Rivalry week is the one week where fans can expect something crazy to happen. Upsets are supposed to be unexpected, but, while there is no way to know where one will happen this week, it is safe to expect one.

These rivalry games have pride on the line, which is why you can throw away everything that happened prior to the matchup. Each rival might as well enter the game with a 0-0 record.

Many of this year's games will help determine where teams end up this postseason. That added element makes these games more interesting. While not all the games on this list are what one may consider a "rivalry" game, they are still games with great importance:

**All stats are courtesy of cfbstats.com**

  • Minnesota at #6 Wisconsin

    Line: Wisconsin -14

    Wisconsin has slowly worked its way into the playoff conversation. With this being their last game of the regular season, they can ill-afford to lose if they want to find their way into the top four. The Badgers also need a win to clinch the Big Ten West and make it to the conference championship. Minnesota is one team that is very much capable of ruining all of Wisconsin's postseason plans.

    The Golden Gophers are 8-3 with all three losses being decided by seven points or fewer. They are one of just a few teams left in college football that play the old fashioned way. They rely heavily on their ground game with Rodney Smith leading the way. Smith has 15 rushing touchdowns already this season, and he will play a pivotal role in this game. If Minnesota can slow down the not so explosive offense of Wisconsin and manage to own the clock then they have a very good chance of upsetting the Badgers.

    (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
    (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
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  • #17 Tennessee at Vanderbilt

    Line: Tennessee -7.0

    This is one example of in-state pride being on the line. Tennessee did not live up to preseason expectations and has really lost all interest in doing anything special in the post season. Meanwhile, Vanderbilt needs this win to reach bowl eligibility. Last week's convincing win over Ole Miss tells use that the Commodores will show up ready to play.

    Vanderbilt's offense has been the biggest burden to this team the last few seasons. However, it is safe to say that they may be turning things around after scoring 38 points last week against an SEC team. It also helps that Tennessee has allowed over 600 yards of offense in each of their last two games. Any threats the Vols show on offense can be quickly shut down by the defensive-minded Derek Mason and his leading tackler Zach Cunningham. This could get interesting.

    Corbis via Getty Images
    Corbis via Getty Images
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  • #22 Utah at #9 Colorado

    Line: Colorado -10.0

    Both Utah and Colorado have had excellent seasons in their own right, but they can reach new heights with one more big victory on Saturday. Colorado is in contention for a New Year's Day game, and they need a win to clinch the PAC-12 South. A loss to Utah would destroy everything they worked for this season.

    Utah's three losses were all decided by seven points or less including last week's upset loss to Oregon. That loss to the Ducks has made the Utes fall off the map ever so slightly. A win on Saturday would quickly bring them right back. They currently lead the conference in time of possession, which will be a key component for this weekend. The longer they keep the Buffaloes' offense off the field, the better chance they have to win.

    (Photo by Gene Sweeney/Getty Images)
    (Photo by Gene Sweeney/Getty Images)
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