What’s up everyone! Now that we are in November, it’s time to crack my knuckles and get down to business. This last month of football should be one of the best to watch in college football history. For the first time in the playoff era (4 or 12), we have a near unrecognizable Top 25. We usually know who those consistent teams are in the polls. However, no LSU, no Penn State, no Clemson, no Florida State in their never-ending free fall despite their win yesterday. We also have no clear runaway in any conference except maybe Ohio State and Indiana respectively. The AAC’s dominating the Group of Five while Boise’s in shambles thanks to Fresno State’s win (shoutouts to fellow 559 in the Valley!!!). We also have Vanderbilt, Georgia Tech, and Virginia competing for a playoff spot at least, and Indiana is…at #2??? Welcome to the new era of College Football post-COVID and an era where NIL and the Transfer Portal taking on a level that could rival the NFL. There’s more to come this month and plenty more games that’ll cause even more shuffling in the rankings. Oh, and be sure to check out my homepage for a video of my interesting take on Miami’s November.

12) MEMPHIS (8-1)

Memphis stared Halloween in the face and said, “I won’t be a victim to the last day of Red October.” Instead, they used Rice as a sacrifice to avoid that problem. This is also their first win at Houston since 2007. They currently hold as the highest Group of Five team for a playoff spot.

11) VIRGINIA (8-1)

Virginia was on their heels a bit at Berkeley, but they held on. Quarterback Chander Morris didn’t score a touchdown of any kind, but he was determined to carry this team to victory. He also had help from 100-yard rusher J’Mari Taylor and a Pick-6 by Kam Robinson that was enough to win the game.

10) NOTRE DAME (6-2)

Notre Dame statistically dominated the game, but the miscues on ball management and completing only three third downs in 10 attempts were one of the reasons the score was what it was. But they held Boston College to 12 rushing yards and forced three turnovers while sacking B.C. quarterback Grayson James six times. After their first two losses, Notre Dame gained serious momentum and haven’t lost since.

9) TEXAS TECH (8-1)

Texas Tech trailed for a quarter before putting Kansas State on pins and needles the rest of the way. No hope, no opportunity. Even if it was there for them at home, Texas Tech made life difficult for K-State to capitalize. Quarterback Behren Morton’s return was key while running back J’Koby Williams put up huge numbers alongside Cam Dickey getting plenty of touches.

8) BYU (8-0)

BYE

7) OLE MISS (8-1)

Ole Miss came out on top, but it was such an ugly game that it could’ve gone to South Carolina if Beamer Ball took over. Luckily, future NFL back Kewan Lacy bullied the entire defense. He was hard to bring down and it looked like he was a semi-truck hauling the entire South Carolina defense to the locker room. He couldn’t be stopped!

6) OREGON (7-1)

BYE

5) GEORGIA CARDIAC DAWGS (7-1)

Georgia struggled once again, but it didn’t seem to matter when it got to the fourth quarter. To Georgia, the fourth quarter matters the most and they took advantage of it again. No matter how far down they are, they are a fourth quarter team and have won those matches on multiple occasions this season. They are indeed the “Cardiac Dawgs!”

4) ALABAMA (7-1)

BYE

3) TEXAS A&M (8-0)

BYE

2) INDIANA (9-0)

Maryland had a rare opportunity against Indiana. The early interception could’ve shaken Indiana being on the road as a ranked opponent. But alas, it didn’t last as Indiana showed no mercy since. The backfield of Kaelon Black, Roman Hemby, Khobie Martin, and quarterback Alberto Mendoza (Fernando’s younger brother) ran all over Maryland for 331 combined rushing yards to stay undefeated.

1) OHIO STATE (8-0)

I slightly sensed towards Ohio State being the first victim of November. Penn State woke up late in the second quarter. But also alas, it didn’t last once the second half started. Instead of playing with their food, Ohio State went right for the jugular with Carnell Tate and Jeremiah Smith. They put Penn State six feet under to maintain their #1 spot.

HONORABLE MENTION

NORTH TEXAS SHIRTLESS SECTION

First off, North Texas handed Navy their first loss of the season. The Mean Green are now in contention for the AAC title game. Secondly, how about that Shirtless section? They were wild and really played a part in motivating the team. It started off as a small group before growing into a huge fanfare for North Texas’s defense that was backed up in the redzone. They got it done twice and that section was the reason. I won’t be surprised if they made merch involving the shirtless section. I’ll buy one!

MISSISSIPPI STATE

Mississippi State finally won their first SEC game since defeating that same Arkansas in 2023. This was a win for Mississippi State when it looked like fans wanted coach Jeff Lebby and company ousted (which I don’t blame them). But now they must win another SEC game or two to keep Lebby’s job above water.

CHAOS IN NOVEMBER☠️

Houston, Navy, Miami (OF COURSE!!!), Boise State (Thank God!!!), Georgia Tech, Vanderbilt (I guess), Tennessee (likely playoff elimination), and Cincinnati have all fell. The surprise was Miami this past weekend, but this is November football after all. This is where football gets good and teams must lock in if they really want a postseason appearance. Play your A+ football.