Photo from ESPN
We have had some absolutely incredible weekends of college football.
This past one?
Eh, not so much.
But that doesn’t mean there weren’t still excellent moments, and some key winners.
Honorable Mention: Boston College Eagles
Boston College lost to Duke 47-2.
That’s bad.
That’s really bad.
But what’s interesting about that score is that the 2 points BC scored were a blocked extra point returned for a two point conversion.
It was the first ever time a teams only points were a returned two point conversion.
Yay, history!
5. Rules
In the world of division 3 football, we saw something we’ve never seen before.
There’s a new rule in college football this year where if you fair catch a punt, you have the option to take a free kick to try and kick it through the uprights, basically like a field goal.
Well, Johns Hopkins did just that on Saturday with three seconds on the clock to win the game over Muhlenberg.
You gotta love weird endings!
4. Kickers
If you’re a college football fan, you may know the phrase #CollegeKickers.
If you don’t, let me just tell you, that’s not normally a good thing.
But on Saturday night, it became a good thing.
There has never been multiple 60 yard field goals made in the same college football game.
With 25 seconds left, Minnesota kicker Luke Drzewiecki drilled a 60 yard field goal to give Minnesota a 16-13 lead, and seemingly, a huge road upset.
That is until Paddy McAteer drilled his own 60 yard field goal as time expired to tie the game and send it to overtime.
Indiana went on to win the game, which they might remember.
Personally, I’ll remember the insane kicking display.
3. Oregon Ducks
Go back in time and tell me months ago that Oregon beating Northwestern at home would be an impressive win.
Past me would probably think that you’re insane.
But that’s where we’re at.
After some terrible offensive performances this year from the Oregon Ducks, they fired offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer, and in their first game with interim OC Jay Johnson, Dylan Raiola looked every bit like the 5 star recruit he was out of high school as the Ducks beat Northwestern 34-26.
It’s a good start to try and salvage the season for the Ducks.
2. Texas Tech Red Raiders
This was a huge game for the Red Raiders.
Coming off of a tough loss to Cincy, they needed a spark against a very good Arizona team that was trying to make their own statement as the best team in the Big 12.
But Texas Tech got a spark from backup QB Tommy Castellanos who gave them the running threat at QB that Will Hammond couldn’t, and Tech had a 24 point second half to hold off the Wildcats avoid back to back losses.
From thinking Tech would fall by the wayside in the Big 12 race, to making a statement that they’re still here.
1. USC Trojans
Just a week ago, we were wondering where Lincoln Riley would end up after USC fired him for another disappointing season.
Maybe Baylor? How about TCU? Who will USC hire in his stead?
Now, USC finally has its signature win in the Lincoln Riley era with a 30-18 win over Ohio State, and controls their fate in the Big 10 title race to possibly go to the playoff.
If Riley can deliver, he can shed a lot of narratives surrounding him and the Trojans.
What could go wrong?
