College Football Championship Week is Here

Lizzie Rubright, Sports Editor|December 2, 2021

Week 13 in college football shook up the rankings just in time for championship week. 

In the SEC Georgia took care of business against Georgia Tech which was expected. but on the west side Alabama and Auburn had an Iron Bowl thriller with the first overtime game in its 128 year history. The game went into 4 overtimes after Auburn led 10-0 in the third quarter Alabama scored a field goal and with 24 seconds they tied it. After not being able to convert on their two point play, Alabama took over and scored to win the game. Alabama and Georgia will face off in the SEC championship game on December 4, 2021. 

Georgia is undefeated playing Alabama for the SEC title to keep their playoff dreams alive (via Dawn of the Dawg)
Michigan players celebrate after a touchdown when the beat OSU to get the B1G title game ( (Mike Mulholland)

 

 

Up north in the Big Ten both championship spots were decided by games played on Saturday. In the East,  Michigan and Ohio State faced off to see who would play for a Big Ten title. Despite opening up a seven point favorite, Michigan dominated 42-27. After this win the Wolverines have their spot in the Big Ten Championship. Over in the west Wisconsin was fighting for the Big Ten West when they played Minnesota. But their 23-13 loss crushed their B1G title hopes and punched Iowa’s ticket to Indy. Michigan and Iowa will play on December 4, 2021 in Lucas Oil Stadium. 

 

 

Out West in the Big 12, Oklahoma State will take on Baylor on December 4, 2021 for the Championship. Playoff hopeful OSU had to defeat in-state rival Oklahoma to get here. The then seventh ranked Cowboys defeated the Sooners 37-33 after taking over in the fourth quarter. Oklahoma State’s win not only gives them a chance at a Big 12 title but the CFP. Baylor needed Oklahoma State to beat Oklahoma so they could get in over the Sooners.

Oklahoma State player runs for a touchdown against Oklahoma. (Ian Maule)

In the PNW with PAC-12 Utah and Oregon have already played just a few weeks ago in a thrilling game. Where the tenth ranked Utes beat the seventh ranked Ducks 38-7. Oregon gets redemption this Friday December 3 when the two play for the PAC-12 title. Oregon leads the Pac-12 north while Utah is on top of the PAC-12 South.

Oregon player dives for a touchdown against Oregon State

 

 

 

 

 

 

The shake ups in the rankings are not done yet. Only three of these eight teams are in the CFP top four, Georgia, Alabama and Michigan. If Alabama falls to Georgia then they’re out and if Oklahoma State wins they take that fourth spot. If Alabama loses AND Michigan loses, Georgia stays 1, Cincinnati goes up to 2, Oklahoma State becomes 3 and Notre Dame sneaks into the fourth spot.