College Football Winners and Losers from Week 14
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Championship weekend was full of exciting games and post-season possibilities,
After a notable Pac-12 title game, the College Football Playoff picture got a little bit clearer. But just how clear is it?
With six true threats for the final four spots in the College Football Playoff following Saturday’s action, there’s no doubt that it’s murkier than ever.
Alabama shook things up in a BIG way by giving Georgia its first loss in three seasons, proving the Crimson Tide are a strong contender for the playoff. Did that knock the Bulldogs out of the playoff picture? Very likely.
Texas, which previously defeated the Tide, defeated Oklahoma State in a crucial game. Michigan and Washington also secured wins, earning their spots in the playoffs. But what about the unbeaten Florida State team? Their future in the playoffs is now uncertain, given Alabama, Texas, and Georgia’s wavering spots.
There are so many ways the committee can go. But several things were settled on the field this weekend. Here are the big winners and losers.
Winner: Washington’s Duck Hunting Skills
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AP Photo/David Becker
Washington secured its ticket to the College Football Playoff in grand fashion by defeating Oregon with a second three-point victory, 34-31. This intense game was a Pac-12 title game showdown to remember.
Coach Kalen DeBoer celebrated with Heisman Trophy hopeful quarterback Michael Penix Jr. at midfield, marking a career highlight in which the quarterback overcame four season-ending injuries to earn the opportunity to potentially win a title. The unbeaten Huskies were double-digit underdogs in this game, having already defeated the Ducks in October.
The Huskies faced several nail-biters in the last half of the season, raising doubts about their capabilities. But Washington put all speculation to rest by securing their spot in the final four, proving that they truly deserved it. After falling behind for the first time, the team grinded out a crucial 10-play 75-yard drive that set the tone for the remainder of the game,
This was definitely a well-deserved win for Washington, and now fans expect more surprises once the playoffs begin.