2022-23 College Football: Week 7 Review
We saw a very loaded slate this week with six Top 25 matchups, including two Top 10 battles. It felt like each Power 5 conference had one showcase game this week and they all delivered. A few big-time schools took huge leaps forward and we might have witnessed two of the best games of the season in the same week. The action was nonstop all day on Saturday with big game after big game. When it was all said and done, we saw some major shakeups and conference races started to become a little clearer.
Any time the Crimson Tide loses a football game, it's monumental. They have been one of the most consistent teams in college football for a long time now and it's rare we get a moment like this. On the opposite side of things, this might be one of the biggest wins in the history of Tennessee. Not only that but this was an exciting game that had me second-guessing who I thought was going to win. The way the Volunteers looked out of the gate, I thought they were about to run away with it. They led 21-7 at the end of the first quarter and 28-10 midway through the second. Then, Alabama charged back, pulling within eight by halftime and tying things in the first four minutes of the third quarter. I thought the game was going to be decided by a missed PAT after Tennessee took the lead back. The Crimson Tide took a 35-34 lead at the end of the third quarter, but what was most notable was the play before they scored. Tennessee had them back up on 3rd & Goal but would be called for pass interference in the endzone. On further analysis, it really looked like the Alabama receiver dragged the Tennessee defender down with him to draw the call. This wouldn't deter the Volunteers as they marched down the field. Hendon Hooker hit Jalin Hyatt for 78 yards to take the lead and would then convert the two-point play to regain a seven-point lead. Alabama would tie it again on fourth down and took advantage of a bad hand-off by returning the fumble to the house to take a 49-42 lead with 7:49 left in regulation. Hyatt reeled in his fifth touchdown catch of the game just over three minutes later and we'd head down the stretch tied at 49 with 3:26 left. Bryce Young (455 yards, 2 TD) led Alabama down the field and set up Will Reichard for a 50-yard field goal attempt, but he'd miss it wide right with plenty of distance on the kick. This gave Hooker less than 15 seconds to get the ball down the field with two timeouts to set up a chance for Tennessee to win. In two plays and 13 seconds, he did exactly that. From 40 yards out, Chase McGrath stepped up and kicked a knuckleball through the uprights as the stadium erupted. It was one of the ugliest kicks I've ever seen but it got the job done. The Volunteers all went nuts, tearing down the goalposts, as Tennessee shocked Alabama. This puts Alabama in a prime position in the SEC. They really only have Georgia to contend with in the East as long as they keep winning. I don't think this loss will hurt Alabama too much. It makes it a little harder, needing to win out against the rest of its conference opponents. They'll be fine and I wouldn't be surprised if we see them sneak into the playoff. This is an early candidate for the best game of the year.
Upset of the Week- Old Dominion 49, Coastal Carolina 21 (Conway, SC)
I would like to apologize to both Coastal Carolina and James Madison for jinxing them last week by rooting for them to be undefeated when they meet at the end of the season. It clearly has aged poorly. This game also reminded us that we should never underestimate Old Dominion. They'd lost three of four games since their opening upset win over Virginia Tech, but have shown they can compete when in big games. This isn't your traditional unranked-ranked upset, but the Chanticleers were undefeated and were heavy favorites at home. Blake Watson and the Monarchs clearly didn't about any of that. The Monarchs' running back thrashed Coastal Carolina's defense for a school-record 256 yards and three touchdowns. The game was close in the first half, with Old Dominion holding a slim seven-point lead at halftime. They really pulled away in the second half, outscoring Coastal Carolina 21-7 in the third quarter and 35-14 in the second half. It puts a damper on what was a good game from Grayson McCall. He threw for 358 and three touchdowns, but they couldn't sustain anything on the ground, rushing for 88 yards as a team on 42 attempts. We could still get a meeting between two one-loss teams in the final week, but it doesn't have the same flash as it did before the week started.
Other Notable Games
#13 TCU 43, 8 Oklahoma State 40 (2OT) (Fort Worth, TX)
If you weren't watching Alabama-Tennessee, this was likely what you had on instead and it was just as exciting if you're a fan of Big 12 football. The Cowboys looked like they were firmly in control of this game leading 24-7 early in the second quarter, but Max Duggan (343 total yards, 3 TD) led a second-half comeback, scoring 14 unanswered in the fourth quarter to force overtime. After both scored touchdowns in the first overtime period, Kendre Miller answered the Cowboys' field goal with a touchdown run to take the win and put TCU in the driver's seat of the Big 12.
#20 Utah 43, #7 USC 42 (Salt Lake City, UT)
It feels like every week we're looking at the PAC-12 and trying to figure out who the best team is. Coming into the week, USC would've been the overwhelming answer. After this week, the spot is wide open. Caleb Williams (438 total yards, 5 TD) and Cameron Rising went shot-for-shot for four quarters, but Rising would come out on top. He threw for 415 yards and two touchdowns, while also leading the Utes in rushing yards and scampering to the endzone three times. The real difference in the game was a two-point conversion that Utah went for after its final touchdown, converting with a run from Rising and handing USC its first loss of the season and throwing the conference into disarray.
#5 Michigan 41, #10 Penn State 17 (Ann Arbor, MI)
There was a brief moment where it looked like Penn State might be able to pull this off. Michigan had been moving the ball well on offense but had to settle for three redzone field goals in the first half. Penn State only had two big plays, a long run by Sean Clifford to set up a touchdown, then a pick-six to take a 14-13 lead. In the second half, Michigan left no doubt. They had two long touchdown runs, finishing the day with 418 yards and four touchdowns on the ground against the fifth-best run defense in the country. Michigan got its first signature win of the season at the Big House and cemented its status as one of the best in college football.
#18 Syracuse 24, #15 NC State 9 (Syracuse, NY)
I can't help but feel bad for NC State after losing quarterback Devin Leary for the season. Though he got hurt during their win over Florida State, the Wolfpack held on to win after losing to Clemson the week prior. With Jack Chambers under center, the offense just didn't find its footing. Held to nine points by the Orange, it was more than enough for Garrett Schrader. He did throw two interceptions, but he also threw for 210 yards and two touchdowns, both to Oronde Gadsden II, while Sean Tucker ran for 98 yards and a touchdown. One of the surprises of the season thus far, the Orange are now sitting at 6-0 and are the last line of defense from Clemson running away with the Atlantic Division with a meeting between the two taking place next week.
#22 Kentucky 27, #16 Mississippi State 17 (Lexington, KY)
The first half of this game was the exact opposite of what I expected from these two teams. Neither offense generated much of anything, sitting tied 3-3 after playing 30 minutes. With Will Levis back for Kentucky and Will Rogers tearing up every team he's faced, this was a pedestrian effort from both sides. Things ramped up in the second half, even with Levis leaving briefly with a shoulder injury. He'd return to the game, but it was Chris Rodriguez Jr that came alive in the second half, finishing the game with 196 yards and two touchdowns. Rogers would throw for a touchdown, but the major problems with the Mississippi State system became evident. They are very one-dimensional and when that one dimension is interrupted, they are an easy team to beat and Kentucky did exactly that with their effort in the final 30 minutes to avenge their two losses.
Georgia Southern 45, #25 James Madison 38 (Statesboro, GA)
The Dukes were back down into orbit a little bit after playing well enough to garner a Top 25 ranking in their first season at FBS. Georgia Southern would not go away and they eventually hung around enough to score the go-ahead touchdown with 1:10 left in the game and kept James Madison from tying it and forcing overtime. Kyle Vantrease threw the ball 64 times, passing for 578 yards, four touchdowns, and an interception. James Madison, trailing for most of the fourth quarter, took a lead with 2:18 on the back of quarterback Todd Centenio. He alone accounted for over 500 yards and five touchdowns, but he also threw three interceptions, which was a major factor in the outcome of this game. The loss is James Madison's first, but I still fully expect them to be competing down the stretch with Coastal Carolina.
My Top 25
1. Ohio State (6-0, BYE) (-)
The Buckeyes were idle this week, so there isn't much to say about them right now. While they don't have the resume of other teams, they remain the most consistent through seven weeks.
2. Georgia (7-0, W 55-0 Vanderbilt) (+1)
Since the close bout with Missouri two weeks ago, the Bulldogs have returned to form. They put up 55 points on Vanderbilt and did whatever they wanted against the Commodores.
3. Tennessee (6-0, W 52-49 #3 Alabama) (+4)
This win over Alabama is big but it's going to be about what they do next. They'll place an FCS team next week before back-to-back against Kentucky and Georgia, likely deciding the East in Athens.
4. Michigan (7-0, W 41-17 #10 Penn State) (+1)
With the atmosphere in the Big House and their running backs carrying them, Michigan got its first signature win. They have three likely wins ahead of them, so their resume could be a question.
5. Clemson (7-0, W 34-28 Florida State) (-1)
While I think Clemson has a better body of work than Michigan, this was a bit too close for comfort. The Seminoles made it close in the fourth quarter as the Tigers looked like they stepped off the gas.
6. Ole Miss (7-0, W 48-34 Auburn) (+3)
Three Rebels ran for over 100 yards against Auburn this week, including quarterback Jaxson Dart. His line passing was a weird one, but Ole Miss got the win and now sits atop the West with Alabama's loss.
7. TCU (6-0, W 43-40 (2OT) #8 Oklahoma State) (+6)
I do think it's a bit premature to say that TCU is going to play in the Big 12 Championship, this was definitely a statement. They are a big, strong team that hasn't shown much weakness through six games.
8. Alabama (6-1, L 52-49 #6 Tennessee) (-6)
Make no mistake about it, I still think Alabama is going to find a way into the College Football Playoff. Bryce Young played a phenomenal game in his return, just getting edged out by Hendon Hooker.
9. UCLA (6-0, BYE) (+3)
While they didn't play, they now look to be positioned as the best team in the PAC-12 for now. They are the final undefeated team in the conference and will have a tough test in Eugene next week.
10. Oregon (5-1, BYE) (+1)
The Ducks also had the week off to prepare for their battle with UCLA. The Ducks have won five straight and don't have a tough schedule remaining, keeping their hopes alive for the postseason.
11. Oklahoma State (5-1, L 43-40 (2OT) #13 TCU) (-3)
This loss is going to sting because they had the game won in the first half. They still have a chance to be in the conference championship in the end, but they have a few tough weeks ahead of them.
12. USC (6-1, L 43-42 #20 Utah) (-6)
There really isn't too much to be mad about if you're the Trojans. The loss was because Utah felt confident enough to go for two and they got it as the USC offense looked its best all season.
13. Wake Forest (5-1, BYE) (+1)
It's still a long shot that they'll jump past Clemson in the Atlantic, but NC State's loss might help them a bit. The competition for a New Year's Six bowl game has gotten softer as they look to make a run.
14. Utah (5-2, W 43-42 #7 USC) (+4)
Cameron Rising took the loss to UCLA and said he was going to do everything in his power to get Utah this win at home. Five touchdowns later, I'd say he did his job and brought Utah back into the picture.
15. Kansas State (5-1, BYE) (+1)
I sure hope this week off doesn't hurt the momentum of Kansas State because Adrian Martinez has been a fun story. They face three Top 25 teams in a row, starting next week with TCU in Fort Worth.
16. Kentucky (5-2, W 27-17 #16 Mississippi State) (+3)
Getting Will Levis back was a great sign for the Wildcats as they scored a huge rebound win to halt their losing streak. They'll have the week off to prepare for a showdown with Tennessee in Knoxville.
17. Penn State (5-1, L 41-17 #5 Michigan) (-7)
Dropping them down this far might be a bit harsh, but this week made me think the Nittany Lions just aren't ready yet. They were carved up by Edwards and Corum and the offense sputtered.
18. Syracuse (6-0, W 24-9 #15 NC State) (+2)
It comes down to Clemson and Syracuse for the Atlantic, just as we all expected it would. All kidding aside, next week likely decides who goes to the title game, and being in Death Valley hurts their odds.
19. North Carolina (6-1, W 38-35 Duke) (+4)
It took every bit of 60 minutes for the Tar Heels to vanquish their rivals, but Drake Maye showed up to get the job done. UNC is firmly in the driver's seat of the Coastal and will likely be in Charlotte.
20. Texas (5-2, W 24-21 Iowa State) (+2)
It didn't come easy for Quinn Ewers despite throwing three touchdowns against Iowa State. They took it down to the wire to get the win, but they got the job done as they try to get back in the fight.
21. Cincinnati (5-1, BYE) (-)
The Bearcats sat at home and watched the AAC continue to tighten with Tulane and UCF. They still have both on their schedule as they must get through SMU next week before facing UCF in two weeks.
22. Illinois (6-1, W 26-14 Minnesota) (NR)
Though they were underdogs at home against an unranked team, the Illini held Minnesota to 14 points in a win. Chase Brown ran the ball 41 times and Illinois became bowl eligible with their sixth win.
23. Mississippi State (5-2, L 27-17 #22 Kentucky) (-6)
When you're incapable of breaking a long run and the passing game isn't working, it's going to be a long day. They'll head to Tuscaloosa to face an angry Alabama team next week, which I don't envy.
24. Tulane (6-1, W 45-31 South Florida) (+6)
As I said earlier, Tulane is right in the middle of the race for the AAC title game. They got a decent fight from South Florida, but this Green Wave offense is clicking on all cylinders right now.
25. NC State (5-2, L 24-9 #18 Syracuse) (-10)
I worry for this NC State team without its leader at quarterback. What once looked like a very promising season is starting to fall apart and there's very little they can do about that.
The Next 5
26. Washington (5-2, W 49-39 Arizona) (NR)
The Huskies found themselves in an aerial battle against Arizona that was won by Michael Penix's 516 yards and four touchdowns. This was a great effort to end their two-game losing streak.
27. LSU (5-2, W 45-35 Florida) (+2)
They didn't let the big loss to Tennessee bother them because they showed up in The Swamp and took it to Florida. Jayden Daniels threw for 349 yards and three touchdowns as the Tigers rebounded nicely.
28. Kansas (5-2, L 52-42 Oklahoma) (-3)
I'm not ready to fall off the Jayhawk train just yet, despite their loss to a struggling Oklahoma team. The Sooners got their quarterback back, while backup Jason Bean was solid in the loss.
29. Purdue (5-2, 43-37 Nebraska) (NR)
After losing two of their first three, Purdue has rattled off four straight wins. It's likely going to come down to the Boilermakers and Illinois for the crown in the Big Ten West.
30. Liberty (6-1, W 21-20 Gardner-Webb) (NR)
I'm sure they would've wanted better than a one-point win over an FCS school but Gardner-Webb gave them a fight. Liberty played from behind for most of the second half, barely escaping with a win.
Week 8 Preview
1. #9 UCLA v. #10 Oregon (Eugene, OR)
By the time this game ends, there will only be one team in the PAC-12 that is still undefeated in conference play. This could go a long way in determining one of the two finalists for the conference title game as both teams come in well-rested with a bye week behind them.
2. #14. Syracuse v. #5 Clemson (Clemson, SC)
While not outright determining the winner in the Atlantic Division, a Syracuse win would make things so much more interesting since they still have to play Wake Forest. After this week, Clemson only has two conference games left, leaving little time for anyone else to unseat them, win or lose this week.
3. #17 Kansas State v. #8 TCU (Fort Worth, TX)
This battle will feature two similarly versatile quarterbacks, Kansas State's Adrian Martinez and TCU's Max Duggan. The Horned Frogs are coming off an emotional win over Oklahoma State as the Wildcats got to sit back and try to dissect everything that TCU did.
4. #20 Texas v. #11 Oklahoma State (Stillwater, OK)
Two teams riding different waves after this week, this could be the game to determine second in the Big 12 for the regular season. With Quinn Ewers in the lineup for Texas, it's hard to ignore his explosive abilities which could put Oklahoma State on upset watch at home.
5. #24 Mississippi State v. #6 Alabama (Tuscaloosa, AL)
I would hate to be in this position if I were Mississippi State because Alabama is likely to come out and try to hang all their frustrations from this week on them. The Alabama defense was picked apart by Tennessee, meaning they'll be an added emphasis on it with another gunslinger coming into town.
6. #7 Ole Miss v. LSU (Baton Rouge, LA)
The Tigers are on the cusp of the top 25 once again and this game being in Baton Rouge seems like trouble for Jaxson Dart and the Rebels. Ole Miss is a Top 10 team, but this matchup has all the makings of a trap game.
7. BYU v. Liberty (Lynchburg, VA)
With a lighter schedule for the Top 25, I also wanted to highlight some unranked matchups, starting with a battle of independent schools. BYU is coming off a tough loss to Arkansas, while Liberty was lucky to survive their scare from Gardner-Webb.
8. Troy v. South Alabama (Mobile, AL)
All the focus in the Sun Belt has been on the teams in the East, but there is a tight race brewing in the West between Troy and South Alabama. The only blemish on the Jaguars' record was a one-point loss to now #9 UCLA, while Troy has four straight since their Hail Mary loss to Appalachian State.
9. Boise State v Air Force (USAF Academy, CO)
Two of the Mountain Division's best in the Mountain West are set to face off in Colorado when Boise State travels to Air Force. The Falcons need this win to stay alive in the race after losses to Wyoming and Utah State, while the Broncos look to maintain their lead in the division.
10. UCF v. East Carolina (Greenville, NC)
The Pirates haven't beaten UCF since 2015 when the Knights went 0-12. With this being in Greenville, the Pirates surviving a 4OT game against Memphis, and last year's battle being a close affair, I'm very intrigued if UCF overlooks East Carolina as they have their eyes on a much bigger prize.
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