Winners
Arkansas
What a win for Sam Pittman and the Arkansas Razorbacks. The win against Texas showed that they were not to be taken lightly, but this last victory of Texas A&M proved they are one of the top teams in the SEC. The Razorback offense had a gutsy performance by quarterback KJ Jefferson who was taken out of the game due to an apparent knee injury. He did return in the fourth quarter to finish the job and lead his team past the Aggies. The offense stalled in the second half but the defense kept getting the stops they needed to win. It’s still early, but this feels like the “feel good” break-out team of 2021.
Notre Dame
The Fighting Irish just keep finding ways to win. After Wisconsin kicked a field goal to go up 13-10 early in the fourth quarter most people (including myself) were thinking “Notre Dame’s luck is finally about to run out”. After the commercial break, we couldn’t have been more wrong. A kick return and two interceptions for touchdowns later and the Fighting Irish completely flipped the script on the Badgers 41-13. They have a tough bout with Cincinnati next week, but then they’ll be favored by a touchdown or more in the remainder of their games.
NC State
“The Wolfpack always seem to crumble in big games”; My exact words on Weekend Winners. As I watched this game I was waiting for the Wolfpack to collapse, but it never happened. After missed field goals, and two-point conversion attempts NC State held strong and beat the reigning empire that resides over the ACC in overtime. Raleigh is buzzing right now, but can they keep this momentum going?
Losers
Iowa State
Matt Campbell and the Cyclones had big admirations this year. They have a load of production back and were one of the favorites to win the Big 12. Some costly turnovers hurt them against nonconference rival Iowa, but their season was still ahead of them. Baylor took a 21-13 going into the half, and the Cyclones could not rally for the comeback. The Cyclones keep having slow starts, and it may have cost them a shot at the Big 12 championship.
North Carolina
There wasn’t a more disappointed fanbase this weekend than Tar Heels. Being caught by surprise by a good Virginia Tech defense on the road is one thing, but Georiga Tech hasn’t looked great this season. The fact they were able to put up 45 points is embarrassing to the UNC defense. This Tar Heel offense may be good, but the defense needs to step up in a big way if they want to save their season.
Clemson
This Tiger defense is still very legit, but the offense is downright bad. It doesn’t seem like they can get anything going. DJ Uiagalelei is having a hard time throwing the ball on the run, which is what he has to do a lot of considering his protection hasn’t been the best. This is Clemson’s second loss of the season, the first loss to an unranked opponent. This begs the question. “Is Clemson’s run at the top over?”
Wisconsin’s Offense
Every person on Wisconsin’s offense and special teams needs to formally apologize to the defense. This isn’t just about Graham Mertz, although he is putrid, the entire offense needs revamping. The offense line is having a hard time in pass protection, Mertz can not throw accurately 20 yards down the field, and this creates a one-dimensional office that cant move the ball. The defense constantly bailed out Wisconsin on Saturday. Just when you thought the offense may have it figured out in the fourth quarter the special teams give up a kick return for the touchdown to destroy all momentum and then Mertz throws two pick six’s trying the thread the needle. Paul Chryst has done great at Wisconsin, but he may want to look at how he recruits offensively, and the coaching staff to improve this unit.