Tropical Storm Nestor may wreak havoc on many Top 25 college football clashes

By Mark Puleo, AccuWeather staff writer

Updated Oct. 19, 2019 9:00 AM

As Tropical Storm Nestor lashes the Southeast on Saturday, multiple top-tier college football teams are preparing to play crucial games in whatever elements the system may throw at them.

No. 9 Florida at South Carolina - Saturday at 12:00 p.m. EDT

As Nestor moves its way up the Southeast, its drenching rains will impact the SEC clash in Columbia, South Carolina.

Rain is expected to pick up in the area throughout the day, and some of the rain can be heavy, AccuWeather meteorologists said. This will create a heightened risk of foot slips and fumbles on either side of the ball and will require fans to bring along necessary rain gear such as ponchos and umbrellas.

South Carolina is looking to repeat their successes from last week, when the Gamecocks upset then-3rd ranked Georgia in overtime. Should this week's game come down to field goals once again, a stiff east-northeast wind with gusts whipping over 30 mph could make kick attempts more difficult.

Kentucky at No. 10 Georgia - Saturday at 6:00 p.m. EDT

While tailgates and earlier portions of the game be impacted by winds and rain from Nestor, the cool weather is likely to have the largest impact on the SEC matchup. Periods of rain and gusty winds are expected throughout the game, but especially in the first half.

The temperature is expected to hover in the 50s F for most of the game, but the AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperature could fall as low down to the 40s F in Athens.

Tennessee at No. 1 Alabama - Saturday at 9:00 p.m. EDT

The top team in the nation, Alabama, will host the Volunteers on Saturday night, with kickoff likely to come after rain from Nestor will have already doused the Tuscaloosa area.

Cloudy skies will remain overheard for the game with a light wind blowing at 10 mph. The temperature will hover in the lower 60s with similar AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures.

No. 12 Oregon at No. 25 Washington - Saturday at 12:30 p.m. PDT

Away from the Southeast and Nestor's influence, a Top 25 rivalry clash between the Oregon Ducks and Washington Huskies will likely be played throughout a constant drizzle.

A storm system that could cause high-elevation snow in some areas of Washington will bring periods of rain throughout the day in Seattle before this Pac-12 game. AccuWeather meteorologists say that the wet weather could lead to increased threat for fumbles, dropped balls and foot slips.