College Football Week 13 passed without major upsets, preserving the playoff picture and setting the stage for a dramatic Rivalry Week that could decide postseason fates. Top teams like Oklahoma, Oregon, Miami, and Notre Dame secured decisive victories, avoiding the chaos many anticipated and keeping their championship hopes intact.
In a day defined by predictability, Oklahoma’s defense dominated Missouri in a 17-6 win, intercepting quarterback Beau Pribula twice and stifling the Tigers’ offense. The Sooners’ performance underscored their resilience, with Brent Venables’ unit drawing comparisons to his best defenses at Clemson. Meanwhile, Oregon handled USC with a balanced attack, featuring Kenyon Sadiq and Noah Whittington on offense and a game-changing 85-yard punt return touchdown by Malik Benson. The Ducks’ win reinforced their playoff credentials, though a challenging road trip to Washington looms.
Notre Dame delivered a statement victory, crushing Syracuse 70-7 in a game that showcased their dominance on both sides of the ball. Running back Jeremiyah Love rushed for 171 yards and three touchdowns, while the defense forced three interceptions, leaving no doubt about the Irish’s playoff worthiness. Miami also impressed with a 34-17 win over Virginia Tech, led by Carson Beck’s 320 passing yards and four touchdowns, though the Hurricanes must still navigate a tricky finale against Pitt to solidify their case.
The only significant drama unfolded in Utah’s come-from-behind 51-47 win over Kansas State, where the Utes scored twice in the final minutes to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. This thriller contrasted with the day’s overall stability, as other contenders like BYU and Ohio State coasted to victories without incident. The results mean that Rivalry Week will carry immense weight, with several matchups poised to reshape the playoff landscape.
Playoff implications are now front and center, as Oklahoma must defeat a resurgent LSU, Oregon faces rival Washington, and Miami battles Pitt in games that could make or break their seasons. The ACC adds another layer of intrigue, with a logjam of teams tied for the conference lead, potentially leading to complex tie-breakers. Elsewhere, the SEC’s strength of schedule was questioned after lopsided wins over lesser opponents, though traditional powers like Georgia and Alabama remain in contention.
Individual achievements highlighted the day, with Penn State’s Kaytron Allen breaking the school’s rushing record and Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia bolstering his Heisman candidacy with a standout performance. Off-field storylines, including coaching rumors around Lane Kiffin, added to the anticipation for the season’s climax. As the regular season concludes, the focus shifts to rivalries that promise the unpredictability Week 13 lacked, ensuring an exhilarating finish for fans and teams alike.
