As the college football season progresses, chaos is unfolding after each passing week. A combination of upsets and top ranked duels have made this season memorable for college football fans across the country so far.
Many teams have greatly disappointed their preseason expectations, like the preseason number four team, Clemson. Clemson has endured a disaster of a season, as it started with a close loss to LSU, who were ranked number nine in the country at the time of the game. However, Clemson’s losses began to compound, as they have a mediocre 4-5 record, including embarrassing losses to teams like Syracuse, who have just one win in the ACC this year.
Another example of this is Penn State, who began the season at number two in the nation. Penn State started the season with three straight wins, but that is where the fun ended for Penn State. A close loss to a highly ranked Oregon team kickstarted an unimaginable slide, in which Penn State lost six games in a row. The disappointment this year has led to head coach James Franklin being fired, and leaving Penn State in a destitute position.
“I am shocked by Penn State’s performance this year. I really thought they could contend not only in the Big 10, but also for the national championship this season,” said sophomore Jake Weiss.
However, there have been some teams that have done the complete opposite of Penn State and Clemson, and shocked everyone with a great performance this season. This includes Texas A&M, who started the season ranked at number 19 in the nation. Texas A&M has had a flawless season thus far, with a 9-0 record, leading to their number three ranking in the nation. They have some great wins this year, like when they beat number ten Notre Dame 41-40, and their recent 38-17 domination of Missouri.
Another team that has impressed all year is Indiana, who started the year at number 20 in the country. Just like Texas A&M, Indiana is flawless this year, as they sit at 10-0. Indiana surprised everyone last season when they made the playoffs despite many counting them out before the season even started. They have been led by Heisman favorite quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who has thrown for 2,342 yards and 26 touchdowns this year, and he has come through in big games. Indiana took it to a whole new level this season, as they demolished Illinois, who was ranked number nine at the time, 63-10, with Mendoza throwing for 267 yards and five touchdowns.
“Fernando Mendoza’s ability to always make the right play, especially in high-pressure situations, makes him the perfect quarterback and deserving of the Heisman,” said sophomore David Nasello.
Indiana also beat Oregon, the number three team at the time, by ten points, and they have cruised in most of their other games. This amazing season has led Indiana to a number two ranking in the nation.
Texas Tech is another example of a surprising team, as they began the season barely ranked, only sitting at number 23. However, that hasn’t stopped Texas Tech from dominating the Big 12, as they sit atop the conference with only one loss all year. They beat number sixteen ranked Utah 34-10 and dismantled number twelve BYU 29-7, taking the lead in the Big 12 in the process. This has led to Texas Tech being ranked number eight in the country, and having a real shot at a playoff berth.
As the College Football Playoff approaches, many fans have begun predicting which teams will make the final cut. There are some perennial contenders, like consensus number one Ohio State. Ohio State is led by a high powered offense, which includes the likes of star quarterback Julian Sayin, and the dynamic wide receiver duo of Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate. The offense has driven Ohio State to a perfect 9-0 record, and they have some marquee wins against Texas and Illinois, while handily beating the rest of their competition.
“I think Ohio State will repeat this year. They just look unstoppable, their offense is so good,” said sophomore Gabe Nash.
Another contender in the Big 10 is Oregon, who sit at number seven in the rankings. Oregon is 8-1, and their only loss this season is to Indiana. They have strong wins against Big Ten opponents like Iowa and Penn State, who were ranked number three when they played. Oregon still has some very important games left on their schedule, as they will take on USC and Washington in ranked matchups to close out their season. Ohio State, Indiana, and Oregon will all be in contention for the two spots in the Big 10 championship game, and eventually the Big 10 crown.
The Big 10 isn’t the only conference with a few teams vying for playoff spots. The SEC has some teams near the top of the rankings this year. The highest is Alabama, who is 8-1, with signature wins against number five Georgia and number 16 Vanderbilt. Alabama is led by Ty Simpson, and he has Alabama on a hot streak, winning 8 games in a row after losing their opener.
Right behind Alabama is Georgia, who are situated at number five in the rankings. Georgia’s only loss was to Alabama, but they impressed against number six Ole Miss. Georgia’s season is still far from over, as they will take on number eleven Texas and number seventeen Georgia Tech to end their season.
Ole Miss slots in right behind Georgia at number six, with their only loss being to Georgia, 43-35. Ole Miss has some strong victories, like their win against number 13 Oklahoma, 34-26. Ole Miss has a pretty easy schedule to end their season, meaning they have all but locked up a playoff spot this season.
With so many contenders, the College Football Playoff will not disappoint, and it’s going to be exciting to see who will be crowned the National Champions.