Rivalry week delivered dramatic upsets and nail-biting finishes in college football, shaking up the playoff picture as several powerhouse teams stumbled against their long-standing rivals. Among the most notable results were No. 2 Ohio State and No. 6 Miami, both of whom suffered unexpected defeats, while No. 7 Georgia and No. 8 Tennessee managed to escape with wins, but only after late-game heroics against lower-ranked opponents.

A Major Shake-Up in Conference Championships

The consequences of these results extend far beyond bragging rights. With Ohio State's stunning loss, Penn State secured their place in the Big Ten Championship Game, while Clemson capitalized on Miami’s downfall to book their spot in the ACC title game. The race for the College Football Playoff is heating up, with teams like No. 3 Texas gearing up for a pivotal matchup against No. 20 Texas A&M.

Loser: Ohio State Coach Ryan Day

Ohio State entered their rivalry game against Michigan as heavy favorites, boasting a roster enhanced by an impressive $20 million investment in the NIL market. However, despite the odds, the Buckeyes fell 13-10, delivering a devastating blow to their championship aspirations. This marks the fourth consecutive year that coach Ryan Day has failed to beat Michigan or win the Big Ten, raising serious questions about his future. Although Ohio State may still qualify for the playoff, Day must secure the national championship to keep his job secure.

Winner: LaNorris Sellers of South Carolina

On the other hand, South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers shined brightly in a high-stakes 17-14 win over No. 12 Clemson. Sellers showcased both his arm and legs, throwing for 164 yards and rushing for 166 yards and two touchdowns. His game-winning 20-yard run with just over a minute left will be remembered as one of the most significant moments in Gamecock history, thrusting him into the national spotlight and potentially keeping South Carolina in playoff contention.

Loser: Miami's Disastrous Collapse

The Miami Hurricanes faced off against Syracuse, needing only to protect their 21-0 lead to solidify their playoff hopes. However, poor game management by head coach Mario Cristobal led to a shocking 42-38 loss. With just over three minutes left, Cristobal opted for a field goal from the 10-yard line while down by seven points. The defense then failed to stop Syracuse, leaving the Hurricanes fighting for their playoff lives alongside teams like Alabama and South Carolina. This defeat could mark a disappointing end to what was expected to be a historic season for Miami’s passing offense.

Loser: SEC Title Contenders Show Vulnerability

While many top SEC teams managed to secure victories, none looked like national title contenders during a turbulent weekend. Georgia struggled in an exhausting 44-42 win over Georgia Tech that went into eight overtimes, demonstrating significant weaknesses. Similarly, No. 8 Tennessee had a rocky start against Vanderbilt, trailing 17-7 before coming back to seal the win. Although the SEC remains a strong conference in the playoff landscape, these performances raised concerns about their viability as championship threats.

Winner: Baylor's Remarkable Turnaround

Baylor, once at the bottom of the Big 12 standings, has flipped the narrative. Under coach Dave Aranda, the Bears ripped off six consecutive victories, culminating in a dominating 45-17 win over Kansas. Quarterback Sawyer Robertson and running back Bryson Washington emerged as stars, fueling hopes for a bright future. Despite missing out on the Big 12 title game, Baylor's resurgence marks them as a strong contender for the 2024 season.

Loser: The AAC's Missed Opportunities

Lastly, the American Athletic Conference suffered a blow as No. 17 Tulane failed to capitalize on their rankings against higher-ranked teams. If Arizona State had lost, Tulane could have positioned themselves for the College Football Playoff, but now they are left in limbo, battling for a potential postseason berth.

With just a few weeks left in the regular season, the playoff race is more chaotic than ever. Fans will want to tune in to see how every game affects the final standings!