College football’s thirteenth week delivered a series of earth-shattering upsets that completely transformed the complexion of this season’s playoff race. As the dust settles, a reshaped top 25 has emerged with familiar powers humbled and new contenders rising from the chaos.
Three-Loss Alabama Plummets After Shock Defeat
Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide suffered a crushing 24-3 defeat at the hands of Oklahoma, all but extinguishing their flickering College Football Playoff hopes. Alabama’s typically stout defense had no answers for the Sooners’ punishing ground attack as they racked up over 300 rushing yards. The loss drops the Tide to a staggering three defeats on the season, uncharted territory in the Saban era.
It’s uncharacteristic for us to have these kind of lapses. We have no one to blame but ourselves.
Nick Saban, Alabama head coach
Alabama wasn’t alone in suffering a shocking upset. Fellow SEC powerhouses Ole Miss and Texas A&M also stumbled, throwing the conference standings into disarray. The Rebels’ dream season hit a major snag with a last-second loss at Florida, while the Aggies fell in overtime at Auburn for the Tigers’ first win over a ranked opponent in 15 tries.
Ohio State, Oregon Solidify Grip on Top Two Spots
Amid the turmoil, Ohio State and Oregon further entrenched themselves as the teams to beat. The Buckeyes suffocated a previously unbeaten Indiana squad, holding the Hoosiers to just 53 first-half yards in a 38-15 rout. Meanwhile, the Ducks enjoyed a well-earned bye week and seem to be hitting their stride at the perfect time.
Both the Buckeyes and Ducks boast fearsome pass rushes that have quarterbacks under constant duress. If the two juggernauts take care of business in their respective rivalry games next week, a tantalizing potential championship game matchup looms.
Notre Dame, SMU Stake Claim to Playoff Contention
The Fighting Irish and Mustangs capitalized on others’ misfortune with resounding victories. Notre Dame throttled previously unbeaten Army 49-7, limiting the Black Knights’ top-ranked rushing attack to a paltry 79 yards. SMU flexed its offensive muscle in a 42-21 statement win at Virginia behind another sterling performance from emergent star QB Kevin Jennings.
Both the Irish and Mustangs have just one loss and are heating up at the right time. While they may need some help, the door is open for them to crash the playoff party if they win out.
Big 12 Title Race a Toss-Up After Wild Weekend
The Big 12 is guaranteed a compelling final weekend after frontrunners Colorado and BYU both fell. The Buffaloes were gashed for 331 rushing yards in a humbling home loss to Kansas, while BYU’s last-gasp rally at Arizona State fell two yards short of paydirt.
Those defeats, coupled with Iowa State’s dramatic win at Utah, create a four-way tie atop the Big 12 standings. The Cyclones, Sun Devils, Cougars and Buffs all control their own destiny – win next week and they’ll play for the conference crown. In this topsy-turvy season, nothing is guaranteed.
The Road Ahead
As the regular season barrels toward its climax, the CFP rankings are sure to see considerable reshuffling on Tuesday. Many eyes will be on whether three-loss Alabama tumbles out of contention, and if Notre Dame and SMU can rise into the top six.
No matter how the committee adjudicates this week’s madness, one thing is clear: the next two weeks will be a white-knuckle thrill ride. In this season of unpredictability, buckle up and savor the chaos.
