Rewind two weeks ago. The Fighting Illini were entering Buckeye territory, and it seemed that #1 Ohio State would not let anyone stop them from reaching the National Title game. In what many have regarded as a Saturday night shocker, the Illini, led by sophomore quarterback Juice Williams, took down the Buckeyes in a 28-21 victory. Dating back to 1956, Illinois had never defeated a #1 team. The victory opened up the doors for several contending teams to reach #1 and become eligible for a trip to the National Title.

That same week, the Michigan Wolverines suffered a devastating loss to the Wisconsin Badgers. Thanks to the Badgers’ fifth year quarterback, Tyler Donovan, Michigan’s eight game winning streak came to a drastic end. The loss unquestionably stifled the momentum that the team was gaining just a week before their highly-anticipated match up against rivaling Ohio State.

Michigan wasn’t the only team who had to kiss their national title dream good bye. Later that week, #2 Oregon took the hit against the unranked Arizona Wildcats. Next to suffering a tragic loss, the injury to superstar Dennis Dixon hindered the chances of the Heisman candidate. Oregon fell into the same boat as several other #2 teams, including USC, California, South Florida, and Boston College, who were not able to maintain their ranking. With little hope of Dixon returning, the Ducks could do nothing but lower their heads in dismay.

Just when the surprises seemed to end, Texas Tech stepped into the mix. Graham Harrell threw for an astounding 420 yards to lead the Red Raiders to a 34-27 victory over the Sooners. Sam Bradford, the nation’s leading passer, left the game in the first quarter after experiencing a concussion. The Red Raiders gained an advantage offensively, scoring 24 straight points after Bradford left the game. Similar to the misfortunes of Oregon, Oklahoma could not rebound after losing their star quarterback early in the game. The loss also opened up the doors for other contenders, including Ohio State, to jump back into the mix.

After more than a handful of disappointments, it became clear that the season was turning into one huge toss up between several teams. Not many knew what to expect from Week 13.

Like the old saying goes, you’re lucky if you are given a second chance. Unfortunate for the #1 LSU Tigers, they let their second chance slip away. In what many have considered the most exciting game of the season, the Arkansas Razorbacks battled the Tigers to 3 overtimes and surprisingly managed to come out on top. Darren McFadden showcased his range of skills on the field, rushing for three touchdowns and throwing for another. The Razorbacks’ victory put the Tigers’ chances of reaching the BCS championship game in doubt, and it is safe to say that LSU Coach Les Miles did not expect his team to blow their chance – again. The Tigers have already clinched the SEC West Division and will play in the championship game on December 1. However, it is evident that Tigers’ confidence has sunk a level after being defeating by the unranked Razorbacks.

It will be interesting to see how the rest of the season pans out. On Saturday, Missouri secured the #1 position with a win over Kansas. Will quarterback Chase Daniel and the Tigers get a shot in the BCS championship game? After a season filled with leaps and bounds, there is no telling what to expect.