Texas A&M’s Saturday started with stories a few contract extension for coach Mike Elko, continued with the workforce falling behind 30-3 to South Carolina on its house discipline and ended with the workforce capping the most important comeback in its historical past.
Though the Aggies left Kyle Subject at 10-0 for the primary time since 1992, they’ve areas to enhance as an important video games, together with their first Faculty Soccer Playoff look, are forward. Texas A&M’s protection was inconsistent Saturday and has been for a lot of the season. Quarterback Marcel Reed confirmed a little bit of every thing. Elko definitely will search steadier play going ahead.
Texas A&M is not the one top-25 workforce that wanted to brush up on just a few issues after Week 12. Michigan went to Chicago’s Wrigley Subject and dedicated 5 turnovers however nonetheless outlasted Northwestern 24-22. Talking of turnovers, Alabama had three in its house loss to Oklahoma, half of its season complete coming into the sport. The Tide additionally proceed to hunt a jolt to their operating recreation.
Ole Miss wriggled freed from Florida and gained 34-24 in a recreation wherein each fan bases need coach Lane Kiffin, however the Rebels undoubtedly will probably be engaged on their pink zone offense forward of the Egg Bowl. Georgia Tech remains to be alive within the ACC race however has given up a mixed 82 factors the previous two weeks.
Each workforce showing within the energy rankings — sure, even Ohio State — has areas to improve within the closing month. Here is a take a look at them. — Adam Rittenberg
Earlier rating: 1
The defending nationwide champions have persistently been probably the most dominant workforce in faculty soccer this season. On Saturday, the Buckeyes simply routed UCLA 48-10, because the Bruins, minus quarterback Nico Iamaleava, managed solely two first downs within the first half in opposition to Ohio State’s terrifying protection. Given how effectively the Buckeyes are taking part in on each side of the ball, it is troublesome to discern anyone space wherein Ohio State wants to enhance. As a substitute, the proficient Buckeyes merely need to discover a method to play as much as their functionality once they journey to Michigan in two weeks. Over the 4 straight losses to the Wolverines, Ohio State has inexplicably saved its worst for Michigan, culminating with final yr’s beautiful loss as a three-touchdown favourite. The unbeaten Buckeyes have already all however clinched a spot within the playoff. But when they wish to eradicate the dropping streak to Michigan on the way in which to the postseason, the Buckeyes need to maintain their edge in opposition to their archrival. — Jake Trotter
Earlier rating: 3
After a decent first half in opposition to Wisconsin, Indiana wanted no tiptoeing heroics because it pulled away behind Heisman Trophy contender Fernando Mendoza, who accomplished 22 of 24 passes for 299 yards and 4 touchdowns. The Hoosiers improved to 11-0 for the primary time, a season after beginning 10-0 for the primary time. Indiana does not have an apparent space for enchancment as a lot because it wants a break, since accidents are piling up. All-Massive Ten defensive finish Mikail Kamara left Saturday’s recreation due to a lingering shoulder stinger. Indiana once more performed with out beginning guard Drew Evans and extensive receiver Elijah Sarratt, each of whom ought to return for the Massive Ten championship recreation on the newest. After averaging solely 2.2 yards per rush in opposition to a stout Wisconsin protection, Indiana must get its offensive line wholesome and its run recreation rebooted. Luckily for IU, it has just one recreation earlier than the Massive Ten championship. — Rittenberg
Earlier rating: 2
The Aggies made all types of historical past Saturday of their 31-30 win over South Carolina, together with changing into the primary SEC workforce in 287 tries over the previous 20 years to erase a 27-point deficit. Marcel Reed had a horrific first half, going 6-of-19 with two interceptions, then was 16-of-20 with three touchdowns within the second half, ending with 439 yards. It is truthful to say Mike Elko would like to see somewhat extra consistency, however at 10-0 and No. 3 within the CFP rankings, he is very happy with the finishes. One puzzling stat: Texas A&M is 134th in pink zone scoring protection, permitting opponents to attain on 96.6% of journeys, but it has the nation’s high third-down protection with a conversion simply 24% of the time. The Aggies get a tune-up in opposition to 1-10 Samford this week at Kyle Subject earlier than an enormous showdown with Texas in Austin on Nov. 28. — Dave Wilson
Earlier rating: 5
The Bulldogs appear to be getting higher on protection each week, however there are nonetheless enhancements to be made. After struggling to sack the quarterback, Georgia had six mixed in its previous two video games in opposition to Mississippi State and Texas. The Bulldogs additionally weren’t superb on third down earlier within the season, however the different Bulldogs and Longhorns had been a mixed 10-for-28 on third down. Youthful gamers akin to Quintavius Johnson and Zayden Walker are getting extra snaps up entrance, and cornerback Ellis Robinson IV has improved after struggling earlier within the season. Linebacker CJ Allen, the Bulldogs’ finest defender, injured his left knee in opposition to Texas and did not return. Allen was scheduled to have an MRI, however he informed Good his knee felt good after the sport. — Mark Schlabach
Earlier rating: 6
The Purple Raiders blew out one other Massive 12 foe, rolling to a 48-9 rout of UCF in a house finale wherein they led 38-2 at halftime. First-year offensive coordinator Mack Leftwich retains including new wrinkles to this offensive assault and located some good solutions Saturday for Tech’s struggles with ending drives within the pink zone, together with getting speedy receiver Reggie Virgil concerned within the run recreation and unveiling a Wildcat package deal for Heisman hopeful linebacker Jacob Rodriguez. Quarterback Behren Morton persevering with to stack high quality begins since returning to the lineup is clearly serving to this unit discover its rhythm. Now it is time to chase championships after attaining Texas Tech’s first 10-win season since 2008. — Max Olson
Earlier rating: 7
As electrifying because the Ole Miss offense has been this season, the protection has been inconsistent — notably in SEC play. That confirmed itself once more in a 34-24 comeback win over Florida on Saturday. Although the Gators have struggled on offense for the majority of the season, they’d success with explosive performs within the first half, as DJ Lagway harm the Rebels along with his arm and legs. Ole Miss tightened up within the second half to drag out a win. However the uneven efficiency has grow to be a little bit of a pattern. Ole Miss ranks No. 11 in scoring protection in its SEC video games, giving up a mean of 25.6 factors. Kentucky, Arkansas, Georgia and Florida all scored extra factors than their season SEC common once they performed Ole Miss. Plus, the protection has pressured solely eight turnovers all season. — Andrea Adelson
Earlier rating: 8
The Geese received a little bit of a tricky draw having to play on a Friday evening after touring to Iowa the week earlier than, however their efficiency didn’t undergo. Oregon outgained Minnesota by over 300 yards on its method to a dominant 42-13 win over the Gophers. On condition that the Geese had been lacking key gamers in extensive receiver Dakorien Moore in addition to wideout Gary Bryant Jr., the truth that the Oregon offense was nonetheless capable of produce 510 yards speaks to its depth and expertise. The well being of these extensive receivers will probably be an important a part of the Geese’ stretch run and into the Faculty Soccer Playoff. Maybe the one nitpick for Dan Lanning’s workforce is its pink zone protection, which though it has allowed solely 19 journeys all season, has additionally given up 14 touchdowns and solely as soon as was capable of cease a workforce from scoring any factors — that is one of many 10 worst marks within the nation. Which may not imply a lot (undefeated Texas A&M can be within the backside 10 within the stat), however as Oregon performs higher opponents, it’s one thing to observe. — Paolo Uggetti
Earlier rating: 12
Who anticipated Oklahoma’s largest win in years to come back in a recreation wherein it had its lowest yardage complete (212) in years? The Sooners shined on particular groups and protection in opposition to Alabama and prevented the massive errors on offense that usually doom groups on the highway. The important thing now could be to get John Mateer and the offense on an analogous trajectory for house video games in opposition to Missouri and LSU that might propel OU into the CFP. Mateer has solely two landing passes in his previous 5 begins and has eclipsed 200 passing yards solely as soon as previously 4 video games. Though Mateer had a magical 20-yard landing run at Alabama, Oklahoma averaged simply 2.6 yards per carry. A stronger offensive efficiency is required to complete off a 10-2 common season. — Rittenberg
Earlier rating: 4
Coach Kalen DeBoer’s imperfect workforce had gotten by means of the SEC gauntlet largely due to the way it began video games and the way it took care of the ball. Alabama had solely six turnovers, tied for third fewest nationally, and had outscored opponents 179-71 within the first half of video games. However the Tide dedicated three turnovers in Saturday’s loss to Oklahoma, together with an 87-yard Ty Simpson interception returned for a landing that put the Sooners up 10-0. Regardless of outgaining Oklahoma 406-212, Alabama’s incapability to hold onto the ball or maintain drives within the second half led to its first house loss underneath DeBoer. The Tide additionally should brush up their particular groups play after a fumble on a punt return and a foul operation on a discipline aim try on the finish of the primary half. The run recreation stays an space of concern, as Alabama averaged solely 2.4 yards per rush. — Rittenberg
Earlier rating: 9
For all intents and functions, Notre Dame’s analysis interval is over. It closed out the meat of its season with an emphatic 37-15 win at Pitt wherein CJ Carr threw a pair of touchdowns, Jeremiyah Love cemented himself as a Heisman contender, the particular groups was large, and the protection held the Panthers to solely 219 yards of offense, an 0-for-13 mark on third down and racked up 4 sacks. It was a close to good efficiency by the Irish. Now, they wrap up with video games in opposition to Boston Faculty and Stanford wherein they need to be closely favored and … they wait. Assuming Notre Dame finishes the season 10-2, it must be in prime place for a playoff bid, however with a lot nonetheless up within the air — what number of SEC groups get in?; is the Massive Ten getting a minimum of three groups?; will there be an upset within the Massive 12?; does the committee rethink Miami? — nothing is assured. The very best factor that may occur to the Irish down the stretch is quite a lot of chaos elsewhere. — David Hale
Earlier rating: 10
The Cougars’ 44-13 win in opposition to TCU was precisely what they wanted after final week’s dismal loss to Texas Tech. BYU has gained quite a lot of shut video games this season, however for a workforce that may very well be within the dialogue for the ultimate at-large spot, type factors now matter. This can be a workforce that has to make its case to the committee, and complete wins — just like the one in opposition to TCU — are clearly rather more efficient in that course of. With Cincinnati and UCF left earlier than a probable rematch with Texas Tech within the Massive 12 title recreation, BYU wants two extra wins like this one to assist make its case. — Kyle Bonagura
Earlier rating: 13
Utah’s playoff hopes took a success Saturday when Oklahoma upset Alabama, making certain the Utes will not leap the Sooners within the up to date playoff rankings. For the Utes to qualify for the playoff, they’re going to want some assist, and now an Oklahoma loss to both Missouri or LSU is important. All Utah can do now could be proceed its trajectory. It has been dominant a lot of the season and now has Kansas State and Kansas left to additional bolster its résumé. — Bonagura
Earlier rating: 15
The Hurricanes received their offense again on monitor in a 41-7 win over NC State gaining 581 yards as Carson Beck threw for 291 yards and their operating backs mixed for 214 yards. However one of many largest points that has plagued Miami — notably in losses — has been penalties. Miami stays one of the vital penalized groups within the nation — rating No. 94 in all of FBS for penalty yards this season and tied for No. 119 in common penalties per recreation (7.7). In opposition to NC State, Miami basically hit that common, with eight penalties for 75 yards — together with one which nullified a landing within the third quarter. It did not price Miami as a result of it was so dominant in opposition to the Wolfpack, however there isn’t any doubt the Hurricanes need to work on this space as they attempt to make a push for an at-large berth within the CFP. — Adelson
Earlier rating: 17
The Trojans wanted a win to maintain their CFP hopes alive and although they trailed Iowa 21-10 at halftime, their protection awakened and was capable of shut out the Hawkeyes within the second half and provides USC a 26-21 victory that Lincoln Riley described as a “tradition win” for this system. Even when he was as ebullient as he ever has been as USC’s head coach, Riley didn’t mince phrases in regards to the first-half efficiency, saying his workforce did not play “price a rattling within the first half.” The Trojans’ protection, specifically, has not gotten off to nice begins in a number of video games, giving up explosive performs and placing USC in a gap early. With Oregon looming subsequent week in what could be the most important recreation but in Riley’s tenure, the Trojans can’t afford to maintain beginning off slowly if they need an opportunity to upset the Geese and pave their method to their first CFP look. — Uggetti
Earlier rating: 16
The excellent news for the Yellow Jackets is that within the chaotic ACC, they management their future. In the event that they win this week in opposition to Pitt, they punched their card for the ACC championship recreation. Win there, they usually’re within the playoff. However these are two large “ifs” given the way in which the Jackets’ protection has performed of late. Up to now two video games mixed, Georgia Tech has given up greater than 1,100 yards and 82 factors. NC State and Boston Faculty mixed to common 7.24 yards per rush on designed runs in these video games, with almost as many runs of a minimum of 10 yards (seven) as runs stopped for a loss or no acquire (eight). The previous two opponents for Pitt and Georgia Tech haven’t proven elite run video games, so maybe there’s some hope. However NC State and BC had been hardly world-beaters both, they usually had their approach with the Jackets’ protection. Brent Key & Co. must get issues discovered on that aspect of the ball ASAP — or danger blowing a wide-open shot on the playoff. — Hale
Earlier rating: 14
If the Commodores are going to win their subsequent two video games in opposition to Kentucky (house) and Tennessee (highway) to remain within the hunt for a CFP bid, they’ll need to play higher on protection than they did of their earlier two video games. In a 34-31 loss at Texas and 45-38 victory in time beyond regulation in opposition to Auburn, the Commodores surrendered 72 factors and almost 1,000 yards of offense. That is not adequate. The Longhorns went 7-for-11 on third down, and Arch Manning threw for 328 yards with three touchdowns. Auburn quarterback Ashton Daniels, beginning for under the second time, threw for 353 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 89 yards and two scores. Clearly, this previous week’s open date could not have come at a greater time for Vandy’s protection. — Schlabach
Earlier rating: 11
The place to start? The Longhorns’ deflating loss at Georgia was one other disappointing efficiency in a season stuffed with them. Quarterback Arch Manning performed higher in current weeks, however his mechanics nonetheless aren’t nice. He accomplished 27 of 43 passes for 251 yards with one landing. He made a poor choice on a go that was intercepted within the pink zone and was sacked thrice. The Longhorns dropped various passes and had been penalized 9 instances for 58 yards. Georgia restricted Texas to solely 23 dashing yards on 17 makes an attempt (together with sacks), the third straight recreation wherein the Bulldogs held the Longhorns to 35 dashing yards or fewer. With three losses, Texas most likely will not make the CFP, however it might probably spoil rival Texas A&M’s SEC title hopes by knocking off the Aggies in Austin on Nov. 28. — Schlabach
Earlier rating: 18
The Wolverines stay alive within the playoff image, however they’ve to scrub up the turnovers. Michigan escaped Wrigley Subject with a 24-22 victory over Northwestern, regardless of coughing the ball up 5 instances, together with on three consecutive drives within the fourth quarter. Freshman Bryce Underwood threw two unhealthy interceptions, then tried handy the ball off too excessive on fourth-and-1, resulting in a Northwestern fumble restoration. Underwood did bounce again to information the Wolverines on a successful drive, capped with Dominic Zvada’s 31-yard discipline aim as time expired. The Wolverines had been capable of overcome the turnovers in opposition to Northwestern. However they will not be capable of survive that once more in two weeks when top-ranked Ohio State visits Ann Arbor. — Trotter
Earlier rating: 21
The Cavaliers performed their most full recreation of the season in a 34-17 win over Duke, and reestablished their run recreation, gaining 224 yards. However coach Tony Elliott has emphasised studying end video games, and that’s definitely an space to work on throughout the open date — as they face rival Virginia Tech on the ultimate weekend of the common season. A win clinches a spot within the ACC title recreation. Virginia took a 31-3 lead into the fourth quarter, however Duke scored two touchdowns in lower than a minute — one off a pick-six — that gave the Blue Devils new life. Elliott seen his workforce relaxed for only a bit with the massive lead. However he additionally seen after Duke made it a two-score recreation, his workforce regrouped to complete out the victory. Virginia can’t afford any letups in opposition to the Hokies — Virginia Tech is within the midst of a tricky season, however the Hokies have gained 19 of the previous 20 video games within the rivalry. — Adelson
Earlier rating: 22
Tennessee rolled to a 42-9 win over New Mexico State on Saturday; the Volunteers averaged 6.3 yards per carry with a properly balanced 219 passing yards and 194 dashing yards. However the Vols did hand over 313 passing yards, which did not alleviate doubts in regards to the protection. It picked off two passes, made seven tackles for loss and compelled 4 turnovers on downs, however protection has been a significant problem all season, and this recreation solely alleviated that concern a lot. Beating Florida and particularly Vanderbilt to complete the season would require extra stops than the Vols are inclined to make. — Invoice Connelly
Earlier rating: NR
The Dukes put collectively their most full efficiency up to now in a 58-10 victory over App State on Saturday. Their Alonza Barnett III-led offense received on a run of 9 consecutive scoring drives and put up 627 complete yards, and the protection gave up a mere 29 yards by means of three quarters and held Solar Belt main rusher Rashod Dubinion to a season-low 25 yards. After their largest blowout win in Solar Belt play since transferring as much as FBS in 2022, Bob Chesney’s squad has gained eight in a row. If this workforce can keep wholesome and preserve this momentum in opposition to Washington State and Coastal Carolina, it can proceed taking part in its approach into critical CFP consideration. — Olson
Earlier rating: 24
What a season it has been for the Imply Inexperienced, with their high-flying offense led by Drew Mestemaker, the in a single day sensation who did not even begin in highschool. Behind coach Eric Morris, North Texas is 9-1 with the nation’s high scoring offense (45.3 factors per recreation) and Mestemaker has thrown for 3,000 yards, with 23 touchdowns (4 extra dashing) and 4 interceptions. However the run protection has been a little bit of an Achilles’ heel, together with giving up greater than 300 yards to a few completely different groups this season: Military (387), Navy (311) and South Florida (306, in its solely lack of the season). So long as the Imply Inexperienced can maintain slinging it in opposition to Rice and Temple, they’re going to keep in CFP competition. Rice, specifically, poses a risk, averaging 211 dashing yards. — Wilson
Earlier rating: NR
Two pick-sixes and an unimaginable day from Ahmad Hardy — 25 carries, 300 yards, 3 touchdowns — gave Missouri a cushty 49-27 win over Mississippi State on Saturday. The Tigers averaged 8.0 yards per play to the Bulldogs’ 3.8, they usually led by double digits for the ultimate 20:56 of the sport. However with a visit to Oklahoma on deck, the areas for enchancment are fairly apparent. Oklahoma has among the best run defenses within the nation, and assuming Mizzou quarterback Beau Pribula is not but able to return from a dislocated ankle, freshman Matt Zollers will face each probably the most hostile crowd and protection he has seen. He did what he wanted to do in opposition to MSU, finishing 8 of 15 passes for 112 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 overthrown interception, however the diploma of problem will rise significantly in Norman. — Connelly
Earlier rating: 23
The Hawkeyes had gained 46 out of their previous 47 video games when main by double digits at halftime. However Iowa failed to attain after halftime, and USC rallied for a 26-21 victory. Second-half scoring has doomed Iowa all season. In its 4 losses, the Hawkeyes have mixed to attain solely 17 factors within the second half. They misplaced these 4 video games — to Iowa State, Indiana, Oregon and USC — by a complete margin of 15 factors. With a barely simpler second-half offense, Iowa might have simply been within the thick of the Massive Ten title image, in addition to the playoff. These hopes are actually gone. And the Hawkeyes must discover a method to rating extra after halftime to complete with a minimum of eight wins for a fifth straight season. — Trotter
Earlier rating: NR
The Illini have not had the breakthrough season they envisioned with three losses, however they nonetheless can end with consecutive seasons of eight or extra wins for the primary time since 1989 and 1990. Illinois will probably be favored in opposition to each Wisconsin this week and Northwestern subsequent week, and it’ll look to construct on its finest defensive effort in Massive Ten play, holding Maryland to 6 factors and 293 complete yards in Saturday’s win. The Illini protection has had some troublesome moments, particularly on the highway, giving up greater than 250 passing yards six instances and twice surrendering 5 passing touchdowns (Indiana and Washington). Wisconsin and Northwestern aren’t prolific passing offenses, so Illinois has an opportunity to complete sturdy. The Illini additionally should push for extra takeaways after recording just one previously 4 video games and 10 all season. — Rittenberg