Rivalry Week Winners and Losers as Ohio State Soars and Colorado Flops

Rivalry Week Winners and Losers

The final full weekend of the college football regular season lived up to expectations, offering drama, surprises, and major shifts in the playoff picture. Rivalry Week delivered landmark wins for some programs and tough losses for others, setting the stage for championship week and postseason drama.

Winners

Ohio State Buckeyes

Ohio State delivered a statement performance, reaffirming its place among the nation’s top programs. Their dominant showing proved that their offense and defense are both in peak form heading into the most crucial stretch of the season.

Alabama Crimson Tide

Alabama capped its regular season with a commanding win, showing veteran composure and explosive playmaking. The team’s improvement across the second half of the year keeps its playoff hopes alive.

Michigan Wolverines

Michigan’s victory in its rivalry matchup underscored the team's grit and balance. The Wolverines’ strong defense remained a key factor, positioning them as a top contender for the Big Ten title.

Losers

Colorado Buffaloes

Colorado’s impressive early-season momentum fizzled out as they closed the year with another disappointing loss. Despite Coach Deion Sanders' high-profile leadership, the team’s shortcomings in depth and defense were exposed down the stretch.

Florida State Seminoles

Florida State struggled to maintain its dominance, and injuries played a part in their late-season decline. While the Seminoles remain dangerous, their inconsistency raises doubts entering postseason play.

Oregon State Beavers

Oregon State’s defeat cost them a chance to make a bigger statement nationally. Despite flashes of competitiveness, missed opportunities plagued their season finale.

Quote Highlight

"Rivalry Week never disappoints — it defines legacies and resets narratives for the next season."

Author’s Summary

Rivalry Week reshaped college football’s national outlook as Ohio State and Michigan soared, while Colorado and Florida State faltered under late-season pressure.

Sports Illustrated on MSN — 2025-12-01