College Football week 13 takeaways: Ohio State shakes things up
![COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 24: Parris Campbell #21 of the Ohio State Buckeyes outruns the tackle attempt from Khaleke Hudson #7 of the Michigan Wolverines in the second quarter at Ohio Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defeated Michigan 62-39. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 24: Parris Campbell #21 of the Ohio State Buckeyes outruns the tackle attempt from Khaleke Hudson #7 of the Michigan Wolverines in the second quarter at Ohio Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defeated Michigan 62-39. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/23638c2dfc86f2676ed91c3a13886d66f28276ee691c434051f4cfd8d703fb5b.jpg)
Notre Dame Walks Away Undefeated
A rivalry game can never truly be dismissed despite the records of each team. In the first half of the annual duel between #3 Notre Dame (12-0) and USC (5-7, 4-5 Pac-12), the Trojans looked superior despite the Fighting Irish playing with a shot in the College Football Playoff on the line.
After entering halftime down 10-7 and on the verge of a monumental upset, the Fighting Irish finally clicked on all cylinders in the second half and emerged victorious, 24-17, to close out the season with a clean, undefeated record. No conference championship means the Irish are just about a shoe-in to the CFP.
Starting quarterback Ian Book elevated the offense by himself when things looked iffy early on as he passed for 352 yards and two touchdowns. A 52-yard touchdown run by running back Dexter Williams gave Notre Dame a 14-10 lead with under 11 minutes remain in the third and the rest was history.
All eyes are on Alabama and Clemson as the favorites to be crowned National Champions by many media pundits but it is tough to completely overlook Notre Dame. Much doubt was casted upon Book prior to the season but it is fair to say that the Irish are in this picture thanks to his great play this season.