College Football Week 15 Winners and Losers: The Final Stretch
The college football season is a rollercoaster, and Week 15 is no exception. As the regular season winds down, teams are making their final push for bowl eligibility or a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP). Here's a breakdown of the winners and losers, with a focus on the unexpected and the intriguing.
The Unstoppable Force: Texas Tech
Texas Tech's rise to prominence this season has been nothing short of remarkable. Once written off as a transfer-heavy superteam, the Red Raiders have defied the odds. With oil-and-gas baron Cody Campbell providing financial support, general manager James Blanchard building a strong roster, and coach Joey McGuire leading the charge, Texas Tech has become a force to be reckoned with. Their 34-7 victory over BYU is a testament to their depth and talent. The question now is whether they can maintain this momentum and challenge for a conference title.
The Enigmatic Contender: Alabama
Alabama, the surest bet in college football for much of the 2010s and 2020s, is now an enigma. Coach Kalen DeBoer's Crimson Tide have had a tumultuous season, losing to Florida State, beating Georgia, and reeling off top-20 wins. Their SEC Championship game performance, however, was a complete disaster, with a -3 rushing total and quarterback Ty Simpson's disoriented performance. The CFP committee will have a tough decision to make with Alabama's shaky form, especially with Miami and Notre Dame in the mix.
The Underdog's Triumph: Tulane
Tulane's season began with a somber remembrance of Hurricane Katrina, but it ended in triumph. The Green Wave clinched a College Football Playoff berth with a 34-21 victory over North Texas in the American Championship game. Led by defensive back Jahiem Johnson, linebacker Chris Rodgers, and safety Jack Tchienchou, Tulane's defense was stellar. This victory marks a significant step in their gradual rebuild, showcasing their resilience and determination.
The FCS Upset: Illinois State vs. North Dakota State
In a shocking turn of events, Illinois State upset North Dakota State in the FCS playoffs, winning 29-28. This victory snapped the Bison's regular-season loss and sets up an intriguing quarterfinal match against Montana, who blew out South Dakota State 50-29. South Dakota, meanwhile, remains alive after a shutout victory over Mercer and is eyeing its first national title since 1985.
The Newbies: Kennesaw State
Kennesaw State, a relatively new program, has made waves in FBS. Despite only playing football for 11 years and debuting in FBS in 2024, they went 2-10 last season and fired coach Brian Bohannon. This season, they are defying expectations, and while they may not make a conference title run soon, their journey is an inspiring one for any program starting from scratch.
The CFP Puzzle: Miami, Notre Dame, and Beyond
As the CFP picture becomes clearer, the committee has a challenging task. Miami and Notre Dame, both with two losses, are in the mix, and the Hurricanes should finish ahead of the Fighting Irish. The CFP's final rankings will be a fascinating exercise in logic, especially with Alabama's shaky form and the potential inclusion of BYU.
In the final stretch of the college football season, these teams and more will shape their legacies. The winners and losers of Week 15 are just the beginning of a thrilling conclusion to the year.
