We got a nine-overtime thriller in Happy Valley and more fun storylines. Here's what seized the day and what snoozed all day.
Winner: Wake Forest: Sam Hartman had a monster day for the Demon Deacons. He led the charge, throwing for 458 yards and five touchdowns. For Wake Forest, they had two receivers over 100 yards as well. With Jaquiril Roberson (eight receptions, 157 yards, three touchdowns) and A.T. Perry (six receptions, 146 yards, one touchdown) having monster days, the No. 16 Demon Deacons won in a shootout against Army, 70-56. Wake Forest has a favorable schedule ahead of them, with home games against Duke and NC State and road games against a weakened Clemson and Boston College.
Winner: Manny Diaz: There has been plenty of turmoil in South Beach regarding the Hurricanes. That started with the head coach, Manny Diaz, whose job was in question after another disappointing season. However, Diaz got a big win against No. 18 NC State, beating the Wolf Pack, 31-30. Granted, the head coach's seat is still hot. But he desperately needed the win to take the edge off.
Winner: Iowa State: The Cyclones are returning to October form, knocking off the No. 8 Oklahoma State Cowboys, 24-21. That included a crucial fourth-down stop to seal the game, leading to the crucial upset. The victory puts Iowa State in the thick of the Big 12 race, helping them keep pace against an Oklahoma school that keeps starting slow in every game. Speaking of which...
Loser: Oklahoma in the First Half: How do the Sooners keep doing this? They were down against Kansas at the half, 10-0. It took Caleb Williams taking the game into his own hands (literally) to lead Oklahoma to victory. Eventually, Oklahoma's (and Joe Castiglione's) magic will run dry, causing the Sooners to fall and hurt their playoff chances.
Loser: Penn State: First, it's amazing that a college football game went nine overtimes before a victor was decided. Second, the Nittany Lions had every chance to end the Fighting Illini in each overtime. However, they didn't, causing Penn State to falter, 20-18. Once again, James Franklin's squad falters below expectations.
Loser: Clemson Offense: The Tigers offense has been under constant scrutiny this season, especially with D.J. Uiagalelei under center. However, their problems were magnified on Saturday with a 27-17 loss to Pittsburgh. Dabo Swinney says he's closely evaluating the offense. But it's too little, too late as the Tigers season is as good as done.
Other Winners: Ohio State in the first half, Michigan, Dedrick Parson
Other Losers: Oregon in the fourth quarter, Charlotte in the second half, Arizona
College Football Playoff Four:
Georgia
Cincinnati
Alabama
Ohio State
