Things are coming into focus on the playoff format — for the most part. Losses for top teams take on added significance, and those who move up are entering rarefied territory. While the top schools now seem rather cemented in place to a degree, it is the lower-level teams vying for the final playoff spots that are the question marks.
The Group of Five conferences continue to shuffle their offerings, as USF took a loss, leaving the door open now for either James Madison or North Texas. Meanwhile, the ACC cannot make things easy, as Louisville took a loss and made the mix at the top of that conference an even bigger question mark. From this point on, every game matters more, and postseason or bowl significance is in play.
Something usually only seen in bowl season took place this weekend, as two games were staged inside MLB stadiums. Fenway held the contest between the Coast Guard and the Merchant Marine Academy, and then Michigan survived against Northwestern inside Wrigley Field in Chicago.
Drummer Mick Fleetwood of the band Fleetwood Mac performed on the field with the USC Trojans marching band to play a live version of the platinum-selling song “Tusk” that was originally recorded with the band in 1979.
Enjoyed playing Tusk with the USC marching band! Thank you to the university for a wonderful evening and to all the faculty, alumni, fans and students that make this university amazing 🥳❤️ #uscmarchingband#bigtenfootball #uscalumni #uscfootball #universityofsoutherncalifornia pic.twitter.com/c3qqPjS8SQ
— Mick Fleetwood (@MickFleetwood) November 8, 2025
At U-Mass, the Minutemen made a successful field goal, and the stadium erupted in fireworks. This overwrought celebration was even more ridiculous, since at the time they trailed 45-0.
In Utah, the quarterback position may have become superfluous. Devon Dampier threw for just 80 yards the entire game, but the Utes did not even notice. They won 55-28 over Baylor on the strength of 380 yards rushing and five touchdowns
As the South Carolina Gamecocks were romping in College Station, there was a fracas following an 80-yard score by receiver Nyck Harbor, who ran into a tunnel and then bumped into a state trooper, who reacted angrily. The trooper was dismissed from his duties on the spot, but he motivated the Aggies to take action in the second half.
Texas state trooper bumped into South Carolina players after a SC touchdown
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 15, 2025
The trooper was relieved of his gameday duties pic.twitter.com/NosBtwK5B9
Some of the significant results:
Oklahoma 23 – Alabama 21
The Tide dominated statistically anywhere you look — 406-212 total yards, 23-12 on first downs, and Ty Simpson throwing for 326 yards to John Mateer’s 138. But Alabama was unwound by two factors: a muted running game and three turnovers that translated to two touchdowns (one a pick-6) and a field goal. While the loss may not have torpedoed Alabama for the postseason, the Sooners find themselves in a more solid position.
Texas A&M 31 – South Carolina 30
In possibly the most thrilling game of the weekend, it was the tale of two halves. The Gamecocks ran up the score to a 30-3 halftime lead, as the Aggies' faithful were ready to flee Kyle Field following three Marcel Reed turnovers. Then the QB came back with three touchdowns in the third quarter to go to a 439-yard game.
Georgia 35 – Texas 10
In this week’s top-10 matchup, the Bulldogs got off to a 14-3 lead, but then felt uncomfortable not trailing, as has been their tendency most of the year. They backed off the throttle and allowed the Longhorns to creep closer, but then turned up the heat with three 4th quarter touchdowns. Texas now sees its playoff chances fading with its third loss and second in the conference.
Georgia Tech 36 – Boston College 34
In a game that was poised to throw more upheaval into the fog that is the ACC, the Yellow Jackets struggled most of the game against the one-win Eagles. Tech was playing catch-up, but after they took the lead in the 4th, BC managed another touchdown with four minutes left. The Rambling Wreck put up a late drive to seal it with 00:11 left on the clock.
Ole Miss 34 – Florida 24
In typical SEC fashion, nothing was assured. The moribund Gators performed well enough on the road to take a 4-point lead into the 4th quarter, but the day belonged to Kewan Lacey. He amassed 224 yards rushing with three touchdowns, including the two in the 4th quarter to deliver the dagger. There is still speculation that Rebels Coach Lane Kiffin could be on the other sideline, taking over the duties at UF.
The latest AP top-25 poll (first-place votes). Louisville, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, and South Florida dropped out as Tulane, North Texas, Missouri, and Houston entered the poll.
Ohio State (57)
Indiana (8)
Texas A&M (1)
Georgia
Ole Miss
Texas Tech
Oregaon
Oklahoma
Notre Dame
Alabama
BYU
Vanderbilt
Utah
Miami
Georgia Tech
USC
Texas
Michigan
Virginai
Tennessee
James Madison
North Texas
Missouri
Tulane
Houston
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