Week 13 in college football delivered shocking results and substantial implications for teams across the landscape. A number of highly ranked squads faltered against opponents with subpar records, creating a chaotic playoff picture.
Despite suffering a loss to No. 2 Ohio State, Indiana emerged as a potential playoff contender. The Hoosiers faced tough competition, losing 38-15, yet maintained an 11-1 record. This performance has left the College Football Playoff selection committee with a difficult decision, considering their overall strength of schedule.
In contrast, the SEC experienced a nightmare Saturday. No. 7 Alabama stumbled against a struggling Oklahoma team, suffering their first scoreless game since 2011. First-year head coach Kalen DeBoer faced scrutiny after overseeing Alabama’s first three-loss season in over a decade. Despite Alabama’s diminished chances for the playoffs, they could still qualify for the SEC Championship if they secure a victory over No. 3 Texas.
Ole Miss’s season took a hit as they fell to Florida, effectively eliminating themselves from SEC Championship contention. Coaching mistakes contributed to this latest loss, and the Rebels now face a less than desirable bowl game scenario.
The Big 12 demonstrated its competitiveness, with four teams tied atop the standings and no clear frontrunner emerging. This parity creates an unpredictable atmosphere as teams vie for the championship, making any prediction difficult.
Kansas has also surprised many by stringing together notable upsets after a rocky start to the season. Their recent victory against Colorado ended the latter’s playoff hopes, showcasing their resilience and ability to perform when it matters.
Arizona State continued its impressive turnaround, edging out BYU in a hard-fought game. The Sun Devils have defied expectations following a tough previous year, illustrating their growth under the guidance of head coach Kenny Dillingham.
In the Big Ten, Iowa State clawed its way toward a conference championship appearance, overcoming late-game adversity against Utah. Their situation now hinges on a pivotal game next week, placing them in a critical position within the conference.
Meanwhile, Notre Dame’s dominant win over Army dashed any remaining hopes for a service academy in the playoff. With their sights now set on a first-round home playoff game, the Irish are surging at the right moment in the season.
USC barely managed to salvage their struggling season with a narrow victory over rival UCLA. However, their path forward is steep as they prepare to face No. 6 Notre Dame.
Across the country, teams like Boise State remained resolute, clinching their conference championship spot. The emergence of individual talents like Ashton Jeanty further highlights the dynamic nature of the competition.
Nebraska made headlines for breaking their bowl drought, ending a long streak of disappointing seasons. Their strong performance against Wisconsin marked a significant turnaround, showcasing the potential for growth.
As Week 13 comes to a close, the unpredictable nature of college football reigns supreme. With conference championships approaching, the playoff picture remains murky. Every game counts as teams fight for their postseason lives, setting the stage for an exhilarating finish to the season.
