Winners
Baylor
Dave Aranda has completely turned the Baylor Bears around. After going 2-7 last season after the departure of Matt Rhule, Baylor looked to be going back to “typical Baylor” that fans were accustomed to prior to 2011. To the surprise of many Baylor currently has an 8-2 record coming off a huge win against Oklahoma. The Baylor Bears should win out the rest of the regular season and set themselves up for a big New Years’ 6 Bowl Game.
Ole Miss
It was a big night under the lights for Ole Miss. After a loss to Auburn and a relatively close game with Liberty, the Rebels were a little “banged up”. Most were worried about how ready they’d be to play Texas A&M which has one of the best defenses in the country. The Rebels were able to force turnovers and boost their already explosive offense, resulting in a big win in Oxford.
Michigan
The Wolverines found a way to win in Beaver Stadium against a good Penn State team. Michigan was in control for most of the game when Penn State scored 11 points in just 3 minutes to take the lead. Michigan’s offense was answered with a long touchdown reception from Erik All. The Nittany Lions were in Michigan territory 6 times on Saturday only resulting in 17 points. Michigan made both their red-zone trips count with touchdowns which was the difference in the game.
Wake Forest
Dave Clawson’s team recovered from last week’s loss to North Carolina to beat N.C. State at home. The game went back and forth with Wake Forest taking control in the fourth quarter going up by 10. The Wolfpack scored a late touchdown but there wasn’t enough time left. To try and score again. Wake Forest continues to be the best team in the ACC.
Losers
Texas
First, it must be recognized that Sarkisian has to rebuild Texas. It wasn’t a great situation when he entered, and there will be some growing pains especially on the defensive side of the ball. With that being said KANSAS?! REALLY?! The expectations were low by holy…..
Oklahoma
Baylor is a good team, there is really no shame in losing your first game of the year to them in Waco. The problem with Oklahoma is that the College Football Playoff committee already doesn’t value their resume. With this loss, they will fall even further. Not saying it’s fair but Oklahoma may have lost their chance at the playoff on Saturday.
Indiana
Indiana is in a bad way. They have some key injuries and are really down from several losses this year. Last year, they had a lot go their way. This year whatever can go wrong has gone wrong. Turning the ball over 6 times to Rutgers is a feat, I’m not sure even the worst teams would be able to. Was last year “fools gold” for the Hoosier football program, or is this just the perfect storm for the worst-case scenario?
Auburn
The Tigers have been a bit of a surprise this season. They were looking to improve to 7 wins on the year as they were up 28-3. Mississippi had other plans. Mike Leach’s Bulldogs scored 40 un answered points to stun Auburn in Jordan-Hare. A loss like this can linger, and Brian Harsin has to make sure it doesn’t, because they travel to Columbia to take on South Carolina in a night game this up coming week.