College football week 9 is in the books. After every week fans can take away things from what happened on the field. Here are five things learned from college football week 9.
1. Chris Kleiman is way Ahead of Schedule
Chris Kleiman moved from the FCS to the FBS this offseason as he left North Dakota State to join Kansas State. He had a tall task in front of him, as he replaced a legend in Bill Snyder at the position. Most thought it would take a few years to build the program back up, but Kansas State has shown already that they can be competitive in the Big 12.
The Wildcats defeated Oklahoma 48-41 and controlled the game for most of the time on the clock. It was a big upset and Kleiman clearly has his players believing in him. If they can beat Oklahoma, who was ranked fifth before the game, Kansas State has the potential to beat just about anybody. At 5-2 on the season, they are just one win away from bowl eligibility, which is remarkable for their program.
2. Michigan is a Different Team
Something must’ve clicked for Michigan after they attempted and failed at a comeback against Penn State. It was some good fight, which is something the team hadn’t shown all season. They carried that fight over to this week when they played one of their rivals in Notre Dame. The Wolverines dominated, winning 45-14.
It was raining pretty hard which limited what Notre Dame’s offense was able to do. Michigan took advantage and for the first time in a big game this season, were the more physical team. It is too late for Michigan to really make a run at the College Football Playoff, but if the Wolverines can win games down the stretch, there is a slight chance they can win the Big Ten East.
3. LSU is Still the Most Battle-Tested Team
In yet another big game, LSU came out on top. This LSU team is built differently than most years and they beat Auburn 23-20. It wasn’t the cleanest game they have played, but Joe Burrow and the Tigers moved the ball just enough and LSU’s defense did the rest to give the team another big win. Ed Orgeron’s squad has done more than any other team this season in the department of winning big games.
This win goes right next to their wins over Texas and Florida this year. There is still a lot of football left to be played, but LSU has already had a great season. Next up for them is a bye week, but after that they will really get a chance to prove themselves against Alabama.
4. Chase Young is the Best Player in College Football
Ohio State was expected to beat Wisconsin and they did in grand fashion, 38-7. There were plenty of storylines coming into this game including two Heisman Trophy contending running backs going at it, but the talk after the game was all about Chase Young. Young finished the game with four sacks and two forced fumbles to help Ohio State to a win.
It is not often a defensive player gets recognized as the best player in college football, but Young is just that. Through eight games he has 13.5 sacks. He has a chance to pile on plenty more before the end of the season. For reference, Jadeveon Clowney, who was hyped up as a prodigy had 11.5 sacks in his best season. Young’s play should be enough to get him invited to New York for the Heisman Trophy Ceremony. If he keeps this up, he should probably take the trophy home.
5. Oregon is Staying Alive
It was thought that Oregon might have been out of the College Football Playoff race after losing the opener to Auburn. Since that point, they have won seven straight games and some teams ahead of them in the standings have lost, which has opened the door back up for the Ducks.
This week Oregon barely squeaked by Washington State on a late field goal. It may not have been pretty, but the important thing is that they won and are still alive for a College Football Playoff appearance. They’ll need some more help down the line, but crazier things have happened in college football.
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