How the teams ahead of Alabama in the CFP hunt fared this weekend
Finally, some movement. The 2023 College Football Playoff chase, which still includes Alabama, has been stagnant for weeks.
The No. 8 Crimson Tide beat Auburn 27-24 on the strength of a dramatic fourth down deep pass late in the fourth quarter Saturday. UA finished the regular season 11-1, with an 8-0 record in SEC play.
Before the Tide heads to Atlanta to try and score an upset, here’s how the teams ahead of it in the standings fared in the weekend’s slate of games.
Georgia 31, Georgia Tech 23
The No. 1 Bulldogs played their in-state rivals too close for comfort. Still, Kirby Smart’s bunch made it through and finished the regular season undefeated.
The Bulldogs will face Alabama Saturday in the SEC championship game.
Michigan 30, Ohio State 24
The No. 3 Wolverines pulled out the win against their hated rival, the No. 2 Buckeyes. Michigan did it despite missing its head coach, the suspended Jim Harbaugh.
The Ohio State loss created the possibility of movement that could involve the the Crimson Tide.
Washington 24, Washington State 21
The final Apple Cup that features both teams as members of the Pac-12 was a doozy. The No. 4 Huskies were able to pull out the win, which will likely keep them in a playoff spots this week.
Washington will have a rematch with Oregon next in the Pac-12 title game.
Oregon 31, Oregon State 7
The Ducks hadn’t beaten a team currently ranked in the CFP top 25 this season. That changed Friday.
Oregon will have a chance to jump into a playoff spot with a win against the Huskies.
Texas 57, Texas Tech 7
The No. 7 Longhorns were playing their final regular season game in the Big 12 before joining the SEC next year. Texas went out with a bang.
UT will face Oklahoma State next in the Big 12 championship game.