This was set to be one of the most competitive weekends in college ball with many strong matchups, but it became even more upsetting to the poll than probably envisioned. Overtime games were prevalent, upsets were seen, and no fewer than four of the top-10 schools lost.
As a result, the talk about who has been affected regarding the playoffs begins, and who has the chance at recovering their season. The two big games delivered on promises, and other contests also brought the drama and excitement. Let’s take a look at the highlights.
Oregon 30 – Penn State 24 (2OT)
The first half of this anticipated battle was a snooze. The first touchdown was not scored until near the end of the 3rd quarter. Eventually, the teams realized they were allowed to score, with the Ducks opening up a 14-point lead. James Franklin’s frustration in big games is extended as the Nittany Lions had an opportunity in double overtime after stopping Oregon’s 2-point conversion, but then the only turnover of the game was when Drew Allar was picked off to seal the win.
Alabama 24 – Georgia 21
While many were ready to count out Alabama, the Crimson Tide reasserted itself with an impressive win in Athens. After opening up a 14-point lead, the Tide were largely outplayed for a couple of quarters as Georgia climbed back in. A touchdown late in the 3rd drew the Bulldogs to within three, but Kirby Smart gambled on a 4th-and-short in the red zone rather than kicking for a tie, and they were stopped. This hands Georgia its first home loss in 6 years, ending a 33-game streak.
Ole Miss 24 – LSU 19
It might be fair to say that LSU has become exposed as the defense continues struggling and their offense continues to show signs of problems for the Tigers. The Rebels put together three touchdown drives of 70 yards as replacement QB Trinidad Chambliss continues to impress, going 23/39 with 314 yards and a touchdown, with another 71 yards rushing. LSU only has the rollover game against Southeastern Louisiana where it has scored more than 24 points.
Virginia 46 – FSU 38 (2OT)
Another overtime thriller saw the surging Seminoles shocked as Virginia rode on the shoulders of Chandler Morris. The QB had three rushing touchdowns and two more passing, and it was all needed. The Seminoles had to battle back all game and forced the tie with a 4th down touchdown strike with under a minute to play. A failed 2-point conversion in the second overtime led to an instant field storm at Scott Stadium.
Texas A&M 16 – Auburn 10
In a game that was a slog to watch, the Aggies were intent on challenging themselves, racking up 13 penalties for 119 yards. Auburn was no better as the offense bordered on the inept. Their lone touchdown in the 4th was set up by a long interception that went for 72 yards to the 2-yard line; that lone play outgained the entire offense at that point. The Tigers were 0/13 on third down conversions and 0/2 on 4th downs.
Tennessee 41 - Mississippi State 34 (OT)
The upstart Bulldogs continue to raise interest as they pushed the Volunteers to the edge all game with seven lead changes. Fluff Bothwell ran for 134 yards and two scores for Mississippi State, as Jose Aguillar was solid for Tennessee, throwing for 335 yards and a passing and running touchdown. The difference was a DeSean Bishop touchdown run on the first play in overtime as the Rebels were then kept out of the end zone.
The AP Top 25
The new AP top-25 sees Virginia entering the poll and Arizona State returning, as TCU and USC fall off.
- Ohio State
- Oregon
- Miami
- Ole Miss
- Oklahoma
- Texas A&M
- Penn State
- Indiana
- Texas
- Alabama
- Texas Tech
- Georgia
- LSU
- Iowa State
- Tennessee
- Vanderbilt
- Georgia Tech
- Florida State
- Missouri
- Michigan
- Notre Dame
- Illinois
- BYU
- Virginia
- Arizona State
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