Shocking Upsets Ahead: Which Power Conference Champion Could Face Total Collapse?

The Big 12 conference landscape became clearer after the No. 11 BYU Cougars secured a crucial 26-14 victory against Cincinnati on Saturday night. This win not only solidified BYU's position but also eliminated Cincinnati from contention for the conference title, emphasizing the high stakes as teams head into the final weekend of the regular season.

Had BYU lost, the chaos could have created a four-way tie for second place in the conference, trailing Texas Tech. Instead, three teams remain in the hunt for the coveted spot at the top, making the upcoming games even more critical.

Cincinnati's struggles were evident throughout the match. Their kicker, Stephen Rusnak, who has been reliable this season with a 23-of-24 record on field goals, faltered under pressure, missing three attempts. This series of misses proved costly and marked a turning point for the Bearcats, who now find themselves with three conference losses and in a tailspin after a promising start.

As we approach the final weekend of the 2025 regular season, the scenarios within the other major conferences are also taking shape. Here’s a closer look at the standings and potential matchups in some of the key races:

Conference Showdowns

ACC: The likely matchup in the ACC title game is shaping up to be Virginia vs. SMU. Both teams secured their spots with victories, thanks in part to Georgia Tech's loss to Pitt. The Cavaliers will face Virginia Tech in their final game, while SMU will take on Cal. Even with a possible three-way tie looming, Virginia and SMU are poised to represent the conference.

American: In the American conference, Tulane appears set to clash with North Texas. If Navy defeats Memphis and Tulane bests Charlotte, Tulane, being the highest-ranked team, will advance to the title game. A loss for either Navy or North Texas, however, could complicate matters, potentially creating a four-team tiebreaker scenario.

Big 12: As mentioned, the most likely final matchup sees BYU squaring off against Texas Tech. The Red Raiders will face West Virginia, while BYU hosts UCF, with victories for both teams ensuring their place in the title game. However, Texas Tech's path is precarious; a loss to the Mountaineers could see them miss out if BYU wins and Arizona State overcomes Arizona.

Big Ten: Over in the Big Ten, Ohio State is set to meet Indiana, provided both secure victories against Michigan and Purdue, respectively. Indiana is in a strong position given their odds against Purdue. A win by Oregon against Washington would complicate matters for them, requiring a Michigan win to keep their title hopes alive.

SEC: The SEC title game is on the horizon, with Texas A&M likely to face Alabama. If A&M can conquer Texas, they will clinch a spot in the SEC championship. Alabama needs to defeat Auburn to secure their place. However, if A&M stumbles, they will need assistance from other games to maintain their shot at the championship.

Winners and Losers of the Week

The weekend was not without its notable performances. TCU emerged victorious by ending Houston's hopes in a nail-biting 17-14 game, despite quarterback Jake Hoover throwing three interceptions. James Madison kept their playoff aspirations alive with a 24-20 win over Washington State, but they will need a chaotic finish in the American conference to secure a playoff berth.

On the flip side, Syracuse faced a historical defeat, suffering a 70-7 loss against Notre Dame, marking one of the worst losses in their 100-year history. Similarly, Kansas State let a 12-point lead slip away in the closing moments of their game against Utah, ultimately losing 51-47, putting their bowl eligibility in jeopardy.

Baylor's situation is also precarious after they fell 41-17 to Arizona, compounding a difficult season for the Bears. Kansas joins the group as well, needing a victory in their final game to reach bowl eligibility.

As the regular season draws to a close, the implications of these results will resonate through the postseason, where teams will seek to solidify their legacies and make a push for the College Football Playoff. With scenarios shifting rapidly, fans should brace for an electrifying conclusion to the season.