Guess what we got? More upsets! We also have underwhelming performances, a near-upset in the Mountain West, and a beatdown from the Bulldogs. Who outkicked the coverage, and who fumbled at the goal line?
Big Winner: Arkansas: Look out, Alabama! There may be a dark horse contender in the SEC! There was a big SEC showdown at Jerry World, and the Arkansas Razorbacks seized the day. They took care of business in Fayetteville, doubling up #7 Texas A&M, 20-10. Led by a MONSTER day from wide receiver Treylon Burks (six receivers, 187 yards, one touchdown), the 'Backs established themselves as a team to watch in the tight SEC West. The icing on the cake was Montaric Brown's diving interception off a deflection, setting up the 'Backs for the game-sealing drive. The win is the first for Arkansas over the Aggies since Texas A&M joined the conference. On top of that, it's the first time the Razorbacks are 4-0 since 2003. With defensive grit and standout offensive stars, there's plenty of reason to be excited in Fayetteville. The victory is leaving the Land of Opportunity saying, "WOO PIG SOOIE!"
Another BIG Winner: Georgia: The 62-0 beatdown that Georgia administered on Saturday was much worse than you think. Vanderbilt only gained 77 total yards during the game while turning the ball over three times. In fact, Georgia gained 28 first downs compared to the Commodores' four while covering the spread by the end of the first quarter. Ironically, not a single Bulldog had 300 passing yards or 100 receiving/rushing yards. Everyone talks about how tough SEC football is. However, this year's incarnation is certainly no exception, especially when you blow your opponents out of the water before the first quarter ends. This game was the equivalent of a perfect game being thrown AND blowing out your opponent by more than ten runs. Now that brings new meaning to, "when you meet the Georgia Bulldogs, you gonna feel the Bulldogs bite!"
Winner: Notre Dame in the Second Half: The Fighting Irish and the Wisconsin Badgers were locked in a tight defensive battle before the second half. That was before Chris Tyree started a Fighting Irish streak of 31 unanswered points, en route to a curb-stomping of #18 Wisconsin, 41-13. That included not one but TWO pick-sixes for the exclamation point. The Badgers had no answer for a Notre Dame defense that forced five turnovers and only allowed ONE first down on third downs. Keep an eye on Brian Kelly's squad for the playoff race.
Big Loser: Clemson's Offense: There was plenty of hype surrounding the Tigers' championship odds this season. Even with Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne leaving for the NFL, it was up to D.J. Uiagalelei and Will Shipley to carry the load. However, Clemson has failed to do that so far. An abysmal performance from the sophomore Uiagalelei (12-26, 111 yards, two touchdowns, one interception) didn't help Clemson as they were upset by North Carolina State in double overtime, 27-21. That was despite Christopher Dunn missing all three field goal attempts. Dabo Swinney's squad mustered only 214 total yards, only converting two third downs out of 11 tries. With the loss, it's safe to say that Clemson's playoff chances are good as gone, along with any hope of the ACC sending a team. With team passing amounting to barely below 60%, only two touchdowns, and three interceptions, it amounts to a disappointing campaign for the Tigers.
Loser: North Carolina: Clemson wasn't the only loser in the ACC. The North Carolina Tar Heels were manhandled by Georgia Tech, 45-22. The Heels turned the ball over three times and let Jeff Sims go off for ten carries, 128 yards, and three touchdowns. North Carolina's loss assures that the ACC's path to the playoff will be extremely complicated.
Loser: Minnesota: When you schedule a MAC opponent for an easy win, you should beat them, right? That's not what happened for the Golden Gophers, who faltered to Bowling Green, 14-10. It looks like P.J. Fleck's boat has sunk to the bottom of the ocean.
Other Winners: The Big 12 sans Iowa State, Boston College, BYU
Other Losers: Michigan after losing Josh Ross, USC, Wisconsin's gaffes
College Football Playoff Four
Alabama
Georgia
Oregon
Penn State
