We have now shrugged off the pre-season guessing games and moved into the honest assessment stage of things. The season is heating up, and a fun weekend was had, even if the top-10 teams were not heavily challenged. (That comes next week.) It is also a time when injuries could become a factor, as several squads saw QB changes impact their fortunes.
Some solid matchups led to very entertaining games and surprising results. It was a week when some of the marquee schools were coasting, but other games delivered the goods. Let’s delve into the fun.
Some of the significant results:
Texas Tech 34 – Utah 10
What had been a defensive battle for half the game was transformed when the Red Raiders quarterback, Behren Morton, went down with an injury early in the 3rd quarter. He was replaced by Will Hammond, who led four scoring drives, going 13 of 16 and two touchdown strikes, adding 60 yards rushing as well.
Oklahoma 24 – Auburn 17
It was a return home of sorts for Tigers QB Jackson Arnold, who transferred from Oklahoma in the offseason, and he was not welcomed back. The Sooners pressured Arnold all game, registering 9 sacks, including a game-sealing safety after John Mateer gave the Sooners the lead with a touchdown scramble.
Memphis 32 - Arkansas 31
The Tigers managed an 18-point comeback, taking the late lead with running back Sutton Smith tearing off a 60-yard touchdown run with under five minutes to play. The Razorbacks put together a long drive and were setting up for the winning field goal inside the 5-yard line when a fumble was covered by the Tigers to lock in the upset win.
Indiana 63 – Illinois 10
In what was a contest between rising programs, the Hoosiers delivered like they played a Division-2 school. After a 7-7 tie, Indiana never looked back, as they posted 579 yards of offense gained and doubled the time of possession from the Illini.
Michigan 30 - Nebraska 27
The Wolverines managed 286 yards running, with touchdowns coming on big runs of 34, 52, and 75 yards. Nebraska strained to keep the score within reach, including a 52-yard Hail Mary to close the first half. Touted freshman QB Bryce Underwood was underwhelming with only 105 yards passing, but he managed to keep the mistakes to a minimum enough to allow the ground game to carry the game.
Ole Miss 45 – Tulane 10
The previously undefeated Green Wave struggled all day to put together significant drives as they were bested by another replacement QB. With Austin Simmons down, with an ankle injury, Trinidad Chambliss has filled in admirably. He went 17/27 for 307 yards and two touchdown throws. He was also good for 112 yards rushing with an 8-yard average.
Miami 26 - Florida 7
DJ Lagway orchestrated an impressive 80-yard touchdown drive in the 3rd quarter. The problem is that they needed to play a full game, and the rest of that time was the Gators struggling mightily. Lagway managed only 61 yards passing, with negative yards thrown in the air. The Gators managed an anemic 141 yards of total offense as they went 0/13 on 3rd down conversions. They went to halftime, managing a solitary 1st down. The Hurricanes were content to mainly run the ball, going with 44 rushing plays and three touchdowns from running backs.
The new AP top-25 sees Auburn and Utah drop off as Texas Christian and BYU move into the poll.
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