There may be a lot at stake in Week 13 in faculty soccer. Some groups (Arizona State and BYU) are combating for his or her playoff lives, whereas one other (Indiana) is making an attempt to dispel the doubters.
The sector for the Faculty Soccer Playoff has narrowed. Per ESPN’s Playoff Predictor, solely 15 groups have a 30% probability or higher to qualify for the 12-team CFP.
Ahead of Week 13, here are the most important people in the sport.
Carson Hinzman | Ohio State center
Hinzman will make his first start at center this season after Ohio State starter Seth McLaughlin suffered a season-ending Achilles injury. Hinzman isn’t new to the position — he started 12 games at center in 2023 — but he steps in for a crucial game.
On Saturday, No. 2 Ohio State (9-1) hosts No. 5 Indiana (10-0) in a game that will potentially decide which team faces No. 1 Oregon in the Big Ten title game. Hinzman has been starting at left guard and his move to center shakes up the OSU offensive line.
“Every year as an offensive lineman you grow, you change, you learn, and he’ll be ready this weekend,” Ohio State head coach Ryan Day mentioned at a information convention.
Notre Dame defensive position
The sixth-ranked Irish (9-1) are going through No. 19 Military (9-0) in a sport filled with intrigue. The ND defensive position will probably be examined like by no means earlier than as Military’s floor sport is its key to success. The Black Knights common 334.9 dashing yards per sport and are second within the nation with a median time of possession of 34 minutes.
The Irish, who haven’t misplaced to Military since 1958, should restrict lengthy, grueling drives and maintain their offense on the sector as a lot as potential. It begins on the road.
DJ Lagway | Florida quarterback
Regardless of a rollercoaster trip this season, Florida (5-5) can nonetheless end on a excessive notice. The Gators are one win away from bowl eligibility and might play CFP spoiler at house gainst No. 9 Ole Miss (8-2) on Saturday.
Florida will go so far as Lagway can take them. The twin-threat quarterback engineered an upset win over LSU final week, impressing Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin.
“I do not assume I’ve ever seen a staff play so otherwise based mostly on a quarterback,” Kiffin said on Monday regarding Florida. “Normally it simply impacts the offense, however it appears to be like prefer it’s affected the entire staff. Offers their staff hope.”
Sam Leavitt | Arizona State quarterback
Leavitt’s current play is a giant purpose why No. 21 Arizona State (8-2) remains to be within the CFP image. He has 9 landing passes and no interceptions up to now three video games. Because the Solar Devils prepare for a large house showdown in opposition to No. 14 BYU (9-1), Leavitt wants one other clear sport to maintain ASU’s hopes alive.
Indiana offensive line
The Hoosiers offensive line has performed solidly this season. IU has allowed solely 11 sacks, however it has but to face a protection pretty much as good as Ohio State’s. The Buckeyes permit solely 10.3 factors per sport and their 30 sacks are essentially the most of any opponent IU has confronted.
The Faculty Soccer Playoff committee
This week has the potential to create seismic shifts within the 12-team playoff. Some questions the committee might want to deal with: If Indiana will get blown out by Ohio State, how far will it fall within the rankings? If Notre Dame loses to Military, are the Irish out of the playoff? Is the Large 12 a one-bid league?
Quinshon Judkins | Ohio State operating again
Judkins already had a tall job Saturday. The Indiana protection leads the nation in rush yards allowed at 72.2 per sport. However now the Buckeyes have a revamped offensive line that provides one other problem.
Judkins likes what he sees thus far in follow from the road.
“These guys are able to step up, man, and simply the depth they’ve introduced all week since all the things has occurred … reveals they’re able to go,” Judkins told reporters Wednesday.
Shedeur Sanders | Colorado quarterback
Sanders has the Colorado offense buzzing. Since shedding to Kansas State Oct. 28, the Buffs (8-2) have gained 4 in a row and Sanders has accomplished 73% of his passes throughout that stretch. He’ll want one other standout efficiency in opposition to a Kansas (4-6) staff that is taking part in its greatest ball of the season.
BYU offense
The Cougars offense has sputtered the previous two video games. BYU scored 34-plus factors in six straight video games however has been held to 22 or much less up to now two. With an opportunity to advance to the Large 12 Championship sport, BYU should discover its groove in opposition to Arizona State or danger seeing its CFP desires slip away.
Curt Cignetti | Indiana head coach
Cignetti, recognized for his bold pronouncements, has been a magician on the sidelines, turning round a program that went 9-27 the earlier three seasons. Now comes his hardest take a look at. His teaching and choice making will probably be on full show as IU performs at Ohio State. He has a implausible alternative to again up his speak.
“They have been ravenous for achievement,” he mentioned, per ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg about Hoosiers football fans.
If Indiana — a 10.5-point underdog, per BetGM as of Friday — beats Ohio State, he’ll make true believers of all Hoosiers followers.
