College football Week 10 was noteworthy because of the exciting prime time matchups. Washington faced USC, and Alabama went head-to-head against LSU. These games featured impressive performances by quarterbacks Caleb Williams, Michael Penix, Jayden Daniels, and Jalen Milroe. Alabama’s Jalen Milroe, in particular, has been playing exceptionally well lately, leading his team to a potential return to the SEC Championship Game and the College Football Playoff.
Both games were highly entertaining. Washington and USC combined for 94 points, with Washington ultimately securing a 52-42 victory. Meanwhile, LSU and Alabama traded blows until LSU’s Jayden Daniels left the game with a possible concussion, allowing Alabama to secure a 42-28 win.
In the afternoon, Oklahoma’s hopes for the College Football Playoff were dashed in a 27-24 loss to Oklahoma State, marking the end of a storied college football rivalry.
With so many memorable moments in Week 10, there’s plenty to dissect and overanalyze in college football.
Billy Napier won’t take Florida bowling in Year 2
Billy Napier’s tenure at Florida hasn’t been smooth sailing. While there have been some bright spots, such as a win against Tennessee and success in recruiting, there have also been some significant setbacks. Saturday’s loss to Arkansas is the most damaging blow yet and may be insurmountable this season. Losing to Arkansas, who had not won a game in the SEC and had a 2-6 overall record before this matchup, is hard to overlook.
Now, the Gators must win at least one of their remaining three games to become eligible for a bowl game. However, they face tough challenges with road games against LSU and Missouri, as well as a home game against playoff hopeful Florida State. Given the circumstances, it seems unlikely that Florida will reach a bowl game this year. It’s important to note, though, that Napier’s job is not in jeopardy this season. Despite the team’s struggles, the Gators have been successful in recruiting, and there is hope for a turnaround in 2024. However, Napier is certainly feeling the pressure.
Ollie Gordon is college football’s MVP
Oklahoma State’s Ollie Gordon is no longer a secret. He dominated in October and continued to shine in a 27-24 win against Oklahoma, rushing for 137 yards and two touchdowns on 33 carries. Despite suffering an ankle injury in the first half, Gordon carried the Cowboys’ offense in the second half, becoming the team’s primary offensive weapon. He has rushed for over 100 yards in every Big 12 game this season and has been instrumental in Oklahoma State’s success. No other player has made a similar impact in college football this year.
Since centering their offense around Gordon, the Cowboys have won five out of six games. It’s clear that their Big 12 Championship hopes rest heavily on Gordon’s shoulders. His consistency and performance have been unmatched.
Jeff Lebby can’t hide anymore
Oklahoma’s offensive coordinator, Jeff Lebby, must share the blame for the team’s recent disappointments. Although not as widely criticized as some other assistant coaches, Lebby’s shortcomings have been evident. In losses to Kansas and Oklahoma State, Lebby’s play-calling contributed to Oklahoma’s collapse and dashed their College Football Playoff hopes.
An example of Lebby’s questionable decision-making was evident in the last play of the Bedlam game. On fourth-and-5, Lebby drew up a short route that resulted in the receiver being stopped short of the first down. While the receiver should have been aware of the situation, Lebby should have put him in a better position to succeed. Ultimately, the play backfired and led to a loss in the final scheduled Bedlam game.
Ohio State is not the No. 1 team
Disclaimer: Ohio State is a good football team, and they are capable of making the College Football Playoff. However, despite their No. 1 ranking in the committee’s rankings, they are not the best team in college football at the moment.
In order to be considered the best team, a team needs to have a well-rounded game. Unfortunately, Ohio State falls short in this regard. Their offense, in particular, has been struggling, with an underperforming offensive line and inconsistent play from quarterback Kyle McCord. In their recent game against Rutgers, the Buckeyes scored only one offensive touchdown in the first 42 minutes. Their ranking may be based on their overall resume, but when evaluated based on their performance, they are not a convincing choice for the No. 1 team in college football.
