Michigan, Ohio State Lead College Football Winners and Losers for Week 14
Winners:
1. Michigan Wolverines
The Michigan Wolverines delivered a dominant performance against Iowa in the Big Ten Championship Game, securing a 42-3 victory. The win not only earned them the Big Ten title but also solidified their spot in the College Football Playoff. Michigan’s defense was exceptional, holding Iowa to just three points and forcing multiple turnovers. Offensively, the Wolverines were balanced and efficient, with quarterback Cade McNamara leading the way. Michigan’s impressive showing in the championship game has catapulted them into the national title conversation.
2. Ohio State Buckeyes
The Ohio State Buckeyes finished the regular season strong with a resounding 56-7 win over Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship Game. Quarterback C.J. Stroud put on a masterful performance, throwing for over 300 yards and five touchdowns. The Buckeyes’ offense was firing on all cylinders, racking up yards and points against a formidable Wisconsin defense. Ohio State’s dominant win solidified their resume as a strong contender for a spot in the College Football Playoff.
3. Cincinnati Bearcats
The Cincinnati Bearcats clinched the American Athletic Conference championship with a hard-fought 35-20 victory over Houston. Cincinnati’s defense came up big, forcing turnovers and making crucial stops to secure the win. Quarterback Desmond Ridder had a standout performance, throwing for over 250 yards and three touchdowns. The Bearcats’ victory not only secured the conference title but also bolstered their case for a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Losers:
1. Iowa Hawkeyes
The Iowa Hawkeyes suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of Michigan in the Big Ten Championship Game, losing 42-3. Iowa struggled on both sides of the ball, with their offense unable to generate much production and their defense giving up big plays to the Wolverines. The loss dashed Iowa’s hopes of a conference title and likely a spot in a New Year’s Six bowl game.
2. Houston Cougars
The Houston Cougars fell short in the American Athletic Conference championship game, losing to Cincinnati 35-20. Houston’s offense struggled to find a rhythm against a tough Cincinnati defense, resulting in turnovers and missed opportunities. The loss denied Houston a conference title and potentially a spot in a New Year’s Six bowl game.
3. Wisconsin Badgers
The Wisconsin Badgers suffered a lopsided defeat at the hands of Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game, losing 56-7. Wisconsin’s offense sputtered, unable to keep pace with Ohio State’s high-powered attack. The loss ended Wisconsin’s hopes of a conference title and likely a spot in a New Year’s Six bowl game, capping off a disappointing end to the season for the Badgers.
Overall, Week 14 of college football showcased impressive performances from Michigan, Ohio State, and Cincinnati, while Iowa, Houston, and Wisconsin fell short in their respective conference championship games. The outcomes of these games will have significant implications as the College Football Playoff picture continues to take shape.