College Football Week 9 Recap: A Ho-Hum Saturday with Major Implications
As the leaves turn and the chill of autumn settles in, college football fans were treated to a somewhat subdued Week 9 on October 27, 2024. While four AP-ranked teams faced defeat, each loss came at the hands of another ranked opponent, making the outcomes less shocking and more a part of the competitive landscape. With the stakes rising and the playoff picture becoming clearer, let’s dive into the key performances and how they’ve reshaped our Power Rankings.
Oregon Ducks: Dominance in the Spotlight
In their first game as the No. 1 team in the nation, the Oregon Ducks showcased their prowess with a resounding 38-9 victory over No. 20 Illinois. The Ducks exploded for 35 points in the first half, leaving little doubt about their dominance. Their defense has been particularly impressive, having shut out Purdue the previous week and limiting Illinois to just 293 total yards. Despite some concerns about red zone efficiency—allowing opponents to score 88% of the time inside the 20—Oregon’s ability to stifle Illinois’ scoring opportunities was a significant step forward. With their undefeated record intact, the Ducks are poised for a strong finish to the regular season.
Georgia Bulldogs: A Week of Rest
The Georgia Bulldogs enjoyed a bye week after their impressive 30-15 victory over Texas, where their defense shone brightly. With key players like Mykel Williams and Jalon Walker stepping up, Georgia’s defensive front is looking healthier than ever. However, inconsistency remains a concern, as they’ve allowed a wide range of points in their SEC matchups. As they prepare to face Florida and Ole Miss in the coming weeks, the Bulldogs will need to find a way to maintain their defensive dominance consistently.
Texas Longhorns: A Narrow Escape
The Texas Longhorns faced a tough challenge against Vanderbilt, narrowly escaping with a 27-24 victory. Despite a shaky start that included an interception on their first possession, quarterback Quinn Ewers rebounded impressively, throwing three touchdown passes and completing 17 consecutive passes after the early misstep. The Longhorns’ defense, which forced three turnovers, proved crucial in securing the win. With a bye week ahead, Texas will look to regroup before facing Florida at home on November 9.
Penn State Nittany Lions: Injury Concerns
The Nittany Lions secured a 28-13 victory over Wisconsin, but the win was overshadowed by the injury to quarterback Drew Allar. After a strong first half, Allar tweaked his knee and was unable to continue, raising concerns about his availability for the upcoming showdown against Ohio State. Backup Beau Pribula stepped in admirably, but Allar’s absence could significantly impact Penn State’s chances in what is shaping up to be a pivotal matchup.
Ohio State Buckeyes: Struggles Continue
Ohio State faced a tough battle against Nebraska, managing to hold on for a 21-17 victory. The Buckeyes’ rushing attack, once a hallmark of their offense, has struggled recently, averaging just 3.7 yards per carry against the Cornhuskers. With injuries affecting their offensive line, Ohio State will need to find a way to revitalize their ground game as they prepare for their critical clash with Penn State next week.
Miami Hurricanes: A Statement Win
The Miami Hurricanes delivered a strong performance against Florida State, winning 36-14 in a game that highlighted their physicality and improved tackling. While their pass defense remains a concern, Miami’s ability to control the game up front was a positive sign as they head into the final stretch of the season. With a challenging schedule ahead, including a rematch against former head coach Manny Diaz, the Hurricanes will need to maintain their momentum.
Indiana Hoosiers: A Historic Start
Indiana continued its remarkable season with a 31-17 victory over Washington, marking their eighth consecutive win without trailing at any point in a game. This historic start has drawn comparisons to the 1998 Kansas State Wildcats, who also began their season undefeated without trailing. As Indiana looks ahead to their remaining schedule, they are positioning themselves as serious contenders for a playoff spot.
BYU Cougars: A Solid Performance
BYU improved to 8-0 with a convincing 37-24 win over UCF. The Cougars jumped out to an early lead and maintained control throughout the game. With a rivalry matchup against Utah looming, BYU will need to stay focused and avoid any potential pitfalls that often accompany such high-stakes games.
Texas A&M Aggies: Defensive Dominance
Texas A&M’s defense stepped up in a big way against LSU, forcing three turnovers and holding the Tigers to just 146 yards in the second half. Despite some lapses, the Aggies’ ability to create pressure without blitzing has been a hallmark of their success. As they prepare for upcoming matchups against South Carolina and New Mexico State, maintaining this defensive intensity will be crucial.
Alabama Crimson Tide: Defensive Resurgence
Alabama bounced back from their loss to Tennessee with a commanding 34-0 victory over Missouri. The Crimson Tide’s defense was suffocating, limiting Missouri to just 72 passing yards and forcing three turnovers. With a bye week ahead, Alabama will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for a critical matchup against LSU.
Colorado Buffaloes: Bowl Eligibility Achieved
In a significant turnaround, the Colorado Buffaloes secured their bowl eligibility with a 34-23 win over Cincinnati. Under coach Deion Sanders, the team has shown marked improvement, particularly in their offensive execution. However, they will need to address their run defense as they continue their pursuit of a strong finish in the Big 12.
Washington State Cougars: Close Calls
Washington State continued their winning ways with a dramatic 29-27 victory over Kansas. Despite trailing late in the game, the Cougars managed to pull off the win, showcasing their resilience. However, their defensive vulnerabilities were evident, as they allowed over 400 yards of offense for the sixth time this season. With a manageable schedule ahead, Washington State will need to tighten up defensively to remain in playoff contention.
Illinois Fighting Illini: A Disappointing Showing
The Fighting Illini’s trip to Oregon was a harsh reality check, as they fell 38-9. After a promising start to the season, Illinois struggled to contain the Ducks’ explosive offense. With critical games remaining, they will need to address their defensive shortcomings to salvage their season.
Missouri Tigers: Offensive Woes
Missouri’s struggles continued in their loss to Alabama, where they were held scoreless until late in the first half. With quarterback Brady Cook hampered by injury, the Tigers’ offense faltered, and they will need to regroup quickly to remain competitive in the SEC.
As the college football season progresses, the stakes are only getting higher. With key matchups on the horizon, fans can expect more thrilling action as teams jockey for playoff positioning and conference supremacy.