Ranked teams were challenged this past weekend, and it made for some intense games where upsets would’ve been huge. Meanwhile, some Group of Five schools took the 12-team playoff era seriously. After Northern Illinois and Boise State rose up, UNLV, Memphis, Toledo, and Coastal Carolina followed. It’s still a long season for the Group of Five schools, but a few that survived the Power 4 schedule have a strong chance of completing their conference season with a postseason opportunity.

12) UNLV

The Rebels become the highest Group of Five team in CFP contention with nine games and maybe a conference championship to go. Defense stepped up in the second half and allowed only three points. Quarterback Matthew Sluka became the hero for Vegas with his legs when the passing game didn’t work. If he can work that part out, the Rebels could be a major threat in the Mountain West and the rest of the Group of Five conferences.

11) UTAH

For the first time in about seven seasons, no Cam Rising…NO PROBLEM!!! Backup quarterback Isaac Wilson (coincidentally Zach Wilson’s younger brother just miles north of his old school at BYU) debuted well for 239 yards and three touchdowns. Also coincidentally, they defeated Utah State’s quarterback Bryson Barnes, former backup/starting quarterback at Utah. If Wilson continues in a positive direction, Utah may finally have stability at quarterback before Rising returns.

10) OREGON

Oregon finally woke up and stomped the Beavers in a former Pac-12 rivalry matchup. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel, running back Jordan James, and receiver Tez Johnson carved the Beavers’ defense while the Ducks’ defense, led by Bryce Boettcher, held the offense to no touchdowns in the second half. Maybe a rivalry matchup was the spark the Ducks needed to play dominant football.

9) PENN STATE

Penn State’s on a bye week before facing Kent State, Illinois, and UCLA in a 3-game home stand.

8) USC

USC’s on a bye before facing four of the most physical teams in the Big Ten in Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Penn State. They must enjoy their break and seriously gameplan for an uphill battle.

7) OLE MISS

Ole Miss clobbers Wake Forest on the road, including Juice Wells one-hander in the endzone. The rest of their September should be fairly simple as long as Kentucky doesn’t blindside them.

6) ALABAMA

This was potentially a trap game until Bama took out Wisconsin’s starting quarterback. After that, it was smooth sailing for Jalen Milroe and the gang as they “jumped around” Camp Randall the rest of the game. After their bye, they host a gauntlet matchup with Georgia.

5) MIAMI

Miami overcame an early weather delay and still blanked Ball State. Their next meeting is at South Florida. As long as they don’t fall for the trap that Bama nearly did last year, the Canes should be fine.

4) TENNESSEE

Tennessee continues running through their early schedule. Next up is supposedly one of the better defenses in the SEC and the country in Oklahoma. Cannot wait to watch that matchup!

3) OHIO STATE

Ohio State’s on a bye before hosting Marshall and traveling to Michigan State the following week.

2) GEORGIA

Georgia was in a 60-minute defensive battle with Kentucky. The offense had some miscues and struggles but managed to put up one touchdown and two field goals to escape Lexington. However, they didn’t leave unscathed with quarterback Carson Beck who had a minor injury during the game. Luckily, the team has a bye before their gauntlet matchup with Alabama.

1) TEXAS

Texas didn’t seem worried about their quarterback situation. Quinn Ewers was hurt and out for the rest of the game, but Arch Manning stepped in and played at a high level. He didn’t blink while netting 223 yards for four touchdowns, including his 67-yard touchdown run. It was only UTSA, but he was a freak of nature. Let’s not talk quarterback controversy just yet.

HONORABLE MENTION

ARIZONA STATE

It’s still early, but the Sun Devils overcame obstacles from school violations in the past to potentially finishing last place in the Big 12 as newcomers. They’re currently 3-0!!! The team defeated their first ever legitimate SEC team in Mississippi State (Oklahoma and Missouri aren’t included). Then followed up with a big win at San Marcos over potential CFP cinderella, Texas State. The kid to watch out for is workhorse, bruiser running back Cam Skattebo. He’s fun to watch grinding out defenses. While he’s potentially a late to an undrafted player, he’s worth a look for an NFL team.

MEMPHIS

The Tigers held their own at Tallahassee. While the Seminoles’ offense may have found some identity, Memphis’s defense didn’t waiver and kept them in check. While they handled their business, quarterback Seth Henigan and company carved out Florida State’s defense for the majority of the game. That victory will go a long way when competing for the CFP as a Group of Five representative.

MOST DISAPPOINTED

PAT MCAFEE

Love the show and everything about it. He’s one of my favorite college football and NFL players and personality people of all time. But don’t try hyping me with that West Virginia BS. Now, if they fare well against Big 12 opponents, then I’ll understand it. Otherwise, nah. They’re overrated by his word of mouth lol

FLORIDA STATE

0-3 for the first time since Mike Norvell’s second season with the Seminoles. But losing to his former team that he used to coach for is definitely bad from the Florida State front office’s perspective. While Memphis was the better team, FSU had high expectations for a revenge tour and it’s not going well. The offense may have found some sort of identity, but their playoff opportunity is looking really, really slim.

OKLAHOMA

I had to pray for God and the Sooner defense to save us. It all worked out and quarterback Jackson Arnold carried the offense to the end. For anyone that’s aiming at Arnold, leave him alone. The offense was bad because of the entire new offensive line. What’s worse is that some suffered injuries, penalties and more. It’s an eye and ear sore, and a pain as a Sooner fan. Hopefully the team has some sort of plan to get after Tennessee because this is the defense’s toughest assignment and Jackson Arnold needs help from the rest of his offense. Please help!!!!