What’s up everyone? This weekend wasn’t too crazy, but the majority of the Top 10 survived their weekend…and that’s being subtle. Indiana, Alabama, and Oregon all survived their matchup that could’ve went against them. However, ACC Virginia and Louisville suffered losses at home. Missouri was unable to get much going against a strong Texas A&M team. Washington couldn’t handle the cold or Wisconsin’s defense and lost all opportunity for a playoff spot. In the middle of the fray, Vanderbilt survived theirs against Auburn after they fired Hugh Freeze.

The Top 3 ranked teams seem legit while the others still need to be figured out by conference championship week. However, the ACC is such a mess, and their chances of having an ACC representative in the postseason could become complicated. More to come later on if that continues.

This smoke is turning to fire, and we’re only getting into the month of November. This upcoming weekend will have far more consequences for a few teams, especially for the SEC.

12) TULANE (7-2)

In the battle of beaten-up quarterbacks, Jake Retzlaff won. He was a cannon and the Green Wave dominated before holding on to the win. Defense came through and tenderized Memphis quarterback Brenden Lewis down the stretch. That upset opened the door for AAC cohort USF and Sun Belt leader James Madison to be the Group of 5 representative. Tulane also has that opportunity with 3 weeks to go.

11) OKLAHOMA (7-2)

BYE

10) TEXAS (7-2)

BYE

9) NOTRE DAME (7-2)

The Fighting Irish sunk Navy in a heartbeat. Navy had something to prove, but not having Blake Horvath to right the ship proved to be bad. Notre Dame quarterback Chris Carr was efficient, receiver Jordan Faison used his lacrosse skills to elude some defenders, and running back Jeremiah Love had one of his incredible touchdown runs this season to break Navy defense’s spirit. Notre Dame cooks with seven straight wins.

8) OLE MISS (9-1)

Ole Miss obliberated The Citadel. Cool. They took care of their business and now move on to hosting Florida. Will there be a let up? No clue. Ask Lane Kiffin.

7) OREGON (8-1)

Oregon survives the midwestern version of Death Valley in Kinnick Stadium. It was gritty, ugly, wet, physical, but Oregon handled everything. It was old school football and coach Dan Lanning pretty much had everything under control no matter the situation.

6) TEXAS TECH (9-1)

Tech’s defense was the story of this game. They made a nightmare out of BYU with pressures, containment against the run, and forcing a couple of turnovers and miscues in Tech’s favor. After their accomplishment against the Big 12’s state of Utah, they seem like the more complete team in their conference, and maybe the nation. The only issue is quarterback stability. Behren Morton and Mitch Griffis MUST stay healthy.

5) GEORGIA (8-1)

Georgia was the better Bulldog against Mississippi State. I can’t say they were great at the beginning because it looked like another potential long day after allowing a touchdown. Since then, Bloody Tuesday arrived in time and Mississippi State couldn’t handle it. Running back Nate Frazier went off for over 150 yards rushing. I guess there’s no trap game prior to Texas.

4) ALABAMA (8-1)

LSU had multiple chances to make this a game, but the offense wasn’t good. Alabama took full advantage and controlled the game. Alabama got over one defensive team and now faces another defensive team in Oklahoma. However, the Tide’s reluctant to be at home for both of those matchups. (As an OU fan, be ready!!!🫵🏾)

3) INDIANA (10-0)

Indiana was on their heels of a potential upset that would’ve created major chaos in college football. Curt Cignetti and the Hoosiers didn’t want none of it. Indiana drove the field with so much at stake and adversity, but they pulled off a huge touchdown catch by Omar Cooper Jr. Cigs great words after that win, “Refused to Lose.” They stay undefeated and avoid major disaster.

2) TEXAS A&M (9-0)

This was a merciful end for Missouri. After being down two quarterbacks during the season, Texas A&M bled them out slowly. A&M bogged down the passing game, and the offense eventually wore down Missouri’s good defense. There was no mercy from the Aggies coming to Columbia and dominating that former Big 12 rivalry matchup.

1) OHIO STATE (9-0)

Purdue tried putting a scare into Ohio State with the first score of the game. Ohio State wasn’t fazed, they knocked them out with a kitchen sink, dragged them into the back of the shed, and continued beating them with it. They held Purdue under 200 total yards while Julian Sayin, Jeremiah Smith and company put up big numbers.

HONORABLE MENTION

OMAR COOPER JR

Have to. Omar made the biggest catch of Indiana’s entire game and season. If he didn’t, there’s no telling what the next call or situation would’ve been. Indiana fought back, Fernando Mendoza atoned for his interception throw and put the ball in the hands of his second-best trustworthy receiver. Huge deal!

WISCONSIN

They were anything but great, but they were definitely gritty like Iowa but better against Washington that had playoff hopes. Badgers defense played a great game as well. Their key to victory was time of possession, fourth down success, good discipline with only three penalties, and winning the turnover battle. Luke Fickell was already expected to be the coach next season, but the upset win may have added more time to his tenure for next season.

ACC ROAD UPSETS

Wake Forest and Cal were confident in their evening road slate against Virginia and Louisville. Cal quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, Cal coach Justin Wilcox, Wake Forest’s defense, Wake Forest’s special teams, and Wake kicker Connor Calvert all deserve credit for having a hand in upsetting their ACC’s top teams. The conference itself will have a very interesting closure to the regular season.