If you had to describe the impossible nature of the 2024 college football season and the first 12-team College Football Playoff race, then do it like this. With just one week left in the regular season, the landscape of college football has turned upside down. Who would have thought that Indiana and Arizona State, both of whom finished with a dismal 3-9 record last season, would be at the center of the action in Week 13? Impossible is nothing in this thrilling season.
### Indiana’s Remarkable Journey
No. 5 Indiana is set to clash with No. 2 Ohio State at Ohio Stadium this Saturday. This matchup is more than just a game; it’s a potential ticket to the Big Ten championship game. Under the guidance of first-year coach Curt Cignetti, the Hoosiers have soared to a stunning 10-0 record. Can they finally break a 28-game losing streak against the Buckeyes? The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the excitement is palpable.
### Arizona State’s Surprising Turnaround
Meanwhile, No. 17 Arizona State is making waves in the Big 12. After a solid victory over Kansas State, the Sun Devils now face No. 13 BYU. A win here would not only complicate the Big 12 race but also set the stage for a potential championship showdown against Colorado, a team that was also in the Pac-12 just last year. Second-year coach Kenny Dillingham has orchestrated a turnaround that few anticipated, and this game at Mountain America Stadium is poised to be a memorable one.
### The Playoff Picture
Could both the Hoosiers and Sun Devils secure spots in the College Football Playoff? With the way this season has unfolded, nothing seems impossible. The drama is only intensifying as we approach Rivalry Week, a time when anything can happen. Fans are left wondering: how many more surprises await us?
### A Closer Look at the Rankings
As we dive deeper into the current rankings, it’s clear that the competition is fierce. The Sporting News has released its top 25 rankings for Week 13, and they provide a snapshot of the teams vying for playoff spots. Here’s a closer look:
Sporting News Top 25 Rankings for Week 13
| RANK | SCHOOL | RECORD | PVS. | WEEK 12 RESULT |
| 1 | Oregon | 11-0 | 1 | Beat Wisconsin 16-13 |
| 2 | Ohio State | 9-1 | 2 | Beat Northwestern 31-7 |
| 3 | Texas | 9-1 | 3 | Beat Arkansas 20-10 |
| 4 | Penn State | 9-1 | 4 | Beat Purdue 49-10 |
| 5 | Indiana | 10-0 | 6 | Bye |
| 6 | Notre Dame | 9-1 | 7 | Beat Virginia 35-14 |
| 7 | Alabama | 8-2 | 9 | Beat Mercer 52-7 |
| 8 | Ole Miss | 8-2 | 10 | Bye |
| 9 | Georgia | 8-2 | 11 | Beat Tennessee 31-17 |
| 10 | Miami, Fla. | 9-1 | 12 | Bye |
| 11 | Tennessee | 8-2 | 5 | Lost to Georgia 31-17 |
| 12 | Boise State | 9-1 | 14 | Beat San Jose State 42-21 |
| 13 | BYU | 9-1 | 8 | Lost to Kansas 17-13 |
| 14 | SMU | 9-1 | 13 | Beat Boston College 38-28 |
| 15 | Texas A&M | 8-2 | 15 | Beat New Mexico State 38-3 |
| 16 | Colorado | 8-2 | 18 | Beat Utah 49-24 |
| 17 | Arizona State | 8-2 | 25 | Beat Kansas State 24-14 |
| 18 | Clemson | 8-2 | 16 | Beat Pitt 24-20 |
| 19 | Army | 9-0 | 19 | Bye |
| 20 | Iowa State | 8-2 | 19 | Beat Cincinnati 34-17 |
| 21 | South Carolina | 7-3 | 21 | Beat Missouri 34-30 |
| 22 | Tulane | 9-2 | 24 | Beat Navy 35-0 |
| 23 | Kansas State | 7-3 | 17 | Lost to Arizona State 24-14 |
| 24 | Illinois | 7-3 | NR | Beat Michigan State 38-16 |
| 25 | Duke | 7-3 | NR | Bye |
### The Road Ahead
As we approach the final week of the regular season, the anticipation builds. The matchups are set, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Will Indiana and Arizona State continue their remarkable journeys, or will the giants of college football reclaim their dominance? The excitement is electric, and fans are eagerly awaiting the outcomes that could reshape the playoff picture.
In this unpredictable season, one thing is certain: college football never fails to deliver drama, surprises, and unforgettable moments. As we gear up for Rivalry Week, the question remains: who will rise to the occasion and make history?
