Week 7 of the college football season delivered another round of stunning upsets and pivotal performances, solidifying some teams as national contenders while sending others into a tailspin. From Indiana’s dominant win over Oregon to Alabama’s extended winning streak, the landscape is shifting dramatically, underscored by the concerning decline of preseason favorite Penn State and the unexpected stumbles of other top contenders.
The “season of madness” continued its relentless pace into Week 7, shaking up the College Football Playoff picture and forcing several heavyweight teams to reckon with their aspirations. Undefeated streaks were broken, conference title races were reshaped, and the narrative around several programs took dramatic turns. This week’s action saw teams like Indiana and Alabama make strong statements, while perennial powers such as Penn State and Oklahoma faced deeply disappointing setbacks.
Week 7’s Biggest Winners
Several teams emerged from the Week 7 gauntlet with significant victories, bolstering their resumes and reigniting their championship dreams. These programs showcased resilience, strategic brilliance, and stellar individual performances that have fans buzzing about their potential.
Alabama’s Resurgent Ride Continues
The Crimson Tide have roared back into national prominence, extending their winning streak to five games after a challenging start to the season. Ranked No. 8, Alabama secured a hard-fought 27-24 victory over No. 14 Missouri, a win that snapped Missouri’s impressive 15-game home winning streak. Quarterback Ty Simpson was a standout performer, throwing for 200 yards and three crucial touchdowns, with his final score providing an insurmountable 10-point lead late in the game, as reported by Tide Sports. This resurgence has all but erased the doubts that arose after their season-opening loss to Florida State, prompting discussions of Kalen DeBoer’s ability to navigate the rigors of SEC play and lead the team towards a potential College Football Playoff berth. The upcoming schedule, including a matchup against No. 12 Tennessee, will further test their mettle.
Indiana’s Historic Statement
It’s time for the college football world to take Indiana seriously. The No. 7 Hoosiers delivered a stunning 30-20 road victory over No. 3 Oregon, a performance that has ignited legitimate national championship aspirations in Bloomington. Their defense was exceptional, holding Oregon’s potent rushing attack to just 81 yards on 30 carries and picking off Ducks quarterback Dante Moore twice. Offensively, wide receiver Elijah Sarratt dominated with eight catches for 121 yards and a touchdown. This monumental win is expected to give Indiana its best-ever ranking, surpassing the No. 4 mark reached in 1945 and 1967, as highlighted by Yahoo Sports. Many are now debating if Indiana might be the best team in the FBS, not just the Big Ten.
Ohio State’s Dominant Defense Leads the Way
The No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes continued their dominant season with a 34-16 road win over No. 17 Illinois. While the offense managed 272 yards and averaged only 2.9 yards per carry, the defense showcased why it’s considered the nation’s best unit. They suffocated Illinois’ ground game, allowing just 1.7 yards per carry, and forced three crucial turnovers. Quarterback Julian Sayin contributed with two touchdown passes, demonstrating the team’s ability to secure strong road wins in Big Ten play. Their formula of an elite defense and error-free offensive play is a strong indicator of their sustained success.
Texas and Arch Manning Stay in the Playoff Hunt
The Longhorns, ranked No. 19, secured a season-saving 23-6 victory against No. 6 Oklahoma. Quarterback Arch Manning, avoiding turnovers for only the second time this season, was instrumental, completing 21 of 27 attempts for 166 yards and a touchdown, adding 34 yards on the ground. His composed performance outshined a clearly limited John Mateer from Oklahoma. This critical win keeps Texas firmly in the mix for a College Football Playoff spot, leaning on an effective running game, ball protection, and an aggressive defense, according to Yahoo Sports.
USC Flexes Big Ten Muscles
Southern California’s 31-13 triumph over No. 15 Michigan marked a significant moment for the Trojans, especially as they transition into the Big Ten. This marquee victory signals that this year’s 5-1 squad could be a legitimate playoff contender. USC’s offense was explosive, racking up 265 passing yards and a bruising 224 rushing yards, averaging 6.2 yards per carry, including 158 yards from King Miller. The defense also stepped up, holding Michigan to a season-low 109 rushing yards. The ability to play “bully ball” against a historically physical opponent suggests a new dimension to their game, as noted by Yahoo Sports.
UCLA’s Remarkable Turnaround
Just weeks ago, UCLA appeared headed for a winless season. However, under interim coach Tim Skipper, the Bruins have achieved a remarkable turnaround, securing their second straight win with a 38-13 road decimation of Michigan State. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava continued his stellar play with three passing touchdowns and no interceptions, complementing a rushing attack that churned out 238 yards. This surge, including a shock win over Penn State, has given UCLA a 2-1 record in Big Ten play and a realistic path to bowl eligibility.
Colorado Snaps Skid, Eyes Bowl Bid
Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes are back in the bowl conversation after a crucial 24-17 victory over No. 21 Iowa State. This win snapped a three-game Big 12 losing streak. Quarterback Kaidon Salter threw for 255 yards and two touchdowns, but the defense was the true hero, delivering a key interception and a crucial fourth-down stop in the fourth quarter. Despite Iowa State’s 441 total yards, Colorado’s defensive stands on third and fourth down proved decisive, according to Yahoo Sports.
South Florida Takes Control of Group of Six Race
The South Florida Bulls made a strong statement by dominating previously undefeated North Texas with a 63-36 win. Quarterback Byrum Brown had a sensational performance, throwing for 245 yards, rushing for 82 yards, and scoring five touchdowns. The Bulls’ defense also forced North Texas’ quarterback Drew Mestemaker’s first three interceptions of the year. This victory gives USF control of the Group of Six race, setting up a potential “Super Bowl” against Memphis.
Kent State Ends Long Losing Streak
Few programs have endured a tougher year than Kent State, but Week 7 brought an emotional end to their 26-game losing streak against FBS opponents. The Golden Flashes routed UMass 42-6 in a cathartic victory. Quarterback Dru Deshields threw for four touchdowns, and wide receiver Da’Realy St. Clark added a 91-yard return for a touchdown, finally providing a much-needed win for the program.
Bowling Green’s Unanswered Surge
Over the past two decades, Bowling Green had a dismal 0-75 record when trailing by at least 21 points. This week, they flipped that script against MAC rival Toledo. After falling behind 21-0 in the second quarter, the Eagles scored 28 unanswered points, eventually securing their first winning streak against Toledo since 2009. Quarterback Cameron Pettaway was a key contributor with two touchdowns on two catches, including a 73-yard strike, marking a solid start to the Eddie George era.
Week 7’s Disappointing Losers
For every winner, there are those who faced significant setbacks, endured heartbreaking losses, or saw their season’s hopes dramatically diminished. Week 7 was particularly brutal for several teams with high expectations.
Penn State’s Alarming Downward Spiral
The situation in State College has gone from a lackluster season to one of the most disappointing campaigns in program history. Penn State, a preseason No. 2 team, suffered a shocking 22-21 home loss to Northwestern, falling to 3-3 overall and a dismal 0-3 in Big Ten play. The defense struggled to get off the field, culminating in a critical 75-yard, nearly six-minute touchdown drive by Northwestern late in the fourth quarter. To compound the disaster, quarterback Drew Allar left the game in the fourth quarter with a season-ending injury, as reported by Yahoo Sports. This third straight loss has sparked serious questions about the future of James Franklin’s tenure.
Auburn’s Lack of Offensive Punch
Auburn’s 20-10 loss to No. 9 Georgia was marred by missed opportunities and a glaring lack of offensive explosiveness. A pivotal moment came early when a potential touchdown run by Jackson Arnold that would have put Auburn up 17-0 was controversially overturned. Instead of building a significant lead, Georgia seized momentum. The Tigers’ offense, plagued by minimal production at quarterback and too many mistakes, failed to capitalize on subsequent chances, eventually succumbing to a soul-draining nine-minute touchdown drive by Georgia in the fourth quarter.
Oklahoma’s Playoff Hopes Falter
The No. 6 Oklahoma Sooners saw their promising season teeter on the edge after a 23-6 loss to No. 19 Texas. Quarterback John Mateer’s early return from hand surgery, just 17 days post-operation, proved costly as he threw three interceptions that significantly hampered the offense. Despite a solid start, the Sooners’ offense disappeared in the second half, struggling with a leaky offensive line and an inability to create meaningful explosives, averaging only 1.8 yards per carry. With a daunting schedule ahead, Oklahoma’s Playoff case is quickly running out of steam.
Wisconsin Hits Rock Bottom
The Luke Fickell era at Wisconsin reached a new low with a crushing 37-0 home loss to Iowa. This felt like the program’s most disappointing moment in decades. The Badgers were down 17-0 after the first quarter and 23-0 at halftime, and shockingly, they failed to advance past Iowa’s 40-yard line in the entire second half. A combination of injuries, inexperience, and previous recruiting misses has contributed to a rapid decline for a program that once prided itself on consistency and toughness. A 2-10 season, their worst since 1990, is now a real possibility.
Florida State’s Season Derails
The monumental upset win against Alabama to open the season now feels like a distant memory for No. 25 Florida State. The Seminoles have plummeted, dropping their third straight ACC game with a 34-31 loss to Pittsburgh. After coughing up a field goal lead in the fourth quarter, the FSU offense fell flat, and the defense surrendered 476 yards. This loss effectively eliminates them from ACC title contention and postseason consideration, putting coach Mike Norvell’s seat back in the scorching zone after losing 10 of their last 11 ACC games over two years.
Toledo’s MAC Ambitions Derailed
Toledo’s MAC championship aspirations took a significant hit as they flopped spectacularly against Eddie George and Bowling Green. After building a commanding 21-0 lead in the second quarter, the Rockets inexplicably failed to score another point (aside from a safety). This stunning collapse dropped Toledo to 1-2 in conference play and kept them winless in all three of their road games this year, leaving the MAC race wide open for other contenders.
Sam Houston’s Misery Continues
Winless Sam Houston delivered their best performance of the season against Jacksonville State, but boneheaded defensive decisions cost them a stunning 29-27 loss. Facing fourth-and-2 from their own 25-yard line with just 15 seconds left, Sam Houston’s defensive staff allowed Cam Cook to break off an 18-yard run. Immediately after, they gave up passes of 17 and 5 yards, setting up a 52-yard field goal as time expired. This preventable loss keeps coach Phil Longo’s miserable season going, as they remain without a victory.
