In a thrilling weekend of college sports, Pittsburgh emerged victorious in the world of women’s volleyball, achieving the ACC automatic qualifier by defeating No. 3 Louisville. This decisive win solidified Pittsburgh’s status as a dominant team in the conference.
Furthermore, in an unexpected twist, the West Virginia University (WVU) men’s basketball team pulled off a stunning upset against the No. 3-ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs. The Mountaineers showcased impressive skill and determination, proving that they can compete at the highest level. Fans in the arena erupted in cheers as WVU secured the victory, marking a significant moment in their season.
Meanwhile, on the college football front, exciting developments are underway as the 2024-25 season gears up for its first-ever 12-team playoff format. The selection committee has been busy ranking the top 25 teams, and the latest rankings were revealed on November 26. It’s vital for fans to understand that these ranks are not the final playoff seeds. The top four ranked conference champions will receive the top seeds and byes, while the fifth will automatically qualify without a bye.
As it stands, teams like Boise State, which has only lost to top-ranked Oregon, will receive a bye into the quarterfinals, even though they are currently ranked No. 11. In a surprising twist, Arizona State, ranked No. 14, has snuck into the playoffs as the last automatic qualifier, edging out No. 12 Clemson and No. 13 Alabama.
Fans are eager for the next rankings, which will be released on December 3. The official bracket will be revealed on December 8, leading to first-round matchups at campus sites on December 20 or 21. After these games, the four quarterfinals will take place in various prestigious bowl games on December 31 and January 1. Following those exciting matchups, the semifinals will occur at either the Orange Bowl or Cotton Bowl on January 9 and 10. The season culminates with the national championship game scheduled for January 20 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
This college sports season is shaping up to be one for the books, with plenty of adrenaline-pumping action and surprising outcomes just around the corner.
