Georgia is still elite among Week 9 features
Here are 10 things we learned from Week 9:
Georgia will only go as far as its
defense allows
Top-ranked Georgia features the best defense in the country and it showed against Florida with the Bulldogs forcing three turnovers including a pick-6. But the offense remains a point of concern after quarterback Stetson Bennett IV tossed two interceptions. With such a stingy defense, UGA may not need much offense.
The heat is back on Jim Harbaugh
It didn’t take long after Michigan’s loss to Michigan State for the critics to begin calling for Jim Harbaugh’s job. The Wolverines surrendered a 16-point lead in the second half as Harbaugh dropped to 3-9 against rivals Ohio State and the Spartans. The loss dropped UM out of contention for the College Football Playoff and most likely ended their chances at a Big Ten title.
When a win is a loss for Michigan
State
Michigan State fans were thrilled with their win against Michigan but that euphoria could turn to concern as a strong showing by the Spartans could entice schools like LSU and USC to make a serious run at MSU coach Mel Tucker. Tucker’s experience in the SEC at Alabama and Georgia and his recent run of success makes him a top candidate among desperate athletic directors.
Kenneth Walker III makes his case
for the Heisman
If you didn’t know about Kenneth Walker III before Saturday, you surely do by now after the Michigan State tailback ran for 197 yards and 5 touchdowns in the Spartans, 37-33 win over Michigan. Walker is one of three running backs with 1,100 rushing yards and he leads the nation in rushing yards per game with 149.2.
Auburn’s path to an SEC West title
remains clear
With everyone focusing on Alabama, Ole Miss and Texas A&M, Auburn has quietly put itself in the driver’s seat for a divisional title. The Tigers won back-toback games against ranked foes in Arkansas and Ole Miss and with showdowns against Alabama and Texas A&M looming, a trip to Atlanta and the SEC Championship remains a possibility.
Wake Forest remains the ACC’s
best hope for the playoff
Wake Forest is one of six undefeated teams remaining in the Football Bowl Subdivision after the Demon Deacons improved to 8-0 with a blowout of Duke. The Demon Deacons are the clear favorites to win the ACC Atlantic now and with their first top 10 ranking since 1947, it’s easy to see how Wake could maneuver itself into the playoff.
Miami’s youth movement has
sparked Hurricanes
Two weeks ago, Miami’s hopes were fading into obscurity with Manny Diaz facing an uncertain future as the Hurricanes coach but breakout performances by freshman quarterback Tyler Van Dyke in wins against NC State and Pittsburgh have suddenly thrust this team back into contention in the ACC Coastal and salvaged what seemed an unsalvageable season.
Wisconsin, Minnesota back in Big
Ten title race
Welcome back! After early devastating losses, Wisconsin and Minnesota have run off four straight wins apiece to push themselves back into contention in the Big Ten West. Iowa, which briefly courted with a No. 2 ranking before losses to Purdue and Wisconsin, has dropped out of sight, leaving the season finale on Nov. 27 as a possible decider.
Texas can’t close the deal
It’s been a challenging first year for Texas coach Steve Sarkisian, who has watched his Longhorns show glimpses of greatness while also suffering horrifying fourth-quarter collapses against Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Baylor. Texas saw another double-digit lead vanish in the second half against Baylor handing Texas its first 3-game losing streak since 2016.
Kickoff return puts Houston
squarely in AAC picture
Marcus Jones’ 100-yard kickoff return with 17 seconds remaining pushed Houston past previously undefeated SMU and into consideration for the American Athletic Conference championship race. The Cougars have won seven straight games after dropping their opener Texas Tech and could represent the best challenger to Cincinnati.