Winners, Losers In Week 13 Early Games

Nov 23, 2013; Evanston, IL, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back Jeremy Langford (33) rushes the ball during the second half against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field. Michigan State won 30-6. Mandatory Credit: Reid Compton-USA TODAY Sports

Winner: Ohio State

For the Buckeyes to make a real run at staying ahead of Baylor, they needed two things to happen: For Michigan State to continue looking like a very good team and to beat the Spartans in the Big Ten Championship Game.

Michigan State did its part on Saturday. The Spartans thrashed Northwestern, 30-6, in what could have been a tricky spot – on the road with an early kickoff.

Not only is Michigan State now respected as a good team, it is seen nationally as a threat to the Buckeyes. That’s outstanding news for an Ohio State team that needs style points against teams perceived to be strong. With Northwestern being significantly worse than expected, the Buckeyes’ long big win is a home game against a (probably) good Wisconsin team.

Then again, the Badgers’ best win by the end of today might be at a Minnesota team that might not be any good.

That’s exactly why Ohio State needs a game Michigan State team to fight its way to an 11-1 regular-season finish.

Loser: Will Muschamp

Two weeks after losing at home to Vanderbilt, the Gators lost again in The Swamp – this time to FCS team Georgia Southern, which didn’t so much as complete a pass.

Florida AD Jeremy Foley said this week that Muschamp, in his third year as Gators head coach, had “1,000 percent” confidence from the administration. Now Muschamp has losses to Vanderbilt and Georgia Southern. He needs an upset of Florida State to avoid a 4-8 season a season after leading the Gators to the Sugar Bowl.

Saturday marked the first time ever Florida lost to an FCS team.

Foley can say what he wants, but it’s getting much tougher to keep Muschamp around into the 2014 season.