Conference play continued throughout college football and several big games helped set the stage for the championship games. No. 6 Tennessee came out of the matchup against No. 15 Oklahoma as a clear contender in the SEC. No. 18 Michigan showed No. 11 USC still has work to do to reach championship status.
Across the board, several competitive games got out of hand. TCU’s contest against SMU ended in a high-scoring loss and surrender to the Iron Skillet for the foreseeable future. South Alabama eliminated Sun Belt foe Appalachian State during the week. However, the biggest surprise of the week came at South Carolina State in a key ACC game.
Here are the biggest winners and losers in college football for Week 4.
Rumors of Clemson’s demise have been greatly exaggerated. Since losing to Georgia in Week 1, the Tigers have won their last two games against NC State and Appalachian State by a combined 125-55, including a dominant 59-35 victory over The Wolfpack was even closer. .
Perhaps the biggest reason for excitement is Clemson’s wide receiver situation, which has been a major problem during the Tigers’ slump. Against NC State, it was Adam Randall and Antonio Williams who combined for eight catches and three touchdowns in the hands of Cade Klubnik. A week before that, it was freshman Bryant Wesco who put together a 100-yard career in his second career game.
The Tigers have maintained their impressive defensive position during a slight slump, but the offense is slowly improving. If these gains hold, suddenly the Tigers are a big part of the ACC title race.
One of the strangest events in years occurred after North Carolina’s shocking 70-50 loss against James Madison when coach Mack Brown reportedly offered to quit “in front of his team” if it it was a problem. Admittedly, the speech seemed like a rousing move from a professional, but the surprise only underscores what kind of day it was for the Tar Heels.
James Madison dropped 53 points in the first half alone against first-year defensive coordinator Geoff Collins. The Dukes scored on a blocked punt, pick six and five touchdowns from quarterback Alonza Barnett III. It was a complete meltdown from the Tar Heels in every aspect of the game.
North Carolina started the season with a solid win over Minnesota to start the game 3-0, but the meat of the schedule is still ahead. Unlike previous seasons, there is no quarterback prospect on the list to close the holes. Brown, 73, has insisted he’s in no rush to step down, but the post’s shocking comments will make things even more difficult.
Source: Michigan
The Wolverines were relegated after a home loss to No. 1 Texas in Week 2, but Michigan proved they are still a force to be reckoned with. Michigan played No. 11 USC in the first Big Ten final, and showed the Trojans what it means to play in this conference. The Wolverines converted a fourth-and-goal from the one-yard line with less than a minute remaining to completely change their place in the Big Ten schedule and return to the national stage. Quarterback Alex Orji didn’t do much, only throwing for 32 yards, but the lack of mistakes and the threat of the quarterback’s run opened the door for Kalel Mullings to celebrate. The Wolverines have a game plan against the middle of the Big Ten and should be taken seriously as a top 15 team. Turns out Texas is going to Ann Arbor and beating Michigan said a lot about Texas more than the Wolverines.
Oklahoma made a bold move in the offseason by letting Dillon Gabriel walk in hopes of handing the keys to former five-star recruit Jackson Arnold. Denton (Texas) product Guyer was a big plus for the Sooners, the No. 1 player. 1 prospect in the state of Texas and the 10th overall prospect in the country. He was the man charged with leading Oklahoma to the SEC.
It took less than half the time.
Arnold was benched during the first half of a 25-15 loss in the home opener to No. 6 Tennessee. Backup Michael Hawkins, a true freshman, was put on the line and the Sooners’ offense opened up as a result. Hawkins led the team with 132 yards passing and 22 rushing yards. He also led 12 key scoring drives to get the Sooners back into contention.
It is true that many problems are not Arnold’s fault. Oklahoma’s offensive line is a disaster and the receivers have little help. There is no running game to speak of, and Tennessee boasts a top defensive line. However, Brent Venables said after the game that OU will evaluate its quarterback position moving forward. There is no doubt that that was not part of the plan for the year.
Winner: Race Team Five
Who would have known that the expanded College Football Playoff would create the largest division in college football. The run to a fifth conference championship in the CFP has been off the charts so far. On Saturday, No. 23 Northern Illinois lost to Buffalo in overtime, essentially eliminating the Huskies. Toledo lost to Western Kentucky. South Alabama recognized the Appalachian State. Each week, the racing game changes dramatically and new competitors are added to the mix. As top contenders drop, there will be more opportunity for downstream competitors to force their way into contention.
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Loser: Bluebonnett Battle
Baylor and TCU had great chances to turn their seasons around in Week 4. Instead, both programs endured one of the biggest upsets ever. of football in recent years.
TCU allowed 66 points to SMU, but somehow it wasn’t about defense. In fact, the Frogs held the Mustangs to just 375 yards. What is the issue? SMU gave up a lot of points, a pick six and a punt return for a touchdown in the first half alone. Later, a fumble recovered at the 1-yard line added another score. TCU coach Sonny Dykes — former SMU coach — was ejected from the game. It was a complete smash in every aspect and ensured that the Ponies would last in the Iron Skillet for years to come.
Not to be missed, Baylor fell from the jaws of victory in a shocking 38-31 loss to Colorado. The Bears had the ball at the seven with just over three minutes remaining, but a play call helped set up a 43-yard Colorado Hail Mary to force overtime. Coaching mistakes were a killer for Dave Aranda and his staff, and now they bring real doubts about whether the Bears can make a bowl game and keep his job.
The Owls were down by seven points with seconds to go at halftime until coach Stan Drayton made a crazy decision. Temple decided to go for a 64-yard field goal with transfer kicker Maddux Trujillo. The seniors have played well in recent weeks — they even hit a 54-yarder against Coastal Carolina — but the 64-year-old was one for the record books. Trujillo snapped the streak, the longest in an FBS football game since 2008, and Temple used a 28-8 run to upset the Aggies 45-29 in Philly for the victory. the Owls’ first this season. Temple was not guaranteed to be favored in any of the upcoming games, but the win puts the Owls in the meat of the schedule.
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