2022-23 College Football: Week 9 Review
The Big Ten, SEC, Big 12, and AAC all had been games this week with major implications for both their conference races and the College Football Playoff. While the battle in Happy Valley was tighter than expected and things in Orlando got close, there were some real blowouts in other parts of the country. A lot more of the Top 25 was in action this weekend after eight teams had their byes in Week 8. The teams at the top were trying to keep the status quo, while the teams on the outside tried to shuffle the deck a little to move up the rankings with the first College Football Playoff rankings set to be revealed on Tuesday night. I don't think we'll see too much of a shake-up on November 1 after this week of action, but stranger things have happened.
History and momentum seemed to be on the side of Cincinnati heading into this conference title against UCF. The Bearcats hadn't lost a conference game since losing to Memphis twice in 2019 and the Knights were a week removed from losing to East Carolina badly in Greenville. What we ended up getting was a lot closer. UCF jumped out to an early 10-0 lead in the first quarter before Cincinnati kicked two field goals to cut into the lead before halftime, trailing by just four. John Rhys Plumlee left the game in the first half, giving way to Mikey Keene to take over for the second half. After UCF got a safety midway through the half, Ben Bryant led a touchdown drive that culminated in a touchdown pass in the final second of the quarter to give Cincinnati their first lead of the game, 13-12. They would keep the lead for most of the quarter before Isaiah Bowser ran one in for UCF and after a failed two-point conversion, they led 18-13 with 4:03 left. Just over 90 seconds later, the Bearcats got their only big run of the night, a 39-yard touchdown run from Ryan Montgomery. Cincinnati would get the two-point conversion, holding tight to a 21-18 lead with just over three minutes to go. All UCF needed was a field goal to tie the game and force overtime. They didn't like that plan too much. They drove 75 yards down the field and RJ Harvy finished it with a 17-yard touchdown run to take a 25-21 lead with 48 seconds left. The Bearcats couldn't get the ball moving, hurt by a sack and fumble that moved them back 20 yards. There was no miracle this time as UCF held on for the 25-21 win in front of their fans as Cincinnati's conference streak came to an end. This makes the fight for the AAC just that much more interesting. Tulane is the last remaining undefeated team in the conference with three teams now tied at 3-1 and East Carolina at 3-2. It leaves a lot of intrigue with both of these teams still needing to play Tulane. It also adds to the race for a bowl game on New Year's Day for the Group of Five conferences.
Upset of the Week- Louisville 48, #10 Wake Forest 21 (Louisville, KY)
At one point this season, Louisville was sitting at 2-3, having lost their first three conference games of the season, including a one-point loss to Boston College. Wake Forest had been on top of the world despite coming so close to beating Clemson and falling just short. They were still sitting in the hunt for the division title. After this week, they're likely done for good. Things didn't start great for Wake Forest, falling behind 13-0 on two field goals and a one-yard touchdown run from Louisville quarterback Malik Cunningham. Sam Hartman and the offense turned it around though, scoring twice in the second quarter to take a 14-13 lead into halftime. The second half was an absolute mess for the Demon Deacons. On the opening drive of the third quarter, Hartman threw a pick-six. He was then strip-sacked on the next two possessions before throwing another interception, being strip-sacked for the third time, and throwing his second pick-six of the quarter. For those counting at home, that is six turnovers, all committed by Hartman in the quarter. Louisville would go on to score 35 points in the quarter, taking a 48-14 lead. The fun for Wake Forest didn't end with Hartman on the bench. Backup Mitch Griffis would throw an interception and the team would fumble it one more time to bring the grand total to eight turnovers. Though Wake Forest would score in the fourth quarter, the score would not end in their favor as they'd fall embarrassingly in Louisville.
Other Notable Games
#2 Ohio State 44, #13 Penn State 31 (University Park, PA)
The picture in the Big Ten has gotten a little clearer. Penn State put up an excellent fight despite getting off to a bad start. Sean Clifford threw interceptions on their first two drives and found themselves down 10-0 through the first quarter. However, Clifford responded with two touchdown passes and after a field goal from Ohio State, the Nittany Lions led 14-13 at halftime. A late field goal in the third quarter put the Buckeyes up 16-14 before Penn State scored again to lead 21-16 in the fourth quarter. It looked like there was a chance the upset could happen. Then, Ohio State turned it on. Over a 6:07 span in the quarter, Ohio State outscored Penn State 28-3, forced two turnovers and a pick-six, and put things to bed to avoid an upset. Despite just one touchdown from Stroud, he still threw for 354 yards to help lead the team to a big road win.
#3 Tennessee 44, #19 Kentucky 6 (Knoxville, TN)
At one point, this game was 7-6 and Kentucky looked to be in a decent position. Then the first quarter ended and the Volunteers took over. Tennessee would go on to score 37 unanswered points to destroy their rivals and remain undefeated before a huge game against Georgia next week. Hendon Hooker threw for 245 yards and scored four times, including two touchdown passes to Jalin Hyatt. The defense was magnificent, allowing just over 200 yards of total offense to the Wildcats and forcing Will Levis to throw three interceptions. It was an old-school beating from the Volunteers, dominating the game in every aspect and picking up a big win against a ranked opponent.
#22 Kansas State 48, #9 Oklahoma State 0 (Manhattan, KS)
I'm not sure anyone saw this outcome coming. I had no doubt that Kansas State could win this game, even without Adrian Martinez, but I expected some fight from the Cowboys. Will Howard threw four touchdowns to lead the charge and Deuce Vaughn ran for 158 yards and another touchdown. It was pretty much a rout from the very beginning. The Wildcats led 35-0 at halftime and it only got worse as the game went on. Spencer Sanders had no answer for the Kansas State defense, struggling threw the air and on the ground. The Cowboys were held to just 54 yards rushing and turned the ball over three times. This puts Kansas State in a great position moving forward because if they can beat Texas next week, they have a good chance to finish with just one conference loss and a chance at the conference title game.
#10 USC 45, Arizona 37 (Tucson, AZ)
Last week, I voiced my concerns about the Trojans on the road against Arizona, especially after their loss to Utah two weeks ago. Though the Wildcats really gave them a fight, Caleb Williams threw for 411 yards and five touchdowns to help propel USC to a rebound victory in Tucson. Jayden de Laura did his part by throwing for 381 yards, rushing for a team-leading 54 yards, and throwing for three touchdowns to try and keep Arizona in a position for an upset, but it just wasn't enough. The big difference in the game was an interception from de Laura that led to a touchdown for the Trojans. It was the only turnover of the night and it turned out to be the seven points that mattered the most in the end. USC stays alive in the PAC-12 race with the win with just three conference games left.
Notre Dame 41, #16 Syracuse 24 (Syracuse, NY)
I know I've said this season that I thought Notre Dame was turning things around, but I really mean it this time. The Fighting Irish picked up their second win over an ACC opponent by going into the Carrier Dome and beating Syracuse with strong second and fourth quarters. While Drew Pyne didn't have a great day, throwing the ball just 19 times with 116 yards, a touchdown, and an interception, it was the rushing attack that carried the load. Audric Estime and Logan Diggs each ran the ball 20 times, combining for 208 yards and three touchdowns in the win. Syracuse was dealt a huge blow when Garrett Schrader left the game in the second quarter. Carlos Del Rio-Wilson was alright in his effort, but turnovers and a lack of production on the ground prevented them from completing the comeback.
My Top 25
1. Ohio State (8-0, W 44-31 #13 Penn State) (-)
For all the attention the offense gets, the real star of the show was JT Tuimoloau. He finished with two INTs, including a pick-six, two sacks, two fumble recoveries, and three tackles for loss in the win.
2. Georgia (8-0, W 42-20 Florida) (-)
While it did get a little hairy at times, the Bulldogs pulled away in the end with four touchdowns on the ground. Brock Bowers continues to impress every week, picking up 154 yards receiving with a TD.
3. Tennessee (8-0, W 44-6 #19 Kentucky) (-)
This was an emphatic statement made by the Volunteers with Georgia on the schedule next week in Athens. Hendon Hooker remains the leading name in the Heisman race with another big game.
4. Michigan (8-0, W 29-7 Michigan State) (-)
I'm starting to think there isn't a team Blake Corum can't carve up after 177 yards and two TDs against the Spartans. The schedule remains light until finishing with Illinois and Ohio State.
5. TCU (8-0, W 41-31 West Virginia) (-)
While credit is due to West Virginia for the tough game, Max Duggan's three TDs and 341 yards carried them to victory. They stay undefeated to remain the team to beat in the Big 12.
6. Clemson (8-0, BYE) (-)
The Tigers were off this week after their victory over Syracuse last week. They will head to Notre Dame on Saturday night for a huge test before trying to lock up the division.
7. Alabama (7-1, BYE) (-)
It was a week to prepare for the Crimson Tide before facing LSU next weekend. They're in a three-way tie for the division right now and will face both teams they're tied with over the next two weeks.
8. Oregon (7-1, W 42-24 California) (-)
Despite two interceptions, Bo Nix finished the game with all six of Oregon's touchdowns to carry the Ducks to another win. The defense created a cushion for them in the first half to bring home the win.
9. UCLA (7-1, W 38-13 Stanford) (+2)
Dorian Thompson-Robinson didn't need to be a superstar with the effort of Zach Charbonnet. The Bruins' running back finished with 198 yards and three TDs to secure the victory.
10. USC (7-1, W 45-37 Arizona) (+2)
The Trojans were given a fight for four quarters in Arizona on Saturday. The offense of USC, led by five touchdowns from Caleb Williams, was just too much for the Wildcats to handle.
11. Ole Miss (8-1, W 31-28 Texas A&M) (+2)
It took every bit of Quinshon Judkins' 205-yard game and three touchdowns from Jaxon Dart for the Rebels to vanquish the Aggies. Texas A&M gave Ole Miss a scare, but they were able to hold them off.
12. Utah (6-2, W 21-17 Washington State) (+2)
The Utes got their job done a little earlier than everyone else without Cameron Rising. The win keeps them in the battle for the conference, though they still need some help.
13. North Carolina (7-1, W 42-24 Pittsburgh) (+4)
It's hard for me as a Duke fan to say much nice about UNC, but there is no denying how well they've played in the conference. Drake Maye threw five touchdowns, including two in the fourth quarter.
14. Kansas State (6-2, W 48-0 #9 Oklahoma State) (+5)
It was mean what Kansas State did to Oklahoma State on Saturday. They made a Top 10 team look like a bunch of high schoolers in their pursuit to change the dynamic of the Big 12.
15. Penn State (6-2, L 44-31 #2 Ohio State) (-)
I can't be too mad about what Penn State did against Ohio State. It all boils down to some poorly timed interceptions from Sean Clifford against a Buckeyes team that doesn't need much help.
16. Oklahoma State (6-2, L 48-0 #22 Kansas State) (-7)
This will leave many in the program asking where to go from here now that they have two losses. They do have a favorable schedule to finish the season, so hope remains alive.
17. Illinois (7-1, W 26-9 Nebraska) (+5)
I'm not sure how many people expected the Illini to be playing this well, but I know I didn't. Tommy DeVito threw two TDs and got 149 on the ground from Chase Brown in the win over Nebraska.
18. LSU (6-2, BYE) (+2)
The Tigers are set for a huge game against Alabama after having an extra week to prepare. If they were to beat Alabama, they'd be in a good position to win the division.
19. Wake Forest (6-2, L 48-21 Louisville) (-9)
This loss for Wake Forest could really be a back breaker for them. They aren't going to win the division and likely won be playing on New Year's Day, but there is still plenty to play for.
20. Tulane (7-1, BYE) (+3)
Even without playing this week, Tulane got some huge help from UCF with their win over Cincinnati. They are now the only remaining undefeated team in the AAC, so it's there's to lose.
21. Washington (6-2, BYE) (+3)
The Huskies sit two games back in the PAC-12 right now and have some huge opportunities coming up. They'll run the Oregon gauntlet, starting with the Beavers next week.
22. NC State (6-2, W 22-21 Virginia Tech) (+3)
MJ Morris burst onto the scene by throwing for three touchdowns to spark a comeback for the Wolfpack against the Hokies. After some questions with Leary hurt, Morris could be the answer.
23. Liberty (7-1, BYE) (+6)
After a week off for the Flames, they get set to travel to Arkansas to face an SEC team while sitting with one loss. This is easily their biggest team to date and a win could be huge for the program.
24. Kentucky (5-3, L 44-6 #3 Tennessee) (-8)
Everything that could go wrong did against Tennesse despite a solid showing in the first quarter. They never got anything going as Will Levis was held under 100 yards, turning the ball over three times.
25. Syracuse (6-2, L 41-24 Notre Dame) (-4)
While not hurting them in the conference standings, this is a tough loss for the Orange, especially at home. Worst of all is the injury to Garrett Schrader, a story to watch moving forward.
The Next 5
26. UCF (6-2, W 25-21 #20 Cincinnati) (NR)
Everything bad that happened against East Carolina is instantly wiped away with this victory over Cincinnati. They're right back in the hunt for the conference crown with Tulane in two weeks.
27. Oregon State (6-2, BYE) (-)
They've been very streaky this season and are on the good side of things right now with three wins in a row. They'll face a rested Washington team this week in a battle of 3-2 teams in the PAC-12.
28. Texas (5-3, BYE) (-)
Quinn Ewers was given an additional week to heal from anything still lingering before facing two of the conferences' best coming up. They start with Kansas State before hosting TCU in Austin.
29. Cincinnati (6-2, L 25-21 UCF) (-11)
I don't quite think it's time to stick a fork in Cincinnati, but this one has to sting a little. They held the lead and instead of holding UCF to a field goal, the defense couldn't get a stop at the end.
30. Notre Dame (5-3, W 41-24 #16 Syracuse) (NR)
A huge test awauts them with Clemson coming to town and Drew Pyne's performance this weekend doesn't get me hope for a win. Still, just think of how crazy it'd be if Notre Dame beat Clemson.
Week 10 Preview
1. #2 Tennessee v. #1 Georgia (Athens, GA)
This has the makings of the best game of the season, especially now that Tennessee has tied Ohio State for 2nd in the AP Poll. It's huge for both the playoff and for the SEC Championship, with the winner likely winning the SEC East with three games left.
2. #20 Wake Forest v. #21 NC State (Raleigh, NC)
While both likely out of the race for the ACC Atlantic, this is a bit of a pride game for both teams. Wake Forest was just embarrassed by Louisville, while NC State will likely turn to MJ Morris after helping them fight off an upset bid by Virginia Tech.
3. #6 Alabama v. #15 LSU (Baton Rouge, LA)
It's starting to get serious for Alabama as they try to fight for the SEC West crown with both LSU and Ole Miss. While they'll likely keep an eye on the game in Athens, they need to worry about taking care of business in a tough environment to play in.
4. Texas v. #13 Kansas State (Manhattan, KS)
With just one game separating them in the Big 12 right now, this could have major implications moving forward in the race for 2nd in the conference. Texas hasn't found it against ranked teams this season, while Kansas State has grown accustomed to the tough games.
5. #5 Clemson v. Notre Dame (Notre Dame, IN)
While not struggling on the same level as Drew Pyne, DJ Uiagalalei has been very up and down this season. He's shown up in big games, but has been rather pedestrian in games against lesser teams, so he'll need to turn it on in South Bend against a hungry Notre Dame team trying to get a bowl game.
6. #24 Oregon State v. Washington (Seattle, WA)
The loser of this game will likely be out of the race in the PAC-12 with all the big dogs likely to take each other out in the final weeks. I'm a little higher on Washington than most people right now, so this would be a huge time for them to prove me right against a newly-ranked Oregon State team.
7. #23 Liberty v. Arkansas (Fayetteville, AR)
This isn't your normal ranked v. unranked game because while Liberty is in the Top 25, Arkansas is likely the better team on paper. This is going to be Liberty's toughest test of the season as they try to get a road win against an SEC team.
8. Appalachian State v. Coastal Carolina (Conway, SC)
The race for the Sun Belt has been hurt by losses to their bigger schools, but this is still likely to be a fun tilt against East Division opponents. The Mountaineers sit a few games back for now as they try to chase Coastal Carolina at the top of the division.
9. Florida State v. Miami (Miami, FL)
This rivalry game doesn't have the same feel as it did in the early 2000s, especially with Miami's recent struggles. They picked up a very ugly 4OT win over Virginia without scoring a touchdown, while Florida State dominated Georgia Tech.
10. James Madison v. Louisville (Louisville, KY)
While taking a break from conference play, this game is huge for Louisville, especially as a follow up to their win over Wake Forest. Scott Satterfield is on the hot seat, but a win to get them to 6-3 could help keep him on the sideline going forward.
Comments
Post a Comment