After last week’s drama, week 13 brings us one week away from the final week of the regular season. Places in conference championship games, the College Football Playoffs, and Bowl Games are on the line. So, how did the Ohio State Buckeyes, Colorado Buffaloes, and the Texas A&M Aggies (among others) fare this week?
Ohio State Brings an End to Indestuctable Indiana
In one of the biggest games of the week, the number two-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes faced the number five-ranked (and still undefeated) Indiana Hoosiers. The Hoosiers came into this game knowing that a win against the Buckeyes would seal their spot in the Big Ten Championship game, while a defeat would open the door for Ohio State. So, who would win this game?
The Hoosiers would be able to score on their first possession. On a drive that started on their 30-yard line, the Indiana offense, led by quarterback Kurtis Rourke, made it down to the Buckeyes’ two-yard line. Here, Ty Son Lawton found the endzone for the rushing touchdown to give the Hoosiers the early lead.
In response, the Buckeyes also made their way down to the two-yard line and faced a fourth-down conversion that needed to find the endzone. This was unsuccessful, as Quinshon Judkins’s run did not go anywhere. However, Ohio State would be successful on their next drive, as quarterback Will Howard found Emeka Egbuka for an 11-yard touchdown pass.
Embed from Getty ImagesIndiana then made a mistake, when Rouke was sacked and then fumbled the ball on the edge of his team’s red zone. The Buckeyes would recover the ball, but they would not be in possession of it for long, as Howard’s pass was intercepted.
The Hoosiers could not do anything with this, as they turned the ball over on downs on their seven-yard line. Ohio State then took advantage of the small field length required, as TreVeyon Henderson found the endzone for a rushing touchdown.
This meant at halftime, the Buckeyes had a 14-7 lead over the Hoosiers.
Indiana did not have the best start to the second half. On the second play of their drive, they fumbled the ball, but they were able to recover it. This destroyed any momentum and forced them to punt. However, the punt return from Caleb Downs found the endzone, which only increased the Buckeyes’ lead.
This lead would be extended on their next drive. Howard and company were able to move the ball down to the Hoosiers’ one-yard line, and here, Jelani Thurman found the endzone for the touchdown score to put them 21 points ahead.
Twenty-one points became 24 at the beginning of the fourth quarter. The Buckeyes’ drive stalled at the Hoosiers’ 27-yard line, but kicker Jayden Fielding would make a 45-yard field goal to put the game out of reach for Indiana.
Embed from Getty ImagesBut, this did not stop the Hoosiers from finding the endzone on what would be their last drive of the game. Starting from their 25-yard line, Rourke and company would spend more than seven minutes and 14 plays slowly moving the ball down to the Buckeyes’ two-yard line. From here, Lawton found the endzone for his second rushing touchdown. Indiana then attempted a two-point conversion, which was successful.
But the Buckeyes would find the endzone one last time. Helped by a 39-yard run from Henderson to take the offense down to the one-yard line, Howard then found the endzone with a one-yard run.
This meant the number two-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes had defeated the number five-ranked Indiana Hoosiers 38-15.
This brings to an end the undefeated season the Hoosiers have been having. They won 10 games, a season to remember for them. The defeat means that they fall to 10-1 (7-1 Big Ten), and their hopes of making the championship game are now reliant on the Buckeyes losing next week. However, the season is not lost; they should make it into the CFP. The Buckeyes improve to 10-1 (7-1 Big Ten), knowing they are one win away from a rematch with the Oregon Ducks.
Next week, the Buckeyes host rivals the Michigan Wolverines in “The Game”, while the Hoosiers face Purdue for the Old Oaken Bucket.
Auburn and The Aggies’s four Overtimes!
The number 15 ranked Texas A&M Aggies come into this weekend with a good chance of making the SEC Championship Game, with next week’s long-awaited clash with the Texas Longhorns being a decider. This week, they faced the Auburn Tigers, a team that has struggled this season. This should be an easy win for the Aggies.
The Tigers had the opening possession of the game and would be able to get the game’s opening points. Starting from their 35-yard line, quarterback Payton Throne moved the offense down to the Aggies’ two-yard line. From here, Jarquez Hunter found the endzone for the rushing touchdown to take the lead.
In response, the Aggies made their way down to the Tigers’ 36-yard line but no further. This set up kicker Randy Bond’s 53-yard field goal attempt, which was unsuccessful.
The Tigers strengthened their lead as Thorne found Cam Coleman for a 63-yard touchdown pass. But then, the Aggies made a mistake, as Marcel Reed’s pass was intercepted on the Tigers’12-yard line. This mistake would be something that Auburn capitalized on, as Thorne would move his offense down the field and then find Coleman for a 15-yard touchdown pass.
Embed from Getty ImagesTexas A&M could put some points on the board in the second quarter. On a drive that started on their 25-yard line, Reed and company could slowly move down the field. This drive took nearly nine minutes to complete, and the Aggies had a third down attempt on every set. They would eventually make their way down to the Tigers’ one-yard line, where Terry Bussey would find the endzone for a rushing touchdown.
This meant at halftime, the Tigers had a surprise 21-7 lead over the Aggies.
The Aggies started the second half well. On their opening drive, Reed found Noah Thomas for a 14-yard touchdown pass. This made it a one-possession game, which became a tied game on the first play of the Aggies’ next drive, when Reed found Thomas again, this time for a 73-yard touchdown pass.
In response, the Tigers made their way down to the Aggies’ 22-yard line, but this is where the drive would stall. A 40-yard field goal attempt from Ian Vachon was set up, but this was unsuccessful.
However, the next drive from Auburn would be more successful. The Tigers could make it down to the Aggies’ one-yard line quickly, and Hunter found the endzone for the rushing touchdown here.
But, this luck would not last long, as Thorne would throw an interception deep in his half. This mistake was something that the Aggies would take advantage of, with Bond kicking a 32-yard field goal.
A few drives later, the Aggies could take the lead when Amari Daniels found the endzone for an eight-yard rushing touchdown. This gave them a three-point lead with only four minutes left in the game.
Embed from Getty ImagesAuburn regained possession with two minutes left, knowing they needed to score a field goal to take the game to overtime. Starting from their 15-yard line, the Tigers slowly made their way down to the Aggies 11-yard line. Then, as time ran out, Vachon made a 29-yard field goal to take this game to overtime.
College Football overtime is different (and much better) than its NFL counterpart. First, both teams have to make touchdowns from a 25-yard field. The Aggies were successful with this (Reed found Jahdae Walker for a 12-yard TD), and so were the Tigers (Hunter scored a two-yard rushing touchdown).
The second round allows for field goals, which both teams were able to make. Then, from the third round onwards, the teams make two-point conversions. It is the “Penalty Shootout” of American Football.
Both teams were unsuccessful in the third round but in the fourth round of overtime. Thorne found KeAndre Lambert-Smith to give the Tigers a surprise victory.
This meant that after four periods of overtime, the Auburn Tigers had defeated the 15th-ranked Texas A&M Aggies 43-41.
This win gives the Tigers a record of 5-6 (2-5 SEC) for the season, putting them one win away from being bowl-eligible. The defeat for the Aggies means they fall to 8-3 (5-2 SEC), which opens up the SEC conference to several teams. The teams in the championship game are still not known, but by next week, we will know.
Next week, the Tigers face Alabama in the Iron Bowl, while the Aggies face the Texas Longhorns for the first time in over 10 years.
The Jayhawks do it again
The number 16 ranked Colorado Buffaloes have been having a standout season. Under coach Deion Sanders, the Buffaloes have gone from strugglers to contenders, and are one win away from making it to the Big 12 Championship game in their first season back in the conference. They also have two top picks in the 2025 NFL Draft on their roster Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter. This week, they faced the Kansas Jayhawks, who ruined the BYU Cougars’ undefeated season last week. Could they cause another upset here?
The Jayhawks had the game’s first drive and could get its first points from it. Starting from their 27-yard line, the offense went down to their 49-yard line. Here, quarterback Jalon Daniels (no relation to Washington Commanders QB Jaydon Daniels) found Devin Neal for a 51-yard touchdown pass.
The Jayhawks were able to extend their lead on the next drive. This time, the offense went down to the Buffaloes’ six-yard line. This is where the drive would stall, setting up a 24-yard field goal attempt from Tabor Allen, which was successful.
The lead would grow on Kansas’ next drive when Neal found the endzone for a nine-yard rushing touchdown.
The Buffaloes could finally put themselves on the board on their next drive. From their 49-yard line, Shedeur Sanders found the reliable target (and potential Heisman Trophy winner) Travis Hunter for a 51-yard touchdown pass. In response, the Jayhawks would add to their points total as Allen found the uprights on a 23-yard field goal attempt.
Embed from Getty ImagesColorado then made it a one-possession game. The offense made it down to the Jayhawks’ 19-yard line, where Sanders found Drelon Miller for the touchdown pass. As with their score, the Jayhawks responded to this with a field goal, from 25 yards out. These short field goals tell us that this Jayhawks offense is quickly making it through the Buffaloes’ defense.
This meant that the Jayhawks had a 23-14 lead over the Buffaloes at halftime.
The Buffaloes had the opening possession of the second half and would be able to find the endzone on this, heavily reducing Kansas’ lead. On this drive, the Buffaloes went down to the Jayhawks’ 26-yard line, where Sanders found Hunter for the touchdown pass to reduce the lead to two points.
However, this reduction did not last long. On the next drive, Daniels and company could move the Jayhawks’ offense down to the Buffaloes’ one-yard line. Here, Neal found the endzone for his third touchdown of the game.
Embed from Getty ImagesNeal could score his fourth touchdown at the beginning of the fourth quarter when he found the endzone on a two-yard line. This put the game out of reach for the Buffaloes, who could not score on their final drive.
This meant that the Kansas Jayhawks had defeated the number 16-ranked Colorado Buffaloes 37-21.
This is another strong victory for the Jayhawks. While they are out of contention for a spot in the Big 12 Championship game, they have played their part in deciding which teams will make it. The win improves their record to 5-6 (4-4 Big 12). As for the Buffaloes, their defense could not keep up with Devin Neal, who rushed for over 200 yards in the game. The loss means they fall to 8-3 (6-2 Big 12). The defeat also doubts their chances of making the Big 12 Championship game.
Next week, the Jayhawks face Baylor to end their season, while Colorado faces struggling Oklahoma State. A win is needed for Colorado to have a chance to make the championship game.
What happened to the Other Ranked Teams?
Kentucky @ #3 Texas
The number three-ranked Texas Longhorns faced the Kentucky Wildcats this week, knowing that a win in this game would put them close to a spot in the SEC Championship game. Quarterback Quinn Ewers scored two touchdowns in a game that he appeared to injure his ankle in. Will this impact his chance of playing next week’s game against Texas A&M. The Longhorns cruised to a simple 31-14 win over the Wildcats, who have only won one game against SEC opposition this season.
#4 Penn State @ Minnesota
The number four ranked Penn State Nittany Lions knew that with the results of the Ohio State-Indiana game, they were back in the hunt for a spot in the Big Ten Championship game if they could defeat the Minnesota Golden Gophers. This game was very close, with the Gophers sticking with them throughout. However, by solely holding onto the ball for the final six minutes of the game, the Nittany Lions recorded a 26-25 win over Minnesota (who were the better team in this game)
#19 Army @ #6 Notre Dame
In a standout game of the week, the number six ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish played the number 19 ranked Army Black Knights with their undefeated season on the line. The Fighting Irish were able to stop Army. Their typically strong run game was limited, and the Notre Dame offense was potent. The 49-14 win will likely seal a spot in the CFP for Notre Dame and take Army out of it. Their only chance to return is if they win the AAC, and Boise State loses the Mountain West championship games.
#7 Alabama @ Oklahoma
The number seven-ranked Alabama Crimson Side needed to win against the Oklahoma Sooners if they were to remain in playoff contention. However, an incredibly strong run game from the Sooners, paid for by a good defense that limited Alabama, meant that the Sooners cruised to a 24-3 win over Alabama. This takes the Crimson Tide out of contention for the CFP, not the best start for the reign of new coach Kalen DeBoer.
Embed from Getty ImagesWake Forest @ #8 Miami
After their defeat to Georgia Tech last time out, the number eight ranked Miami Hurricanes hoped to stay in the hunt for a spot in the ACC Championship game with a win over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons The Hurricanes had a strong fourth quarter, scoring 22 points to push them to a convincing 42-14 win.
#9 Ole Miss @ Florida
The number nine-ranked Ole Miss Rebels knew that one more defeat would put them out of contention for the CFP. This week, they faced the Florida Gators, who kept with the Rebels throughout the game. Then, in the fourth quarter, Montrell Johnson scored a nine-yard rushing touchdown to seal a 24-17 win for the Gators. This takes Ole Miss (who were predicted to challenge for the SEC this season) out of playoff contention.
Massachusetts @ #10 Georgia
The number 10-ranked Georgia Bulldogs have finished their SEC play, and will now have to rely on the others around them to put them into the championship game. This week, their playoff push was not stopped when they faced the nonconference UMass Minutemen, who have only won two games this season. Bulldogs quarterback Carson Beck scored four touchdowns in the first half, to help the Bulldogs to a expected 59-21 win. They are in the championship game, but next week may change everything.
UTEP @ #11 Tennessee
Also playing a nonconference game this week was the number 11 ranked Tennessee Volunteers, who faced the UTEP Miners. The Vols could not afford to slip up in this game if a playoff spot is something they want. Luckily, this did not happen, Quarterback Nico Iamaleava threw for four touchdowns in Tennessee’s 56-0 win over the poor UTEP.
#12 Boise State @ Wyoming
The number 12-ranked Boise State Broncos went another step closer to a spot in the CFP this week with a win over the Wyoming Cowboys. This was not an easy win and required a late rushing touchdown not from Ashton Jeanty (who again had a good game), but from Jambres Dubar to record a 17-13 win and put them into the Mountain West Championship game.
#13 SMU @ Virginia
The number 13 ranked SMU Mustangs faced the Virginia Cavalier this week, knowing that a win would give them a spot in the ACC Championship game. Mustangs’ quarterback Kris Jennings threw for 323 yards and two touchdowns in their 33-7 win, setting up a championship game against either Clemson or Miami in two weeks.
#14 BYU @ #21 Arizona State
Last week, the number 14 ranked BYU Cougars lost their undefeated season. They hoped to seal a spot in the Big 12 championship game with a win against the number 21-ranked Arizona State Sun Devils. The Sun Devils completely outplayed them in this game, but the game went down to a final Hail Mary attempt. This failed, and the Sun Devils recorded a 28-23 win. These teams are currently set for a rematch in the championship game, which could be an entertaining watch.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Citadel @ #17 Clemson
The number 17 ranked Clemson Tigers have also finished their conference schedule for the season and played nonconference opposition this week against The Citadel Bulldogs. Tigers’ quarterback Cade Klubnik scored three touchdowns in this game, as his team cruised to a 51-14 win.
Wofford @ #18 South Carolina
The number 18 ranked South Carolina Gamecocks prepared for their rivalry game against Clemson next week with a convincing win over non-conference Wofford Terriers. Quarterback LaNorris Sellers threw for 307 yards and three touchdowns in the Gamecocks’ convincing 56-12 win.
#22 Iowa State @ Utah
With the defeat to BYU and Colorado, the number 22 ranked Iowa State Cyclones are also in the race for a spot in the Big 12 Championship game with a win over the Utah Utes. However, this did not come easy. Carson Hansen scored a late rushing touchdown to give the Cyclones a 31-28 win, to set up what will be a four-way race for the Big 12 in the final week of the season.
#23 Missouri @ Mississippi State
The 23-ranked Missouri Tigers are now playing for pride. Luckily, this team was the return of quarterback Brady Cook (if he did not get injured, just think about what kind of season they could have had). This week, the Tigers faced the Mississippi State Bulldogs, who have not won a game against SEC opposition this season. They didn’t this week, as the Tigers would win the game 39-20.
Embed from Getty Images#24 UNLV @ San Jose State
The number 24 ranked UNLV Rebels faced the San Jose State Spartans this week. Despite a strong second quarter from the Spartans, they were outplayed for the rest of the game but the far powerful Rebels. In the end, they recorded a 27-16 win, putting them very close to a meeting with Boise State in the Mountain West Championship game.
#25 Illinois @ Rutgers
The number 25 ranked Illinois Fighting Illini faced the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in a game that featured a very close final minute. A field goal from Rutgers gave them a one-point lead. But a late 40-yard touchdown from Luke Altmyer to Pat Byrant, followed by a safety gave Illinois a 38-31 win over the Scarlet Knights.
That was a chaotic Week 13 in the 2024 College Football season. Next week is the final week of the season, meaning that it is “Rivalry Week”. Ohio State faces the Michigan Wolverines, Texas faces Texas A&M, and Auburn plays Alabama are just a few of the games on tap. We will also see who will win the four-way tie in the Big 12, as the championship contenders are revealed.