Chaos and Crowns: Rivalry Week Erupts Into Mayhem
Rivalry Week (Nov. 26–30) delivered fireworks — and a reshaping of the postseason picture. The biggest bomb came when Texas Longhorns stunned Texas A&M Aggies 27–17 in Austin, derailing A&M’s bid for an SEC title and thrusting Texas back into CFP conversation. Meanwhile, Ohio State Buckeyes stomped out a four-year drought against archrival Michigan Wolverines, rolling to a comfortable 27–9 win — a statement that solidifies Ohio State as the team to beat heading into the Big Ten championship.
Beyond the headliners, the weekend saw important shifts across conferences. Oregon Ducks locked in their playoff hopes with a gritty 26–14 road win over Washington Huskies, cementing their spot among the top contenders. Alabama Crimson Tide, under pressure in the storied Iron Bowl, edged Auburn Tigers 27–20 — a nail-biter that keeps their SEC title hopes alive. On the flip side, some “formality” rivalry games fell flat — but no drama there matched the chaos of the top-tier showdowns.
As the dust settled, the playoff picture is clearer — yet more volatile than ever. Championship-game matchups are set, but the door remains wide open for more surprises. Rivalries didn’t just carry legacy or bragging rights this weekend — they reshaped the playoff race.
Key Highlights from the Week
Texas Longhorns vs. Texas A&M Aggies (27–17) — Texas pulled off a huge upset, ending A&M’s undefeated season and knocking them out of the SEC Championship.
Quintrevion Wisner rushed for 155 yards (126 after halftime), fueling a second-half surge.
Arch Manning threw for a touchdown and added a 53-yard rushing TD late — the dagger that sealed the win.
Texas’ defense came up big, with two key fourth-quarter interceptions that halted A&M’s comeback hopes.
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Michigan Wolverines (27–9) — Ohio State snapped a four-year losing streak in “The Game,” reasserting itself as a playoff heavy-hitter.
The Buckeyes dominated — outgaining Michigan 419–163 in total yards, and controlling possession with 186 rushing yards vs. 100 for Michigan.
Quarterback Julian Sayin found the end zone multiple times, including a 50-yard strike to Carnell Tate that broke things open in the second half.
Michigan’s offense flatlined — no touchdowns, and their defense couldn’t slow OSU’s balanced attack.
Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Auburn Tigers (27–20) — Alabama survived a furious comeback attempt in the rivalry’s latest chapter, surviving the late-game rally to stay alive for the SEC title game.
Alabama jumped out to a 17–0 lead thanks to early touchdowns including a tight-end score by Isaiah Horton.
Auburn threatened late, slicing the lead to three points; but a late fumble recovery by Deontae Lawson sealed the win for the Tide.
Oregon Ducks vs. Washington Huskies (26–14) — Oregon locked in a clutch road win to cement its playoff credentials, showing balance and composure away from home.
Look Great for Game Day!
Standout Performances of the Week
Texas Longhorns vs. Texas A&M Aggies — 27-17 upset
Arch Manning was the driving force behind the upset: he threw a touchdown pass in the 3rd quarter and then broke free for a 35-yard rushing TD with about 7:04 left — the dagger that sealed the win.
Quintrevion Wisner powered the ground game: 19 carries for 155 yards, giving Texas the edge in rushing when it mattered most.
The Longhorns’ defense also made big plays: forcing two turnovers — including critical fourth-quarter interceptions — which stopped A&M’s comeback hopes.
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Michigan Wolverines — 27-9 blowout / rivalry shocker
Julian Sayin bounced back strong after an early interception: finished 19/26 for 233 yards and three touchdown passes, leading Ohio State’s offense throughout.
Wide receiver Carnell Tate broke the game open with a 50-yard touchdown in the third quarter that gave OSU a commanding lead.
Ohio State’s ground game also punished Michigan — controlling time of possession and tempo, helping dominate both sides of the ball.
Oregon Ducks vs. Washington Huskies — 26-14 road win
Malik Benson delivered the big blow late: a season-long 64-yard touchdown catch with about 7:55 left sealed the game for Oregon.
Dante Moore also had a strong game: 20-of-29 passing for 286 yards, showing Oregon can still move the ball through the air even when missing some top receivers.
Special-teams and defense helped carry the Ducks: kicker Atticus Sappington made four field goals — including a career-long 51-yarder — and Oregon’s defense limited Washington’s offense, sealing the road win.
Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Auburn Tigers — 27-20 Iron Bowl
Quarterback Ty Simpson and wide receiver Isaiah Horton were the offensive stars: Simpson went 19-of-35 for 122 yards and three touchdown passes, and all three went to Horton — a clutch red-zone connection all night.
On the ground, Jam Miller led Alabama’s rushing effort with 83 yards and chipped in in the passing game too — stabilizing an offense that needed balance to weather Auburn’s late rally.
Defensively, Deontae Lawson made the game-sealing play — a fumble recovery late in the fourth quarter that prevented Auburn from mounting a final comeback.
Kentucky Wildcats
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This Weekend's Football Schedule
Friday, December 5
Sun Belt Football Championship Game — Troy Trojans at James Madison Dukes, 7:00 PM ET on ESPN
Conference USA Football Championship Game — Kennesaw State Owls at Jacksonville State Gamecocks, 7:00 PM ET on CBSSN
American Athletic Conference Football Championship Game — North Texas Mean Green vs. Tulane Green Wave, 8:00 PM ET on ABC
Mountain West Football Championship Game — Boise State Broncos vs. UNLV Rebels, 8:00 PM ET on FOX
Saturday, December 6
Big 12 Football Championship Game — BYU Cougars vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders, 12:00 PM ET on ABC
MAC Football Championship Game — Western Michigan Broncos vs. Miami (OH) RedHawks, 12:00 PM ET on ESPN NCAA.com
SEC Football Championship Game — Georgia Bulldogs vs. Alabama Crimson Tide, 4:00 PM ET on ABC
ACC Football Championship Game — Virginia Cavaliers vs. Duke Blue Devils, 8:00 PM ET on ABC
Big Ten Football Championship Game — Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Indiana Hoosiers, 8:00 PM ET on FOX
Sunday, December 7
No major FBS games scheduled — this weekend is reserved for conference-championship results and the upcoming postseason schedule.
Bulldogs GEAR
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Must-Watch Matchups!!
Big Ten Championship Game — Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Indiana Hoosiers (Saturday, Dec 6 at 8:00 p.m. ET)
This could be the biggest game of the weekend: both teams are undefeated in conference play, and the winner will likely have a huge edge for the national-title picture under the expanded playoff format.SEC Championship Game — Georgia Bulldogs vs. Alabama Crimson Tide (Saturday, Dec 6 at 4:00 p.m. ET)
A classic rivalry with major implications. SEC title decisions almost always shake up the playoff landscape — and history aside, the stakes are high for both squads. NCAA.comBig 12 Championship Game — Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. BYU Cougars (Saturday, Dec 6 at 12:00 p.m. ET)
With the Big 12 crown on the line and potential playoff positioning hanging in the balance, this game has high stakes — plus, it’s a chance to see which “dark-horse” contender might crash the playoff picture.American Athletic Conference Championship Game — North Texas Mean Green vs. Tulane Green Wave (Friday, Dec 5 at 8:00 p.m. ET)
A key “Group-of-Five” game that could impact who sneaks into the expanded playoff or major bowl games. With both teams on solid seasons, this one could be a sleeper thriller.Mountain West Championship Game — Boise State Broncos vs. UNLV Rebels (Friday, Dec 5 at 8:00 p.m. ET)
For fans of under-the-radar conferences and potential breakout stories, this matchup could produce a high-energy contest with playoff or bowl implications for the Mountain West.
Georgia Bulldogs WEAR
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Crimson Tide!!!
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