This week in college football was exhilarating, showcasing thrilling games that were not featured on ABC or ESPN. Here are 20 final thoughts from a captivating Week 11.
After a century of struggle, Indiana football is now on a winning streak that seems unbreakable. During a tense away game, the Hoosiers found themselves down by four points with just 1:30 left on the clock and no timeouts, starting a drive from their own 13-yard line following a sack of their star quarterback, Fernando Mendoza. Just when it appeared that an unbeaten Indiana team would face heartbreak at the hands of a wounded Penn State, Mendoza rose to the challenge, leading his team to victory with a stunning 87-yard drive that culminated in a back-of-the-end zone touchdown catch by Omar Cooper Jr.. This thrilling 27-24 win keeps Indiana undefeated at 10-0 and places them second in the College Football Playoff rankings, just two wins away from a potential conference championship showdown against top-ranked Ohio State.
In the wake of his game-winning performance, Mendoza has solidified his position as a frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy. His clutch plays, including a memorable 49-yard touchdown pass against Iowa earlier this season, have propelled him to the top of the list of candidates vying for this prestigious award. The Hoosiers are now on the verge of making history in the Big Ten, with their eyes set on a possible intraconference 1-versus-2 clash reminiscent of the legendary 2006 Ohio State-Michigan game.
No. 9 Oregon, led by quarterback Dante Moore, displayed resilience in the face of challenging weather conditions and the history of upsets at Iowa's Kinnick Stadium. Despite trailing late in the game, Moore connected with Malik Benson for a pivotal completion that set up a game-winning field goal by Atticus Sappington. With their record now at 8-1, Oregon's chances of returning to the College Football Playoff are looking brighter, even as they face formidable opponents in USC and Washington.
Ranked No. 8, Texas Tech is demonstrating that they are the team to beat in the Big 12. With a robust roster valued at $25 million, they showcased their strength by defeating undefeated BYU 29-7. The Red Raiders’ defense, spearheaded by linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, consistently pressured quarterback Bear Bachmeier, leading to a dominant performance. As Texas Tech improves to 9-1, their chances of making a Playoff run become increasingly more plausible.
While Mendoza and Ohio State's Julian Sayin are heating up in the Heisman race, Diego Pavia of Vanderbilt should not be overlooked. The Commodores, now ranked 16th with an 8-2 record, triumphed in a thrilling overtime win against Auburn. Pavia's impressive stats included 377 passing yards and four total touchdowns, showcasing his vital role in keeping Vanderbilt in the College Football Playoff conversation.
The LSU football program faced a challenging game against Alabama, with interim coach Frank Wilson struggling to find success. The Tide's defense dominated throughout, leading to a 20-9 victory. Freshman receiver Lotzeir Brooks emerged as a key player for Alabama, catching a critical touchdown pass that helped secure their win.
No. 22 Missouri has faced a season marred by injuries, losing their top two quarterbacks. In a matchup against No. 3 Texas A&M, they struggled against a formidable defense, resulting in a 38-17 loss. Texas A&M's successful run has them undefeated at 9-0, marking a significant turnaround for the program.
No. 5 Georgia showcased their strength with a decisive 41-21 victory over Mississippi State. The Bulldogs amassed 303 rushing yards, with quarterback Gunner Stockton throwing for three touchdowns. As Georgia continues to fight for a spot in the College Football Playoff, their next game against No. 11 Texas looms large.
The top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes demonstrated their offensive prowess with a commanding 34-10 victory over Purdue. While much of the focus was on Sayin and receiver Jeremiah Smith, the Buckeyes will need to enhance their running game as they prepare for their upcoming games.
After a slow start to the season, No. 10 Notre Dame has rallied with seven consecutive wins. Running back Jeremiyah Love has been a standout performer, tying for the national lead with 16 touchdowns. As the Irish prepare for a crucial matchup against No. 24 Pitt, their playoff aspirations remain alive.
The ACC standings are in disarray after No. 14 Virginia suffered its first conference loss against Wake Forest. The Cavaliers are still in a strong position to reach Charlotte, but the overall landscape of the conference remains unpredictable.
In an exciting overtime battle, Cal stunned No. 15 Louisville, sealing a 29-26 victory. Freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele led the charge with an impressive performance, while the Cardinals face a tough road ahead in the ACC.
Under the leadership of Jim Mora, UConn has transformed from a struggling program to a bowl contender, defeating Duke 37-34. This resurgence is a testament to Mora's coaching ability, and he could be a hot name in coaching searches come November.
Florida State's disappointing season reached a new low as they fell to Clemson, dropping their record to 1-5 in the ACC. Athletic director Michael Alford has publicly supported coach Mike Norvell, hoping to avoid paying a hefty buyout.
Despite a tumultuous season, Wisconsin managed to break a 10-game conference losing streak by defeating No. 23 Washington. With a fourth-string quarterback leading the charge, the Badgers are looking to salvage their season.
After a disappointing loss to Tulane, Memphis's chances for a Group of 5 playoff spot have dwindled. Head coach Ryan Silverfield has seen his team struggle despite a strong record in previous seasons.
USF is back in the conversation after a dominant 55-23 victory over UTSA. The Bulls, now 7-2, have demonstrated their potential and should be recognized in the rankings.
No. 19 USC remains competitive in the College Football Playoff race after a decisive win against Northwestern. The Trojans are poised for a critical matchup against No. 9 Oregon, which could determine their playoff fate.
Colorado's season has taken a downturn, culminating in a loss to West Virginia. Coach Deion Sanders faces mounting pressure amidst a series of setbacks, raising questions about his future with the program.
Once a strong competitor, Oregon State's football program has hit rock bottom, losing to winless Sam Houston. This defeat marks a significant decline for a team that once had a storied history, sending shockwaves through their fanbase.
As the season progresses, the landscape of college football continues to evolve, with thrilling matchups and surprising outcomes. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as teams vie for playoff positions!
