The final regular season college football games played out, and in expected fashion, there was plenty of passion seen on the turf this weekend. Field swarms were in short supply, but Bench Swarms were rather commonplace, with numerous games culminating in teams meeting in conflict after the final whistle.
The Longhorns and Aggies, Ohio State and Michigan, as well as the Florida Gators and FSU, all had various team-wide disagreements at mid-field. Seminole’s Coach Mike Norvell was incensed enough to grab the Gators flag they planted on the FSU logo and toss it away. But the conflict of the weekend was with pepper spray being used to separate the teams in Columbus.
michigan players got pepper sprayed by ohio state troopers. talk about sore losing, that’s nasty work. UNNECESSARY pic.twitter.com/J8nuTzM46W
— alise (11-1; 4-8) (@ajdavis22800) November 30, 2024
There was also no shortage of intrigue and drama as schools desperate for conference championship positions needed one last win to get the chance to play into the playoffs.
Oregon 49 – Washington 21
The top-ranked Ducks used a balanced attack – 236 in the air, 222 on the ground – with six different players finding the end zone. Oregon goes undefeated and is the only team in the top-25 with no losses.
Michigan 13 – Ohio State 10
A typical Big-10 classic saw Ohio State come in favored by more than 20 points, and the two teams combined, they barely made that number. The schools were tied at 10 at halftime, with the only second-half points from a lone field goal with under a minute remaining making the difference. Will Howard had one touchdown and two killer interceptions. The Buckeyes being held scoreless in the second half at home had not been seen since 2011.
Texas 17 – Texas A&M 7
While it was great seeing this renewed rivalry it did not exactly amount to a great game, with both teams struggling at various points. Quintrevion Wisner delivered most of the offense, with 186 yards off of 33 carries. Arch Manning stepped in during one drive and gave the Longhorns their first points on a 15-yard run. The Aggies played well defensively, but the offense sputtered all night. Their only points came off a 93-yard interception return.
Georgia 44 – Georgia Tech 42
In a game the Bulldogs really had no reason to win, they rallied against a Yellowjacket squad becoming more depleted as the game wore on. By the end of regulation, Tech was down four secondary players, and their defensive captain also went down with an injury. They held a two-touchdown lead with just over 5:30 to play, but Georgia managed to tie it up, and then eight overtimes were needed to finally see them lead for the first time, and for the win.
Syracuse 42 – Miami 38
In most ways, it was a typical Hurricanes performance, with Cam Ward looking sterling, while the defense looked like they were still in the locker room. Miami squandered a 21-0 opening, as Ward threw for 349 yards and two strikes, but he was ultimately outgunned by Kyle McCord, who shredded the secondary for 380 yards and three touchdowns. Miami loses its ticket to the ACC title game as a result.
South Carolina 17 – Clemson 14
The Gamecocks turned their season around and attempted to gain post-season notice with this signature win taking them to 9-3 for the year. The Tigers, courtesy of the Hurricanes tanking in New York, backed into the ACC title game as a result.
THE CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS
THE SEC
Texas Longhorns vs. Georgia Bulldogs
THE BIG-10
Oregon Ducks vs. Penn State Nittany Lions
THE ACC
Southern Methodist Mustangs vs. Clemson Tigers
THE BIG-12
Arizona State Sun Devils vs. Iowa State Cyclones
THE MOUNTAIN WEST
Boise State Broncos vs. Nevada Las Vegas Rebels
NCAA PLAYOFF COMMITTEE SEEDINGS
(1st Round Byes)
-
Oregon
-
Texas
-
SMU
-
Boise State
1st Round Seedings
12. Arizona State @ 5. PennState
11. Alabama @ 6. Notre Dame
10. Indiana @ 7. Georgia
9. Tennessee @ 8. Ohio State
First Teams Out:
12-Ranked Miami
13-Ranked Ole Miss
Following this weekend’s Championship games, the final playoff seedings will be announced on Sunday, December 8.
