Ohio State's coach Ryan Day encounters increased pressure after a critical 13-10 loss to rival Michigan, marking his fourth consecutive defeat against the Wolverines. The defeat has sparked scrutiny over his strategies and leadership, especially after significant investments in player recruitment through NIL deals. Despite Day's strong overall record, the recent losses overshadow his achievements, with fans and analysts questioning his decisions and future at Ohio State. As a postgame brawl further intensified frustrations, the focus is now on whether Ohio State can overcome this setback ahead of the College Football Playoff.
In a thrilling Big Ten matchup, No. 4 ranked Penn State narrowly defeated Minnesota with a score of 26-25. Key plays, including a successful fake punt and critical fourth-down conversions, led Penn State to maintain control and secure the victory. Despite a tough start, quarterback Drew Allar and tight end Tyler Warren made crucial plays that kept Penn State's College Football Playoff hopes alive. Minnesota showed promise with strong performances from their quarterback and running backs but missed opportunities, including field goals instead of touchdowns, which cost them the game. Penn State's win bolsters their playoff contention as they capitalize on losses from other teams.
In a thrilling matchup in Gainesville, the Florida Gators claimed a significant victory over the 9th ranked Ole Miss Rebels with a score of 24-17, ending the Rebels' playoff hopes and securing bowl eligibility for Florida. The closely contested game saw both teams tied at halftime, but Florida took the lead in the second half with a key touchdown by Montrell Johnson Jr. Despite Ole Miss's strong offensive efforts, they struggled in the red zone and suffered a critical defensive injury, altering the game's trajectory and their postseason prospects.
No. 21 Arizona State narrowly defeated No. 14 BYU 28-23 in a pivotal Big 12 football showdown at Mountain America Stadium, confirming their place as formidable contenders for the conference championship. The match was marked by an explosive first half by Arizona State, driven by standout running back Cam Skattebo's exceptional performance, and a nail-biting second half where BYU mounted a resilient comeback. The fiercely contested clash ended in drama, with fans rushing the field prematurely before officials added an extra second to the clock, culminating in a failed BYU Hail Mary attempt. The result sees Arizona State bolstering their championship aspirations while complicating BYU's College Football Playoff hopes.
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish delivered a commanding performance over the Army Black Knights at Yankee Stadium, reinforcing their College Football Playoff ambitions. The game, integral to Notre Dame's 'Shamrock Series,' highlighted the strengths of both teams with Notre Dame's potent defensive stats and Army's leading rushing offense. Notre Dame seized control early, leading significantly by halftime and continuing their dominance throughout the game. This victory cements their aspirations for a playoff spot as the season progresses. Despite a spotless season record, Army faced a tough challenge against a superiorly ranked opponent.
No. 2 Ohio State defeated No. 5 Indiana with a decisive 38-15 win at Ohio Stadium, halting Indiana's undefeated streak and bolstering Ohio State's chances for the Big Ten Championship and College Football Playoff. Ohio State delivered a powerful performance, with quarterback Will Howard completing 22 of 26 passes and the Buckeyes’ defense limiting Indiana to just 151 total yards. Indiana's postseason prospects are uncertain following the loss, while Ohio State eyes a potential rematch with Oregon in the championship game.
The No. 13 Boise State Broncos secured a 42-21 win against the San Jose State Spartans, strengthening their position in the College Football Playoff race. After trailing 14-0 in the second quarter, Boise State dominated with standout performances, including Ashton Jeanty’s 159 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Quarterback Maddux Madsen’s precise passing and the defense’s four turnovers, including a decisive interception return, were pivotal in the victory.
The No. 10 Georgia Bulldogs secured a significant victory against the No. 4 Tennessee Volunteers with a 31-17 win at Sanford Stadium. Despite Tennessee's strong opening, Georgia made pivotal changes and relied on Carson Beck's skillful performance to turn the game around. The Bulldogs' defense improved drastically, mitigating Tennessee's offensive threats in the latter half, while their own offensive strategy including key drives, contributed to a decisive victory crucial for their College Football Playoff ambitions.
The No. 4 Penn State Nittany Lions delivered a dominant performance against the Purdue Boilermakers, securing a 49-10 victory on November 16, 2024. Quarterback Drew Allar's exceptional accuracy and connection with tight end Tyler Warren showcased the Nittany Lions' offensive prowess. Meanwhile, Purdue struggled to keep up, facing pressure from a formidable Penn State defense, leading to another Big Ten defeat.
The Texas Longhorns, ranked No. 3, triumphed over the Arkansas Razorbacks with a 20-10 victory, bolstering their pathway to the SEC Championship and College Football Playoff. In a defensively dominated game, Texas excelled with significant contributions from key players such as Alfred Collins and Jahdae Barron, who helped limit Arkansas to 231 total yards. Quarterback Quinn Ewers delivered a consistent performance, leading the team with two pivotal touchdown passes to receiver Matthew Golden, ensuring Texas maintained their lead throughout the match.