Week 10 Reflections
An absolute banger of a day. Plus an ode to Bedlam.
Every week in college football is great. There are so many games. So many perfectly imperfect teams. So many great plays. So many wacky plays. But at least once or twice a season a day stands out as being extra sensational. This was one of those weeks.
Nearly every game with stakes delivered. USC-Washington and Iowa-Northwestern showed off the two extreme spectrums of offensive football. Texas narrowly avoided an epic collapse. Texas A&M pulled off a double-digit comeback only to fall short at the end. Ohio State started slow against Rutgers and used a couple of key big plays in the second half to pull away. Michigan and Penn State stomped out Purdue and Maryland, respectively. Alabama, somehow, is fully back in the championship race, as the Tide all but clinched the SEC West with an impressive win over LSU. Clemson dusted itself off against Notre Dame. Missouri gave Georgia a legitimate test. Sadly, we also saw the end of Bedlam.
When the realignment news started in earnest in 2021, the end of certain annual matchups and rivalries was inevitable. We’ve all bemoaned the eventual loss. Today was the first time we’ve come to the actual goodbye of one of these bigger matchups. With the victory, Oklahoma State gets to leave a bitter taste in the mouth of the departing Sooners. It is only appropriate the week 10 recap leads with an ode to Bedlam.
Fare Thee Well, Bedlam
Bedlam is an unusual rivalry. It is not historically competitive. Oklahoma leads the all-time series 91-19-7. It is not even that competitive recently, with Oklahoma winning 17 of 22 this century heading into today’s contest, which comprises all of Mike Gundy’s tenure on the opposing sideline. And yet, it is one of the more celebrated rivalries in the sport. As with any long running rivalry involving one of the kings of the sport, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State have certainly produced their fair share of memorable plays since I’ve been watching college football. We’ll take a look at few of those play at the end of this section. But first, the finale of this matchup.
#22 Oklahoma State 27 - #9 Oklahoma 24. I won’t blame Oklahoma fans that want to gripe about the officiating in this game. There were a few curious calls made (or not made) by the refs. In particular, on Oklahoma’s second to last possession, Drake Stoops was tackled in the endzone attempting to make what would have given Oklahoma a 28-27 lead with less than 4 minutes to go. The Sooners settled for a field goal. Oklahoma State gained a couple of first downs, ran some time off the clock, and pinned Oklahoma deep for its final possession. The Sooners were unable to get in field goal position as Drake Stoops was tackled short of the first down marker on fourth and three. Alan Bowman took a couple of knees and the Cowboy faithful stormed the field and took the goalpost with them in celebration of taking down their hated rival.
Credit to Oklahoma State’s defense, which limited Oklahoma to a single field goal over the final twenty minutes of action. Ollie Gordon II, while held below his absurd totals from the last couple of games, still put up 133 yards and 2 touchdowns in a work horse effort. Bowman added 334 yards through the air as Oklahoma State tallied 27 first downs for the game and held the ball for over 37 minutes. With the win Oklahoma State is now in the driver’s seat to make the Big 12 Championship game. For the Sooners, their national championship hopes are ended and they will need help to force a rematch against Texas.
And now, a few memories from Bedlam:
The remnants of the destroyed goal post from today’s contest.
One of the best interceptions in history. The Oklahoma State corner tipping the Oklahoma pass to a teammate for the interception in the 2010 version of Bedlam.
Bob Stoops electing to punt the ball to Tyreke Hill a second time in 2014 (Oklahoma successfully defended a punt where Oklahoma State committed a penalty. Instead of just tacking the yardage onto the end of the return, Stoops elected to re-kick). This punt return tied the game and Oklahoma State would go on to win in overtime.
And the 2017 shootout between Baker Mayfield and Mason Rudolph. Oklahoma 62 - Oklahoma State 52.
Quick Hitters
#7 Texas 33 - # 23 Kansas State 30 (OT). This game took a wild turn in the fourth quarter. With just over 2 minutes left in the third quarter, Texas held a commanding 27-7 lead. The Longhorns were dominating Kansas State. Over the next five minutes, Kansas State finished off a drive with a touchdown, Maalik Murphy threw an awful interception (seriously, just dreadful decision making), Jonathan Brooks fumbled, and Kansas State scored quickly off both turnovers. If not for a botched extra point and a “Blaire Walsh against Seattle” missed field goal by the Wildcats, Texas probably loses this one in regulation. After Texas scored a field goal in the top of the first overtime period, Kansas State gambled by going for the victory. The Texas defense held, and Texas’ Big 12 and National Title hopes are still alive.
#10 Ole Miss 38 - Texas A&M 35. The morning slate was on fire. At the same time Texas was melting down against Kansas, Texas A&M was mounting its own comeback against Ole Miss. The Rebels were in control through three quarters and then the fourth quarter turned into a back and forth affair. Ole Miss scored the game winning touchdown with just over 90 seconds left. On the ensuing possession Ole Miss seemingly won the game on an interception, but it was overturned on review when the safety failed to maintain possession while going out of bounds. The Aggies took advantage of their good fortune and reached field goal range. However, the kick appeared to be partially blocked and the kick fell short as Ole Miss held on for the victory.
Also, potential catch of the year candidate by Ole Miss receiver, Tre Harris.
#1 Ohio State 35 - Rutgers 16. Since Rutgers joined the Big Ten, Ohio State has beaten Rutgers by an average of 42 points per game. Needless to say, when Rutgers held a 9-7 lead at the half, alarm bells were going off in Columbus. For Ohio State fans, it was more of the same. An offense that consistently shoots itself in the foot and a defense that can be dominant, but has a shown tendency to give up long sustained drives before bowing up in the red zone. In the end, Trey Henderson put up 200 yards from scrimmage and one touchdown for the second consecutive week. A couple more weeks of performances like this and he will find himself garnering some Heisman attention. Marvin Harrison was largely held in check, except for two touchdown catches on short fade routes1.
Rutgers did pull off one of the best trick plays of the year. The double snap - center to QB and QB to RB.
Clemson 31 - #15 Notre Dame 23. It seems all Clemson needed was to hear from Tyler from Spartanberg Clemson was all over Notre Dame early and raced out to a 24-7 lead. Notre Dame clawed their way back and entered the fourth quarter within striking distance at 31-23. Neither team would manage another score, despite the fact the fourth quarter was played primarily in Clemson territory. Clemson and Notre Dame took turns punting to each other in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately for Notre Dame they were punting from deep in Clemson territory, whereas Clemson was content to run the clock and pin Notre Dame inside the 10. Rinse and repeat. Phil Mafah had himself a day for Clemson, rushing for 186 yards and 2 touchdowns, but a late fumble gave Notre Dame one last chance to tie the game. The Clemson defense held strong. Sam Hartman finishes his college career 0-5 against Clemson.
#2 Georgia 30 - #12 Missouri 21. My takeaway from this game is both teams are appropriately ranked. Missouri gave Georgia nearly all that it could handle. Defensive Tackle Nazir Stackhouse’s late interception led to Georgia’s final field goal of the game that extended the lead to 9. Missouri’s offense and defense were up to the task against the second ranked bulldogs. The Tigers showed their 7-1 record, which includes a closs loss to LSU, is not a fluke. Missouri appears to be the second best team in the SEC East. For Georgia, their next two matchups are against Ole Miss and Tennessee. Get past those two teams and they will almost certainly be the #1 ranked team heading into the conference championship games.
Iowa 10 - Northwestern 7. This game was played at Wrigley Field. Naturally the teams honored that by finishing the game with a baseball score. The betting total for this game started at 29.5. Somehow it was bet up to 30.5 by kickoff. Not even close. Iowa’s drive for 325 was mooted when Iowa announced this week Brian Ferentz would not return as the offensive coordinator next year. If it was still on, Iowa fell further behind this week with a mere 10 points against the Wildcats2. Hard to believe USC, Washington, and Oregon, who can easily put up 17+ in a quarter will be in this same conference next year. Also, with the other results in the conference, Iowa is back in first place of the Big Ten West.
In honor of Iowa and Northwestern throwing it back to a simpler time, @MrMatthew_CFB on X put together a silent film highligh package of the game.
#11 Penn State 51 - Maryland 15. 51-15. Nice, a palindrome. Penn State held Maryland to -48 yards rushing. If you remove the sacks, Maryland finished with -2 yards on 8 carries. That’s all I have for this game.
Army 23 - #25 Air Force 3. Possibly the most surprising score of the day. Air Force has played a weak schedule, but they have obliterated everyone in their path. Army was 2-6 entering today. Air Force had the commander in chief trophy ready to be locked up and were primed to nab the Group of Five NY6 spot. Army took it to Air Force early, building up a 17-0 lead by the end of the first quarter and then just sat on the ball the rest of the way. Tulane would like to thank the troops for this result.
Alabama 42 - LSU 28. Alabama is going to win the SEC West and they are going to give Georgia a real fight in the SEC Championship Game. Jalen Milroe rushed for four touchdowns against LSU. The first 40 minutes of this game was an offensive back and forth affair. Jayden Daniels is a jack rabbit for LSU at quarterback. It feels like a minor miracle whenever a defense brings him down. Daniels got his bell rung in the second half on a borderline late hit and the Alabama defense managed a few stops against the high powered LSU attack. Alabama ran the ball well against LSU’s defense and eventually just wore the Tigers out.
#5 Washington 52 - #20 USC 42. This game played out almost exactly as predicted. Both offenses had considerable success as they totaled almost 1,100 yards between them on the night. The difference was Washington’s defense was able to make stops when USC’s defense couldn’t. Case in point, USC did not score in the fourth quarter. Washington had been criticized for lackluster performances since the thriller against Oregon last month. They came ready to play against the Trojans. The defense is still a potential problem, but if the offense is on point, there are few teams in the country that can keep up with the Huskies.
USC schemed up one of the coolest plays I’ve seen in awhile. Presuming this was actually a scheme and not just Caleb Wiliams and Zachariah Branch playing backyard football.
Illinois 27 - Minnesota 26. Minnesota had this game in the bag. The Illini quarterback was hurt and they trot in the backup to try to win the game in a desperation two-minute drill. The untested and totally cold backup quarterback leads Illinois down the field and throws the game winning touchdown pass. No. This isn’t a blurb about the Vikings. Why do you ask?
Kentucky 24 - Mississippi State 3. Kentucky wins in Starkville for the first time sicne 2008. The most notable part of this game is Mississippi State’s only scoring drive.
#18 Utah 55 - Arizona State 3. Remember how Arizona State caused all kinds of problems for USC, Washington, Colorado, Washington State over the past few weeks? Utah was having none of it.
#4 Florida State 24 - Pitt 7. The Seminoles were in a dog fight until late in the third quarter. This game was scoreless halfway through the second quarter when Pitt took a 7-0 lead. Florida State pulled ahead 10-7 at the half, but it stayed that way until a 14 point outburst late in the third quarter put this game away for good. Fortunately for Florida State almost nobody was watching this game due to Georgia-Missouri and Oklahoma-Oklahoma State playing at the same time.
#3 Michigan 41 - Purude 13. This game looked over almost immediately. Michigan led 17-0 just over 10 minutes into the game and looked like it would finish roughly 100-0. Purdue figured some things out for a quarter and a half and it was a 20-6 game late into the third quarter when Michigan hit the jets again to pull ahead 41-6. Purdue tacked on a final touchdown with under 20 seconds left.
Arkansas 39 - Florida 36 (OT). Arkansas finally picks up a victory in SEC play. I really do not know what to make of the Billy Napier experience at Florida. Heading into the Georgia game it looked like Florida might have figured somethings out. Now we are back to feeling more like they did after getting run out of the building by Kentucky.
As I am finishing this up, Oregon State holds a 26-12 lead over Colorado. Arizona just scored to increase its lead to 24-10 over UCLA, and Fresno State leads Boise State 30-20.
That’s it for the week. I tried to work in most of the notable plays I saw this week into the post. I didn’t come accross a college football moment of the week. I’m sure I will stumble on one tomorrow. If I find something good, I will send out an updated post.
Yes, I realize saying a receiver that scored two touchdowns was held in check is a little absurd.
This was Iowa’s 5th win since 1999 when scoring 10 points or less. Amazingly, that is second during that time span. Auburn has won six such games - all of which occurred under Tommy Tuberville.