Rivalry Week is that time of year when college football playoff dreams are made or destroyed.
The game that headlined Week 13 was this year's edition of the Ohio State vs. Michigan rivalry. Considering what was at stake for both teams, it was one of the most anticipated games in recent memory. To say the least, the game was well worth the price of admission.
Perhaps the biggest winner of Week 13 was Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, who, after six tries, finally beat Ohio State and got the signature win of his coaching career.
With all this noted, here are our selections for the top performers of Week 13.
1. Running Back Hassan Haskins - Michigan
Stats vs. Ohio State: 28 Carries, 169 Rushing yards, 5 Touchdowns, 6 Yards/carry
Haskins has been Michigan's workhorse on the ground all season long. Against Ohio State, this was no exception, as he accounted for almost all of the Wolverines' touchdowns. Regardless of how weak Ohio State's run defense was on this day, Haskins took full advantage of them, notably in the fourth quarter when they were up by a touchdown. He was exceptional in this game and will likely gain national attention for his performance. If you did not know who Haskins was before this game, now you do.
2. Defensive End Aidan Hutchinson - Michigan
Stats vs. Ohio State: 7 Tackles, 3 Sacks, 3 Tackles for loss
How this young man was not a Nagurski Award finalist is a discussion for another time. What matters most is how he performed in their biggest game of the year, and he was outstanding to say the least. When he was in the backfield sacking CJ Stroud, he was ubiquitous on the field making plays. It was fitting that in this game, he set Michigan's single-season sack record. There is not much that has not been said about Hutchinson at this point. He is destined to be a top-5 player in the upcoming NFL Draft, and perhaps higher if he continues to play the way he has in big games.
3. Running back Tyler Badie - Missouri
Stats vs. Arkansas: 41 Carries, 219 Rushing Yards, 1 Touchdown, 5.3 Yards/carry
The Doak Walker Award finalist was one of the few good things the Missouri Tigers had going for them this season. The only thing that ruined his performance in this game was the end result, which was certainly no fault of his as they played a tough Arkansas team. Whatever happens from this points, Badie has established himself as one of the country's top players.
4. Running back Roschon Johnson - Texas
Stats vs. Kansas State: 31 Carries, 179 Rushing Yards, 1 Touchdown, 5.9 Yards/carry
The Longhorns have had little to cheer about this season. Despite all the disappointment, Roschon Johnson made sure they would end on a high note. With little success throwing the ball, Johnson took the offence on his back and bulldozed through the Kansas State defense. If Johnson decides to return next season, he and Bijan Robinson could form the most lethal running back tandem in the nation.
5. Wide Receiver John Metchie III - Alabama
Stats vs. Auburn: 13 Receptions, 150 yards, 11.5 Yards/reception, game-winning touchdown in 4th OT*
On a day in which Alabama had one of its worst offensive showings, Metchie III was Bryce Young's most reliable target against an Auburn team that came dangerously close to ruining their National Championship Playoff position. In overtime, Metchie III was clutch, as he accounted for two touchdown receptions in the fourth overtime, his second one being the game winner. In the absence of star receiver Jameson Williams, Metchie III used the stage to remind everyone how dangerous of a receiver he can be.
6. EDGE Rusher Brenton Cox Jr. - Florida
Stats vs. Florida State: 5 Tackles, 4 Sacks, 4 Tackles for loss, Forced Fumble
Like Texas, Florida has had a season to forget. On this day, however, the Gators put all their problems aside and came away with a solid showing against Florida State. At the forefront was the play of Brenton Cox Jr., who quietly put together a solid season. In this game, he was far and away the most impactful player and gave the Florida State offensive line issues throughout the entire game. If he decides to return next season, he has a chance of being recognized among the top pass rushers in college football.
7. Linebacker Damone Clark - LSU
Stats vs. Texas A&M: 7 Tackles, 2.5 Sacks, 3 Tackles for loss
The LSU program has fallen from grace since their historic 2019 season. Nonetheless, in this game, they gave their fans reason to have hope after their upset over Texas A&M. Senior linebacker Damone Clark was arguably their most valuable player in this game, as he collected sacks and made plays in different areas of the field. If this was his last game with LSU, he surely made a lasting impression with that performance.
Notable Mention(s):
DT Jonah Tavai - San Diego State
WR Treylon Burks - Arkansas
LB Will Anderson Jr. - Alabama
QB Brett Gabbert - Miami(OH)
DB Jammie Robinson- Florida State
DE Derick Hall - Auburn
DE Jermaine Johnson - Florida State
NT Keeanu Benton - Wisconsin
LB Ivan Pace Jr. - Miami(OH)
LB Tarique Barnes - Illinois
QB Max Johnson - LSU
RB Xavier Williams - Kent State