Wisconsin 7, Ohio State 38
The heavens opened over Columbus this past Saturday as the No. 3 Buckeyes (8-0) took on the No. 13 Badgers (6-2) in an age-old duel between two of the Big Ten’s finest. The heavy rain held both offenses in check until midway through the second quarter, when the Buckeyes opened up a quick 10-0 lead thanks to a Blake Haubeil field goal and a Justin Fields touchdown strike to wide receiver Chris Olave. The Badgers responded early in the second half with a touchdown pass of their own, closing the gap to 10-7. The fun ended there for the Badgers, as the Ohio State offense roared to life, ripping off 28 unanswered points to finish the game. J.K. Dobbins outdueled fellow standout halfback Jonathan Taylor, collecting 163 yards on the ground and a pair of monster touchdown runs. On the other side of the ball, Buckeye defensive end Chase Young dismantled the Wisconsin offensive line, finishing with four sacks, five tackles for loss, one forced fumble and one battered Badger quarterback. With this victory, the Buckeyes ace their toughest test thus far, continuing their dominant in-conference play and retaining their No. 3 spot in this week’s AP poll. With its second loss of the season, Wisconsin loses ground in the race for the Big Ten West and plummets to No. 18 in this week’s AP poll.
Oklahoma 41, Kansas State 48
The college football world watched in awe last Saturday, as yet another top-10 school fell to an unranked opponent. Oklahoma was this week’s victim, losing an offensive shootout on the road to the Kansas State Wildcats. The Sooner defense put forth an underwhelming performance, watching helplessly as Wildcat quarterback Skylar Thompson ran wild for four touchdowns on the ground. The contest was an undeniable thriller; the lead changed several times as momentum constantly shifted back and forth between the two sides. Kansas State held steady until the end, warding off a furious Sooner comeback and emerging with a hard-earned seven-point victory. Sooner quarterback Jalen Hurts performed admirably in the loss, racking up nearly 500 yards of total offense and a combined four touchdowns. With the loss, the Sooners fall to No. 10 in the AP poll and surrender the lead in the Big 12.
Auburn 20, LSU 23
Auburn marched into Death Valley last Saturday afternoon, looking to put an end to LSU’s flawless regular season campaign. The Tigers held steady once again, gutting out a three-point victory in another monumental SEC showdown. Defense reigned supreme for both squads, as neither side obtained a lead greater than 10 points for the entirety of the contest. Both sides fought valiantly, constantly snatching the lead from one another until a fourth quarter Joe Burrow rushing touchdown sealed Auburn’s fate once and for all. Once again, Burrow thrived on the big stage, notching another 300-yard passing performance, along with a crucial touchdown through the air to receiver Terrace Marshall, Jr. With the victory, LSU further elevates its resume, snatching the No. 1 spot in this week’s AP poll and establishing itself as the team to beat in college football.
Notre Dame 14, Michigan 45
Michigan found its stride Saturday night, cruising to a 31-point home victory against the No. 8 Fighting Irish. The outcome was never in doubt; the Wolverines offense came out swinging, scoring the game’s first 17 points before Notre Dame began to stir. Jim Harbaugh’s squad pressed the pedal to the metal for all four quarters, carving up the Irish defense for over 400 yards of total offense. Michigan running back Hassan Haskins imposed his will on the overmatched Fighting Irish defense, breaking free for 149 yards and kicking the Wolverines offense into high gear. Notre Dame quarterback Ian Book laid an egg in the Big House, completing only eight passes for 73 yards in the loss. With the loss, the Fighting Irish are sent back to South Bend with their tails between their legs, while Michigan picks up a much-needed boost to their resumé.
Week 10 Preview
No. 8 Georgia vs. No. 6 Florida
Georgia and Florida lock horns in a must-watch top-10 tussle. The fate of the SEC East hangs in the balance as two elite programs look to battle their way back into the College Football Playoff conversation.
No. 15 SMU vs. No. 24 Memphis
SMU looks to remain unbeaten, while the Tigers attempt to claw their way into a tie for first in the AAC. Memphis’ home-field advantage creates the potential for a meaningful upset on Saturday night.
