It is the final week in the regular season for this year’s College Football season. Week 13 is known as rivalry week as teams face their rivals. But alongside that, we still have the lingering question of who will make the College Football Playoffs. There was one game this week that especially will have an impact on who will make the playoffs. That is where we are starting.
The Game
The Game. After a whole season of build-up, the game is finally upon us. The number 2 ranked undefeated Ohio State Buckeyes faced the number 3 ranked unbeaten Michigan Wolverines in a game where the winner would have an almost guaranteed spot in the College Football Playoff. The lower may still find themselves in the playoffs, but this may depend on other results. So, what happened in The Game?
The Buckeyes had the opening possession of the game but were unable to make any progress down the field, and quickly punted to the Wolverines. In reply, the Wolverines would also struggle to move the ball, and would also punt. This parity would occur for two more drives before it would be broken by the next drive from Ohio State.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Buckeyes would start this drive from their 20-yard line. Led by quarterback Kyle McCord, the offense was hoping to be able to improve on their previous two drives and to find some points from it. This is what would not happen. On the opening play of the drive, McCord would throw a pass intended for Will Johnson. However, this would be intercepted by the Wolverines’ defense and then returned to the Buckeyes’ 7-yard line. This gave Michigan a very strong field position to score the opening points of the game.
This is what they would do. But, it did take them 4 attempts to do it. Wolverines running back Blake Corum slowly made his way down to the one-yard line, before on 4th down finding the endzone to give the Wolverines an early lead.
In reply to this, we finally were able to see some offensive power from Ohio State. Starting from their 25-yard line, McCord and company were able to move the ball for the first time in this game inside the Wolverines’ territory. They would reach the Wolverines’ 24-yard line, aided by a penalty against the defense, before this drive would stall. This set up a 43-yard field goal attempt from Buckeyes’ kicker Jayden Fielding. He would be successful with this attempt, and Ohio State would their first points of the game.
The scoring would continue with the Wolverines’ next drive. Led by quarterback J.J McCarthy, the Wolverines were quickly able to drive the ball down to the Buckeyes’ 22-yard line. From here, McCarthy would find Roman Wilson for a 22-yard touchdown pass to add to Michigan’s lead.
The Buckeyes would be next to score. Starting from their 27-yard line, the McCord-led offense was able to drive down the field and find their way down into the Wolverines’ red zone and then down to their 3-yard line. From here, McCord would throw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Emeka Egbuka to keep Ohio State in the game.
Ohio State would attempt to get a few more points just before halftime. Starting from the Buckeyes’ 2-yard line, the offense was able to make it down to the Wolverines’ 34-yard line with only a few seconds left before halftime. This set up Fielding with a 52-yard field goal attempt. He would miss this, meaning that at halftime, the Wolverines would have a 14-10 lead over the Buckeyes.
The Wolverines had the opening drive of the second half, and unlike the Buckeyes on the opening drive or the first half, the Wolverines were able to find points. McCarthy and company would be able to quickly advance down to the Buckeyes’ 32-yard line before the drive stalled. This set up Wolverines kicker James Turner with a 50-yard field goal attempt, which he would make. Michigan’s lead would be extended.
In reply to this, the Buckeyes immediately struck back. Starting on their 22-yard line, Ohio State very slowly made it down into the Wolverines’ red zone. This drive would mostly be running plays done by Treyvon Henderson. This would take the Buckeyes down to the Wolverines 3-yard line. From here, Henderson would find the endzone for a 3-yard rushing touchdown to level the scores.
However, this tie would not last long. On the very next drive of the game, the Wolverines would strike back. The McCarthy-led offense would be able to make their way down to the edge of the Buckeyes’ 22-yard line. From here, Blake Corum would score a 22-yard rushing touchdown to return the lead to the Wolverines.
Embed from Getty ImagesMichigan would add to their lead on their next drive. They would stall at the Buckeyes’ 20-yard. This set up a Turner with a 38-yard field goal attempt, for which he would be successful.
However, the scoring would continue as the Buckeyes clawed back some of the gap. Starting from their 35-yard line, the Ohio State offense was able to make its way down into the Wolverines’ red zone and then down to the 14-yard line. From here, McCord found reliable target Marvin Harrison Jr for the 14-yard touchdown to make the Wolverines lead only 3 points.
Michigan were able to add to their lead on their next drive. McCarthy and company would stall on the Buckeyes’ 19-yard line, setting up a 37-yard field goal attempt for Turner. He would again make it, and the Wolverines would have a 6-point lead with time running out. The Buckeyes needed to find a touchdown. Could they?
On the final drive, the Buckeyes were able to make it to the Wolverines’ 37-yard line. But then, it’ll all go wrong. McCord would throw an interception and the game would be over. The number 3 ranked Michigan Wolverines had defeated the number 2 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes 30-24.
This victory for Michigan gives them an unbeaten season and a spot in the Big 10 Championship game next week and an almost certain place in the College Football Playoffs. The defeat means the Buckeyes fall to 12-1, and due to the stupid way the Big 10 is structured, means that they won’t make the championship game. They could make the College Football Playoffs, solely as they have been in the top 4 all year.
The Iron Bowl Scare?
This week, the number 8 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide faced their State rivals the Auburn Tigers in the Iron Bowl. This game was essentially a dead rubber as the Tigers season was over, and Alabama had already made the championship game. What would happen in the Iron Bowl?
The Tigers would have the opening drive of the game, but would be unable to do anything with the ball and would punt to the Crimson Tide.
In response to this, and unlike the Tigers, the Crimson Tide would be able to find points on their opening drive of the game. Starting from their 31-yard line, the Alabama offense, led by quarterback Jalen Milroe would lead his offense down to the Tigers’ red zone and then to the 2-yard line. From here, Roydell Williams would find the endzone for a 2-yard rushing touchdown to give the Crimson Tide the opening lead of the game.
However, the Tigers would be able to strike back soon after. Starting from their own 32-yard line, the Tigers’ offense was able to run down to the Bama 4-yard line. I say run down, as they only used rushing plays on this drive. Then, at the 4-yard line, running back Damari Alston found the endzone for a 4-yard rushing touchdown to tie the score.
The scores would not be tied for long. On the very next drive of the game, the Crimson Tide would retake the lead. Milroe and company would be able to advance down the field and reach the Tigers’ 14-yard line in a drive that would stall in this location. This set up a 32-yard field goal attempt for Crimson Tide kicker Will Reichard. He would successfully make the kick, handing the lead back to Alabama.
Embed from Getty ImagesThen, the game would become very interesting. The Tigers would have the ball on their 20-yard line. Alstori would then run rush for 56-yard down to the Crimson Tide 24-yard line. However, there was a face mask penalty on this play against the Alabama defense. This would take the Tigers down to the 14-yard line. The move would prove costly for Alabama, as on the next play, Ja’Varrius Johnson would find the endzone for a 14-yard touchdown to give Auburn a slim lead.
This lead would not last long. The Crimson Tide would be at their 32-yard line before Milroe would find Burton for a long and impressive 68-yard touchdown pass to return the lead to Alabama. This would mean that at halftime, the Crimson Tide would have a narrow 17-14 lead over the Tigers.
The Crimson Tide would have the opening possession of the second half and would be able to extend their lead from this. The Milroe lead offense would be able to reach the Tigers’ 4-yard line before the drive would stall. This set up Reichard with a 22-yard field goal attempt, for which he would be successful.
Auburn would immediately come back. Led by quarterback Payton Thorne, the Tigers would start this drive on their 25-yard line. They were able to very quickly make it down to the Bama 27-yard line. From here, Thorne would find Johnson for a 27-yard touchdown pass to give the Tigers another unlikely lead.
The Crimson Tide would try to score and retake the lead. Their next drive would be able to reach the Tigers’ 24-yard line before this drive stalled. This set up a 42-yard field goal attempt from Reichard. However, unlike his previous attempt, he would miss this, keeping Auburn in the lead.
While Alabama were unable to score a field goal on their previous drive, the Tigers would be able to. On a long drive that started on their 24-yard line, the Thorne lead offense would very slowly make its way down to the Crimson Tide red zone and then down to the 4-yard line, where this drive stalled. This set up a 21-yard field goal attempt from Tigers’ kicker Alex McPherson, which he would be successful with, handing Auburn a 4-point lead in the fourth quarter. Would we see an upset here?
Embed from Getty ImagesAfter a few punts, the Crimson Tide would have the ball with a few minutes left on the clock and needing a touchdown. Milroe and company would be able to drive down to the Auburn 31-yard line, where a vital fourth down attempt would take place. From here, the Crimson Tide would throw a Hail Mary into the endzone, as Milroe found Isaiah Bond for what could be a game-winning touchdown and the score to keep their hunt for the CFP alive for another week. But, there was still time on the clock for a Auburn score. Could they upset the Tide?
On the last play of the game, the Tigers were on the one-yard line. Their own yard line. So they would need a 99-yard touchdown to win the game. Thorne would throw an interception, and the game would be over. The number 8 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide had defeated the Auburn Tigers 27-24
This victory means nothing in relation to the SEC. Alabama had already made next week’s championship game against Georgia. But a defeat would have ended their hunt for the CFP. They have a very slim chance as things stand, but it is still possible. With the defeat, the Tigers ended their season with a 6-6 record.
The Unbeaten Huskies?
The number 4 ranked Washington Huskies are extremely close to securing a spot in the College Football Playoff. They are still unbeaten and want to continue that record this week against their state rivals, the Washington State Cougars. So, would we see an upset in the Apple Cup?
The Cougars would have the opening drive of the game, but like others, would be unable the find an opening score and would be forced to punt to the Huskies. In reply, the Huskies would do the same.
However, this would not be the case on the Huskies’ next drive. Led by quarterback Michael Fenix Jr, the Washington drive would start at around the 50-yard line. Then, they would be able to make it down to the Cougars’ one-yard line. From here, Huskies running back Dilon Johnson would find the endzone for the opening touchdown of the game to give the Huskies an early lead.
In reply, the Cougars would act quickly. Led by quarterback Cameron Ward, the Cougars would be able to quickly make it down to the edge of the Huskies’ red zone at the 21-yard line. From here, Ward would pass to Josh Kelly for a 21-yard touchdown pass to tie the game.
Washington would have the next chance to score. Penix and company would be able to advance down the field and reach the Cougars’ 26-yard line. However, this is where their drive would stall, setting up a 43-yard field goal attempt for Huskies kicker Grady Goss. Goss would be unsuccessful in this attempt, handing possession back to Washington State.
But the Cougars would not be able to hold on to this possession for long. On the Cougars’ 40-yard line, Ward threw an interception. This would prove costly for Washington State, as on the subsequent drive, the Huskies would very quickly score. Again on the Cougars’ 40-yard line, Penix would find Rome Oduze for a 40-yard touchdown pass to hand the lead to Washington.
Embed from Getty ImagesJust before halftime, we would see another change in the lead. The Cougars would have possession and would be able to make it down to the Huskies’ 25-yard line. Then, Ward found Kyle Williams for a 25-yard touchdown pass to level the scores just before halftime.
This meant that as the teams returned to the locker rooms, the Huskies and the Cougars were tied 14-14.
The Huskies would have the opening possession of the second half, but would not be in possession of the ball for long. On the second play of the drive, Penix threw an interception. Luckily for them, the Cougars would be unable to do anything in reply to this.
A few drives later Washington State would have a chance to break the deadlock. Ward and company would be able to make it down to the Huskies’ 33-yard line before stalling. This set up Cougars’ kicker Dean Janikowski with a 50-yard field goal attempt. He would be unsuccessful with this, thus handing possession back over to the Huskies.
This turnover would again prove costly for the Cougars. The Penix lead offense would quickly be able to make it down to the Cougars’ 21-yard line. From here, Penix found Oduze for a 21-yard touchdown pass to take the lead again in this game.
The luck would continue for the Huskies on their next drive. At the 50-yard line, Cameron Ward would throw an interception, but fortunately for Washington State, the Huskies’ offense could not take advantage of this possession.
Embed from Getty ImagesHowever, late in the fourth quarter, Washington State would be able to tie this game again. On a drive that started on their 35-yard line, Ward and company would be able to advance down the field and reach the Huskies’ 8-yard line. From here, Ward would find Lincoln Victor for an 8-yard touchdown pass to tie the game. With time running out, could the Huskies find something to continue their undefeated season?
The Huskies would have the final drive of the game. Starting from their 10-yard line, Penix and company would be able to drive down the field and cross into the Cougars’ red zone. Then, at the 16-yard line, Penix would be sacked, moving the Huskies offense back to the 25-yard line. With time running out, this set up Grady Goss with a game-winning 42-yard field goal attempt. Goss would be successful in this, and the number 4 ranked Washington Huskies had defeated the Washington State Cougars 24-21.
The Huskies leave it late, but get the win to continue their undefeated season. This will go far to help them find a place in the College Football Playoff. Next week’s Pac-12 championship game will be a massive test, but victory will secure their possession of a berth. The defeat means that the Cougars end their season with a 5-7 record. They will not be Bowl eligible, but at least they are unofficially the PAC 2 champion!
What Happened to the Other Ranked Teams?
#1 Georgia @ Georgia Tech
The number one ranked and still unbeaten Georgia Bulldogs warmed up for the SEC Championship game next week against Alabama with a game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Despite a late comeback from the Jackets, the Bulldogs would hold to their unbeaten season with a 31-23 victory
#5 Florida State @ Florida
The number 5 ranked Florida State Seminoles are still unbeaten and have made the ACC championship game next week. That’s the good news. The bad news is that they’ll have to play the rest of the season without quarterback Jordan Travis. They faced the Florida Gators this week and would need a late fourth-quarter comeback to defeat the Gators 24-15. Next week’s championship game will decide the Seminoles season.
#16 Oregon State @ #6 Oregon
The number 6 ranked Oregon Ducks faced the number 16 ranked Oregon State Beavers with a place in the PAC 12 championship game on the line. Ducks quarterback Bo Nix would throw two touchdowns as the Ducks would defeat their state rivals 31-7 to set up a rematch with the Huskies next week.
Texas Tech @ #7 Texas
Embed from Getty ImagesThe number 7 ranked Texas Longhorns knew that victory against the Texas Tech Red Raiders would give them a place in the Big 12 championship game for the first time since 2018. At the end of the third quarter, the Longhorns were 43 points ahead and the goal was complete. From this, the Longhorns finally decided to play Arch Manning, who received a strong welcome from the crowd. For his first drive, he played well. The Longhorns may have a good future under him in the SEC. Texas would win the game 57-7 in the end, keeping their chances for the CFP alive.
#9 Missouri @ Arkansas
The number 9 ranked Missouri Tigers ended their season against the Arkansas Razorbacks. The Tigers destroyed Arkansas in this game, with Quarterback Brady Cook scoring two touchdowns in their 48-14 victory.
Kentucky @ #10 Louisville
The number 10 ranked Louisville Cardinals warmed up for their ACC championship game next week with a match against state rivals the Kentucky Wildcats. In a surprising victory, a late touchdown from Kentucky would give them a 38-31 win over ranked Louisville
#11 Penn State @ Michigan State
The number 11 ranked Penn State Nittany Lions faced the Michigan State Spartans. One may guess what happened in this game. Penn State destroyed the Spartans 42-0 to give them a 10-win season
#12 Ole Miss @ Mississippi State
The number 12 ranked Ole Miss Rebels faced the Mississippi State Bulldogs in the battle of the Golden Egg. This was another low-scoring affair, with the Rebels winning the game 17-7, to give them a 10-win season.
TCU @ #13 Oklahoma
In their final game as a Big 12 team, before they move to the SEC next season, the number 13 ranked Oklahoma Sooners faced the TCU Horned Frogs. The Sooners would dominate last year’s national championship runners-up, with Quarterback Dilon Gabriel throwing for 400 yards. Oklahoma would win this game 69-45. And for the final time this year, I have bad news for you. General Booty did not play.
Texas A&M @ #14 LSU
In a high-scoring affair, something that we expect from this year’s LSU Tigers side, the number 14 ranked team faced the Texas A&M Aggies. Tigers Quarterback Jaylen Daniels threw 4 touchdowns in the Tigers 42-30 win
#15 Arizona @ Arizona State
The decent season for the number 15 ranked Arizona Wildcats continues against the Arizona State Sun Devils. Wildcats quarterback Noah Fifita threw for 5 touchdowns and 527 yards in his side’s 59-23 victory
#17 Iowa @ Nebraska
The number 17 ranked Iowa Hawkeyes faced the Nebraska Cornhuskers. It would be another game where field goals would be the main way of scoring, but Brock Purdy’s younger brother Chubba did throw one touchdown for the Cornhuskers. It wouldn’t be enough, as Iowa would record a 13-10 victory
#18 Notre Dame @ Stanford
The number 18 ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish finished their schedule of random teams with a game against the Stanford Cardinals. Fighting Irish running back Audric Estime scored 4 touchdowns in their 56-23 victory over the Cardinals
Iowa State @ #19 Kansas State
In a game known as “Farmageddon” the number 19 ranked Kansas State Wildcats faced the Iowa State Cyclones. This was a high-scoring affair, but a late touchdown from Cyclones quarterback Roco Becht would give Iowa State the upset victory 42-35
BYU @ #20 Oklahoma State
With a place in the Big 12 championship game available, the number 20-ranked Oklahoma State Cowboys faced the BYU Cougars. This game would be a close affair and would need to go to the second stage or overtime. But, it would be the Cowboys and the strong performance of quarterback Ollie Gordon who would win this game 40-34, meaning that they will face the Texas Longhorns next weekend for the Big 12 title
Vanderbilt @ #21 Tennessee
The number 21 ranked Tennessee Volunteers finished their season with an easy test in the Vanderbilt Commodores. Volunteers quarterback Joe Milton would finally have a good game, throwing 4 touchdowns in their 48-24 victory
North Carolina @ #22 NC State
Embed from Getty ImagesThe number 22 ranked NC State Wolfpack faced the UNRANKED North Carolina Tar Heels, who were my pick for the ACC championship before the season started. In what should be his final game for the Tar Heels, quarterback Drake Maye had a mixed day, throwing both 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. The Wolfpack would win this game 39-20, providing that North Carolina is still a basketball school.
UTSA @ #23 Tulane
The number 23 ranked Tulane Green Waves continued their status as the best Power 5 team with a comfortable win over the UTSA Roadrunners. Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt would score two touchdowns in the 29-16 victory
#24 Clemson @ South Carolina
After a poor start to the season, the number 24 ranked Clemson Tigers ended their year against the South Carolina Gamecocks. In a low-scoring affair, the Tigers would hold on for a small 16-7 victory
#25 Liberty @ UTEP
The number 25-ranked Liberty Flames are an unbeaten side. But, we haven’t heard much of them this year as they do seem to face strong opposition, so they are less likely to climb the rankings. To add to my point, this week, the Flames ended their season against the UTEP Miners, who have won 3 games all year. Liberty would demolish them 42-28 to give the Flames their first unbeaten season in their history.
So that was the final week in the regular season of the 2023 College Football season. Next week, it is championship week. Will that offer any surprises? Then, next Sunday is the day we will find out which 4 teams will make the College Football Playoffs. The race is nearly over, winners will soon be crowded.