Best of Rivalry Week: CFP chaos, flag fights and more misery for Ohio State, Miami and Clemson

Best of Rivalry Week: CFP Chaos, Flag Fights, and More Misery for Ohio State, Miami, and Clemson

Rivalry Week in college football is always a spectacle, but this year, it delivered a chaotic mix of heartbreak, hilarity, and high-stakes drama. For some teams, it was a chance to rewrite narratives and chase redemption. For others, it was a brutal reminder of how quickly things can fall apart. Let’s dive into the madness that unfolded in Week 14, where the College Football Playoff (CFP) picture was shaken, rivalries boiled over, and some of the sport’s biggest names were left licking their wounds.

Ohio State’s Nightmare in Ann Arbor

Ohio State entered Saturday with everything to play for. It had been 1,828 days since the Buckeyes last beat Michigan, and this year’s matchup seemed like the perfect opportunity to end that drought. Michigan, missing two potential first-round NFL draft picks, looked vulnerable. The Wolverines managed just 62 yards passing, threw two interceptions, and had three drives inside Ohio State’s 5-yard line that didn’t end in touchdowns. Yet somehow, Michigan still walked away with a 13-10 victory.

Ryan Day’s Buckeyes were left searching for answers. Will Howard threw two costly interceptions, Jayden Fielding missed two short field goals, and the team’s slow starts—a recurring theme this season—proved fatal. The game ended in chaos, with a brawl breaking out and police using pepper spray to separate players. Michigan celebrated on Ohio State’s field, leaving Buckeye fans to wonder if Day is secretly a Michigan sleeper agent in some elaborate “Manchurian Candidate” plot.

Despite the loss, Ohio State’s playoff hopes aren’t entirely dead. But the sting of this defeat, coupled with the Wolverines’ celebrations, makes it one of the most devastating losses in the history of this storied rivalry.

Clemson’s Collapse Against South Carolina

For Clemson, Saturday was supposed to be a redemption story. It had been 1,442 days since the Tigers last made the CFP, and a win over South Carolina would have positioned them for a spot in the first-ever 12-team playoff. Instead, the Tigers fell 17-14 in heartbreaking fashion.

LaNorris Sellers was unstoppable for the Gamecocks, throwing for 164 yards, rushing for 166, and scoring twice. His 20-yard run on a third-and-16 with just over a minute left gave South Carolina the lead. Clemson had a chance to tie or win, but Cade Klubnik’s pass bounced off Phil Mafah’s hands and was intercepted by Demetrius Knight Jr., sealing the Tigers’ fate.

South Carolina, now one of the hottest teams in the country, has a strong case for a playoff spot. But with Alabama and Ole Miss also winning, the Gamecocks’ path to the postseason remains murky. Ironically, Clemson still controls its playoff destiny thanks to Miami’s meltdown, but the Tigers’ inability to capitalize on opportunities has fans and pundits questioning Dabo Swinney’s ability to adapt to the modern game.

Miami’s Painful Playoff Flop

Miami’s playoff hopes were alive and well heading into Saturday. All the Hurricanes had to do was beat Syracuse, and they’d secure a spot in the ACC title game and likely the CFP. Things started perfectly, with Miami jumping out to a 21-0 lead. But in true Miami fashion, disaster struck.

Syracuse stormed back, turning the 21-point deficit into a 35-28 lead entering the fourth quarter. Miami tied the game, but the defense had no answers for Kyle McCord, who threw for 380 yards and three touchdowns. McCord led a nine-play touchdown drive to put Syracuse ahead 42-35, and Miami’s final drive ended in chaos. An unsportsmanlike penalty and a failed fourth-and-goal attempt sealed the Hurricanes’ fate.

With the loss, Miami handed its ACC title game spot to Clemson and likely kissed its playoff hopes goodbye. For a program desperate to return to its glory days, this collapse was a painful reminder of how far the Hurricanes still have to go.

Rivalry Week’s Wildest Moments

Rivalry Week wasn’t just about playoff implications—it was also about bragging rights, chaos, and unforgettable moments. Here are some of the highlights:

• Iron Bowl: Alabama kept its playoff hopes alive with a 28-14 win over Auburn, thanks to Jalen Milroe’s 360 yards and three rushing touchdowns. Auburn, meanwhile, finished with a losing record for the fourth straight year.
• Territorial Cup: Arizona State crushed Arizona 49-7, capping a 10-2 season under Kenny Dillingham. The Sun Devils are now a dark horse for a playoff spot.
• Egg Bowl: Ole Miss survived a scare from Mississippi State, winning 26-14. Ulysses Bentley IV ran for 136 yards and a touchdown to keep the Rebels’ slim playoff hopes alive.
• Florida-FSU: Florida dominated Florida State 31-11, securing a 7-5 season and saving Billy Napier’s job. The Seminoles, meanwhile, are left to ponder what might have been in a season derailed by injuries.

What’s Next?

As the dust settles on Rivalry Week, the CFP picture remains as murky as ever. Ohio State, Miami, and Clemson all have slim chances to make the playoff, but their paths are far from certain. Meanwhile, teams like Michigan, Alabama, and South Carolina are surging at the right time.

For fans, the chaos of Week 14 is a reminder of why we love college football. The heartbreak, the drama, the unexpected twists—it’s all part of the package. And while redemption may remain out of reach for some, the journey is always worth it.