College Football, Week 11 – TCU deserves more credit

The end of the regular season is approaching, and the race for the playoffs promises to be thrilling. Among the big programs, TCU is trying to make a name for itself with its perfect season so far. And the last victory, gained with the forceps on the ground of Texas, makes it possible to convince the last skeptics.

TCU silences predictions

• (18) Texas (6-4) 10 – (4) TCU (10-0) 17

Despite its pristine track record, TCU remains underrated compared to more high-profile programs. The Horned Frogs thus arrived underdogs by 7 points against Texas last Saturday. To justify the choices, the playoffs committee had in particular highlighted the offensive side of the victories alone.

Well, TCU shut everyone up by winning their 10^th game of the season, thanks to an iron defense. The first half was thus very closed, with only 1 field-goal scored by the Horned Frogs, then the TCU attack started after the break to confirm the advantage. The defense continued their good work of containing the Longhorns, and without panicking, TCU turned the clock on to secure another win.

There are now 2 games left for the Horned Frogs, at Baylor and against Iowa State. They should be favorites every time and have the opportunity to finish the regular season undefeated. A CV that could only convince the committee for a place in the playoffs.

The nice surprise of Washington

• (6) Oregon (8-2) 34 – (25) Washington (8-2) 37

Number 1 team in the Pac-12 before this day, Oregon was the best chance in the conference to go to the playoffs. The situation worsens after this somewhat surprised defeat against Washington. The meeting between the 2 teams started slowly, then it ignited in the 3^th quarter, with 5 total touchdowns. The standoff lasted until the end, and the Huskies emerged victorious thanks to a big game from Michael Penix Jr (408 yards, 2 TD – 1 INT). They also benefited from the injury exit of Bo Nix (339 yards, 3 TD) late in the game.

For the Ducks, this second defeat of the season undermines the chances of participating in the playoffs, and even compromises the possibility of playing the conference final. USC is now the Pac-12 leader.

On the side of Washington, this victory confirms the good first season of the team under Kalen DeBoer. The former Fresno State coach is used to winning, but the speed of the recovery commands admiration after a failed 2021 season for the Huskies (4-8).

The known ACC conference final

• (10) Clemson (9-1) 31 – Louisville (6-4) 16
• Wake Forest (6-4) 34 – (15) North Carolina (9-1) 36

Beaten for the first time of the season last week (31-16 by Notre Dame), the Tigers quickly recovered by dominating a Louisville team which remained on 4 consecutive victories. QB DJ Uiagalelei had a good game, with 185 yards in the air, 32 on the ground and 2 touchdowns, but it was Clemson’s running game that made the difference with 248 yards and 3 touchdowns in total.

In the ACC Conference Finals, the Tigers will face the Tar Heels, who also won their 9^th game in 10 outings. North Carolina went to get their ticket by offering themselves a favorite Wake Forest team. QB Drake Maye had a great game, with 448 yards and 3 passing touchdowns, as well as 71 yards and 1 more rushing touchdown.

UConn steps out of the shadows

• UConn (6-5) 36 – Liberty (8-2) 33

It’s been a long time since the Huskies produced such a great season. You have to go back to 2015 to remember the UConn program eligible for an end-of-year “bowl”. For the first season of Jim Mora at the head of the team, it is again the case after the beautiful victory of the weekend against Liberty. A surprise success against the Flames who had lost only once this season, in the 3^th daytime.

Other important results

• (11) Ole Miss (8-2) 24 – (9) Alabama (8-2) 30
• Mississippi State (6-4) 19 – (1) Georgia (10-0) 45
• (2) Ohio State (10-0) 56 – Indiana (3-7) 14
• (3) Michigan (10-0) 34 – Nebraska (3-7) 3
• (5) Tennessee (9-1) 66 — Missouri (4-6) 24
• Arkansas (5-5) 10 — (7) LSU (8-2) 13
• (8) USC (9-1) 55 – Colorado (1-9) 17
• (12) UCLA (8-2) 28 – Arizona (4-6) 34

The best performances of the weekend

passes

1. Drake Maye (North Carolina): 31/49, 448 yards, 3 TD
2. EJ Warner (Temple): 42/59, 486 yards, 3 TD
3. Hendon Hooker (Tennessee): 25/35, 355 yards, 3 TD

Races

1. Bert Emmanuel Jr (Central Michigan): 24 carries, 293 yards, 3 TD
2. Carson Steele (Ball State): 28 carries, 198 yards, 3 TDs
3. Eric Gray (Oklahoma): 25 carries, 211 yards, 2 TDs

Receptions

1. Josh Downs (North Carolina): 11 receptions, 154 yards, 3 TDs
2. Jalen Moreno-Cropper (Fresno State): 8 receptions, 164 yards, 2 TDs
3. Jalin Hyatt (Tennessee): 7 receptions, 146 yards, 1 TD