Table of Contents
Game of the Week
In a non-conference matchup, Syracuse hosted Big Ten opponent Purdue in upstate New York. While this game may not have been on the watchlist for many, it still deserves an in-depth recap to explain how enjoyable it was to watch. Purdue came into this game as 1.5 point underdogs and oddsmakers got this one right on the nose. The first half in The Dome displayed limited offense for both sides. Syracuse got onto the board first with a 50 yard field goal, Purdue answered with a touchdown to end the quarter (the extra point was blocked), followed by a 41 yard field goal midway through the second quarter. The Boilermakers took a 9-3 lead into the half and the under on the 59.5 point total was looking like a surefire bet. The third quarter did not provide much action, but Syracuse was able to find the endzone on an Isaiah Jones rush to take a 10-9 lead heading into the fourth quarter. Finally, both offenses came to life as the two teams combined for 42 points in a wild ending. Six drives ended in touchdowns, and the lead was traded four times in the final 11 minutes before it was all said and done. With seven seconds left in the game and Syracuse down 29-25 after a touchdown pass from super-senior Aiden O’Connell, the Orange needed to cover 25 yards to find the endzone and come away victorious. Garrett Shrader connected with Oronde Gadsden II on a beautiful pass, my favorite of the day, to top the Boilermakers with a 32-29 victory. This marked Syracuse’s first regular-season win over a Big Ten opponent since 2009, while those who bet the under on total points came away disappointed after a fourth quarter explosion from both offenses.
Top Performers
Passing – C.J. Stroud, OSU – 22/27, 367yds, 5TD
Rushing – DeWayne McBride, UAB – 28car, 223yds, 4TD
Receiving – Jalin Hyatt, TENN – 5rec, 166yds, 2TD
Defensive Performance – Georgia, 7 points allowed to S. Carolina, first TD of year given up
Best Moment – Mountaineer Magic
It appeared that the Appalachian State Mountaineers were finally being brought back to Earth after their upset victory over Texas A&M. Coming into this matchup as 14 point underdogs, the Troy Trojans were looking to play the role of road spoiler themselves holding a 28-26 lead with two seconds left in regulation. With one final shot, quarterback Chase Brice heaved a 50 yard pass that was deflected into the hands of Mountaineers receiver Christian Horn to score the game winning touchdown as time expired. Hosting the College Gameday team on campus, App State was able to pull off another magical win and may be my favorite story of the season so far.
Don’t Sleep On… Penn State(22)
Penn State’s 41-12 road beatdown of Auburn this weekend was the definition of a statement win. Both teams came into this matchup 2-0, but with neither team having faced a ranked opponent there were many questions looming about how this matchup would turn out. The emphasis for PSU was on their run game, as for the past few seasons they have struggled to consistently move the ball on the ground. Any doubt in the Nittany Lions’ rushing attack should be cleared up after they totaled 245 yards and five touchdowns headlined by standout freshman Nicholas Singleton. Auburn’s offensive struggles continued as they still do not have a clear QB1 between T.J. Finley and Robby Ashford. If Penn State takes care of two home games against weaker competition, an October battle with Michigan in the Big House will have huge implications in the Big Ten and College Football Playoff. Look for Penn State to make one of the biggest leaps in this week’s Top 25.
Not So Fast… Michigan State(11)
Michigan State taking on Washington was another case of two teams that have faced two lesser opponents to start the season. On this particular night it was all Huskies early, as they jumped out to a 22-0 lead that proved insurmountable for the Spartans. MSU was never able to close the gap to less than two scores, proving that there are plenty of issues on both sides of the ball in a 39-28 loss. Expect Michigan State to remain in the Top 25 this week, but with Minnesota coming to town next Saturday the Spartans have limited time to correct numerous mistakes.
Projecting the Top 25
- Georgia
- Alabama
- Ohio State
- Michigan
- Oklahoma
- Clemson
- USC
- Oklahoma State
- Kentucky
- Arkansas
- Tennessee
- Penn State
- Utah
- Washington
- NC State
- Oregon
- BYU
- Texas A&M
- Baylor
- Ole Miss
- Texas
- Wake Forest
- Pittsburgh
- Miami
- Florida
