(Mark D. Smith, USA TODAY Sports)

There are many reasons to be thankful for college football. Huge rivalries and the College Football Playoff are are two, and they get rolled up into the same weekend every Thanksgiving.

This year is no different.

No. 5 Oklahoma appears on verge of reaching the playoff, but must first get past No. 10 Oklahoma State in Stillwater. No. 4 Notre Dame faces No. 12 Stanford in its last attempt to impress the committee.

No. 9 Florida has struggled lately, but a win at home against No. 14 Florida State followed by a victory in the SEC title game could propel the Gators in the field.

No. 8 Ohio State fell back after last week’s loss to Michigan State, but the Buckeyes can get back in the mix. To do so, they must beat No. 12 Michigan. No. 7 Baylor still is lurking in the race, but must travel to No. 16 TCU.

It’s quite a spread for the holiday.