Image courtesy: X(Georgia Bulldogs)
The final weekend of college football’s regular season delivered a flurry of action, surprises, and high-stakes performances. From Georgia’s nail-biting overtime win to standout individual feats, here are the biggest winners and losers as the season heads toward championship weekend.
Winners
1. Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia’s season has been a rollercoaster, filled with high-stakes matchups that felt like “Super Bowls” every week. Coming off hard-fought games against Clemson, Alabama, and Tennessee, the Bulldogs (10-2) were again pushed to the limit on Friday against Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets played their best game of the year, surging to a 14-point lead late in the fourth quarter before Georgia clawed back to a 44-42 octuple-overtime victory.
Key Moments:
- Dan Jackson’s Game-Changing Play: A forced fumble on Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King just before the two-minute warning set up overtime.
- Overtime Chaos: Both teams struggled on two-point conversions, going a combined 3-for-15, before Nate Frazier powered into the end zone to secure Georgia’s win.
The victory buys Georgia some insurance for next week’s SEC Championship Game. Even with a loss, the Bulldogs’ resilience and strength of schedule bolster their Playoff case.
2. Ashton Jeanty
Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty added another chapter to his historic season with a 226-yard, one-touchdown performance in the Broncos’ 34-18 victory over Oregon State. Jeanty now holds the Mountain West single-season rushing record with 2,288 yards, placing him fifth on the FBS single-season list, just behind Barry Sanders’ legendary 1988 season.
With Boise State (11-1) eyeing the conference title and a potential CFP berth, Jeanty’s Heisman campaign gains momentum.
3. Travis Hunter
Colorado’s Travis Hunter put on a two-way clinic in a 52-0 demolition of Oklahoma State, reminding everyone why he’s one of the most electrifying players in college football. Hunter recorded:
- 10 receptions for 116 yards and three touchdowns.
- An interception and two pass breakups as a defensive back.
Hunter’s versatility has made him a rare standout in both offensive and defensive roles. With 92 catches, 1,152 receiving yards, and 14 receiving touchdowns this season, he is sure to be in New York for Heisman ceremonies.
4. Miami (Ohio) and Ohio
The Mid-American Conference title game is set after Miami (Ohio) and Ohio both earned crucial wins. Miami’s Brett Gabbert scored three touchdowns in a 28-12 victory over Bowling Green, while Ohio overwhelmed Ball State 42-21.
For Ohio, the trip to Detroit marks their first MAC Championship Game appearance since 1968, giving them a chance to break a 55-year title drought.
5. San José State
San José State capped a remarkable season under first-year coach Ken Niumatalolo with a 34-31 upset of Stanford, marking their first win over an ACC opponent and first victory against Stanford since 2006. Wideout Nick Nash set a school record with 16 touchdown receptions, helping the Spartans to their third consecutive seven-win season—an achievement last seen in the early 1980s.
Losers
1. Oklahoma State
Oklahoma State’s nightmare season ended with a humiliating 52-0 loss to Colorado, cementing their first winless conference campaign since 1994. The Cowboys ranked near the bottom nationally in rushing, passing, and total defense, a stunning fall for a program that had been a Big 12 contender under coach Mike Gundy.
Despite running back Ollie Gordon’s solid efforts (880 yards, 13 touchdowns), the season spiraled beyond repair. With significant questions surrounding the team’s direction, Oklahoma State faces a critical offseason.
2. Wisconsin Badgers
Wisconsin’s season ended with a whimper in a 24-7 home loss to Minnesota, extending their losing streak to five games and giving them their first losing record (5-7) since 2001. The Badgers also failed to secure a bowl game for the first time in over two decades.
Minnesota’s win secured Paul Bunyan’s Axe for the third time in four years, underscoring a shift in the rivalry. Once a perennial Big Ten power, Wisconsin now faces questions about whether it can remain competitive in the conference’s changing landscape.
3. Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech gave its all in a near-upset of Georgia but fell short in an exhausting overtime marathon. The Yellow Jackets’ inability to convert two-point tries in key moments hurt their chances of completing the upset. While the effort was commendable, the loss highlights the program’s struggles in closing out marquee games.
4. Florida State
Though not directly in this week’s action, Florida State’s disappointing season continues to loom large. Once considered a top-tier contender, injuries and inconsistency left the Seminoles with a season that failed to meet expectations.
Final Thoughts
The final weekend of the regular season encapsulated the drama, excitement, and heartbreak that define college football. Georgia’s gritty win, Travis Hunter’s brilliance, and Boise State’s record-setting season stand out as highlights. Meanwhile, programs like Oklahoma State and Wisconsin are left to reassess and rebuild.
As championship weekend approaches, the stakes only get higher, promising more memorable moments on the road to the College Football Playoff.
