College football never fails to surprise and entertain, which is why fans eagerly anticipate the excitement of Saturdays. Week 4 was no exception, featuring everything from shocking blowouts in Bloomington to nail-biting finishes in Norman. Every Sunday, I will provide my biggest takeaways from the weekend’s action, highlighting the most compelling storylines, tracking College Football Playoff contenders, and recognizing individual and team performances that deserve attention.
The recent performance of the Oklahoma State Cowboys raises serious questions about head coach Mike Gundy's future. Following a staggering 66-point loss to Oregon two weeks ago, the team's 19-12 defeat at home against a struggling 1-2 Tulsa team is simply unacceptable. This dismal showing feels like the beginning of the end for Gundy, who has spent 21 seasons in Stillwater, becoming the winningest coach in the program's history. However, the lack of progress after a disappointing 3-9 season last year suggests that it might be time for the athletic department to consider a significant change. Gundy's restructured contract and staff overhaul have not yielded the desired results, and it may be time for a new voice to lead the program into a new era of college football.
The Clemson Tigers experienced a dramatic collapse in their 34-21 loss to Syracuse, surrendering a staggering 443 total yards. This defeat marks the first time in the Dabo Swinney era that Clemson has started a season 1-3, leaving the head coach visibly shaken in his postgame remarks. The swift turn of the fanbase's support after years of success, including multiple national championships and 181 wins, reflects the demanding nature of college football. Adapting is crucial in this ever-evolving landscape, and while Swinney has made some moves in the transfer portal to retain top talent, something seems amiss. Whether it's the scheme, game planning, or the absence of Brent Venables' defensive prowess, Clemson faces a long, challenging season ahead, reminiscent of last year's struggles for Florida State.
Indiana football showcased its potential on Saturday night with a resounding victory over then-No. 9 Illinois, making a statement to all critics who claimed the Hoosiers could only defeat unranked teams. Under head coach Curt Cignetti, Indiana demonstrated both offensive prowess and a tenacious defense, signaling that they are a legitimate contender in the Big Ten. While the media has focused on potential surprise teams for this season, Indiana's consistent performance has been somewhat overlooked. With a more challenging schedule ahead, the Hoosiers are proving they can compete at a high level, and their presence in the College Football Playoff picture is becoming increasingly likely. Additionally, quarterback Fernando Mendoza is officially in the running for the prestigious Heisman Trophy.
Texas Tech's investment in its football program this offseason is paying off, as evidenced by their impressive performance against Utah. With significant financial backing, head coach Joey McGuire has assembled a talented roster, leading to a convincing victory and a strong showing from backup quarterback Will Hammond. Although the game had its ugly moments, the win solidifies Texas Tech's position as a formidable contender in the Big 12. With the possibility of avoiding a matchup with Iowa State until the Big 12 title game, the Red Raiders are in a prime position to secure a spot in the College Football Playoff this year.
While it may not be a shocker, it’s important to highlight that the representative from the Group of 6 in the College Football Playoff is likely to come from the American conference. Teams like USF, with impressive wins over Florida and Boise State, Tulane, who triumphed over Duke and Northwestern, and Memphis, which secured a victory against Arkansas, are leading the charge. No other Group of 6 conference can boast such a strong collection of non-conference wins, suggesting that the American champion will be ranked higher than their counterparts from other conferences. As the season progresses, the American race promises to be thrilling, proving to be a deeper league than initially anticipated.
