After final week’s drama, week 13 brings us one week away from the ultimate week of the common season. Locations in convention championship video games, the School Soccer Playoffs, and Bowl Video games are on the road. So, how did the Ohio State Buckeyes, Colorado Buffaloes, and the Texas A&M Aggies (amongst others) fare this week?
Ohio State Brings an Finish to Indestuctable Indiana
In one of many largest video games of the week, the quantity two-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes confronted the quantity five-ranked (and nonetheless undefeated) Indiana Hoosiers. The Hoosiers got here into this sport realizing {that a} win towards the Buckeyes would seal their spot within the Massive Ten Championship sport, whereas a defeat would open the door for Ohio State. So, who would win this sport?
The Hoosiers would be capable to rating on their first possession. On a drive that began on their 30-yard line, the Indiana offense, led by quarterback Kurtis Rourke, made it all the way down to the Buckeyes’ two-yard line. Right here, Ty Son Lawton discovered the endzone for the speeding landing to present the Hoosiers the early lead.
In response, the Buckeyes additionally made their method all the way down to the two-yard line and confronted a fourth-down conversion that wanted to seek out the endzone. This was unsuccessful, as Quinshon Judkins’s run didn’t go wherever. Nevertheless, Ohio State would achieve success on their subsequent drive, as quarterback Will Howard discovered Emeka Egbuka for an 11-yard landing cross.
Embed from Getty Photographs
Indiana then made a mistake, when Rouke was sacked after which fumbled the ball on the sting of his workforce’s pink zone. The Buckeyes would get better the ball, however they’d not be in possession of it for lengthy, as Howard’s cross was intercepted.
The Hoosiers couldn’t do something with this, as they turned the ball over on downs on their seven-yard line. Ohio State then took benefit of the small subject size required, as TreVeyon Henderson discovered the endzone for a speeding landing.
This meant at halftime, the Buckeyes had a 14-7 lead over the Hoosiers.
Indiana didn’t have the perfect begin to the second half. On the second play of their drive, they fumbled the ball, however they have been in a position to get better it. This destroyed any momentum and compelled them to punt. Nevertheless, the punt return from Caleb Downs discovered the endzone, which solely elevated the Buckeyes’ lead.
This lead can be prolonged on their subsequent drive. Howard and firm have been in a position to transfer the ball all the way down to the Hoosiers’ one-yard line, and right here, Jelani Thurman discovered the endzone for the landing rating to place them 21 factors forward.
Twenty-one factors turned 24 at first of the fourth quarter. The Buckeyes’ drive stalled on the Hoosiers’ 27-yard line, however kicker Jayden Fielding would make a 45-yard subject purpose to place the sport out of attain for Indiana.
Embed from Getty Photographs
However, this didn’t cease the Hoosiers from discovering the endzone on what can be their final drive of the sport. Ranging from their 25-yard line, Rourke and firm would spend greater than seven minutes and 14 performs slowly shifting the ball all the way down to the Buckeyes’ two-yard line. From right here, Lawton discovered the endzone for his second speeding landing. Indiana then tried a two-point conversion, which was profitable.
However the Buckeyes would discover the endzone one final time. Helped by a 39-yard run from Henderson to take the offense all the way down to the one-yard line, Howard then discovered the endzone with a one-yard run.
This meant the quantity two-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes had defeated the quantity five-ranked Indiana Hoosiers 38-15.
This brings to an finish the undefeated season the Hoosiers have been having. They gained 10 video games, a season to recollect for them. The defeat implies that they fall to 10-1 (7-1 Massive Ten), and their hopes of constructing the championship sport are actually reliant on the Buckeyes dropping subsequent week. Nevertheless, the season just isn’t misplaced; they need to make it into the CFP. The Buckeyes enhance to 10-1 (7-1 Massive Ten), realizing they’re one win away from a rematch with the Oregon Geese.
Subsequent week, the Buckeyes host rivals the Michigan Wolverines in “The Recreation”, whereas the Hoosiers face Purdue for the Outdated Oaken Bucket.
Auburn and The Aggies’s 4 Overtimes!
The quantity 15 ranked Texas A&M Aggies come into this weekend with a very good probability of constructing the SEC Championship Recreation, with subsequent week’s long-awaited conflict with the Texas Longhorns being a decider. This week, they confronted the Auburn Tigers, a workforce that has struggled this season. This needs to be a simple win for the Aggies.
The Tigers had the opening possession of the sport and would be capable to get the sport’s opening factors. Ranging from their 35-yard line, quarterback Payton Throne moved the offense all the way down to the Aggies’ two-yard line. From right here, Jarquez Hunter discovered the endzone for the speeding landing to take the lead.
In response, the Aggies made their method all the way down to the Tigers’ 36-yard line however no additional. This arrange kicker Randy Bond’s 53-yard subject purpose try, which was unsuccessful.
The Tigers strengthened their lead as Thorne discovered Cam Coleman for a 63-yard landing cross. However then, the Aggies made a mistake, as Marcel Reed’s cross was intercepted on the Tigers’12-yard line. This error can be one thing that Auburn capitalized on, as Thorne would transfer his offense down the sphere after which discover Coleman for a 15-yard landing cross.
Embed from Getty Photographs
Texas A&M might put some factors on the board within the second quarter. On a drive that began on their 25-yard line, Reed and firm might slowly transfer down the sphere. This drive took practically 9 minutes to finish, and the Aggies had a 3rd down try on each set. They’d finally make their method all the way down to the Tigers’ one-yard line, the place Terry Bussey would discover the endzone for a speeding landing.
This meant at halftime, the Tigers had a shock 21-7 lead over the Aggies.
The Aggies began the second half properly. On their opening drive, Reed discovered Noah Thomas for a 14-yard landing cross. This made it a one-possession sport, which turned a tied sport on the primary play of the Aggies’ subsequent drive, when Reed discovered Thomas once more, this time for a 73-yard landing cross.
In response, the Tigers made their method all the way down to the Aggies’ 22-yard line, however that is the place the drive would stall. A 40-yard subject purpose try from Ian Vachon was arrange, however this was unsuccessful.
Nevertheless, the following drive from Auburn can be extra profitable. The Tigers might make it all the way down to the Aggies’ one-yard line shortly, and Hunter discovered the endzone for the speeding landing right here.
However, this luck wouldn’t final lengthy, as Thorne would throw an interception deep in his half. This error was one thing that the Aggies would reap the benefits of, with Bond kicking a 32-yard subject purpose.
A number of drives later, the Aggies might take the lead when Amari Daniels discovered the endzone for an eight-yard speeding landing. This gave them a three-point lead with solely 4 minutes left within the sport.
Embed from Getty Photographs
Auburn regained possession with two minutes left, realizing they wanted to attain a subject purpose to take the sport to extra time. Ranging from their 15-yard line, the Tigers slowly made their method all the way down to the Aggies 11-yard line. Then, as time ran out, Vachon made a 29-yard subject purpose to take this sport to extra time.
School Soccer extra time is totally different (and significantly better) than its NFL counterpart. First, each groups need to make touchdowns from a 25-yard subject. The Aggies have been profitable with this (Reed discovered Jahdae Walker for a 12-yard TD), and so have been the Tigers (Hunter scored a two-yard speeding landing).
The second spherical permits for subject objectives, which each groups have been in a position to make. Then, from the third spherical onwards, the groups make two-point conversions. It’s the “Penalty Shootout” of American Soccer.
Each groups have been unsuccessful within the third spherical however within the fourth spherical of extra time. Thorne discovered KeAndre Lambert-Smith to present the Tigers a shock victory.
This meant that after 4 durations of extra time, the Auburn Tigers had defeated the Fifteenth-ranked Texas A&M Aggies 43-41.
This win offers the Tigers a report of 5-6 (2-5 SEC) for the season, placing them one win away from being bowl-eligible. The defeat for the Aggies means they fall to 8-3 (5-2 SEC), which opens up the SEC convention to a number of groups. The groups within the championship sport are nonetheless not recognized, however by subsequent week, we are going to know.
Subsequent week, the Tigers face Alabama within the Iron Bowl, whereas the Aggies face the Texas Longhorns for the primary time in over 10 years.
The Jayhawks do it once more
The quantity 16 ranked Colorado Buffaloes have been having a standout season. Underneath coach Deion Sanders, the Buffaloes have gone from strugglers to contenders, and are one win away from making it to the Massive 12 Championship sport of their first season again within the convention. Additionally they have two high picks within the 2025 NFL Draft on their roster Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter. This week, they confronted the Kansas Jayhawks, who ruined the BYU Cougars’ undefeated season final week. Might they trigger one other upset right here?
The Jayhawks had the sport’s first drive and will get its first factors from it. Ranging from their 27-yard line, the offense went all the way down to their 49-yard line. Right here, quarterback Jalon Daniels (no relation to Washington Commanders QB Jaydon Daniels) discovered Devin Neal for a 51-yard landing cross.
The Jayhawks have been in a position to lengthen their lead on the following drive. This time, the offense went all the way down to the Buffaloes’ six-yard line. That is the place the drive would stall, organising a 24-yard subject purpose try from Tabor Allen, which was profitable.
The lead would develop on Kansas’ subsequent drive when Neal discovered the endzone for a nine-yard speeding landing.
The Buffaloes might lastly put themselves on the board on their subsequent drive. From their 49-yard line, Shedeur Sanders discovered the dependable goal (and potential Heisman Trophy winner) Travis Hunter for a 51-yard landing cross. In response, the Jayhawks would add to their factors complete as Allen discovered the uprights on a 23-yard subject purpose try.
Embed from Getty Photographs
Colorado then made it a one-possession sport. The offense made it all the way down to the Jayhawks’ 19-yard line, the place Sanders discovered Drelon Miller for the landing cross. As with their rating, the Jayhawks responded to this with a subject purpose, from 25 yards out. These quick subject objectives inform us that this Jayhawks offense is shortly making it by the Buffaloes’ protection.
This meant that the Jayhawks had a 23-14 lead over the Buffaloes at halftime.
The Buffaloes had the opening possession of the second half and would be capable to discover the endzone on this, closely decreasing Kansas’ lead. On this drive, the Buffaloes went all the way down to the Jayhawks’ 26-yard line, the place Sanders discovered Hunter for the landing cross to cut back the result in two factors.
Nevertheless, this discount didn’t final lengthy. On the following drive, Daniels and firm might transfer the Jayhawks’ offense all the way down to the Buffaloes’ one-yard line. Right here, Neal discovered the endzone for his third landing of the sport.
Embed from Getty Photographs
Neal might rating his fourth landing at first of the fourth quarter when he discovered the endzone on a two-yard line. This put the sport out of attain for the Buffaloes, who couldn’t rating on their closing drive.
This meant that the Kansas Jayhawks had defeated the quantity 16-ranked Colorado Buffaloes 37-21.
That is one other sturdy victory for the Jayhawks. Whereas they’re out of competition for a spot within the Massive 12 Championship sport, they’ve performed their half in deciding which groups will make it. The win improves their report to 5-6 (4-4 Massive 12). As for the Buffaloes, their protection couldn’t sustain with Devin Neal, who rushed for over 200 yards within the sport. The loss means they fall to 8-3 (6-2 Massive 12). The defeat additionally doubts their possibilities of making the Massive 12 Championship sport.
Subsequent week, the Jayhawks face Baylor to finish their season, whereas Colorado faces struggling Oklahoma State. A win is required for Colorado to have an opportunity to make the championship sport.
What occurred to the Different Ranked Groups?
Kentucky @ #3 Texas
The quantity three-ranked Texas Longhorns confronted the Kentucky Wildcats this week, realizing {that a} win on this sport would put them near a spot within the SEC Championship sport. Quarterback Quinn Ewers scored two touchdowns in a sport that he appeared to injure his ankle in. Will this impression his probability of taking part in subsequent week’s sport towards Texas A&M. The Longhorns cruised to a easy 31-14 win over the Wildcats, who’ve solely gained one sport towards SEC opposition this season.
#4 Penn State @ Minnesota
The quantity 4 ranked Penn State Nittany Lions knew that with the outcomes of the Ohio State-Indiana sport, they have been again within the hunt for a spot within the Massive Ten Championship sport if they might defeat the Minnesota Golden Gophers. This sport was very shut, with the Gophers sticking with them all through. Nevertheless, by solely holding onto the ball for the ultimate six minutes of the sport, the Nittany Lions recorded a 26-25 win over Minnesota (who have been the higher workforce on this sport)
#19 Military @ #6 Notre Dame
In a standout sport of the week, the quantity six ranked Notre Dame Preventing Irish performed the quantity 19 ranked Military Black Knights with their undefeated season on the road. The Preventing Irish have been in a position to cease Military. Their usually sturdy run sport was restricted, and the Notre Dame offense was potent. The 49-14 win will probably seal a spot within the CFP for Notre Dame and take Military out of it. Their solely probability to return is that if they win the AAC, and Boise State loses the Mountain West championship video games.
#7 Alabama @ Oklahoma
The quantity seven-ranked Alabama Crimson Aspect wanted to win towards the Oklahoma Sooners in the event that they have been to stay in playoff competition. Nevertheless, an extremely sturdy run sport from the Sooners, paid for by a very good protection that restricted Alabama, meant that the Sooners cruised to a 24-3 win over Alabama. This takes the Crimson Tide out of competition for the CFP, not the perfect begin for the reign of latest coach Kalen DeBoer.
Embed from Getty Photographs
Wake Forest @ #8 Miami
After their defeat to Georgia Tech final day out, the quantity eight ranked Miami Hurricanes hoped to remain within the hunt for a spot within the ACC Championship sport with a win over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons The Hurricanes had a robust fourth quarter, scoring 22 factors to push them to a convincing 42-14 win.
#9 Ole Miss @ Florida
The quantity nine-ranked Ole Miss Rebels knew that another defeat would put them out of competition for the CFP. This week, they confronted the Florida Gators, who saved with the Rebels all through the sport. Then, within the fourth quarter, Montrell Johnson scored a nine-yard speeding landing to seal a 24-17 win for the Gators. This takes Ole Miss (who have been predicted to problem for the SEC this season) out of playoff competition.
Massachusetts @ #10 Georgia
The quantity 10-ranked Georgia Bulldogs have completed their SEC play, and can now need to depend on the others round them to place them into the championship sport. This week, their playoff push was not stopped once they confronted the nonconference UMass Minutemen, who’ve solely gained two video games this season. Bulldogs quarterback Carson Beck scored 4 touchdowns within the first half, to assist the Bulldogs to a anticipated 59-21 win. They’re within the championship sport, however subsequent week could change the whole lot.
UTEP @ #11 Tennessee
Additionally taking part in a nonconference sport this week was the quantity 11 ranked Tennessee Volunteers, who confronted the UTEP Miners. The Vols couldn’t afford to slide up on this sport if a playoff spot is one thing they need. Fortunately, this didn’t occur, Quarterback Nico Iamaleava threw for 4 touchdowns in Tennessee’s 56-0 win over the poor UTEP.
#12 Boise State @ Wyoming
The quantity 12-ranked Boise State Broncos went one other step nearer to a spot within the CFP this week with a win over the Wyoming Cowboys. This was not a simple win and required a late speeding landing not from Ashton Jeanty (who once more had a very good sport), however from Jambres Dubar to report a 17-13 win and put them into the Mountain West Championship sport.
#13 SMU @ Virginia
The quantity 13 ranked SMU Mustangs confronted the Virginia Cavalier this week, realizing {that a} win would give them a spot within the ACC Championship sport. Mustangs’ quarterback Kris Jennings threw for 323 yards and two touchdowns of their 33-7 win, organising a championship sport towards both Clemson or Miami in two weeks.
#14 BYU @ #21 Arizona State
Final week, the quantity 14 ranked BYU Cougars misplaced their undefeated season. They hoped to seal a spot within the Massive 12 championship sport with a win towards the quantity 21-ranked Arizona State Solar Devils. The Solar Devils fully outplayed them on this sport, however the sport went all the way down to a closing Hail Mary try. This failed, and the Solar Devils recorded a 28-23 win. These groups are at present set for a rematch within the championship sport, which could possibly be an entertaining watch.
Embed from Getty Photographs
The Citadel @ #17 Clemson
The quantity 17 ranked Clemson Tigers have additionally completed their convention schedule for the season and performed nonconference opposition this week towards The Citadel Bulldogs. Tigers’ quarterback Cade Klubnik scored three touchdowns on this sport, as his workforce cruised to a 51-14 win.
Wofford @ #18 South Carolina
The quantity 18 ranked South Carolina Gamecocks ready for his or her rivalry sport towards Clemson subsequent week with a convincing win over non-conference Wofford Terriers. Quarterback LaNorris Sellers threw for 307 yards and three touchdowns within the Gamecocks’ convincing 56-12 win.
#22 Iowa State @ Utah
With the defeat to BYU and Colorado, the quantity 22 ranked Iowa State Cyclones are additionally within the race for a spot within the Massive 12 Championship sport with a win over the Utah Utes. Nevertheless, this didn’t come straightforward. Carson Hansen scored a late speeding landing to present the Cyclones a 31-28 win, to arrange what will likely be a four-way race for the Massive 12 within the closing week of the season.
#23 Missouri @ Mississippi State
The 23-ranked Missouri Tigers are actually taking part in for satisfaction. Fortunately, this workforce was the return of quarterback Brady Prepare dinner (if he didn’t get injured, simply take into consideration what sort of season they might have had). This week, the Tigers confronted the Mississippi State Bulldogs, who haven’t gained a sport towards SEC opposition this season. They didn’t this week, because the Tigers would win the sport 39-20.
Embed from Getty Photographs
#24 UNLV @ San Jose State
The quantity 24 ranked UNLV Rebels confronted the San Jose State Spartans this week. Regardless of a robust second quarter from the Spartans, they have been outplayed for the remainder of the sport however the far highly effective Rebels. In the long run, they recorded a 27-16 win, placing them very near a gathering with Boise State within the Mountain West Championship sport.
#25 Illinois @ Rutgers
The quantity 25 ranked Illinois Preventing Illini confronted the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in a sport that featured a really shut closing minute. A subject purpose from Rutgers gave them a one-point lead. However a late 40-yard landing from Luke Altmyer to Pat Byrant, adopted by a security gave Illinois a 38-31 win over the Scarlet Knights.
That was a chaotic Week 13 within the 2024 School Soccer season. Subsequent week is the ultimate week of the season, which means that it’s “Rivalry Week”. Ohio State faces the Michigan Wolverines, Texas faces Texas A&M, and Auburn performs Alabama are only a few of the video games on faucet. We may even see who will win the four-way tie within the Massive 12, because the championship contenders are revealed.
