1) Oregon Holds Off Penn State To Claim Big Ten Championship, Secures Top Playoff Seed
The No. 1 University of Oregon Ducks eked out a 45-37 victory against the No. 4 Penn State University Lions on Saturday, Dec. 7, at Lucas Oil Stadium to capture the Big Ten Championship and secure the top seed of the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff.
Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel shined with four touchdown passes, while receiver Tez Johnson, named the game’s MVP, hauled in 11 catches for 181 yards and a touchdown. The Ducks took an early 28-10 lead, but the Nittany Lions clawed back, narrowing the gap to four by halftime. Despite Penn State’s offensive dominance, amassing 518 total yards, including 292 on the ground, a failed two-point conversion early in the fourth quarter left them trailing 38-30. Oregon capitalized on the momentum, capping a 75-yard drive with a James touchdown run to make it 45-30.
Penn State quarterback Drew Allar threw for 236 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions while running backs Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton combined for 225 rushing yards. The Nittany Lions kept the game within reach with a late score but couldn’t capitalize on their final possession, sealing Oregon’s victory. The Ducks’ win guarantees them a first-round bye as they aim for their first national championship.
2) Rams Outlast Bills in Thrilling Shootout
The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Buffalo Bills 44-42 in a thrilling game at SoFi Stadium, climbing above .500 and keeping their playoff hopes alive. The Rams built a comfortable double-digit lead heading into halftime, but the Bills mounted a determined rally in the fourth quarter to bring the game within three points. With the pressure mounting, Matthew Stafford delivered in the clutch, connecting with wide receiver Puka Nacua for a 19-yard touchdown on a pivotal third-and-5 late in the game.
Josh Allen showcased his dual-threat capabilities, amassing six total touchdowns, including three on the ground, to keep Buffalo within striking distance. Despite his heroics, the Bills’ comeback fell short after an unsuccessful onside kick, ending their seven-game winning streak. Nacua was unstoppable, tallying 12 receptions for 162 yards and two total scores, while Kyren Williams added 87 rushing yards and two touchdowns to help seal the Rams’ victory.
3) Backup Heroics Lift Georgia to SEC Title in Overtime Thriller
The No. 2 University Georgia Bulldogs rallied behind backup quarterback Gunner Stockton to claim a dramatic 22-19 overtime victory against No. 3 University of Texas in the SEC Championship Game.
Entering the game after starting quarterback Carson Beck was injured, backup Stockton guided the Bulldogs to a touchdown and two field goals, keeping their hopes alive. After a gritty effort in overtime, Beck returned to hand the ball off to running back Trevor Etienne, who powered into the end zone for the game-winning 4-yard touchdown.
Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers threw for 358 yards and a touchdown but was hampered by six sacks and two costly interceptions by defensive back Daylen Everette, who was named the game’s MVP.
Despite dominating early with a 260-54 yard advantage in the first half, Texas managed only a 6-3 lead due to penalties and Georgia’s red zone defense. The Bulldogs’ resilience and defensive stops propelled them to their third SEC title under Georgia coach Kirby Smart and secured a first-round bye in the 12-team College Football Playoff.
4) Clemson Wins ACC Title with Last-Second Heroics
The No. 18 University of Clemson Tigers secured a thrilling 34-31 victory over No. 8 Southern Methodist University Mustangs to claim the ACC title and punch their ticket to the College Football Playoff.
Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik threw for 262 yards and four touchdowns, while kicker Nolan Hauser sealed the win with a record-breaking 56-yard field goal as time expired. The Tigers built an early lead behind wide receiver Bryant Wesco’s 143 receiving yards and two first-quarter touchdowns.
Still, they had to fend off a relentless SMU comeback led by quarterback Kevin Jennings, who accounted for four total scores. After SMU tied the game with 16 seconds remaining, wide receiver Adam Randall’s clutch kickoff return set up Hauser’s decisive kick, capping a dramatic finish and Clemson’s ninth ACC championship under Dabo Swinney.
5) Arizona State Dominates Iowa State to Win Big 12 Title
In their Big 12 debut season, the Arizona State University Sun Devils capped a remarkable turnaround with a commanding 45-19 win over Iowa State in the conference championship.
Running back Cam Skattebo led the charge with 170 rushing yards, two touchdown runs, and a 33-yard score off a swing pass, energizing the Sun Devils’ explosive offense. Quarterback Jaden Rashada only added to the dominance with three touchdown passes, capitalizing on turnovers to stretch the lead in the second half.
Arizona State now heads into the College Football Playoff riding a six-game win streak under 34-year-old head coach Kenny Dillingham. Despite a historic 10-win season, Iowa State couldn’t overcome critical second-half mistakes, with their lone highlight being quarterback Rocco Becht’s late touchdown pass.
