Saturday's College Football Action Shook Up the Playoff Picture

Big Ten Championship

No. 1 Oregon showcased their dominance by defeating No. 3 Penn State 45-37. The Ducks' quarterback Dillon Gabriel threw four touchdown passes, leading Oregon to victory in Indianapolis. While the stat lines were relatively even, Penn State's costly mistakes, including two turnovers and five penalties, proved costly. Despite the loss, Penn State is still expected to make the College Football Playoff and host a first-round game. Oregon, on the other hand, is likely to secure the No. 1 seed in the playoff.

This victory solidifies Oregon's position as a top contender and further cements their status in the college football world. The Big Ten Championship was a showcase of Oregon's offensive firepower and Penn State's struggles in key moments.

SEC Championship

No. 5 Georgia and No. 2 Texas engaged in a thrilling rematch in the SEC Championship. Texas pushed Georgia to overtime, but the Bulldogs emerged victorious. Georgia quarterback Carson Beck left the game with an upper extremity injury and did not return in the second half. Third-year sophomore Gunner Stockton stepped up and led the Georgia offense to victory. Both teams are expected to make the College Football Playoff, with Georgia likely securing a first-round bye. The key question for Texas is how their ranking will be affected by the loss. If they remain in the top eight, they'll host a first-round playoff game in Austin on December 20 or 21.

This game demonstrated the competitiveness of the SEC and the importance of having a strong quarterback. Georgia's ability to overcome adversity and secure the victory was a testament to their team spirit and coaching.

ACC Championship

No. 17 Clemson faced a must-win situation in the ACC Championship and delivered a dominant performance. Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik threw four touchdown passes without an interception, leading the Tigers past No. 8 SMU. For SMU, the loss was significant as their playoff hopes now depend on the College Football Playoff Committee's decision. Given the committee's previous ranking of Alabama over a two-loss Miami team, SMU's chances seem slim. Clemson, on the other hand, has secured a playoff bid but is unlikely to earn a first-round bye.

This victory was a turning point for Clemson, who needed to prove themselves in the conference championship. Klubnik's performance was crucial in leading the Tigers to victory and keeping their playoff dreams alive.

Big 12 Championship

No. 15 Arizona State claimed the Big 12 Championship in their inaugural year in the conference, spoiling Iowa State's first-ever double-digit win season. Clemson's upset of SMU boosted Arizona State's chances for a first-round playoff bye. The Sun Devils' wide receiver Xavier Guillory caught touchdown passes, while Iowa State's defense struggled. Iowa State is unlikely to make the playoffs and may end up in another Big 12 bowl game.

The Big 12 Championship was a significant moment for Arizona State, who proved themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the conference. The victory also had implications for the Big 12's bid for a first-round bye.

Sun Belt Championship

Marshall delivered a commanding 31-3 victory over Louisiana in the Sun Belt Championship. Marshall's defense was dominant, holding Louisiana to just 56 rushing yards. The win marked Marshall's first Sun Belt title since joining the conference in 2022 and capped an impressive 10-3 season. Both teams are bowl-bound and have potential tie-ins to the R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl and the 68 Ventures Bowl.

Marshall's performance in the Sun Belt Championship was a testament to their defensive prowess and ability to perform in big games. The victory was a significant milestone for the program.

MAC Championship

The Ohio Bobcats defeated the Miami (OH) RedHawks 38-3 in the MAC Championship. Ohio's defense was dominant, holding Miami to just 189 total yards. This victory ended a 56-year championship drought for Ohio and marked a milestone in the "Battle of the Bricks" rivalry. While neither team is expected to reach the College Football Playoff, they have potential bowl destinations such as the Bahamas Bowl, Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl, Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, and GameAbove Sports Bowl.

Ohio's win was a moment of celebration for the program and fans. The dominance on defense was a key factor in their victory and sets them up for a successful bowl season.