Week 14 gave us exactly what we expect at the end of the regular season. Close games, desperate teams fighting for conference championship and playoff spots, and at least one truly huge upset in Austin. We break down all the key results below and what they mean moving forward.
For the betting crowd, this week locked in the conference championship matchups. I’ll give you some baseline advice at the end, but the biggest key is simple: do your research. With so much familiarity between opponents, the smallest edges matter. Now, let’s dive into who won, who lost, and whose season still has life heading into December.
Biggest Games and Upsets of the Week
Texas 27, Texas A&M 17
One of the strangest Texas seasons in recent memory ends with the Longhorns knocking off the rival Aggies. Texas played one of its best defensive games of the year, holding Marcel Reed and the explosive A&M offense to just 17 points. The loss knocks the Aggies out of the SEC Championship and could cost them a first round playoff bye depending on how the final week shakes out.
Georgia 16, Georgia Tech 9
Georgia Tech’s defense finally delivered in a big game, but the offense fizzled in what could have been a season-defining upset. Just weeks ago, the Yellow Jackets were viewed as a near lock for the playoff. Now they are officially out. Georgia, meanwhile, clinches a spot in the SEC Championship, and a win there would almost certainly earn the Bulldogs a playoff bye.
Boise State 25, Utah State 24
Boise State entered the week in a four way tie for the Mountain West lead and earned the right to host the conference championship through computer-generated tiebreakers. Had they lost this game, down five entering the fourth quarter, they would not have made it at all. Based on national rankings, no Mountain West team is projected to reach the playoff field, so the conference title game is the Broncos’ peak for 2025.
AP Top 25 Risers and Fallers
Risers
#3 Georgia (up 1):
Securing an SEC Championship appearance and climbing into the top three positions Georgia for a potential playoff bye if they can win in Atlanta.
#5 Texas Tech (up 2):
The top ranked Big 12 team enters conference championship week with a chance to secure a playoff bye by beating BYU.
#12 Miami (up 1):
A small jump, but significant. At 10-2, the Hurricanes are right in the mix for the final playoff spots along with Notre Dame, Alabama, and Vanderbilt.
Fallers
#7 Texas A&M (down 4):
The upset loss to Texas cost the Aggies an SEC Championship berth, a top five ranking, and possibly a playoff bye.
#18 Michigan (down 3):
A win against Ohio State could have launched the Wolverines up the board. Instead, they are officially out of the playoff picture.
Tennessee (unranked):
A season filled with brief flashes of promise ends with the Volunteers falling outside the Top 25.
Betting Strategy: Adjusting After Week 14
Conference Championship Week
The board is smaller and the teams are more familiar with one another. This is the week where matchup research matters the most. Look closely at earlier head to head meetings and injury impact.
Prime Weekend for Upsets
Teams like Duke, North Texas, and Alabama all have legitimate shots to spring surprises. North Texas’ offense in particular has the feel of a classic championship weekend wild card. Favorites rarely sweep the slate this week, so pick your spots.
Match Your Spread and O/U Bets to Conference Identity
Conference tendencies matter. The SEC historically leans toward lower scoring battles, while the AAC often gives you shootouts. Let the style of play, not just the teams, guide your decisions.
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