solid start in Miami.

#progress #Cadillac #Miami #Grand #Prix

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