As the much-anticipated Rivalry Weekend unfolded, it delivered a modest dose of drama, though perhaps not as much as fans might have hoped. The weekend’s events left a noticeable imprint on the top of the polls, with several teams teetering on the edge, hoping to capture the attention of the playoff committee.

With conference finals on the horizon, the final playoff picture remains uncertain. Questions abound: Could an Alabama defeat in the SEC final lead to their exclusion? Might James Madison or North Texas leap into contention? And if Duke pulls off an upset against Virginia, could they edge out Miami for a playoff spot? These are the tough decisions the Playoff Committee will grapple with in the upcoming weeks.

The Lane Kiffin saga has reached its conclusion, with reports indicating his departure to LSU. This move leaves a cloud of uncertainty over Ole Miss’s postseason prospects. Athletic director Keith Carter has reportedly informed Kiffin that he won’t be coaching in the playoffs. Meanwhile, Tulane’s Jon Sumrall will continue to guide his team in the American Conference title game and possibly into the playoffs, despite his recent appointment as the head coach of the Florida Gators.

• Ohio State 27 – Michigan 9

Ohio State, a powerhouse in college football, showcased their dominance once more. Entering the game as defending champions, they had one blemish on their record: a prolonged losing streak against Michigan. In the icy conditions of Ann Arbor, the first quarter seemed to promise another struggle. However, Ohio State soon turned the tide, outscoring Michigan 24-3 over the next three quarters. The Wolverines were held to a mere 163 total yards, with Ohio State doubling their time of possession. The Buckeyes were relentless in their execution, converting 10 of 17 third downs and 2 of 3 fourth downs, as they decisively overcame their rivals.

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) November 30, 2025

• While social media trolling after a victory is perfunctory, the Longhorns trolled the Aggies in real time, playing a clip of A&M coach Mike Elko declaring his team the flagship program in Texas on the stadium scoreboard following their loss.
• Michigan defender Jaishawn Barham appeared to head-butt an official but only drew a penalty and was not ejected.

THESE MICHIGAN GOONS ARE CLASSLESS HE JUST HEADBUTTED A REF pic.twitter.com/MZcNt2tO8E

— wok (@dontsipwok) November 29, 2025

• Since the playoff format, Texas Tech is just the third team to have 11 wins by 20 points or greater. The other two: Alabama in 2018, and Ohio State in 2019.
• After a loss to the Wolfpack, Bill Belichick’s first season ended without a bowl bid, as the Tar Heels went 0-8 against teams with at least five wins.
• While Clemson went 7-5, there are postseason questions for Dabo and his program at Clemson. Duke is at 7-5 and playing for the ACC Championship.

Ohio State 27 – Michigan 9

The Buckeyes have been a dominant force for years, and even as defending champions, they had one smudge on their resume. Much talk was of it being over 2,000 days since they beat the Wolverines, and in frigid conditions in Ann Arbor, the first quarter almost seemed to extend that misery, but then the expected took place. Ohio State outscored Michigan 24-3 for the remaining three quarters, holding the home team to just 163 total yards and doubling the time of possession. The Buckeyes were monstrous with conversions, going 10/17 on third downs, and 2/3 on 4th down as they cruised over their rival.

Texas 27 – Texas A&M 17

The Lone Star matchup in Austin on Friday was a tight one, with the Aggies leading at the half but spinning their wheels coming out of halftime. A&M punted on three consecutive possessions, and then, while rallying in the 4th, Marcel Reed had a pair of interceptions, with one inside the 5-yard line. Arch Manning delivered the dagger with a 35-yard touchdown run with seven minutes to play.

Oklahoma 17 – LSU 13

In a game where the first half was nearly unwatchable (3-3 at the break), it was only marginally better later. The Sooners have probably secured a playoff slot despite a sputtering offense that relied on two big touchdowns, with passes of 48 and 58 yards for scores. Otherwise, it was a smothering defense that held the Tigers to under 200 yards of total offense, despite three interceptions from John Mateer. 

Miami 38 – Pitt 7

The Hurricanes continue to deliver problems for the selection committee as they went into a cold Acrisure Stadium and dominated the ranked Panthers. Carson Beck continued his strong November, passing for 267 yards and three TDs, and freshman sensation Malichi Toney caught 13 passes, one for a touchdown, and made another score on a passing play. 

Vanderbilt 45 – Tennessee 24

It looked like doom for the Commodores’ postseason chances when turnovers staked the Vols with a 14-0 lead, but Diego Pavia turned up the heat, and the score was tied at 21 by halftime. Pavia managed 423 total yards, including 165 rushing with a passing and rushing TD. Sedrick Alexander compounded the problems as he gave Vanderbilt another 115 yards rushing and three touchdowns.

          CONFERENCE FINALS

Friday, Dec. 5

• SUN BELT – Troy at James Madison 7 p.m. on ESPN

• AMERICAN ATHLETIC – North Texas vs. Tulane 8 p.m. on ABC

• MOUNTAIN WEST Boise State vs. UNLV 8 p.m. on FOX

Saturday, Dec. 6

• BIG 12 – BYU vs. Texas Tech 12 p.m. on ABC

• MID ATLANTIC Western Michigan vs. Miami (OH) 12 p.m. on ESPN

• SEC – Georgia vs. Alabama 4 p.m. on ABC

• ACC – Virginia vs. Duke 8 p.m. on ABC

• BIG 10 – Ohio State vs. Indiana 8 p.m. on FOX

The new AP top-25 (First place votes): Tennessee, Arizona State, and SMU fall off the chart as Arizona, Navy, and Missouri enter the poll.

1. Ohio State (61)

2. Indiana (5)

3. Georgia

4. Oregon

5. Texas Tech

6. Ole Miss

7. Texas A&M

8. Oklahoma

9. Notre Dame

10. Alabama

11. BYU

12. Miami

13. Vanderbilt

14. Texas

15. Utah

16. Virginai

17. USC

18. Michigan

19. James Madison

20. North Texas

21. Tulane

22. Arizona

23. Navy

24. Georgia Tech

25. Missouri

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