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College football fans, buckle up—this season has been nothing short of chaotic, thrilling, and downright unpredictable. From powerhouse programs being dethroned to underdog teams defying expectations, Week 13 only amplified the drama as playoff races tightened and destinies were redefined. With each passing game, the stakes are higher, and the race for college football supremacy becomes increasingly electrifying. This week saw stunning upsets, dominant performances, and playoff aspirations hanging by a thread, leaving fans and analysts alike scrambling to make sense of it all.
Among the winners, perennial favorites like Ohio State reinforced their dominance, while dark horses like Arizona State carved out paths to glory. Meanwhile, conference supremacy narratives shifted dramatically, with the ACC suddenly looking like a multi-bid league while the SEC continued to falter under internal chaos. The action on the field was matched only by the endless debates off it—who belongs in the playoffs, and how will the new 12-team format change the game moving forward?
But with triumph also comes heartbreak. For every program cementing its playoff contention, there are others whose dreams were dashed, or worse, left in limbo. Conference championship dynamics added an extra layer of tension as teams grappled with the reality of high-risk, high-reward matchups. As we break down the winners and losers of Week 13, one thing is certain: this is the college football season we’ll be talking about for years to come.
Ohio State showed why they remain one of the nation’s premier teams, dismantling Indiana in a physically commanding performance. Their defense overwhelmed Indiana’s offensive line, with constant pressure on quarterback Curtis Rook that left little room for error. The Buckeyes’ trench dominance proved pivotal as they controlled the game from start to finish.
While their earlier loss to Oregon remains a blemish on their record, this victory reaffirmed Ohio State’s case as a top playoff contender. With the defense firing on all cylinders and the offense finding its rhythm, the Buckeyes appear ready to make a deep postseason run.
Picked to finish last in the Big 12, Arizona State has defied expectations. This week’s victory over BYU catapulted them to the top of the conference standings, with the Sun Devils now controlling their playoff destiny. Head coach Kenny Dillingham’s rapid turnaround of the program has been nothing short of remarkable.
Their balanced attack, featuring a reinvigorated offense and opportunistic defense, has made Arizona State a dark horse playoff candidate. As they prepare for potential postseason play, the Sun Devils are undoubtedly a team to watch.
While Indiana suffered a disappointing loss to Ohio State, the broader playoff landscape played into their favor. Despite the setback, Indiana’s body of work this season virtually guarantees them a spot in the expanded 12-team playoff, provided they finish strong.
This scenario underscores the complexity of the playoff picture and highlights how a team can emerge as a winner off the field, even on a tough game day.
In a season where conference strength is hotly debated, the ACC emerged as a significant winner this week. With SEC teams cannibalizing each other in the standings, the ACC’s consistency has positioned it for multiple playoff bids.
Upsets in the SEC—like Auburn defeating Texas A&M—have bolstered the ACC’s case. Teams like Miami and SMU are making strong arguments for inclusion, proving that the ACC is a force to be reckoned with this year.
Playing in the iconic Yankee Stadium, Notre Dame secured a crucial victory over Army, reaffirming their playoff credentials. The win wasn’t just significant for the Fighting Irish—it effectively dashed Army’s playoff hopes and showcased Notre Dame’s resilience.
With one more win, Notre Dame will punch their ticket to the postseason, proving they remain a perennial powerhouse in college football.
Boise State’s narrow win over Wyoming raised questions about their trajectory. Once considered the best Group of Five team, the Broncos have struggled to maintain their dominance, with close games against weaker opponents casting doubt on their playoff viability.
If Boise State doesn’t regain their early-season form, they risk falling behind emerging Group of Five contenders like Tulane and UNLV.
Army entered their showdown with Notre Dame as a team on the rise, with playoff aspirations still within reach. Unfortunately, a blowout loss not only ended those hopes but also knocked them out of the top 25.
While the season isn’t over for Army—they can still contend for the American Athletic Conference title—their playoff dreams have been effectively dashed.
This week reignited debates about the relevance of conference championship games. Critics argue that these games can hurt teams with playoff aspirations, as a loss often eliminates them from contention.
For example, SEC bubble teams like Texas A&M could find themselves punished for playing an extra game, while teams that avoid these matchups remain unscathed. As the playoff format evolves, the role of championship games may need to be reevaluated.
Despite a strong season, SMU faces an uphill battle in convincing the playoff committee of their worth. If they lose the ACC Championship Game to Miami, their playoff hopes could be dashed, even with an impressive record.
This highlights the challenge of securing at-large bids in a crowded field, especially for teams outside traditional power conferences.
Oregon State pulled off a significant win against Washington State but did so in a way that may harm the Pac-12’s overall playoff prospects. By taking out one of their own contenders, the Beavers unintentionally weakened the conference’s standing in the eyes of the committee.
While the victory is a testament to their resilience, it underscores the unintended consequences of intra-conference competition in a playoff race.
As the season heads into its final weeks, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Teams like Ohio State and Arizona State control their own destiny, while others must rely on favorable results elsewhere to secure their spots. The expanded playoff format promises excitement and unpredictability, with every game carrying significant implications.
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This week proved that college football’s chaos is as exciting as ever. Stay tuned as we continue to follow the twists and turns of this unforgettable season!
