Let the Chaos Begin: College football gets turned on its head in Week 7
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FINAL THOUGHTS FROM WEEK 7
Zero ranked matchups didn't mean zero interesting games. There wasn't a single game this weekend that featured two ranked teams, but that didn't limit the excitement. Four top ten teams lost to unranked opponents. #2 Clemson lost to Syracuse and #8 Washington State lost to Cal on Friday, while #5 Washington lost to Arizona State and #10 Auburn lost to LSU on Saturday. With four top ten teams losing, there were plenty of changes to the AP top ten, and had significant implications for college football going forward (see next thought).
Clemson's loss means (almost) no one is safe. We are now down to just eight undefeated teams, and that number will decrease more by the end of the season. Clemson appeared to be unbeatable this year, but the Tigers were exposed by Syracuse, making everyone rethink their opinions on who's the best, including myself. You could make the argument that Alabama will be fine, but I wouldn't be so sure with Georgia right behind them.
The Sun Belt is a nine team race. I guess no one wants to win this conference, as every team has at least two losses. Troy and Appalachian State were the frontrunners coming into the year, but confusing losses and surprising upsets have given numerous teams hope for the end of the year. Three teams are undefeated in conference play, but don't expect any clarity for a while.
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
AJ Dillon, RB, Boston College-He wins player of the week for playing a large role in the Eagles upset win over Louisville. Dillon rushed for 272 yards and four touchdowns. Sealing his player of the week win was this nasty stiff arm, so it's safe to say that no one else really deserved to be here.
GAMES OF THE WEEK
Despite being outgained by 200 yards, Georgia Tech was up and the weather was beginning to change. Miami had to work through rain for the game-winning field goal, giving them their second comeback in as many weeks. Even without star running back Mark Walton, the Hurricanes running game didn't appear to take a step back with Travis Homer. The sophomore rushed 20 times for 170 yards and a huge touchdown in the fourth quarter. For Georgia Tech, it's their second heartbreaking loss of the season. Even with their offensive struggles, the Yellow Jackets were in position to win, but couldn't quite pull through in the end.
Focus of the week for Texas: how to guard a tight end. The Longhorns scored to go up 24-23 with 8:01 left in the fourth quarter, but allowed Oklahoma to respond quickly by leaving tight end Mark Andrews wide open. Andrews took a Baker Mayfield pass 59 yards for the go ahead score just 1:08 after Texas went ahead. After that, Texas didn't look the same, and Oklahoma added its second consecutive Red River Rivalry win. Texas continues to show that they are improved, but can't quite put things together to get a big win. They had their chances against USC, and now against Oklahoma, but they can't overcome the final hurdle quite yet.
What. A. Game. North Texas quarterback Mason Fine connected with Rico Bussey Jr. for the go ahead score with just 10 seconds left in the game. Fine was absolutely obliterated on the play, and had to be helped off the field, but showed his toughness by getting the ball out. North Texas and UTSA both were expected to be potential dark horses in the Conference USA this season, and both teams did not disappoint. UTSA under Frank Wilson is headed in a great direction, and the Mean Green under Mason Fine are showing their explosiveness on offense. North Texas continues to control their own destiny in the conference, but UTSA will need help now that they've started conference play 0-2.
For those who were still wondering, Boise State can still play defense. And they do it well. The Broncos held San Diego State running back Rashaad Penny to just 53 yards rushing for the game, and force Christian Chapman to beat them passing. A 21-0 lead to begin the game proved to be too much for the Aztecs, who were considered the best Group of 5 team up until this point. With just two remaining undefeated teams in the Group of 5, meaning that the race to represent these conferences in a New Year's bowl game is just beginning to heat up.
