Week 14 finished the college football season with many spectacular rivalry games on the weekend of Saturday, Nov. 29. 

University of Georgia vs. Georgia Institute of Technology

On Friday, Nov. 28, the No. 4 University of Georgia (UGA) Bulldogs and the No. 23 Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) Yellowjackets faced off as the Yellowjackets hung in the balance of missing the College Football Playoff (CFP). A victory over the Bulldogs may have been their only shot to enter the conversation again. 

In the first quarter, both teams had long possessions that did not result in points until Georgia Tech kicked a 30-yard field goal. In the second quarter, UGA was able to kick two field goals and score a touchdown on a pass by quarterback Gunner Stockton to wide receiver Zachariah Branch.

The second half was much of the same as Georgia Tech kicked a field goal in the third quarter to make the score 13-6. In the fourth quarter, both teams exchanged field goals, and the game fizzled out even though the Yellowjackets were only down seven points for most of the game. Georgia’s offense was nearly entirely reliant on running back Nate Frazier, who carried the ball 16 times for 108 yards in the 16-9 win. Georgia Tech is eliminated from the playoff after this loss, and Georgia will play the University of Alabama in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Championship.

Texas Agricultural and Mechanical University vs. University of Texas

On Saturday, No. 16 Texas Longhorns pulled off a stunning upset over undefeated, No. 3 Texas A&M, defeating the Aggies 27-17 in a game that will be remembered as one of the season’s biggest surprises. The first half was a defensive battle, with A&M holding a slim 10-3 lead at halftime, looking poised. However, the Longhorns came out of the break with renewed energy, combining a strong rushing game with big plays from freshman quarterback Arch Manning. Manning threw for 179 yards with 53 rushing yards. His 29-yard touchdown pass to Ryan Wingo and a late 35-yard rushing touchdown from Manning swung the momentum in Texas’ favor, giving Texas the lead.

Texas’ defense played a pivotal role in securing the victory, forcing two key interceptions in the fourth quarter that stopped A&M drives and preserved the Longhorns’ advantage. Running back Quintrevion Wisner contributed 155 rushing yards, wearing down the Aggies’ defense and keeping the Longhorns in control, using a balanced strategy that forced A&M to defend both the run and the pass, making it unpredictable. A&M’s quarterback, Marcus Reed, threw for 180 yards and added 71 rushing yards, but the two interceptions proved costly and prevented the Aggies from a late comeback. 

The win served as a major statement from Texas, demonstrating resilience and skill. The “Long Star Showdown” lived up to its name, delivering a memorable night for Longhorn fans. Despite the upset, the Texas Longhorns now have an 89% chance of missing the CFPs, even with defeating the Aggies, and will miss the 2025-26 college playoffs. Meanwhile, the Aggies, seeded third in the playoffs, still have a chance to make their playoff dreams despite the loss. 

University of Kentucky vs. University of Louisville

The newest edition of the Governor’s Cup saw two teams struggling in mediocrity come head-to-head as the University of Kentucky Wildcats (Cats) travel to play the University of Louisville Cardinals (Cards). At 5-6, the Cats needed to leave this rivalry game with a win to qualify for a post-season bowl game. The Cardinals came into this game missing their top three running backs as well as top wide receiver Chris Bell.

The game began with the teams exchanging punts and failing to put together any fruitful drives. However, Kentucky’s punt attempt on their second drive was blocked, and the Cards scored a rushing touchdown by quarterback Miller Moss on the ensuing drive. In the second quarter, Louisville kicked two field goals by kicker Cooper Ranvier while Moss threw a 43-yard touchdown to tight end Jacob Stewart to go into halftime up 20-0.

The second half went just as well for the Cardinals, who kept up the shutout over the Cats and put up even more points. Wide receiver turned running back Shaun Boykins Jr. ran in for a touchdown while Moss threw another touchdown to wide receiver Dacari Collins. Louisville Defensive back Tayon Holloway intercepted two passes from Cats’ quarterback Cutter Boley and Moss finished off the game with a touchdown pass to tight end Jaleel Skinner. This outstanding performance by the Cardinals, who won 41-0, was the first shutout by Louisville in this rivalry since 2004. For Louisville, this victory was a large exclamation point at the end of the season.

Ohio State University vs. University of Michigan

In perhaps one of the most anticipated rivalries of the year, the No. 1 Ohio State University Buckeyes traveled to Ann Arbor to face the No. 15 University of Michigan Wolverines for “The Game.” Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood was shut down by the Ohio State defense, which held him to 63 passing yards and an interception. 

On the other hand, the Buckeye offense was rolling, with quarterback Julian Sayin throwing for 233 yards and three touchdowns. Ohio State came out on top with a 27-9 victory, securing both the rivalry win and a spot in the Big 10 Conference Championship. 

“Nobody wants to win this game more than me. To win this game, it’s just a great moment. It’s one of those moments that you want to just grab on for a while and just enjoy it,” Ohio State head coach Ryan Day said. 

University of Alabama vs. University of Auburn

In the late window, the Auburn University Tigers welcomed the No. 10 University of Alabama Crimson Tide to Jordon-Hare Stadium for the annual Iron Bowl rivalry game. Alabama took control early, leading by the 17-0 second quarter. However, after an interception from Auburn, they found themselves tied 20-20 with the unranked Tigers late in the fourth quarter.

The Tigers put up a good fight, but a late touchdown pass from Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson to wide receiver Isaiah Horton helped the Crimson Tide escape with a win. They defeated the Tigers 27-20 and advanced to the SEC championship, where they will face No. 4 UGA. 

Southern Methodist University vs. California

No. 25 Southern Methodist University (SMU) came up short in their pursuit Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) championship as the University of California (Cal) defeats them 38-35 in their regional-season finale at Memorial Stadium. The Bears earned their first winning season since 2019 and their first non-losing conference record since 2009. Playing in front of 28,956 fans on a chilly night, Cal showcased resilience under interim head coach Nick Rolovich, promoted from senior offensive analyst following the departure of nine-year coach Justin Wilcox. 

Freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele led the way with a career-best four touchdown passes and orchestrated a seven-play, 75-yard go-ahead drive in the final minutes. Perfectly completed all five passes for 61 yards on the drive. Sagapolutele set up Kendrick Raphael’s two-yard touchdown run with just 43 seconds left, securing the thrilling win. Despite SMU winning the opening coin toss and deferring, Cal’s late-game execution and balanced offense proved decisive, leaving the Mustangs’ ACC title bid unresolved. 

Playoff Picture and Preview

Currently, the teams projected to be guaranteed in the CFP are No. 1 Ohio State, No. 2 University of Indiana, No. 3 Texas A&M (who will drop in the ranking on Tuesday, Dec. 2), No. 4 Georgia, No. 5 Texas Tech University, No. 6 University of Oregon, No. 7 University of Mississippi (which lost its head coach to Louisiana State University), No. 8 University of Oklahoma, as well as the winner of the American Athletic Conference. No. 10 Alabama, No. 11 Brigham Young University and No. 18 University of Virginia can secure a spot by winning in their conference championships. The teams with very outside shots include No. 12 University of Miami, No. 13 University of Utah and No. 14 Vanderbilt University.

The postseason promises many exciting and playoff-determining conference championships, a packed bowl game season and a very intriguing playoff.