College Football Rundown Week 6: The Week of Upsets
You couldn’t have asked for any more from Week 6 of College Football than what we got. In a breathless Saturday of action, it seemed like upset after upset was rolling in. Of course, the headline was Alabama being knocked off by a potent Vanderbilt offense, but the losses of Tennessee and USC also shook up the top 10 standings. Here’s my take on the headlines from a wild weekend.
Alabama couldn’t avoid the rat traps in plain sight
The Crimson Tide didn’t go into this one blind. They knew it had all the hallmarks of a Saban ‘rat trap’ game. The rat traps had been carefully laid out around their facility to bring it further into focus. Not only that but their former coach’s comments about how Vandy was the easiest place to visit in the SEC, gave the Commodores all the bulletin board material they needed.
What was shocking was the ease with which Diego Pavia ran his offense and how Alabama couldn’t stop the rot. Of course, there were signs. The capitulation of the defense that allowed Georgia back into the game continued. The Tide have now conceded 67 points in their last six quarters of action. Pavia’s mobility and big-game cajones proved too much. Even with a Ryan Williams cameo, Alabama couldn’t outlast the Commodores.
So what now for Alabama? Well, the Georgia win gives them some wiggle room, Jalen Milroe continues to make plays and Williams is a stud. The 12-team format means they are still right in the thick of things, playoff wise. The most pressing concern is – can this defense stiffen up and get right against South Carolina?
Cal can’t give the Gameday crew the cherry on top
On a day full of surprises, the last big game of the day nearly continued the trend. The University of California started the day, in the dark, with the ESPN Gameday crew on site. The Bears had been impressive up until a Week 4 loss to Florida State but still carried a significant threat to Miami’s unbeaten record.
Halfway through the 3rd quarter, with a 35-10 lead, it appeared that the ESPN team were a lucky charm. To see Cal capitualate in the 4th quarter was harrowing. Cam Ward led the Canes on drives of 102, 70 and 107 yards each ending in a TD for Miami to retake the lead they hadn’t had since the 4th minute of the game. With 32 seconds left, Cam Ward had kept Miami’s clean record safe.
So how far can this Miami side go? The ACC doesn’t look the strongest even with the reemergance of Clemson and the Canes will likely be favoured in their games the rest of the way. The biggest worry, can Ward’s eye-catching, yet dangerous style always save them from a hole? It feels like one week, his gunslinger traits might catch them out.
Sign me up to the Kevin Jennings fan club
Talking of gunslingers, SMU’s Kevin Jennings was once again excellent. He led the Mustangs to a 34-27 victory over Louisville and cemented himself as one of the most fun quarterbacks to watch in college football right now. When SMU started the season by announcing a time share between Jennings and Preston Stone, I must admit I was puzzled, now it’s clear why the competition was close and eventually went to the younger man.
Jennings threw for 281 yards and ran for 113 at an average of 11.3 yards per carry, the highlight of which was a 59-yard touchdown run. For me, his most impressive trait is ability to make plays on the move. Even though he is lightning quick, Jennings keeps his eyes downfield and on multiple occasions threw for first downs when forced outside the pocket.
With only five full starts under his belt, the ceiling has not yet been reached for this redshirt sophomore. If the upward trend continues, SMU can be a real contender in the ACC and Jennings’ exciting play will get more airtime. I for one, will be seeking out Jennings on a weekly basis from here.
Any other business
Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty continues to make a run at the Heisman. He added 186 rushing yards to tip him over the 1,000 yard mark for the season, through five games! If Boise manage a playoff berth, Jeanty could make a big boy’s life very tricky.
Sam Pittman continues his strong redemption arc as Arkansas head coach. Taking down Tennessee, even when faced with an imposing defensive line including the likes of James Pearce, was mightily impressive. And, shoutout to Adam Armstrong who we highlighted in our game guide ahead of the weekend. He had two big-time grabs on a key touchdown drive.
One final nod of appreciation from me goes to Minnesota head coach PJ Fleck. His call to go for 7 on 4th down late in the final quarter was truly ballsy. It proved decisive considering USC got within field goal range but threw a game-ending pick needing the touchdown to level. Well played PJ, well played.
Rory-Joe Daniels
NFL & Cfb contributor
AS A LONG-SUFFERING CINCINNATI BENGALS FAN, RORY HAS FOLLOWED THE NFL FOR OVER 20 YEARS. HIS PASSION FOR THE DRAFT LED HIM TO GET ENTANGLED WITH COLLEGE FOOTBALL AND HE HAS BEEN WRITING ABOUT PROSPECTS AND THE CFB LANDSCAPE EVER SINCE.