College Football Scores: Must-Have Week 14 Highlights

College Football Scores: Must-Have Week 14 Highlights

College football scores from the final weekend of the regular season, often dubbed “Championship Weekend,” delivered the drama, upsets, and heart-stopping moments that define the sport. As conference titles were decided and playoff fates sealed, Week 14 was not just a slate of games; it was the culmination of months of effort. From historic rivalries to shocking underdog performances, the weekend provided a perfect crescendo to the 2023 regular season. Let’s dive into the must-have highlights that defined the landscape and set the stage for the postseason.

The Playoff Picture Comes Into Sharp Focus

The most significant college football scores of Week 14 inevitably came from the conference championship games that served as de facto playoff quarterfinals.

In the Big Ten Championship, the Michigan Wolverines solidified their number-one ranking with a commanding victory over the Iowa Hawkeyes. While the final score reflected a defensive masterpiece, the highlight was Michigan’s relentless ground game imposing its will, sending a clear message to the selection committee. Meanwhile, the SEC Championship featured a titanic clash between Georgia and Alabama. In a stunning result, Alabama’s defense found a way to contain Georgia’s potent offense, handing the Bulldogs their first loss in nearly three years and throwing the top of the playoff rankings into beautiful chaos.

Out west, the Washington Huskies completed a perfect season by edging the Oregon Ducks in a thrilling Pac-12 Championship rematch. The highlight here was a game-winning drive in the final minutes, capped by a clutch touchdown pass that sealed Washington’s playoff berth and spelled the end of the Pac-12 as we know it. Finally, the Florida State Seminoles won the ACC Championship with a gritty performance, but the story was the severe injury to star quarterback Jordan Travis the week prior. Their victory, led by a backup QB, became one of the most debated results of the weekend, posing a profound question about the meaning of “most deserving” for the playoff committee.

Shocking Upsets and Historic Triumphs

Beyond the playoff chase, other college football scores told stories of program-defining wins and stunning surprises.

The Group of Five’s automatic New Year’s Six bid was decided in the American Athletic Conference Championship, where the SMU Mustangs dominated to claim their first major conference title in decades. Their high-powered offense was on full display, scoring on each of their first five drives and announcing SMU’s return to the national stage.

In perhaps the most emotionally charged game of the weekend, the Texas State Bobcats, in their first-ever FBS postseason appearance, won their bowl-eligibility clinching game in dramatic fashion. The sight of head coach G.J. Kinne being carried off the field by his players encapsulated the magic of college football—where for some programs, a sixth win means as much as any championship.

Individual Performances That Stole the Show

The highlights weren’t just about team college football scores; they were also written by individual brilliance.

A Record-Breaking Receiver: In a wild shootout, Oklahoma State’s wideout set a new conference championship game record with over 200 receiving yards and a hat-trick of touchdowns, almost single-handedly keeping his team in contention.
A Defensive Game-Changer: In the SEC title game, an Alabama defensive back sealed the victory with a critical fourth-quarter interception in the end zone, a play that will be replayed for years in Crimson Tide lore.
* The Backup’s Moment: At the heart of the Florida State narrative was backup quarterback Tate Rodemaker, who managed the game with poise under immense pressure, proving that “next man up” is more than just a cliché.

Looking Ahead: The Fallout from Week 14

The final college football scores of the regular season have set the table for an intriguing postseason. The College Football Playoff selection committee was left with its most difficult decision in years: an undefeated Power Five champion with a injured QB, or two one-loss giants from the SEC and Big Ten? The debates rage on across talk radio and social media.

Furthermore, the weekend’s results finalized the bowl matchups, creating intriguing non-playoff games like the New Year’s Six contests that now feature conference runners-up with a point to prove. The transfer portal will also begin to churn at a fever pitch, with coaching changes and player movements announced in the wake of season-ending outcomes.

In the end, Week 14 was a perfect microcosm of college football itself—unpredictable, emotional, and deeply consequential. The scores are now final, but the stories they created will fuel discussions throughout the offseason. From the agony of a last-second loss to the ecstasy of a confetti-covered championship, the highlights from this weekend remind us why we watch every snap.