The penultimate week of the college football season is usually a little quieter than the wild, rivalry-packed Week 14. But with the College Football Playoff (CFP) expanding, this weekend feels more important than ever.
More teams are in the hunt, and the stakes are higher. The matchup between No. 15 USC and No. 7 Oregon stands out—it’s a must-win for both, and it could shake up the playoff picture in a big way.
Let’s take a look at the key games in Week 13, and maybe poke fun at some of the wild overreactions that always follow. USC’s on the hot seat, Oklahoma’s defense is turning heads, and the ACC? Well, it’s a mess—let’s get into it.
USC vs. Oregon: A Make-or-Break Game for the Trojans
All eyes are on No. 15 USC and No. 7 Oregon. For the Trojans, this one’s massive.
They’ve already dropped two games, and their CFP hopes are hanging by a thread. Playing in the Big Ten means every week matters—one more slip, and they’re probably out.
Implications for Oregon
Oregon’s got a lot riding on this too. At 9-1, the Ducks are eyeing a shot to host a first-round playoff game.
They finish the year at Washington, so they can’t afford to let any big home games get away. Beating USC keeps them right in the thick of things.
USC’s Recent Performance
USC’s been on a tear lately, winning four of their last five since October 11. Their only stumble was a tough road loss at Notre Dame.
They’ve knocked off top-25 teams like Michigan and Iowa. If Lincoln Riley can guide them past Oregon, that’d be a huge statement for his run at USC.
Oklahoma’s Defensive Masterclass
People have doubted Oklahoma’s national title chances, mostly because their offense can be a bit hit-or-miss. Oddly enough, it’s the defense that’s been the star.
The Sooners’ win over Alabama in Week 12 was a showcase. They kept Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson guessing with relentless pressure and tricky coverage.
Key Defensive Strategies
Oklahoma’s defense has a knack for forcing big mistakes. They picked off Simpson—just his second interception this season—and ran it back for six.
They even strip-sacked him for good measure. Alabama didn’t score at all in the last 22 minutes and change, and Oklahoma’s hoping to keep that energy up against Missouri.
Upcoming Challenge Against Missouri
Next up: Missouri. The Sooners are looking to repeat their defensive success.
Don’t be surprised if they hold Missouri’s star back Ahmad Hardy under 60 yards. If they keep shutting down opponents’ best weapons, Oklahoma might make a real run in the postseason.
The Chaotic Landscape of the ACC
The ACC’s been pure chaos this year. Clemson and Florida State, the preseason favorites, have faded, while Georgia Tech and Virginia are suddenly in the mix for the title game.
Georgia Tech’s Crucial Game
No. 16 Georgia Tech hosts Pittsburgh, who just got blown out by Notre Dame. But Pitt’s still alive at 5-1 in conference play.
If the Panthers win, they could take control—and open the door for teams like SMU and Miami to sneak back in. SMU’s got a big home game against Louisville, and Miami faces Virginia Tech. Anything could happen, honestly.
Coaching Carousel
Everyone’s searching for the next Curt Cignetti. The 2025-26 coaching carousel has already seen some big jobs pop open.
James Madison’s Bob Chesney is definitely a coach to keep an eye on. The Dukes are sitting at 9-1 and right in the thick of the CFP race.
If they can knock off Washington State, things could get interesting. They might even take the lead for the Group of Six’s playoff spot.
Chesney’s path looks a lot like Cignetti’s. He started coaching at the lower NCAA levels and climbed his way up to an FCS gig at Holy Cross.
There, he rattled off five straight Patriot League titles from 2019 to 2023. That’s no small feat, and it turned some heads.
The penultimate week of the season doesn’t have all the wild rivalries of Week 14. Still, it’s got some heavy playoff implications.
Some of these matchups could flip the postseason picture on its head. Who knows what surprises are still in store?
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