Finding the end zone was not a problem this weekend, with 13 of the top 25 teams scoring over 30 points and 20 teams topping 40 points over the weekend. Offense was a huge storyline, with plenty of teams and players showing outstanding performances.
We’ll get to all that, and more, in your weekend recap.
Gophers Quick Hits
The Minnesota Golden Gophers were run over by the Michigan Wolverines, 33-10. The Gophers No. 22-ranked defense allowed Wolverines running backs Karan Higdon and Chris Evans a combined 391 yards on the ground and four touchdowns. The Gophers defense was taken out of the game by the Michigan offensive line, which was dominant all game long. For a detailed recap, look here.
The Quick Hits
Fighting Irish With The Big Hits – The Notre Dame Fighting Irish looked great in their 48-37 win over Wake Forest, looking more dominant every week. With only a loss to the No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs on their resume, the Irish have grown into a convincing No. 3 team.
Their ability to run the ball without slowing has set them apart. With the Irish averaging 324.8 yards per game and few figuring out a formula to stop them, the Irish should be able to stay perfect in the last three games.
Iowa Stays Convincing At Home – The Iowa Hawkeyes have lost some bad games this season, but when they are at home against a top-level opponent, this team rises to the occasion in spectacular ways. After nearly knocking off Penn State, they smothered the Ohio State Buckeyes 55-24.
Instead of trying to apply pressure, the Iowa defense sat back in coverage, allowing their veterans in the secondary to read and make plays. The result was forcing Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett into four interceptions — three for cornerback Josh Jackson — and only completing 18-of-34 passes. It was truly an impressive showing from Iowa for a big win over the No. 6 team in the country.
Time To Take Miami Seriously – Virginia Tech was a perfect game for the Miami Hurricanes to drop. But instead, Miami forced four fumbles and beat Virginia Tech, 28-10. Maybe it is the power of the Turnover Chain, maybe it is just enough balance on offense or maybe it is some of that old school Hurricanes magic, but whatever it is, this team is a legitimate ACC contender.
Chain Gang
Every week, I award a player the best turnover of the week. This weekend’s goes to Iowa’s Amani Hooker, who picked off Barrett on the first offensive play of the day for the Buckeyes for a 30-yard pick-six to start the upset.
Heisman Highlight
After missing last weekend with an ankle injury, Bryce Love was cleared to return as the starting running back for the Stanford Cardinal the day before the game. He was still able to do this on the recovering ankle, for his 12th score this season.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Tb0It3nBug
Game Of The Week – Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma State
In the showdown of the week, the No. 5 Oklahoma Sooners went on the road to face off against the No. 11 Oklahoma State Cowboys in the Bedlam game. The game is named Bedlam, because of the absolute craze of the atmosphere in the game itself. The title Bedlam is a warning: The football game you are about to watch is going to contain craziness you are not ready for in any way, shape or form.
And this game did not disappoint, with a game final of 62-52, after a ridiculous offensive performance from both sides. Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield finished with 598 yards and five touchdowns, while his dealing partner Mason Rudolph finished with 448 yards and five touchdowns. The offensive numbers were staggering, with 1,446 total yards and 15 touchdowns between the two opponents. It was truly a magnificent offensive performance, with Mayfield guiding his team through the scoring madness to find victory.
Play Of The Week
The craziest play of the weekend goes to Vanderbilt after a crazy connection between quarterback Kyle Shurmur and wide receiver Trey Ellis for a 31-yard score. This involved a crazy deflection, which Ellis nearly fumbled in the end zone despite a heads-up catch.
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