Can Ohio State Shock Michigan Again? CFB Week 14 Picks Reveal a Shocking Upset You Can’t Miss!

As the college football season reaches its climax, the anticipation builds for the pivotal matchups that not only determine conference standings but also playoff implications. One such clash is set for Saturday evening when the Northwestern Wildcats visit the Illinois Fighting Illini at 6:30 p.m. CT. This matchup, featuring Illinois as a 7-point favorite, comes with significant ramifications for both teams.

Heading into this season, the expectations were more favorable for the Illini, who had just finished a 10-win campaign and were widely considered contenders for a spot in the College Football Playoff. In contrast, Northwestern was viewed as a team in transition, grappling to regain its competitiveness. Fast forward to the present, and both teams find themselves in contrasting trajectories: Northwestern (6-5) is on the upswing, while Illinois (7-4) is looking to hold onto the coveted Land of Lincoln trophy—affectionately known as “the Hat.”

“Nothing better than the last opportunity together,” said Illini coach Bret Bielema, highlighting the emotional weight of this regular-season finale at Memorial Stadium.

Home field advantage is typically a key factor in college football, and this game should be no exception. Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer is expected to provide the Illini with an edge, but the weather could play a significant role. With cold temperatures and potential snow in the forecast, conditions may favor the Wildcats' robust ground game. Northwestern boasts an impressive average of 174 rushing yards per game. Their quarterback, Preston Stone, was recently named the Big Ten’s offensive player of the week, while wide receiver Griffin Wilde is coming off an impressive performance with 11 receptions.

“We’re treating this as postseason play,” said Northwestern coach David Braun. “I know it’s the regular season, but we’re playing for a trophy.”

As both teams approach this critical matchup, the stakes are high, and the battle for bragging rights will be fierce. Predictions lean towards Illinois narrowly securing a victory, with the expected score hovering around 27-24.

Meanwhile, as Week 14 of the college football season unfolds, several other matchups are set to shape the playoff landscape leading into conference championship weekend. Notably, the storied rivalry between No. 1 Ohio State and No. 15 Michigan kicks off at 11 a.m. CT on Saturday, where Ohio State is favored by 10 points. The Buckeyes have established themselves as a dominant force in college football, yet Michigan’s recent success in this rivalry—having won the last four meetings—adds an intriguing layer to the game.

In other key matchups, No. 4 Georgia is set to face off against No. 23 Georgia Tech in the Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate rivalry at 2:30 p.m. CT on Friday, while No. 2 Indiana aims to maintain its playoff position against Purdue at the same time. The stakes are equally high for No. 12 Miami, who must defeat No. 22 Pittsburgh to keep their playoff hopes alive. Conversely, the Panthers have their own path to the ACC title game, making this clash equally consequential.

As the season nears its end, the drama of college football intensifies. Each game presents opportunities and challenges that can redefine a team's trajectory, making every yard gained and every point scored crucial. For fans, this is more than just a game; it’s about pride, legacy, and the quest for glory on the national stage. The weekend promises to deliver heart-stopping moments and unforgettable clashes, with teams putting it all on the line for a shot at the postseason.