College football week 7 is in the books. After every week fans can take away things from what happened on the field. Here are 5 things learned from college football week 7.
1. It’s Between Michigan and Ohio State in the Big Ten East
Michigan had their first big test of the season when they played Penn State. They ended up passing with flying colors, as they dominated the game, winning 41-17. Penn State was undefeated and was looking to challenge Ohio State and Michigan atop the Big Ten East. The fact that they couldn’t stop the run or generate offense shows that they are a step behind the other two teams.
Ohio State did not play this weekend, but like Michigan is undefeated. These two teams are on a collision course at the end of the season to have their rivalry game decide who represents the Big Ten East in the championship game. The loser may not even be eliminated from College Football Playoff contention at this rate.
2. Tennessee is Back
Last week, Tennessee showed progress that they were on the way back. In week 7, Tennessee proved they were back. They defeated Alabama in a shootout for the first time in 15 years. Hendon Hooker sparked the offense with 385 yards, five touchdowns and one interception. Head coach Josh Heupel turned the program around faster than anyone could have imagined.
The win puts Tennessee firmly in the College Football Playoff race. They won a big game, but there are still big games again, including when the team will suit up against Georgia. Even if Tennessee stumbles down the stretch, they have proven to be able to compete against the best of the best.
3. UCLA is the Pac-12’s Best Bet for the CFP
The big game in the Pac-12 in week 7 featured USC traveling to Utah to take on the Utes. It was a high-scoring game and when Utah scored within the last minute, they elected to go for two in order to win the game. They converted and stayed alive in the Pac-12 South race with one conference loss and two losses overall.
UCLA remains undefeated after having a bye. They are the lone undefeated team in the Pac-12. The Bruins weren’t projected to be at this point and still have some tough games. They’ll have to play well against Oregon and USC to get to the CFP, but they are the best chance for the Pac-12.
4. Sonny Dykes is in Contention for Coach of the Year
Last season, TCU went 5-7 and missed a bowl game. They moved on from longtime coach Gary Patterson and hired Sonny Dykes this offseason. This week, TCU had a comeback win, defeating Oklahoma State 43-40 in overtime.
With the win, TCU is now 6-0, already surpassing their win total from last season. The offense is running smoothly and the Horned Frogs are in the driver’s seat for the Big 12. With the turnaround Dykes is one of the frontrunners (along with Josh Heupel of Tennessee) for Coach of the Year.
5. NC State’s Dream is Over
NC State brought back tons of talent from last year’s nine-win team. They had high expectations heading into the season. The team took a hit after losing to Clemson. Things got worse after the team defeated Florida State, as quarterback Devin Leary injured his shoulder. Right before the game against Syracuse, the Wolfpack announced that Leary would miss the rest of the season.
The rest of the day did not go well for the Wolfpack, as they lost to Syracuse and failed to generate offense all game. It appeared the coaching staff was not prepared without Leary. Losing one game to Clemson did not leave them out of New Year’s Six Bowl contention, but with another loss and a big injury at the quarterback position, that dream is likely dead.
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