2 weeks Ago By David Kenyon
In another season full of mayhem, the Week 9 schedule only had a couple of stunning results. However, the slate atoned for that minimal drama by locking in marquee games on the horizon. Sure, the stakes were modest at most for Ohio State's matchup with Nebraska.
Imperfect as it was, though, the Buckeyes ensured the Big Ten would command a very bright spotlight next Saturday. Pitt and Alabama did the same for upcoming ACC and SEC showdowns, too. Yet don't be mistaken: There were highly impactful results.
Texas A&M took a solo place atop the SEC standings, and Notre Dame passed an important test in resounding fashion. Plus, one College Football Playoff contender from the Group of Five found itself on the wrong side of what probably was a season-shaping result. We'll start this latest set of takeaways in the G5 space and span the nation with key storylines from Week 9's action.
If you saw this one coming, well, please tell me what numbers I should use in the lottery. It might be worth the risk. Heading into Week 9, Kennesaw State held an 0-6 record with a struggling offense.
The unit had surpassed 16 points in a single game and failed to collect even 300 yards during any of those six losses. Liberty, the reigning Conference USA champion, entered Wednesday night's matchup at 5-0. The program had quietly stayed in the race to represent the Group of Five in the first 12-team College Football Playoff after earning the G5's slot in the Fiesta Bowl last season.
So, naturally, Kennesaw State won 27-24. As a result, every C-USA program has at least one loss. While it's not completely certain the league is eliminated from CFP contention, that's basically true.
Only an undefeated C-USA team would likely have a stronger case than the eventual AAC or Mountain West champion. This reality is not a surprise for Conference USA, but Kennesaw State providing the dagger was a shocker. A small favorite at home on Thursday, Pitt ended up recording one of the more emphatic wins of the ACC campaign.
Syracuse arrived with a 5-1 record, knowing it needed an upset over the Panthers to stay in the conference race. It only made sense to expect a tight game between two quality teams. Pitt's defense quickly ended that thought.
Kyle McCord threw five interceptions, which by itself is problematic enough, Pitt, however, turned three of those takeaways into pick-sixes—all during the first half—and took a 31-0 advantage into the locker room. Pitt ultimately rolled to a 41-13 blowout win. Now ranked 18th nationally at 7-0, the Panthers are entering a critical set of games.
They travel to SMU on Nov. 2 and host Clemson two weeks later. SMU and Clemson are both undefeated in ACC action.
Lose both, and Pitt's hopes of a surprise CFP trip are over. Split them, and that dream is alive. Win both, and we'll probably be seeing Pitt taking on Miami for the ACC title.
BYU and Iowa State remain the Big 12 front-runners, both carrying an unbeaten record into November. The chasing group is shrinking, though. Over the weekend, TCU handed Texas Tech its second conference loss of the season.
Cincinnati endured a similar fate at the hands of Colorado, which is suddenly one of two second-tier contenders—along with Kansas State—in the best position to capitalize if BYU or Iowa State fall. Every other Big 12 program behind CU and K-State has multiple losses in league play. Again, that doesn't mean they're officially out, but it'll be tough to overcome that hole, especially since the only remaining game between BYU, Colorado, ISU or K-State is between the latter two on Nov.
30. Upsets can change this picture, of course, yet the Big 12 is effectively heading into November with a four-team race. From a defensive perspective, Ohio State is not concerned.
The unit surrendered just 273 yards in a 21-17 win over Nebraska, recovering nicely from a disappointing showing in the loss at Oregon. However, the Buckeyes' main problem is what happened on the other side of the ball. The offensive line struggled once again, giving up seven tackles for loss and creating space for 74 yards on 29 non-sack carries.
Will Howard had an efficient box score, but he threw a bad interception and led a single drive—even excluding the game-ending kneeldowns—in the second half that resulted in anything other than a three-and-out. Panic, no. Concern? You bet.
The competition level is only rising, too; Ohio State travels to unblemished, third-ranked Penn State on Saturday. If the Buckeyes lose, they'd still have Playoff potential. But with losses to Oregon and Penn State, the goal of reclaiming the Big Ten championship would elude OSU in 2024.
How 'bout them Aggies? Since the opening loss to Notre Dame, Texas A&M has strung together seven consecutive victories. Saturday brought the most meaningful win of the season as the Aggies beat LSU 38-23, becoming the last SEC team to have a perfect record in conference play. The positive stuff is easy.
While the offense racked up 242 yards and five touchdowns on the ground, Texas A&M picked off three passes and limited LSU's running game to 40 yards on 21 non-sack attempts. On the other hand, A&M benched Conner Weigman because he was 6-of-18 for 64 yards. Marcel Reed absolutely gave the offense a spark when he entered down 17-7, even as plenty of the offense's success can be attributed to the defense's outstanding second half.
So, really, how 'bout them Aggies? Will they start Weigman or Reed at South Carolina next weekend? If they stick with Weigman, how much should Reed play? Will the rushing attack and defense carry A&M on the road regardless? Texas A&M has a definite path to the SEC Championship Game yet remains a considerable work in progress. As with nearly any result, context is important to consider in the aftermath of Alabama's 34-0 shutout win. Missouri quarterback Brady Cook entered with an ankle injury and exited because of a hand issue.
The combination put the Tigers at a clear disadvantage on the road at Bama, and it's fine to acknowledge that. Alabama also doesn't need to apologize for taking advantage. Jalen Milroe shook off a quiet opening half to finish with 265 total yards and a touchdown.
Running backs Justice Haynes and Jam Miller combined for 127 yards and three scores, and the Crimson Tide snagged three interceptions against backup Mizzou QB Drew Pyne. The comfortable victory was a much-needed sigh of relief for a program that is dealing with a bit of an identity crisis . Yes, the recent anxiety may return if Bama falls at rival LSU after an open weekend.
The loser in Baton Rouge will presumably be eliminated from CFP contention. Thanks to Saturday's win, though, the Tide at least calmed the uneasiness around the team. The farther we get from early September, the less Notre Dame's shocking loss to Northern Illinois even matters.
If the Fighting Irish had a 7-1 record with a slew of uncomfortable wins, it'd be perfectly fair to keep questioning them. The reality is Notre Dame—despite its offensive limitations—has been terrific lately. Saturday afternoon, Marcus Freeman's team walloped 24th-ranked Navy 51-14.
ND's defense and special teams made it simple with five fumble recoveries and an interception. Those six takeaways led to 28 points for the Irish, who've won five of their last six games by 18-plus points. Notre Dame isn't far from pounding on the Playoff's door.
Following an open weekend to start November, the Irish host Florida State and Virginia. As long as they avoid an upset, it's feasible that a 1-1 finish opposite Army and USC would be enough for ND to make the CFP..
