2022-23 College Football: Week 13 Review

It was not a fun week to be in the top ten because there was a lot of moving and shaking that went on. The game of the year from the Big Ten took place in Columbus and it shocked quite a few people, while the finishing touches were put on some of the tightest races in college football. Everything that these teams had been working towards would come to a head during Rivalry Week. It was jam-packed with tight finishes, close calls, and hurt feelings. Some teams rose to the occasion, while some fell and put their hopes of postseason play in jeopardy. 

Game of the Week- #3 Michigan 45, #2 Ohio State 23 (Columbus, OH)

I guess I need to apologize to Michigan and its fans because I said that Ohio State was winning this game by two touchdowns. The lack of Blake Corum and questions about JJ McCarthy's accuracy made me question whether they could beat CJ Stroud and Ohio State. This game was very close for three quarters. The Buckeyes came out firing in the first quarter with Stroud throwing a touchdown on their opening drive before each side traded field goals in the first 15 minutes. Things opened up in the second quarter with McCarthy throwing two touchdowns of 69+ yards to give Michigan the lead before Stroud found Marvin Harrison Jr. to give Ohio State a 20-17 lead at halftime. Right after halftime, McCarthy threw his third touchdown of the afternoon, a 45-yard strike to put Michigan ahead after three quarters. The fourth quarter became all about Donovan Edwards. With McCarthy getting one with his legs and Noah Ruggles making a field goal for Ohio State, Edwards broke off two long runs, one for 75 and one for 85, to put the game out of reach and secure a second-straight win in the series for Michigan. While McCarthy was only 50% on his passes, he finished with 290 total yards and four touchdowns as he beat a likely Heisman candidate. Stroud wasn't terrible, throwing for 349 and touchdowns, but he was also responsible for the only two turnovers of the game. This is a huge win for the Wolverines, not just for the sake of their rivalry, but for everything else surrounding it. They've officially won the Big Ten East, will be heavily favored to win the Big Ten Championship, and have likely cemented their spot in the College Football Playoff. Ohio State still isn't out of it yet. They need some help, but there is still a chance for them to get in with one loss against the potential conference champions. 

Upset of the Week- Texas A&M 38, #6 LSU 23 (College Station, TX)

An up-and-down season for the Aggies led to them missing a bowl game after they lost six games in a row in conference play. They were inconsistent at quarterback almost all season and came out on the wrong side of several close games. Even with their season ending after this season, they still had a little bit of magic left. LSU, having already clinched a spot in the SEC Championship, was looking to become the first two-loss team to make it to the College Football Playoff. I'd say that dream died with this loss because the Aggies did an excellent job of containing Jayden Daniels. When you add the solid games from Devon Achane (215 yards, 3 TD) and Connor Weigman (155 yards, 2 TD), it all led to one more huge upset this season. It felt like the Aggies were able to leave the tight losses to Appalachian State, Alabama, and Ole Miss behind them to add a drop of extra chaos to an already crazy weekend. 

Other Notable Games

#22 Oregon State 38, #10 Oregon 34 (Corvallis, OR)

All the Ducks needed was a win. They just need to hold on to a lead against their rivals. With less than five minutes left in the third quarter, the Ducks had staked themselves to a 31-10 lead. The Beavers cut into the lead with a touchdown before the end of the quarter, but the Ducks kicked a field goal to push the lead to 17 with 14:57 left in the game. All of a sudden, Oregon State's offense came to life. Two touchdown runs 1:13 apart shrunk the deficit to three points. The turning point of this game came on 4th & 1 with 9:39 left. With the ball on their own 29-yard line, Bo Nix was stopped short, giving Oregon State the ball with plenty of time and not a long way to go. It took less than 90 seconds for Oregon State to take the lead and after the defense held tight, the Beavers wore out the clock to complete the huge comeback and upset Oregon to end their hopes of PAC-12 supremacy. 

#19 Tulane 27, #21 Cincinnati 24 (Cincinnati, OH)

It all came down to one game in the American Athletic Conference. The winner of this game would host the conference championship game, while the loser was going home with nothing to show for it. This game was every bit as close as I expected it to be. The two teams pretty much went score-for-score the entire game with neither side able to pull away from the other. Tulane captured the largest lead of the game with a touchdown in the third quarter to make it 20-10, but Cincinnati scored back-to-back touchdowns to lead 24-20 with 6:27 left. Michael Pratt wasted no time getting Tulane down the field, throwing a 30-yard touchdown to take the lead 1:17 later. Cincinnati was unable to find a response as Tulane held on for the win and ensured they'd be hosting UCF in New Orleans next weekend. 

#5 USC 38, #13 Notre Dame 27 (Los Angeles, CA)

Before I talk about Caleb Williams, I need to give props to Drew Pyne. He threw for 318 yards and had as many incompletions as he did touchdown passes in the game (3) in what was likely his best effort of the season. Unfortunately for him, Williams and the Trojans had different ideas of how this game was going to transpire. The Heisman hopeful finished with 267 total yards and four touchdowns, three of which came on the ground, as USC kept its momentum going as they prepare for the PAC-12 Championship Game. 

South Carolina 31, #7 Clemson 30 (Clemson, SC)

If the Gamecocks wanted to prove that last week's thumping of Tennessee wasn't a fluke, I think they accomplished that mission perfectly by breaking their losing streak against Clemson. Though he did throw two interceptions, Spencer Rattler threw for 360 yards and threw two touchdowns while also running for a third. The South Carolina defense held DJ Uiagalelei to 99 yards and eight completions on 29 attempts. Clemson had control for most of this game, but a strong third quarter and a field goal in the fourth quarter put them ahead to steal the win.

NC State 30, #18 North Carolina 27 (2OT) (Chapel Hill, NC)

The state of the ACC is not a great one right now. Not only did the favorites to win next Saturday's game in Charlotte fall, but their opponent from the Coastal Division also dropped their second straight. After being held in check by Georgia Tech, Drake Maye and the Tar Heels were slow out of the gate, while Ben Finley, making his first start, got NC State out to a 17-10 lead at halftime. It wasn't until the fourth quarter that Maye woke up, running for a touchdown early in the quarter before throwing for his first in two games as time expired in regulation. In overtime, both teams settled for field goals and after NC State stepped up and made another kick in 2OT, Noah Burnette pushed one wide left to sink the Tar Heels as NC State won the rivalry game. 

Nebraska 24, Iowa 17 (Iowa City, IA)

The story of the weekend for Nebraska was the signing of Matt Rhule to be their next coach. Before then, they had a date with Iowa with the Hawkeyes trying to clinch a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game. Spencer Petras went out early in the game with an injury, but that wouldn't have mattered much. Nebraska dominated the early portions of the game, leading 17-0 at halftime and 24-0 early in the third quarter. Alex Padilla was tasked with trying to lead a comeback, but they would fall just short as Nebraska broke its losing streak and crushed the hopes of Iowa winning the Big Ten West. 

My Top 6

1. Georgia (12-0, W 37-14 Georgia Tech) (-)

The defending champions are heading into the SEC Championship Game with momentum after LSU's loss this week and a win over rival Georgia Tech. Stetson Bennett has proven himself to be a championship-caliber quarterback and should he avoid a bad game, there's no reason why they shouldn't enter the semifinals as the top team in the country. 

2. Michigan (12-0, W 45-23 #2 Ohio State) (+1)

While I won't quite hand the Big Ten Championship to Michigan just yet, they shouldn't have any problems with Purdue. Even without Blake Corum for almost the entire game, the Wolverines didn't miss a beat as Donovan Edwards ran for two long touchdowns in a dominant win over Ohio State. I won't be surprised if Michigan is the heaviest favorite of next weekend. 

3. TCU (12-0, W 62-14 Iowa State) (+1)

The Horned Frogs left no doubt that they are legit as they destroyed Iowa State from the opening kick. Max Duggan threw for three touchdowns and Kendre Miller ran for two more in TCU's tune-up before the Big 12 Championship Game. A win in the conference title game will ensure their spot in the playoff in one of the biggest surprises of the season.

4. USC (11-1, W 38-27 #13 Notre Dame) (+1)

The race for the fourth spot in the playoff got a little more interesting over the weekend as USC jumps in as the final team. Caleb Williams and the Trojans have been the most consistent team in the PAC-12 this season and will get a chance to avenge their only loss of the season when they face Utah. This win over Notre Dame was a nice statement before they head into battle in Las Vegas. 

5. Ohio State (11-1, L 45-23 #3 Michigan) (-3)

As the sole one-loss team in the country, the Buckeyes are still very much in the running for the playoff. Should someone ahead of them fall next weekend, Ohio State has the best case to jump into the Top 4. CJ Stroud didn't play bad, they just couldn't stop Michigan's run game in the fourth quarter and couldn't get anything going on offense in a tough loss. 

6. Tennessee (10-2, W 56-0 Vanderbilt) (+4)

The committee will rank Alabama in this spot and I think Tennessee should get consideration for the playoff first largely based on the head-to-head win they have. South Carolina helped their case by winning again this weekend over another Top 10 team. The Volunteers beat the breaks off of Vanderbilt without Hendon Hooker, who is out for the rest of the season.

The Rest of the Top 25

7. Alabama (10-2, W 49-27 Auburn) (+2)

The Crimson Tide pulled it all together for a solid win in the Iron Bowl over Auburn. Bryce Young's nearly 400 yards of offense and four touchdowns paced the victory to keep their hopes alive. 

8. Penn State (10-2, W 35-16 Michigan State) (+3)

This might be one of the quietest 10-win seasons in a very long time as the Nittany Lions made it to double digits this weekend. Sean Clifford threw for four touchdowns in an easy win for Penn State. 

9. Utah (9-3, W 63-21 Colorado) (+4)

The Utes needed a lot of help coming into the weekend and they certainly got it. All the right teams won and lost and they destroyed Colorado to ensure their chances of repeating as the PAC-12 champs.

10. Washington (10-2, W 51-33 Washington State) (+2)

Michael Penix Jr. accounted for over 500 total yards and five touchdowns as Washington got a big rivalry win in Pullman. If Utah loses to USC, they could find themselves playing on New Year's Day.

11. Kansas State (9-3, W 47-27 Kansas) (+3)

I'm not sure how many people picked the Wildcats in the preseason, but they're going to the Big 12 title game. The rushing attack led to four touchdowns for Kansas State in a 20-point victory over Kansas. 

12. Oregon (9-3, L 38-34 #22 Oregon State) (-4)

I'm still not sure why Oregon went for it on 4th & 1 in their own territory and it really did cost them dearly. They'll have to settle for a lesser bowl because of it instead of fighting for the conference title.

13. Clemson (10-2, L 31-30 South Carolina) (-6)

All of Clemson's inconsistencies from the season came out to haunt them as they fell to South Carolina. They're still fighting for a chance to play in the Orange Bowl, a far cry from what they wanted.  

14. LSU (9-3, L 38-23 Texas A&M) (-8)

This is not exactly the result you want one week before playing Georgia for the conference championship. Jayden Daniels was contained by the Aggies as they lost their third game. 

15. Florida State (9-3, W 45-38 Florida) (+3)

It was tight against Florida but a 17-point third quarter would do the trick as the Seminoles won their ninth game. They finished the season with five-straight wins and one of the best records in the ACC. 

16. UCLA (9-3, W 35-28 California) (+1)

Despite the upset bid from California, Dorian Thompson-Robinson finished with three touchdowns as UCLA avoided catastrophe. A late Zach Charbonnet touchdown run put the game to bed. 

17. Tulane (10-2, W 27-24 #21 Cincinnati) (+3)

The Green Wave will be hosting the festivities against UCF next weekend with a chance to win their first conference title. This is quite the turnaround after a 2-10 record last season. 

18. Oregon State (9-3, W 38-34 #10 Oregon) (+6)

The Beavers caught fire in the second half, erasing a 21-point deficit to upset their in-state rivals. The win was even sweeter as they ruined Oregon's chances of making it to the conference title game.

19. Notre Dame (8-4, L 38-27 #5 USC) (-3)

Even with the loss, you can't help but admire the changes we've seen in Notre Dame after their first three weeks. Drew Pyne really came into his own in the second half of the season. 

20. South Carolina (8-4, W 31-30 #7 Clemson) (NR)

Back-to-back wins over Top 10 teams will help any team gain some confidence and there is none lacking with South Carolina. Spencer Rattler has helped to carry the load these last two weeks.

21. Troy (10-2, W 48-19 Arkansas State) (+2)

Trailing 19-14 going into the fourth quarter, the Trojans scored five touchdowns in the final 15 minutes. Troy clinched their division and will host the Sun Belt Championship Game against Coastal Carolina.

22. UCF (9-3, W 46-39 South Florida) (+3)

Their loss last week put them in an interesting spot but wins overs over Tulane and Cincinnati in the weeks before really helped. They'll have a tough task as they try to repeat their effort in New Orleans. 

23. Texas (8-4, W 38-27 Baylor) (+4)

The Longhorns held onto hope until the bitter end, beating Baylor to put the pressure on Kansas State. Bijan Robinson ran for 179 yards and two touchdowns to keep their hopes alive momentarily. 

24. UTSA (10-2, W 34-31 UTEP) (+4)

20 unanswered points for the Roadrunners earned them a big comeback victory over UTEP in the lead-up to the C-USA title game. The comeback was completed with a game-winning FG with :04 left. 

25. North Carolina (9-3, L 30-27 (2OT) NC State) (-6)

Two losses right before the ACC Championship Game is not quite where you want to be before facing Clemson. Drake Maye needs to find that magic again if UNC wants to be competitive in Charlotte. 

The Next 5

26. South Alabama (10-2, W 27-20 Old Dominion) (-)

While they fell just short of the conference title game, South Alabama accomplished its first 10-win season in the FBS. They'll likely be a heavy favorite in a bowl to try and go for their 11th. 

27. Boise State (9-3, W 42-23 Utah State) (+2)

The Broncos continue to dominate the Mountain West as they aim for another conference title. They won handily against Utah State before meeting Fresno State next weekend. 

28. Purdue (8-4, W 30-16 Indiana) (NR)

Purdue got some major help from Nebraska in the race to see who would win the incredibly messy Big Ten West. Aidan O'Connell will now lead his squad against a lethal Michigan team to play spoiler. 

29. Duke (8-4, W 34-31 Wake Forest) (NR)

Riley Leonard outdueled Sam Hartman with over 400 yards of offense to lead Duke to its first 8-win season since 2018. Mike Elko has likely locked up ACC Coach of the Year in his first season. 

30. Mississippi State (8-4, W 24-22 #20 Ole Miss) (NR)

Will Rogers led the Bulldogs to a big win in the Egg Bowl to help and save a rough season. It took a strong second half to get the job done despite three turnovers from the offense. 

Conference Championship Week Preview

1. #12 Utah v. #4 USC (Las Vegas, NV)

The most intriguing game of the weekend for me will put the battle for the fourth playoff spot in full view. USC's only loss this season came to the defending PAC-12 champions and the preseason favorites from Utah. A USC win should get them into the playoff, while Utah will look to play spoiler and beat the Trojans for the second time this season. Prediction- Utah 38, USC 34

2. #13 Kansas State v. #3 TCU (Arlington, TX)

Of the ten conference championships to be played this weekend, this might be the most surprising. Kansas State was picked to finish fifth in the conference, while the presently undefeated Horned Frogs were selected to finish seventh. TCU beat Kansas State in Forth Worth this season with a strong second half, outscoring the Wildcats 21-0 in a 38-28 victory. Prediction- TCU 31, Kansas State 30

3. #11 LSU v. #1 Georgia (Atlanta, GA)

Had LSU not slipped up against Texas A&M, this game would likely be more interesting, but I'm expecting a bit of a bloodbath. I think Georgia has a good chance of making the playoff regardless of the result of this game, while LSU could really make everyone in Athens hold their breath. The two sides didn't meet this season. Prediction- Georgia 41, LSU 20

4. #24 North Carolina v. #10 Clemson (Charlotte, NC)

Neither side has any momentum after Clemson fell in their final game to South Carolina and North Carolina fell in their final two. What once looked like the makings of a huge game now has very few implications on bowl season. North Carolina has the quarterback edge with ACC Player of the Year Drake Maye, but Clemson remains the class of the conference. Prediction- Clemson 34, UNC 27

5. Purdue v. #2 Michigan (Indianapolis, IN)

You never look to count out a team before a game starts, but the Boilermakers have a tall hill to climb if they want to upset the Wolverines. Michigan is coming off of an emotional victory against their most hated rival, while Purdue needed some help to get to this game. There is a lot on the line for Michigan as they aim to win the conference again. Prediction- Michigan 44, Purdue 17

6. #22 UCF v. #18 Tulane (New Orleans, LA)

After a 2-10 season in 2021, it has been an amazing turnaround for Tulane this year. They're on the verge of winning their 11th game of the season and could be looking at a potential New Year's Bowl. In their way is a team that beat them this season and could look to spoil all of their fun. I think Tulane will come ready for a fight and get the job done this time. Prediction- Tulane 31, UCF 21

7. North Texas v. #23 UTSA (San Antonio, TX)

The Roadrunners have been the kings of the conference all season long, as they were expected to be. The preseason favorites earned the right to hot the game as they face an in-state rival for the chance to get the job done. These two met in San Antonio and it took a touchdown in the final 15 seconds to get UTSA the victory. Prediction- UTSA 38, North Texas 18

8. Coastal Carolina v. Troy (Troy, AL)

Their loss to James Madison in the final week technically made them finish second in the division but because the Dukes can't play in the conference championship in their first season, the Chanticleers get the spot. They'll travel to Alabama to face Troy, who only lost once in the conference this season. They didn't meet in the regular season, so this one is wide-open in my eyes. Prediction- Coastal Carolina 31, Troy 24

9. Fresno State v. Boise State (Boise, ID)

After a down year in 2021, Boise State is back at the top of the Mountain West with a chance to win the conference once again. Fresno State turned their season around after a 1-4 start, rattling off seven in a row to clinch a spot in the title game. It was the 40-20 loss they suffered at the hands of Boise State that turned their season around. Prediction- Boise State 44, Fresno State 30

10. Ohio v. Toledo (Detroit, MI)

Toledo comes limping into the game, having lost their last two games. Fortunately, they built a large enough lead in their division for it to not matter. Ohio is on fire right now, winning their last seven games fairly comfortably. I don't see this going well for Toledo, though crazier things have happened. They didn't play this season, so I have little to go off of here. Prediction- Ohio 40, Toledo 24