Annually, rivalry games were reserved for the end of the regular season as teams looked to end the year on a high note defeating their antagonists from years past. College football realignment reversed – or altogether eliminated – those end-of-the-year rivalry games for some schools.
This weekend, the college football gods are smiling down on us. The Apple Cup? Check. The Civil War? Double check. The Backyard Brawl? Triple check! The Shillelagh Trophy? Yes, even if you don’t know what game the winner receives it!
And in an otherwise slow weekend, having these rivalry games will highlight what few games may be of interest to casual fans. Today, we’ll reveal our top four rivalry game player prop bets as well as give you bonus tips on our favorite for each game.
Oklahoma State Cowboys RB Ollie Gordon OVER 114.5 Rushing Yards
Since Oklahoma State running back Ollie Gordon III became the featured back in the Cowboys' offense in 2023, he’s rewarded the team with 10 games over 100 yards. Last week, Gordon was slowed down by the Arkansas defense, finishing the game with 49 yards on 17 carries.
Expect him to bounce back this week in a rivalry game known as the Turnpike Classic against Tulsa. It’s the first year these two teams have met since 2021, and the Cowboys are giving 18.5 points in a game the team should win by more than three touchdowns.
Oregon Ducks QB Dillon Gabriel UNDER 311.5 Passing Yards
Oregon was the darlings of the football world, starting the year among the top five in nearly every poll. But close games against Idaho and Boise State have pushed the Ducks down the ladder.
It’s not quarterback Dillon Gabriel’s fault. The senior signal-caller has 623 passing yards and four touchdowns in two games, completing 84.3 percent of his passes. Rushing, however, has been the issue as he’s lost 38 yards on 14 carries this season.
Expect Oregon State to pin their ears back and get after the quarterback. Gabriel will finish below the 310-yard mark, and the Beavers will make this a game. I like Oregon State’s +16.5 mark in this rivalry game.
West Virginia Mountaineers QB Garrett Greene OVER 43.5 Rushing Yards
Outside of the opener against Penn State, West Virginia quarterback Garrett Greene has been able to beat teams with his feet. The 5-foot-11 senior barely played in last year’s Backyard Brawl, but he’s exceeded 60 yards in four of his last five games dating back to 2023.
Expect the Mountaineers to use Greene on the ground to earn this victory on Saturday and for him to exceed the 43.5-yard mark to cover his player prop bet. WVU giving 1.5 points is a sound choice against a Pittsburgh squad still looking for an identity.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish WR Jaden Greathouse OVER 28.5 Receiving Yards
Notre Dame is a run-first offense, and the Fighting Irish will continue that on Saturday in the renewal of their rivalry game against Purdue, a game that awards the victor with a Shillelagh Trophy since the 1957 contest.
I expect Purdue to attempt to bottle up the run and force Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard to beat them in the air. That’s why taking Jaden Greathouse – the team’s second-leading receiver with just eight receptions and 67 yards – is a strong choice.
The Fighting Irish are looking for a big win to combat their bad loss to Northern Illinois, and Purdue gives Notre Dame that chance. Take the Irish giving 9.5 points and expect Notre Dame to win its 11th game over Purdue in the last 12 meetings.
