College Football: Week 13 Review

Five Headlines of Week 13

1. Haskins Runs Over Ohio State- #6 Michigan finally gets the elusive win under Harbaugh, torches #2 Ohio State on the ground, 42-27. 
2. No Miracles This Time- #3 Alabama erases a 10-point deficit late in the fourth quarter to force overtime, wins in 4 OT, 24-22 to escape the upset bid from Auburn.
3. Pokes Win Bedlam- #7 Oklahoma State completes the comeback and ensures a matchup with Baylor in the Big 12 Championship game with a 37-33 win over #10 Oklahoma.
4. One Last Win for Coach O- LSU upsets #14 Texas A&M in "The Jungle" to become bowl eligible in Coach O's last game with the Tigers. 
5. Madness in the Big Ten West- After #17 Iowa completes the comeback over Nebraska, Minnesota upsets #18 Wisconsin to send the Hawkeyes to the Big Ten Championship. 

College Gameday's Game of the Week- #6 Michigan 42, #2 Ohio State 27 (THE Game, Ann Arbor, MI)

All of the storylines from years prior made their way back this season. Jim Harbaugh has never beaten Ohio State. The Buckeyes have dominated the rivalry for the last two decades. Michigan can't win the big one. This year's Wolverines took that and threw it out the window. There was a little bit more on the line in this game. The winner earned the spot representing the Big Ten East in the conference championship game next weekend in Indianapolis. This game was a back and forth battle for the first 30 minutes. #6 Michigan focused a lot of its game on the ground, while #2 Ohio State was letting the ball fly to their three big receivers. Going into halftime, the Wolverines held a slim 14-13 lead and things got heated in the tunnel. The second half was a completely different story. The third quarter was all Michigan with Hassan Haskins scoring two touchdowns to give Michigan some separation going into the fourth quarter. As hard as Ohio State tried, Michigan matched them with two touchdowns each in the final quarter to give Michigan a huge win at home and a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game. Hassan Haskins tore up the defense for 169 yards and five touchdowns and Cade McNamara didn't have to throw the ball much, just passing 19 times. Despite the loss, CJ Stroud didn't play bad either. He still finished with 394 yards and two touchdowns. It was a little weird seeing Harbaugh get the job done since it's not something we're used to seeing, but now he has a chance to get both a Big Ten Championship and likely a spot in the College Football Playoff with a win next week against Iowa.

My Game of the Week- #24 NC State 34, North Carolina 30 (Raleigh, NC)

I should probably be talking about the Iron Bowl and how Alabama escaped with a chance to still make the playoff next week with a win over Georgia, but I'm not going to for the simple fact that Alabama should've lost that game and might have if Auburn had their starting quarterback. Instead, I'm choosing to talk about a game that in hindsight meant nothing since Wake Forest won the ACC Atlantic. We didn't know it wouldn't mean anything when it happened though. To say North Carolina has underperformed after being a preseason top ten team might be the understatement of the season, but that doesn't discount the fact they have some solid talent, especially at quarterback in Sam Howell. NC State is not a team many have been talking about with the emergence of Wake Forest in the Atlantic with the disappointing seasons of Clemson and Florida State. They're in the top 25 and had a chance to win the division this weekend with some help. #24 NC State came out on fire in the first quarter, jumping out to a 14-0 lead, highlighted by a blocked punt for the first score of the game. Then, North Carolina took control of the game from the second quarter through most of the third quarter, leading 24-14 with just over 6:30 left in the third. NC State would score a touchdown late in the quarter, but North Carolina would kick two field goals in the fourth to lead 30-21 with 2:12 left in the game. Devin Leary responded quickly with a 64-yard touchdown pass to Emeka Emezie to come within two points. They then recovered the onside kick to get the ball back and scored another touchdown with Leary linking up with Emezie again from 24 yards for Leary's fourth touchdown pass of the game. They were unsuccessful on the two-point try, so they led 34-30 with 1:09 left in the ballgame. The Tar Heels drove down the field to set up a hail mary attempt from the 30-yard line, but it was intercepted in the endzone as time expired to keep the Wolfpack alive in the fight for the Atlantic crown. It would all be for not, but it was an exciting end to an underrated rivalry game.

Teams of the Week

1. #6 Michigan- The monkey has been removed from the backs of the Michigan players and coaches after their huge win, but now they have a chance for something even bigger. 
2. #17 Iowa- It took an ugly win and some help, but no team benefitted from the misfortune of others more than the Hawkeyes as they make their way to the conference championship game. 
3. #24 NC State- They didn't win the ACC Atlantic, but they pulled off a huge comeback late in the game against an in-state rival, so I'd imagine they're still pretty happy.
4. #8 Ole Miss- The Egg Bowl was a tight game and the Rebels found a way to win, giving them a good chance to get a New Year's Six Bowl with an Alabama loss next week. 
5. #5 Notre Dame- There is still hope for the Fighting Irish after the demolished Stanford to get a New Year's Six games with just one loss on the season. 

Most Disappointing Teams of the Week- #15 UTSA, North Carolina, Auburn, #14 Texas A&M, #18 Wisconsin

1. Auburn- They had the Crimson Tide beat up ten with half a quarter to play, but then the defense couldn't stop anything, blew the lead, and lost in four overtimes. 
2. #18 Wisconsin- Destiny was in their hands with just one win needed to make it to the conference championship game, but it slipped through their fingers with a loss to Minnesota.
3. #15 UTSA- A perfect season coming to the end is one thing, but the Roadrunners were torched by North Texas by 22 points.
4. #14 Texas A&M- Another team that could've been on their way to a solid bowl game, the Aggies faltered last night and sent LSU and Coach O out happy. 
5. North Carolina- This might just be a perfect representation of just how bad this season has been for the Tar Heels as they blow a lead late and lose to finish 6-6. 

My Top 25 Going into Conf. Title Week (Not the Official AP Top 25 of College Football Playoff Rankings)

1. Georgia (12-0, W 45-0 Georgia Tech)
2. Cincinnati (12-0, W 35-13 East Carolina)
3. Michigan (11-1, W 42-27 #2 Ohio State)
4. Alabama (11-1, W 24-22 (4 OT) Auburn)
5. Oklahoma State (11-1, W 37-33 #10 Oklahoma)
6. Notre Dame (11-1, W 45-14 Stanford)
7. Oregon (10-2, W 38-29 Oregon State)
8. Ole Miss (10-2, W 31-21 Mississippi State)
9. Ohio State (10-2, L 42-27 #6 Michigan)
10. Baylor (10-2, W 27-24 Texas Tech)
11. Houston (11-1, W 45-17 Connecticut)
12. Wake Forest (10-2, W 41-10 Boston College)
13. BYU (10-2, W 35-31 USC)
14. Michigan State (10-2, W 30-27 Penn State)
15. Pittsburgh (10-2, W 31-14 Syracuse)
16. Iowa (10-2, W 28-21 Nebraska)
17. Oklahoma (10-2, L 37-33 #7 Oklahoma State)
18. Utah (9-3, W 28-13 Colorado)
19. Louisiana (11-1, 21-16 Louisiana-Monroe)
20. NC State (9-3, W 34-30 North Carolina)
21. San Diego State (11-1, W 27-16 Boise State)
22. Appalachian State (10-2, W 27-3 Georgia Southern)
23. Minnesota (8-4, W 23-13 #18 Wisconsin)
24. Clemson (9-3, W 30-0 South Carolina)
25. Arkansas (8-4, W 34-17 Missouri)

Conference Championship Game Previews

Next week will be a little different with only 11 games being played (10 conference championship games and the rescheduled USC-California game). There are some serious matchups with a lot at stake. Here's a look at what could be at stake and what could happen.

ACC Championship- #18 Wake Forest v. #17 Pittsburgh (First Meeting of 2021)

In the preseason ACC poll, Clemson and North Carolina were the favorites to meet in the title game with Wake Forest picked to finish 5th in the Atlantic and Pittsburgh picked to finish 4th in the Coastal. This is going to be a battle of two teams with amazing offenses. Both quarterbacks are likely to be among the finalists for the ACC Offensive Player of the Year. The difference in this game is going to be which defense can get a stop, which lately hasn't been Wake Forest. Before their win over Boston College this week, the defense had allowed 58, 42, and 48 points and went 1-2 in those games. Pittsburgh has won four straight, but Wake is arguably more battle-tested. Since the Orange Bowl is a semi-final game this season and with neither team making the playoff, I'd imagine the winner will play in the Peach Bowl. At the end of the day, I'm taking Kenny Pickett and the Panthers to win the ACC crown. Pittsburgh over Wake Forest, 45-27

Big 12 Championship- #5 Oklahoma State v. #9 Baylor (Oklahoma State won 24-14 on 10/2)

With preseason favorite Oklahoma out of the way, there's an opportunity for some fresh blood to win the Big 12 this season. Neither were picked to play in the conference championship game, with Baylor picked to finish 8th in the conference. These two met earlier in the season with Oklahoma State getting the win. Spencer Sanders is a dual-threat quarterback, but he was not good against Baylor when they met. He threw three interceptions and accounted for 258 yards. The bulk of the offense fell on running back Jaylen Warren, rushing for 125 yards and two touchdowns. While Baylor's offense is in the top 25 in the country, Oklahoma State's defense is the third-best in total defense. If Oklahoma State wins, I'd imagine they sneak into the playoff assuming one of the team's ahead of them loses, while Baylor would have a slim chance and might just have to settle for the Sugar Bowl. I think history will repeat itself and the Pokes will ride the momentum from Bedlam and win the conference title. Oklahoma State over Baylor, 37-24

Big Ten Championship- #2 Michigan v. #15 Iowa (First Meeting in 2021)

This is the first time we've seen Jim Harbaugh in this situation, so it's going to be interesting to see how he handles it. Coming off a huge win over Ohio State, Michigan has catapulted themselves into a possible playoff position, making this a must-win game for the Wolverines if they want a chance to play for the National Championship. Michigan boasts a two-headed machine in the backfield with Hassan Haskins and Blake Corum combining for over 2,000 yards rushing and 28 touchdowns. Iowa has, despite their record, had a very different path to the championship game. They needed some help in the final week and it took a major comeback, but the Hawkeyes were able to find a way into the game despite their offense being among the least effective in the country and winning three of their final four games by one possession. Win or lose, I think it's more than likely they'll be traveling to the Rose Bowl. The Wolverines are the better, more skilled team on paper, so I think they'll run away with this one. Michigan over Iowa 45-17

Pac-12 Championship- #10 Oregon v. #14 Utah (Utah won 38-7 on 11/20)

This is one of the few conference championship matchups that was close to what was predicted preseason. Oregon was the preseason favorite in the North, while Utah was picked 2nd in the South behind USC. When these two teams met, Oregon was expected to wipe the floor of the Ducks, but they put on an absolute clinic and ran them over at home. The Ducks weren't able to get the offense moving, with quarterback Anthony Brown totaling 239 yards and just one touchdown. The Utes got most of their offense from running back Tavion Thomas scoring three times. It caught many by surprise, but I'm sure there are going to be some differences this time around with the game at a neutral site. Regardless of who wins, I think that the winner is destined to play in the Rose Bowl. It's hard to ignore the results of the first game, but I think the Ducks aren't going to let it happen again. Oregon over Utah 34-27

SEC Championship- #1 Georgia v. #4 Alabama (First Meeting in 2021)

This is going to be the game of the season and the fact that they haven't played yet this season is just the icing on the cake. Each team was the preseason favorite in their division. Georgia comes into the game as the best team in the country with the best defense in the country and one of two undefeated teams in the country. Their offense isn't nearly as potent, but they've found a good balance and have a quick-strike ability that allows them to score in bunches. Alabama lost to Texas A&M earlier in the season and almost lost to Auburn in the Iron Bowl, but they're rolling with just one loss and offensive and defensive units that each rank in the top ten. Bryce Yong is likely to be a finalist for the Heisman this season as a freshman with almost 4,000 yards passing and 40 touchdowns. Seeing these two heavyweights fight is going to be worth the price of admission. I honestly think Georgia is in the playoff regardless of the result, but Alabama must win to be in the playoff. Otherwise, they'll be playing in the Sugar Bowl. It's going to be a struggle, but I think Georgia remains perfect and finds a way to hold the Alabama offense from scoring much. Georgia over Alabama 20-13

AAC Championship- #3 Cincinnati v. #16 Houston (First Meeting in 2021)

It might be a slight exaggeration to say this is the most important game in Cincinnati football history, but it honestly might be. There are many who've speculated whether a Group of Five team should make the playoff, this season referencing the Bearcats. At 12-0 with the chance to finish 13-0 with a conference championship, I feel they should be in the top four, regardless of what else happens nexted week. The AAC is definitely not as strong as the other conferences, but undefeated is undefeated. Houston isn't going to lay over to allow this to happen. They're looking to play spoiler and many of the bigger schools are likely going to be pulling for the Cougers to win. I'm not sure where Houston would end up with a win, because I don't see them making a New Year's Six Bowl if they do. Cincinnati at worst will earn an at-large bid to play on New Years, but the ultimate goal is the be playing in the playoff. I think the Bearcats will get the job done and do what hasn't ever been done before. Cincinnati over Houston 38-20

C-USA Championship- Western Kentucky v. UTSA (UTSA won 52-46 on 10/9)

Had UTSA come into this game undefeated, it likely would've been more intriguing, but they lost to North Texas with a spot in the conference game guaranteed. They'll have to settle for being one of three teams to start 11-0 this season. They made a point to score a lot early in the season, but played with fire in the two weeks leading up to their first loss, beating Southern Miss and UAB in close contests. Western Kentucky has a quarterback piling up stats in Bailey Zappe. Coming into the title game, he's thrown for almost 5,000 yards and 52 touchdowns. He's been the most used asset to the team offensively, with their running game ranking towards the bottom of the country. There was very little defense when the two met in early October. Zappe threw for 523 and five touchdowns, while UTSA quarterback Frank Harris tossed six touchdowns, three of which were to De'Corian Clark. There was over 1,200 yards of offense, but I don't think we'll see that on Saturday. The Roadrunners were wounded against North Texas, which means they're going to come back with a vengeance. UTSA over Western Kentucky 41-20

MAC Championship- Kent State v. Northern Illinois (Kent State won 52-47 on 11/3)

This is a battle of preseason favorite against preseason cellar pick. Kent State was the favorite to make it out of the East, but Northern Illinois was picked to finish dead last in the West. Both teams won their divisions with a 6-2 record and both have top five rushing attacks. Kent State was led by quarterback Dustin Crum, who has gotten the job done both running and passing the ball. Northern Illinois runs the ball almost twice as much as they throw it and seven different players have recorded at least one rushing touchdown. Like the matchup in the C-USA title game, this regular season meeting featured almost no defense. Northern Illinois quarterback threw the ball 57 times for 532 yards and three touchdowns, all of which were to Trayvon Rudolph in a 14-catch, 309-yard game for the receiver. The difference in the game was a 31-point effort in the second quarter by Kent State and two runnings backs finishing with over 100 yards rushing. Kent State fended off Miami (OH) on a two-point attempt to clinch a spot in the game, while Northern Illinois lost their last game before the championship game. I'm giving the advantage to Kent State to get the win and the title. Kent State over Northern Illinois 42-30

MWC Championship- Utah State v. #19 San Diego State (First Meeting in 2021)

No one expected Utah State to be in this situation and even San Diego State didn't earn any first-place votes in the preseason media poll. The Aggies, despite embarrassing losses to Boise State and Wyoming, have been riding a lethal offense ranked in the top 20 in the country and led by quarterback Logan Bonner's 32 touchdowns. They scored 35+ points in six of their eight wins, but just 40 points in their three losses combined. San Diego State is nationally ranked and come in with their lone loss to Fresno State in late October and winning their last four games. While they lack a strong offense, their defense is among the best in the country. They allow the tenth-fewest points per game and the eleventh-fewest yards per game. They're far more comfortable in close games as well. More than half of their 11 wins were one possession wins, including three of their final four. I don't envision this being a very high-scoring game, which favors San Diego State. San Diego State over Utah State 27-10.

Sun Belt Championship- Appalachian State v. #20 Louisiana (Louisiana won 41-13 on 10/12)

I don't think Appalachian State got enough respect for the win over Coastal Carolina this season. They haven't been able to crack the AP Poll yet this season despite reaching ten wins and consistently putting huge numbers up on offense. They average 440 yards per game and over 35 points per game, while holding their opponents to under 19 points per game. The tandem of Nate Noal and Camerun Peoples has been the biggest difference offensively for the Mountaineers. While their win against Coastal was impressive, it happened one week after they were embarrassed by this Rajin' Cajuns team. App State didn't lose after that game, while Louisiana comes in on an 11-game win streak after losing to Texas to open the season. They haven't been known to allow many points, ranking just ahead of the Mountaineers in points allowed per game at 18.5. Their head-to-head win in October was thanks in large part to their defense stopping the run while running the ball well themselves. This doesn't feel like the same Appalachian State team, which is why I think they'll send some shockwaves through the Sun Belt. Appalachian State over Louisiana 34-31