Week 13 of college football delivered thrilling matchups, unexpected upsets, and standout performances. As teams fought for postseason glory, some rose to the occasion, while others faltered under pressure. Here’s a look at the winners and losers from this unforgettable week in college football.
Winners
1. Michigan Wolverines
The Michigan Wolverines shined once again, securing their spot in the Big Ten Championship after a dominant victory over Ohio State. Their defensive strength and offensive consistency proved they are true playoff contenders.
2. Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama showed resilience by outlasting Auburn in an intense Iron Bowl. Quarterback Jalen Milroe’s last-minute heroics ensured Alabama stayed in the conversation for a College Football Playoff berth.
3. Florida State Seminoles
Despite losing starting quarterback Jordan Travis to injury earlier in the season, Florida State powered through with a strong performance against Florida. Their grit keeps them in the playoff picture, with a perfect season still intact.
4. Washington Huskies
The Huskies capped their undefeated regular season with a hard-fought victory over Washington State. Michael Penix Jr. continues to bolster his Heisman campaign with stellar performances week after week.
5. Louisville Cardinals
Louisville celebrated a signature win over Kentucky, cementing their spot as one of the ACC’s top teams. Head coach Jeff Brohm has transformed this team into a powerhouse.
Losers
1. Ohio State Buckeyes
For the second consecutive year, Ohio State fell to Michigan, derailing their hopes for a Big Ten Championship. Quarterback Kyle McCord struggled under Michigan’s relentless defense, raising questions about the team’s playoff aspirations.
2. Florida Gators
Florida’s loss to Florida State capped a disappointing season. Despite home-field advantage, the Gators failed to deliver against their rivals, ending the year without bowl eligibility.
3. Oregon State Beavers
Oregon State faltered in a critical game against Oregon. The Beavers, once considered dark-horse contenders, couldn’t keep up with the Ducks’ high-powered offense.
4. Texas A&M Aggies
Texas A&M’s inconsistency reared its head again, with a blowout loss to LSU. Even with a new coaching hire looming, the Aggies have yet to regain their footing in the SEC.
5. Tennessee Volunteers
The Volunteers suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of Vanderbilt, marking a disappointing end to what had been a promising season. Questions about the team’s future linger as they look ahead to the offseason.
With conference championships and bowl games on the horizon, the stakes are higher than ever. Teams will battle for glory, while fans gear up for even more excitement. Week 13 has set the stage for a dramatic conclusion to the season, leaving fans eager for what’s next in college football.
This Week 13 recap highlights the highs and lows, giving fans a clear picture of the college football landscape as we approach the season’s climax.