It was a rivalry weekend in college football, and while chaos didn’t completely take over the top 10, there was still plenty of drama, statement wins, and playoff implications that shook things up. Let’s break down the biggest storylines from a packed Saturday slate.
Best Win of the Weekend: Texas Takes Down Texas A&M, 27-17
In a rivalry that always brings the heat, Texas delivered a much-needed win over Texas A&M, knocking off the Aggies 27-17. It wasn’t just about bragging rights - this one meant something more for Steve Sarkisian and his Longhorns.
Texas improved to 9-3 on the season, and while the year didn’t quite live up to preseason expectations, this win keeps their slim College Football Playoff hopes alive. The Longhorns played with urgency and poise, showing flashes of the team many thought could contend for a national title. Sarkisian needed this one, and his team delivered.
Getting the Monkey Off His Back: Ryan Day Finally Beats Michigan Again
Ryan Day heard the noise. After back-to-back losses to Michigan, questions about his ability to win “The Game” were getting louder. But on Saturday, Ohio State silenced the doubters - at least for now - with a dominant 27-9 win over their bitter rivals.
It was the Buckeyes’ first win over Michigan since 2019, and just Day’s second in six tries. This one wasn’t just a rivalry win - it was a statement.
Ohio State looked like a team on a mission, and Day looked like a coach who had been waiting all year for this moment. With the win, the Buckeyes stay perfect at 12-0 and head into the Big Ten Championship with serious momentum.
College Football Playoff Picture: Who’s In, Who’s Close, and Who’s Hoping for Chaos
With Championship Weekend on deck, the playoff race is down to a crowded pack of contenders - some with a clear path, others needing help, and a few just hoping the right dominoes fall.
Locked In (Barring Total Collapse)
- Ohio State (12-0) - Big Ten Championship berth secured. A win locks them in.
- Indiana (12-0) - Also heading to the Big Ten title game. The winner punches their ticket.
- Texas Tech (11-1) - Big 12 Championship bound. Win and in.
- Georgia (11-1) - SEC Championship game appearance. A win likely seals the deal.
- Alabama (10-2) - Playing Georgia in the SEC title game. With a win, things get interesting.
- Oregon (11-1) - The likely top at-large team if they don’t win their conference.
- Ole Miss (11-1) - Also in the at-large conversation, depending on how things shake out.
- Oklahoma (10-2) - On the fringe, but still in the mix for an at-large spot.
That’s nine teams in serious contention, with one of the Group of Five champions - either the American, Sun Belt, or ACC winner - likely rounding out the field.
On the Bubble: Need Help or a Big Weekend
- Notre Dame (10-2) - Riding a 10-game win streak, but an earlier loss to Miami could hurt them if it comes down to a head-to-head comparison.
- Miami (10-2) - Not in the ACC title game, but their win over Notre Dame gives them a playoff lifeline.
- BYU (11-1) - In the Big 12 title game, and probably needs to upset Texas Tech to slide into the playoff field.
- Utah (10-2) - A solid season, but looks like they’re on the outside looking in.
- Vanderbilt (10-2) - One of the surprise stories of the year, but a playoff berth seems unlikely.
- Texas (9-3) - Even with the win over A&M, their playoff hopes are all but extinguished.
ACC Championship: A Wild Ride to the Bottom
Let’s talk about the ACC - because what a wild scenario we’ve got heading into their title game. Duke, sitting at 7-5, somehow finds itself in the conference championship against Virginia, thanks to a five-way tie for second place that broke in their favor.
Virginia, ranked 18th in the latest College Football Playoff rankings, still has a shot to make the playoff with a win. But if Duke pulls off the upset?
Things get messy. The playoff committee only takes the top five ranked conference champions, and Duke likely wouldn’t crack that list.
That opens the door for Tulane - the 24th-ranked team from the American - or even James Madison from the Sun Belt, to sneak in. It’s a bizarre twist that underscores just how far the ACC has fallen in terms of national relevance.
A 7-5 team potentially deciding playoff fate? That’s not what the committee had in mind when they expanded the field.
Heisman Watch: All Eyes on the Big Ten Championship
The Big Ten Championship isn’t just a playoff decider - it’s also shaping up to be the stage for the Heisman Trophy showdown. With Ohio State and Indiana both undefeated, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
The quarterbacks are the headliners, but both teams are loaded with talent on both sides of the ball. If one of these stars can put on a show and lead their team to a conference title, they’ll have a strong case to take home college football’s most prestigious individual award.
Final Thoughts
Rivalry week delivered - as it always does. Ohio State got its revenge.
Texas reclaimed some pride. And the playoff picture is as crowded and chaotic as ever.
With Championship Weekend on deck, the stakes are sky-high. Buckle up.
December football is here, and it’s about to get wild.