By Colin Bish
Can you believe we’ve reached the end? Well, the regular season of college football, that is. And also the final edition of my Good, Bad and Ugly series before conference championships and bowl season. It’s been a wild year capped off with an even crazier final regular season week, so let’s take a look at what went down in the finale, and preview a bit into the postseason. I think that’s a fair capper!
Good:
2185 Days
- Joyous times in Columbus; the streak finally ends. Ohio State went into the Big House and thrashed archrival Michigan 27-9, their first win over the Wolverines since 2019. It was a complete defensive showcase from the surefire top defense in college football; the Buckeyes held Michigan to just 163 yards of total offense and 1-for-9 on third down. Sophomore quarterback Julian Sayin overcame an early interception to lead the Buckeyes with 233 yards passing and three touchdown throws. Likewise, freshman running back Bo Jackson continues to impress, totaling 166 yards on 26 touches; more yards than the entire Wolverines offense. With The Game in the review, Ohio State marches to Indianapolis to face Indiana for the Big Ten Championship and, in all likelihood, the number one overall seed in the College Football Playoff.
Virginia Looking Toward History
- The Cavaliers have capped a miraculous season under head coach Tony Elliott, finishing 10-2 on the year and officially clinching a spot in the ACC Championship Game. They demolished rival Virginia Tech 27-7, with senior running back J’Mari Taylor rushing for 80 yards on 20 carries with a touchdown on the ground and even through the air. As always, the Virginia defense looked ultra-impressive, holding the Hokies to 197 total yards and forcing two turnovers. All of this without star junior linebacker Kam Robinson, mind you. The Cavaliers head to Charlotte with a chance to clinch their first ACC title in 30 years, and with it a potential College Football Playoff berth.
Vandy’s Lucky Number Ten
- It’s just a week full of history, people, and the Commodores capped their best season in program history with a 45-24 win over in-state rival Tennessee. Vanderbilt withstood a tough Vols offense, allowing star senior quarterback Diego Pavia to work his magic. Outside of his two interceptions, Pavia accounted for 433 of the Commodores’ 579 total yards, boosting his case for a spot in New York in the Heisman Trophy ceremony. Equally impressive was junior running back Sedrick Alexander, rushing just 10 times for 115 yards and three touchdowns. While Vandy’s Playoff hopes hang in the balance, no one can doubt the fantastic job that head coach Clark Lea has done in building this program into a respectable unit with a bright future.
Bad:
Texas A&M Misses Out On SEC Crown
- Not many can go into DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium at night and come out with a victory. There’s no shame in the loss for the Aggies; they remain in prime position to make the CFP, but missing out on history surely has to sting. Texas upended their unbeaten rivals 27-17, thanks in large part to sophomore quarterback Arch Manning’s 35-yard touchdown scamper late in the fourth quarter. Junior running back Quintrevion Wisner added 155 rushing yards on 19 carries, while the ever-sturdy Longhorns defense smothered Texas A&M’s prolific offense, forcing Aggies sophomore quarterback Marcel Reed into two interceptions. Again, Texas A&M is likely a Playoff lock, but you never want to end a season like that.
Sooners Slow In Closer vs. LSU
- While Oklahoma has looked mighty intriguing after their losses to Texas and Ole Miss, especially their performance against Alabama, this certainly didn’t get me pumped to see them in Playoff action. The Sooners dominated the Tigers in yardage, with a 393-to-198 difference, but three interceptions by junior quarterback John Mateer are indeed alarming. He didn’t play awful, either; Mateer threw for 318 yards and two scores, but closing out a lowly opponent in at least serviceable fashion would be better. Some would say I’m overreacting; you’re more than welcome to do so. LSU is a solid football team, for all that’s gone wrong. But I can’t help but feel that something easily avoidable will doom the Sooners come time for the CFP.
Turnovers Doom Auburn in Iron Bowl
- Texas A&M’s loss on Friday allowed Alabama to make the SEC Championship Game with a win over Auburn on Saturday. The Tide came through, 27-20, all but solidifying a Playoff spot regardless of the outcome vs. Georgia this coming Saturday. But I can’t help but feel that this was a missed opportunity for Auburn to build momentum come next season. Especially when a team not privy to turning the ball over coughed it up twice in the biggest game of the season. With a chance to tie in the fourth quarter, Auburn sophomore receiver Cam Coleman coughed up the ball, which senior linebacker Deontae Lawson recovered and sealed the game for the Tide. It could have been an impressive precursor to a new era of Auburn football, but sadly, that was not the case. Unless you’re an Alabama fan, you’d find this all hilarious.
Ugly:
Same Old Lane
- What else would you expect? A guy fired on the tarmac at Los Angeles International Airport at USC and later left Alabama ahead of their 35-31 loss to Clemson in the national championship would up and leave his new program for even more money? Say it ain’t so. The money is one thing, I get it. But, if you’ve followed Lane Kiffin for long enough, you know the guy just can’t exit a program correctly. It’s always marred by selfish, immature, and irresponsible actions that leave the community in disgust. Such was the case this weekend, as after a 38-19 win over Mississippi State, with Ole Miss finishing 11-1 and likely to make the CFP, Kiffin chose to take a lucrative contract at LSU. Rather than focusing on Ole Miss’ accomplishments, the focus shifts to the idea that Kiffin has always been a guy who slithers his way into new opportunities. I mean, threatening to poach the coaching staff and players before the Playoffs even start? That’s low, even for Lane. But the overall outcome and the emotional buildup were just as expected.
SMU Chokes ACC Crown
- Thanks to a wild year in the ACC, SMU placed themselves in a great position to make the ACC Championship Game. All they had to do was beat Cal, and they were in. It should be easy; the Golden Bears just fired their head coach and are clearly looking ahead to next season. But Cal wasn’t going down without a fight; the Bears upset SMU 38-35 after a last-minute touchdown from junior running back Kendrick Raphael sealed the upset. Also got to shout out freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, who completed 31 of 40 passes for 330 yards and four touchdowns. See, that’s how you end a season on a high note, Auburn! SMU, on the other hand, their loss effectively knocks them out of the CFP. After an incredible run following a slow start to the season, the Mustangs lost out on a shot to notch two consecutive CFP appearances.
Terps Lose Eight Straight to End 2025
- Things looked up for Maryland four weeks into the season, but now it feels like getting off the most unnecessarily wild roller coaster. Not the one that gets you excited, but the one so crazy it leaves you feeling sick for the next hour. The Terps started 2025 4-0, only to follow up with eight consecutive losses. Their recent 38-28 loss to Michigan State ranks among their worst, as the Spartans fired head coach Jonathan Smith just two days later. Credit to Michigan State, especially freshman quarterback Alessio Milivojevic, who threw for 292 yards and four touchdowns to bring some interest to the program. But Maryland, they may be in some trouble. Despite loud clamors to fire head coach Mike Locksley, athletics are sticking by Locksley and looking to increase funding for football. If that’s the case, he’d better show out next year.
End of Season Questions:
What if Duke Wins the ACC?
- In a crazy scenario, thanks to SMU’s loss and a convoluted tiebreaker system, 7-5 Duke makes the trip to Charlotte to take on Virginia for the ACC crown. For all intents and purposes, the Blue Devils are a solid unit, powered by an offensive unit of sophomore quarterback Darian Mensah, freshman running back Nate Sheppard and senior wide receiver Cooper Barkate. However, should Duke upset the Cavaliers, there’s no guarantee they make the College Football Playoff. Outside of seven at-large teams, the five highest-ranked conference champions earn spots in the bracket. If Duke wins, along with the Sun Belt’s James Madison winning their conference, it’d mean that JMU and the AAC champ, either North Texas or Tulane, would both make the CFP due to Duke’s potential upset. If such an event happens, prepare for chaos.
Who Will Take the Top CFP Spot?
- As mentioned above, Ohio State and Indiana face off for the Big Ten crown, but also for the top spot in the CFP bracket. The Hoosiers boast a talented offense, led by junior quarterback Fernando Mendoza, and a deep supporting cast. But Indiana has not yet faced a defense as statistically dominant as Ohio State’s. The Buckeyes, in their first year under defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, have allowed 7.8 points per game this season, thanks to an all-around effort by the front seven and the secondary. No one player on this defense is the shining star; everybody eats, and they’ve feasted all year on opposing offenses. However, just like the Hoosiers haven’t faced a defense like Ohio State’s, vice versa for the Buckeyes. They’ve not faced an offense as good as Indiana’s. No doubt, the winner of this game will be the clear favorite for the national title; it all comes down to who takes the spot.
Who Makes the 12-Man Field?
- Looking at the overall field, some teams are surefire Playoff locks, regardless of conference championship outcomes. Those are Ohio State, Indiana, Georgia, Texas Tech and Alabama. Of course, a win in their respective conference title games locks them in for good. But a loss would also not hurt their chances, either. Likewise, a few teams that are not participating in conference championships also would be safe. Those being Oregon, Ole Miss, Texas A&M and Oklahoma. But there are a few teams that intrigue me, and I want to discuss where they all stand.
For one, Notre Dame has bounced back dominantly since their 0-2 start, winning 10 straight. However, they rank two spots ahead of Miami, who have the head-to-head advantage after their Week One win. My evaluation is that the committee values Notre Dame’s losses more than Miami’s; the Irish have lost to the #7 and #12 teams in the nation, while Miami has lost to currently unranked teams in Louisville and SMU. I also believe Notre Dame has looked a lot better than Miami as of late, which could play a role in their potential CFP berth over the Hurricanes.
The other team that could lock into the CFP is BYU, which faces Texas Tech in a rematch for the Big 12 crown. I do believe that the Red Raiders will remain in the field should they lose to the Cougars. But for BYU, they have to win to get in. Other conference champions hold the edge over them: Virginia, North Texas/Tulane, and James Madison, should Duke pull off the improbable. The Cougars are also highly motivated after head coach Kalani Sitake announced he would return to Provo, Utah, after consideration for the Penn State head coach position. This motivation could turn into a miraculous conference title and a berth in the CFP.
Whatever the case may be, we’re set for a wild weekend for the conference championships and the CFP selection show the following Sunday. A good portion of the top 10 are safe regardless of outcome, but the primary focus will come down to the bubble teams in Notre Dame, BYU and Miami. Let the madness commence.
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