College football fans are on the edge of their seats as the 2024 season draws to a close, and championship week looms large on the horizon. This week, teams across various conferences are making their final bids for playoff spots, with upsets and stunning performances reshaping the rankings just before the postseason. The latest developments from rivalry weekend have left significant ripples across the nation, particularly among top-tier teams and conference contenders.
The Big Ten was the center of attention during rivalry week, highlighted by the jaw-dropping upset of No. 2 Ohio State by unranked Michigan. This 13-10 win marks not only Michigan's return to glory but also adds yet another chapter to one of college football's most storied rivalries. The Wolverines, now sitting at 7-5, celebrated their unexpected triumph, leaving Ohio State's head coach, Ryan Day, grappling with the rare feat of losing four consecutive matches against Michigan.
Meanwhile, the Big Ten championship picture was complicated by the defeats and victories of associated teams. No. 4 Penn State and No. 10 Indiana both secured decisive wins, with Penn State defeating Maryland 44-7 and Indiana dominating Purdue 66-0. Their victories have propelled both teams to the forefront, pushing Ohio State out of the title contention altogether.
Elsewhere, the Big 12 also saw its own share of drama, as Arizona State clinched its spot for the conference championship game by overpowering rival Arizona 49-7 to finish the regular season at 10-2. Coach Kenny Dillingham's squad has turned heads this year, showcasing remarkable resilience. The Sun Devils stand poised against BYU, who likewise navigated through challenges to secure their own place by overcoming Houston 30-18.
One of the remarkable stories of the season belongs to Colorado, who, under Coach Deion Sanders, completed its regular season on a stellar note. They trounced Oklahoma State 52-0, with Travis Hunter's stellar performance potentially sealing his Heisman prospects. Although they will not be contending for the Big 12 championship, this finale leaves them with momentum as they prepare for the bowl season.
Moving over to the SEC, rivalry week sparked plenty of excitement as No. 6 Georgia faced Georgia Tech. The Bulldogs emerged victorious by clinching the game 44-42 after grueling eight overtimes—one of the longest games ever recorded. Their victory, coupled with No. 14 South Carolina's narrow 17-14 triumph over No. 12 Clemson, solidified their playoff aspirations. South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers proved to be the hero with his late-game heroics, keeping their hopes alive.
Texas also left its mark this weekend, defeating Texas A&M 17-7. This was more than just another win; it marked the Longhorns' resurgence after over a decade of rivalry hiatus. Their success sets them up for another tough battle against Georgia at the SEC Championship, where significant stakes remain.
Alongside these conference updates, the rankings took shape following game outcomes. Oregon, having convincingly beaten Washington 49-21, stands tall at No. 1 with their undefeated record (12-0). Texas follows at No. 2, with Penn State and Notre Dame rounding out the top four after solid performances last week. The rankings shift is notable for Ohio State, who will take at least four spots down as postseason games loom.
The upcoming championship week promises to be thrilling, with several teams battling for not just bragging rights but also coveted playoff spots. Fans will be watching closely to see how the rankings shift after these championship games, with the College Football Playoff picture slowly coming to focus. How the committee views the performance of these teams across conferences will be instrumental to outlining the playoff bracket, especially as this season marks the first year of the new 12-team playoff format.
Returning to the national spotlight, the SEC teams have emerged among the top contenders, with Alabama, currently ranked No. 13, managing to bounce back from their loss against Oklahoma by defeating Auburn 28-14. Their chance remains alive, coupled with Ole Miss, who overcame Mississippi State 26-14 during the fierce Egg Bowl rivalry.
Other teams like the Miami Hurricanes, who slipped from No. 6 to uncertain postseason alignment after faltering against Syracuse, feel the pressure mounting as only bowl game selections await. On the contrary, teams showcasing dramatic upswings include Colorado and Missouri, whose recent performances have reshaped expectations moving forward.
With all eyes on championship week, fans and analysts alike are gearing up for what remains of the college football season, counting down to the announcement of the playoff bracket post-conference championships. Will we see more upsets, or will the top-ranked teams solidify their positions? This thrilling close to the regular season is bound to keep everyone guessing.