College Football Week 14: Schedule, CFP Rankings, and Playoff Preview

Week 14 in college football? It was wild. Teams clawed for playoff spots and bowl eligibility, and honestly, the regular season’s end just made things even more intense. Eighty teams are bowl-bound, and the College Football Playoff selection is just around the corner.

So, what stood out? Let’s talk upsets, crazy highlights, and those moments that made you shout at the TV.

Alabama Outlasts Auburn in the Iron Bowl

The Iron Bowl was everything you’d hope for. Alabama barely edged out Auburn, 27-20.

The Crimson Tide jumped ahead with a 45-yard field goal, then Ty Simpson hit Isaiah Horton for two touchdowns. Suddenly, it was 17-0. Auburn wasn’t done, though. Ashton Daniels tossed a 64-yard bomb to Malcolm Simmons, slicing the lead to 17-13.

By the fourth quarter, Auburn had tied it. But Simpson and Horton connected for a third time, sealing the win for Bama. Horton finished with five catches, 35 yards, and three touchdowns—pretty impressive, right?

Key Moments

• Ty Simpson’s clutch performance: Simpson came through under pressure, tossing three touchdowns to Horton.
• Auburn’s resilience: Down 17, they still fought back and tied it up. Gutsy effort.
• Game-winning drive: Alabama gambled on fourth-and-two at Auburn’s six. It worked, and that was the game.

Oklahoma Escapes LSU to Preserve CFP Hopes

Oklahoma survived a scare against LSU, winning 17-13. This one was all about defense—the score was only 3-3 at halftime.

LSU took the lead after the break, but Oklahoma answered with a 45-yard touchdown from John Mateer to Deion Burkes. Later, Mateer found Isaiah Sategna for a 58-yard go-ahead score. That clinched it for the Sooners.

Notable Performances

• John Mateer’s mixed game: Threw for 318 yards and two touchdowns, but had three picks. Bit of a rollercoaster.
• LSU’s defensive effort: They kept Oklahoma’s offense in check and forced three turnovers.
• Isaiah Sategna’s game-winning catch: That 58-yard touchdown? Easily the play of the game.

Ohio State Snaps Losing Streak Against Michigan

Ohio State finally broke its four-game skid against Michigan, winning big, 27-9. The Buckeyes shook off an early interception and pretty much shut down Michigan’s offense—just 163 total yards for the Wolverines.

Julian Sayin threw for 233 yards, three touchdowns, and a pick. With the win, Ohio State heads to the Big Ten Championship for the first time since 2020.

Game Highlights

• Julian Sayin’s redemption: After tossing an interception, he settled in and threw three touchdowns.
• Ohio State’s defensive dominance: Michigan only managed nine points. That’s a statement.
• Carnell Tate’s explosive play: Tate’s 50-yard touchdown catch flipped the momentum.

Oregon Secures Playoff Contention with Win Over Washington

No. 6 Oregon kept its playoff dreams alive with a 26-14 win at Washington. The Ducks leaned on big plays, solid special teams, and a defense that just wouldn’t quit.

Dante Moore threw for 286 yards, including a 64-yard touchdown to Malik Benson. Kicker Atticus Sappington nailed four field goals, and linebacker Teitum Tuioti was everywhere—1.5 sacks and a bunch of tackles for loss.

Standout Moments

• Malik Benson’s breakout game: First time over 100 yards as a Duck. He picked a good week for it.
• Atticus Sappington’s precision: Four field goals, one from 51 yards out. Not bad at all.
• Teitum Tuioti’s defensive leadership: He set the tone from the first snap.

Vanderbilt Overpowers Tennessee in Historic Matchup

For the first time, these two in-state rivals met as ranked teams. No. 14 Vanderbilt beat No. 19 Tennessee, 45-21.

It was tied at 21 at halftime, but Vanderbilt owned the second half, outscoring Tennessee 24-3. Diego Pavia led the way with 268 passing yards, 165 rushing yards, and two touchdowns.

Key Takeaways

• Diego Pavia’s dual-threat ability: He was the difference-maker, plain and simple.
• Second-half surge: Vanderbilt’s offense and defense both stepped up after halftime.
• Historic win: First 10-win season ever for Vanderbilt. That’s something to celebrate.

FCS Playoffs: Ivy League Debut and Notable Performances

The FCS playoffs started off with a bang—and a few surprises. The Ivy League got its first taste of postseason play, and the results were… mixed.

Harvard got blown out by Villanova, 52-7. Yale, though, pulled off a wild comeback to win 43-42. There were trick plays, games in the snow, and some highlight-reel catches.

Highlights from the FCS Playoffs

• Villanova’s Pat McQuaide: Four touchdowns and a big day against Harvard’s Jaden Craig, who’s getting NFL buzz.
• Yale’s comeback: Josh Pitsenberger ripped off a 56-yard game-winner for Yale.
• Trick plays: Illinois State ran the “Philly Special”—always fun to watch.
• Snowy conditions: South Dakota State players made snow angels after their win. Can’t blame them.
• Spectacular catches: Larenzo Fenner (South Dakota) and Javon Gipson (Abilene Christian) had the grabs of the day.

HBCU Football: Upsets and Thrilling Finishes

The final weekend of DI HBCU football didn’t disappoint. Southern and Mississippi Valley State—two teams that struggled all year—ended on a high note.

Mississippi Valley State beat Florida A&M again, and Southern took its fourth straight Bayou Classic. Even Glorilla showed up for the party. Now that’s how you close out a season.

Memorable Moments

• Mississippi Valley State’s victory: The Delta Devils grabbed their second win of the season, edging out Florida A&M 35-31.
• Southern’s Bayou Classic win: Southern sealed the game with a late fumble recovery. That play gave them their second win of the year.
• Glorilla’s performance: Glorilla brought extra energy to the Bayou Classic halftime show.

The regular season’s wrapped up, and honestly, it’s hard not to feel the buzz around the upcoming College Football Playoff selection. If you want to keep tabs on all the drama and see what’s next, check out the NCAA’s official site.