First off, I was not happy with Oklahoma’s decision to bring John Mateer back a week early. That left me so upset prior and after the game. There, I said it. Secondly, Penn State’s officially eliminated. As I was about to say that team must do some soul-searching, James Franklin gets fired after an awful 3-game fallout. Never expected it to happen like that, but there was a sense somewhere it would eventually. What’s worse is quarterback Drew Allar’s likely out for the season. I said the soul-searching thing before, and coaches don’t usually last after I mention it. Also, Pudge the Cat is awesome! More on that soon! Otherwise, more upsets and thrillers happened as we carry on through Red October. Just wait until this upcoming weekend with a bevy of marquee matchups.

12) SOUTH FLORIDA (5-1)

USF had early turnovers that could’ve gone North Texas’s way. However, North Texas couldn’t stop USF to begin with. Quarterback Byrum Brown kept pounding and carving, and the defense on the other side forced three interceptions and made life difficult for the offense. USF might be the real deal amongst Group of Five teams.

11) TENNESSEE (5-1)

Tennessee was in control until the fourth quarter. Again, they were walking on eggshells that could’ve ultimately cost them. They defeated Arkansas, but it’s something they need to look back on. Despite running back DeSean Bishop and Braylon Staley having a big game and the team not allowing a sack or turnover, their defense allowed nearly 500 yards of offense and allowed seven successful third downs on 13 attempts. Defense improved in certain areas, but the rest is a problem as they go to Tuscaloosa next week.

10) GEORGIA (5-1)

That game had plenty of sus that frustrated Auburn fans, coaches, and players. It was like Among Us. Auburn fans constantly called out Georgia for being sus, but the refs didn’t believe it but thought Auburn was in the wrong. Even if Georgia was, Auburn didn’t do much to respond since the touchdown play was reversed in Georgia’s favor. They rolled on Auburn with little to no resistance. A win is a win for Georgia no matter how sus that game was. I honestly couldn’t dissect this game without it all being sus.

9) OLE MISS (6-0)

Ole Miss struggled against Wazzu for the majority of the game. Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss played alright, but Kewan Lacy carved the heck out of that defense as the game went on. Not sure if the early struggles had something to do with going to Georgia next week? Hmmm…

8) TEXAS A&M (6-0)

A&M almost took the Gator Bait in the first half, but they pulled at it and dragged the Gators out and knocked them out cold in the second half. Despite Florida having opportunities to keep up, A&M ultimately controlled the second half and ran away with it. Defense and special teams did their part to remedy the situation for the offense to work Florida down. The Aggies keep rolling as a Top 5 team, but their next three games become difficult.

7) TEXAS TECH (6-0)

Kansas really tried, but Texas Tech was still the better team. But again, Behren Morton goes down with an injury, and this one might be serious this time. That didn’t stop backup Will Hammond from helping this team dominate once again. And what about the night running back Cameron Dickey had? 21 carries for 263 yards and two touchdowns. Holy crap man!

6) ALABAMA (5-1)

Alabama survived at Columbia. It’s a tough place to play, but the boys stayed tough. Thanks to Missouri edge rusher Zion Lewis’s unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Alabama’s first possession, that brought their offense into the fray, and they barely outdueled them. Give it up to Bama’s defense for being impactful in slowing down Mizzou’s offense. Now, it’s on to Tennessee.

5) GEORGIA TECH (5-0)

Georgia Tech handled their business against Virginia Tech with ease. It was a balanced performance by both sides of the ball, and the team continues to climb the rankings without looking back. However, there are those pesky Blue Devils of Duke next.

4) OREGON (5-1)

Oregon was in a tussle with Curt Cig’s gritty Indiana team. It looked like Oregon was going to take them to the cleaners but unfortunately couldn’t. Eventually, they were bogged down and the offense struggled. Quarterback Dante Moore suffered the most with six sacks and two interceptions, including the last one that ended the game. Expect a bounce back from Oregon as they continue running the rest of the way into November.

3) MIAMI (5-0)

BYE

2) INDIANA (6-0)

Curt Cignetti and Indiana knew what to expect going into this. Being underestimated, struggling against one of the most difficult stadiums in the country, and dealing with an Oregon team that came off a big win against a “oh woe is me” Penn State. Well, Cig’s had a plan and went out there to kick the Ducks to the curb out of Autzen Stadium. Moving forward, Indiana’s schedule may have gotten a whole lot easier with how good this team is this season.

1) OHIO STATE (6-0)

Ohio State continues clobbering their opponents. It looked a bit close at first, but their defense eventually stifled Illinois and made every play and scoring opportunity so difficult. The Buckeyes should walk through their next game before their bye.

HONORABLE MENTION

PUDGE THE CAT

After watching Bowling Green’s story about Pudge on Game Day, I was this close to being a Bowling Green fan only for that live mascot. Then, came the second half after trailing 21-7 against a good Toledo team. They were resilient enough to rally and win against their rival on the day Pudge the Cat was mentioned. This is their first ever win coming back from a 21-point deficit for the first time in program history. Great win by the Falcons…AND FOR PUDGE!!!

CAMERON DICKEY

The Texas Tech power running back had a great night for himself. He carried 21 times for 263 yards and two touchdowns. He had some big runs, including a 71-yard touchdown run in the first quarter and a 55-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. He may not be in line for Heisman consideration, but this guy has NFL future written all over him. I guess it “pays” to play for a team like Texas Tech 💰💰💰