We know that the conference championships begin next week, but Rivalry Week was everything we thought it would be and more.
As the 2022 college football regular season comes to an end, the playoff picture has become a little clearer. Each win goes a long way in determining the participating teams in these games. For some, it was their final time playing for their respective school. Whether their next destination is the NFL or other pastures, they rightfully earned their tributes.
With all this noted, let us review what we learned this past week.
What Did Learn In Week 13?
The Rivalry - Ohio State vs Michigan
This game was a prime example of what happens when you do not have a sound game plan. The idea for the Buckeyes in this game was to stop the run, an aspect that killed them last year. For the first half of the contest, the plan seemed to have worked; the bad news is that it exposed the secondary as J.J. McCarthy continued to beat them on deep passes.
When Ryan Day decided to deviate from that plan, the Wolverines took over the momentum of the game. Day's team was fully exposed by Jim Harbaugh for a second straight year, and in a manner that was far more embarrassing than in 2021. It would be a miracle at this point for the Buckeyes to make the playoffs.
For the second straight week, quarterback Spencer Rattler and the South Carolina Gamecocks have played spoiler. Their latest victim was Clemson, which quite frankly has to find a new starting quarterback because DJ Uiagalelei is not the one that can lift that program to greater heights.
With their win over Georgia Tech, Georgia is once again undefeated going into this year's SEC Championship game against LSU.
Speaking of undefeated, TCU clinched its first undefeated regular season since 2010. With a win in this year's Big 12 Championship, they could potentially clinch their first ever playoff appearance.
Alabama's win in the Iron Bowl was bittersweet, as it likely marked the last time Crimson Tide fans will see quarterback Bryce Young and linebacker Will Anderson Jr. play at Bryant-Denny Stadium. With no appearance in the SEC Championship Game and little chance of a playoff spot, the next step for both men is the NFL Draft.
USC quarterback Caleb Williams' performance against Notre Dame was enough to let the masses know that he should win this year's Heisman Trophy. Williams is just too good, and if his Trojans can win the Pac-12 title, they may find themselves in the playoffs against Ohio State.
The last thing Oregon needed was to lose its rivalry game to Oregon State. Unfortunately for the Ducks, this is exactly what happened. If it is any consolation, a 9-2 season is a successful one considering how it started against Georgia.
With a big win over Florida, Florida State's record is now 9-3. The last time they won nine or more games in a season was in 2016, when Jimbo Fisher was their head coach. Even if they don't play in the conference championship game, 2022 will have been a huge leap in the right direction for the Seminoles program.
After watching Ole Miss fall to Mississippi State in this year's "Egg Bowl," it is becoming clear that Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin is leaving for the Auburn coaching position.
One year ago, the Tulane Green Wave football team held a pathetic 2-10 record. A year later, they clinched a spot in the AAC Championship Game after beating Cincinnati. One of the greatest turnarounds in college football history.
Arizona is one of those teams whose record is not a reflection of their talent. The Wildcats are a team to watch out for next season.
Kansas State broke the hearts of all Longhorns fans by clinching a spot in the Big 12 title game after beating Kansas State.
The Texas Longhorns rode both Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson to a big victory over Baylor. Too bad this duo won't be featured in this year's Big 12 Championship Game. One thing is for sure: Quinn Ewers is not going to be the team's starting quarterback once Arch Manning comes in.
After a tumultuous season, Nebraska is ending it on a high note with a victory over Iowa and a new head coach, former Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule.
2022 Conference Championship Matchups
SEC Championship Game: LSU vs. Georgia
Big Ten Championship Game: Michigan vs. Purdue
Pac-12 Championship Game: USC vs. Utah
ACC Championship Game: Clemson vs. North Carolina
Big 12 Championship Game: TCU vs. Kansas State
C-USA Championship Game: North Texas vs. UTSA
MAC Championship Game: Toledo vs. Ohio
SunBelt Championship Game: Coastal Carolina vs. Troy
AAC Championship Game: Tulane vs. USF
SWAC Championship Game: Jackson State vs. Southern
Mountain West Championship Game: Fresno State vs. Boise State
Week 13 Top Performers:
Offense -
RB Donovan Edwards - Michigan
WR Cornelius Johnson - Michigan
QB Dillon Gabriel - Oklahoma
QB Michael Penix Jr. - Washington
RB Bijan Robinson - Texas
WR Marvin Harrison Jr. - Ohio State
RB Michael Wiley - Arizona
RB Devon Achane - Texas A&M
RB Eric Gray - Oklahoma
QB J.J. Mccarthy - Michigan
WR Jared Wayne - Pittsburgh
QB Bryce Young - Alabama
QB Tyler Shough - Texas Tech
QB Trenton Bourguet - Arizona State
WR Jeremiah Hunter - California
QB Jack Plummer - California
RB Jaylen Anderson - West Virginia
RB Zach Charbonnet - UCLA
WR Trey Palmer - Nebraska
RB Roschon Johnson - Texas
Defense -
DL Roman Harrison - Tennessee
LB Nathaniel Watson - Mississippi State
DE Donovan Ezeiruaku - Syracuse
DL Jose Ramirez - Eastern Michigan
EDGE Braiden Mcgregor - Michigan
LB DeMarvion Overshown - Texas
S Al Walcott - Baylor
LB Drake Thomas - NC State
LB Tommy Eichenberg - Ohio State
LB Tyrus Wheat - Mississippi State
DB Xavier Carlton - California
LB Ivan Pace Jr. - Cincinnati
DL Isaiah McGuire - Missouri
S Jalen Green - Mississippi State
LB Keith Cooper Jr. - Tulane
DE Tavius Robinson - Ole Miss
LB Payton Wilson - NC State