The final week of the regular season brought conference title races, the final regular season of the Pac-12, and most important of all, another edition of The Game. Week 13 did not disappoint with breathtaking finishes around the nation, here to break down the top storylines from this weekend are the Week 13 Saturday Takeaways.
Wolverines doom OSU for another year
Week 13 Saturday Takeaways No. 1: For the third year in a row, Michigan defeated rival Ohio State to secure the Big Ten East division. The Wolverines turned turnovers into points in a 30-24 win in the Big House. With the win, Michigan solidifies its spot in the College Football Playoff, barring a major upset by Iowa in the Big Ten Championship. Whether they are number one next week or just number two, Michigan has done what they needs to do.
On the flip side, a third-straight loss to Michigan has to hurt more than ever for Ohio State. Once again, the Buckeyes will have to wait for chaos to maneuver their way back into the CFP. While head coach Ryan Day has lost seven games a head coach, six have either come against Michigan or in the playoffs. Ohio Stateʻs inability to win the big games has Dayʻs days numbered at OSU.
Fourth & forever remembered
Week 13 Saturday Takeaways No. 2: On fourth & goal from the 31-yard line and 43 seconds on the clock, trailing by four to rival Auburn, Jalen Milroe and the Alabama Crimson Tide went onto the field at Jordan-Hare with a hail mary in mind. In the most unlucky of circumstances, Milroe was able to buy time against a three-man rush and find Isaiah Bond in the back corner of the end zone for the go-ahead touchdown. A catch that will be replayed for decades just added to the legacy of the Iron Bowl.
Despite the close call, Alabama won and remained in contention for a Playoff spot. It wasnʻt pretty, and it probably should not have happened anyway, but they are still alive. Now all they have to do is beat Georgia, no biggy.
Oregon vs. Washington, Part Two
Week 13 Saturday Takeaways No. 3: Washington came out victorious in another one-score game while Oregon had no issues with Oregon State.
Since the wild meeting in Week Seven which saw Washington claim victory, the Huskies have scraped by six more wins while the Ducks look more like a growing ball of fire heading to Las Vegas. Heisman front-runners Michael Penix and Bo Nix will face off once again for the Pac-12ʻs position in the College Football Playoff. Oregonʻs dominant second half of the season gives me a reason to call them the favorite against undefeated Washington next Friday.
Everyone going bowling!
Week 13 Saturday Takeaways No. 4: It was happily ever after all for FBS transition teams James Madison and Jacksonville State, as just enough 5-6 teams lost out on bowl eligibility this week. Previously told they would not be able to participate in the postseason, much to the disapproval of the public, the Dukes and Gamecocks will continue their seasons into December.
James Madison finished the regular season with a giant 56-14 win over Coastal Carolina to claim the Sun Belt East, however the Dukes will not be playing for a conference title. Jacksonville State had thought their season ended with a 17-20 loss to New Mexico State, but as they later learned, that was not the case.
In the end, too many 5-6 teams lost in Week 13, allowing Minnesota (the 5-7 team with the highest APR scores) to qualify for bowl eligibility as well.
Goodbye, Pac-12
Week 13 Saturday Takeaways No. 5: So that was it. I know there is still one game remaining, but that was really the end. Cal dominated UCLA in the Rose Bowl, 33-7, to cap off the final season of Pac-12 football as we know it. As some teams head for Big Ten country, the Big 12 and even the Atlantic Coast of all places, not forgetting the two schools attempting to reconstruct the league, the book closes on a legacy of West Coast college football. But what a year to end it on.
The Pac-12 Conference had been known for killing off one another’s playoff chances with a nine-game conference schedule, but this year, two teams made it through to a final showdown. The reigning Heisman trophy winner, Caleb Williams, took center stage for another season, though it did not go as expected. Coach Prime quadrupled Coloradoʻs win total from a year ago despite finishing last in the league at 4-8. Jedd Fischʻs Arizona Wildcats are on the rise and will be immediate contenders in the Big 12. Oregon State made their attempt, as did Washington State, but it just wasnʻt enough to ruin the farewell tours of ten league members.
And with that we say adios and goodbye to the historic Pac-12 as well as the regular season of college football (except Army and Navy) in 2023. We still have some more wild finishes in store.
Click here for more College Football News.
Invest in your favorite athletes with Prediction Strike! Use code FANTOM when you sign up”
Join the Fantom Sports Discord!!