In Week 4 of college football, we saw a handful of bad losses by four teams that were ranked right in the middle of the top 25. Here’s what went down.
This week in college football was relatively uneventful for teams in the top 10 with the exception of one team. Oklahoma hosted the Army Black Knight in a game that should have been an easy win for the Sooners. However, Army had different plans. Army held the ball on offense for 45 minutes, where Oklahoma only had the ball for 15. Limited time with the ball in Kyler Murray‘s hands meant fewer opportunities to score. Oklahoma narrowly avoided the upset after the game went to overtime, winning 28-21.
Oklahoma would have won first place in this week’s worst losses should they have actually lost. A team that did lose, but just didn’t cut the top three spots was Mississippi State. Coming in at number 14, Mississippi State lost to the Kentucky Wildcats.
Many people believed the Bulldogs had a serious chance at quietly causing havoc in the SEC. However, the game was played in Lexington, and we are learning that Kentucky is a decent team, with a record of 4-0. But somehow, with only 71 passing yards from Wildcats quarterback, Terry Wilson, Kentucky won 28-7.
Eventually, we may be able to excuse Mississippi State from this loss, but here are three games that will not be justified no matter what happens the rest of the season.
TCU Losses Again
Well, it’s official, Villanova is better than TCU. Kidding, again.
Heading into Week 3, there was a lot of buzz about the TCU Horned Frogs having a great chance to knock off No 4. Ohio State in the AdvoCare Showdown at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. That didn’t happen, but for a while, the game was definitely undecided.
After Texas beat USC in Week 3, we identified that there was a chance the Longhorns were gaining momentum heading into a home game against TCU. And well, Texas pulled it off, defeating TCU 31-16. Now even though some of us (me) saw this developing, it doesn’t excuse the absolute embarrassment of a loss the game was for the Horned Frogs.
TCU turned the ball over a total of four times, three interceptions and a fumble. With a record of now 2-2 and a conference loss to Texas, the Horned Frogs chances of winning the Big 12 are almost completely gone.
Maybe, I’m not giving Texas enough credit? No, Texas has given us no reason to have faith that they are a good team, but rather they have played decent at home and their opponents, USC and TCU, have not.
Off the Oklahoma State Train
Just as all the experts were pointing to Oklahoma State to have a good chance to win the Big 12, the Cowboys get absolutely demolished in their home stadium by a team not even in the Top 25. The Cowboys lost to Texas Tech 41-17.
Sure, the Texas Tech Raiders have an explosive offense. But, the Cowboys defense had only given up an average of 17 points across their first three games, with a maximum of 21 points against a good Boise State team. So, the 41 points given up at home to Texas Tech caught many by surprise.
What was even more of a surprise was the lack of offensive production by the Cowboys. Oklahoma State had average scoring 52.3 points in their first three games, but were only able to score 17 against the Raider’s sub-average defense.
So now I’ll say the Big 12 is completely up for anyone’s taking after Oklahoma nearly loses, Oklahoma State dropped a conference game to Texas Tech, and TCU did the same with Texas.
Old Dominion Shocks Virginia Tech
By far the biggest upset in college football this week comes from the Old Dominion Monarchs beating Virginia Tech by two touchdowns, 49-35.
There was a lot of residual damage that came from this game. Star Hokies quarterback, Josh Jackson was injured during the game. Additionally, starting defensive end, Trevon Hill, was dismissed from the team following the loss. Virginia Tech coach, Justin Fuente commented on the reason for Hill’s dismissal and explained it was for “not upholding the high standards we have for our student-athletes.” In the game, Hill led the team in sacks and tackles-for-loss with 1.5 each.
This was a terrible loss for Virginia Tech.
However, I submit this game says more about college football than anything else. This game highlights all that is good and pure in college sports. Old Dominion, a school not well-known for its athletics, located in Norfolk, Virginia was given the opportunity to play an in-state powerhouse. The football program has only been part of the FBS since 2014. The Monarchs were 0-3 prior to this week’s game against the Hokies.
Many of the Monarch players are from Virginia and grew up with dreams of playing for “Tech”. Many of them were passed over by Virginia Tech in high school and were forced to “settle” for Old Dominion. This was their time to show the entire Virginia Tech coaching staff that they made a mistake. The Old Dominion crowd was as live as they ever will be in support of their team. The stars were aligned for the Monarchs to make a mark on the college football world and win a game they will never forget.
In college sports, anyone can win, any given Saturday. Instead of criticizing the decision for Virginia Tech to schedule an away game at Old Dominion, let us appreciate the excitement and purity of the sport we call college football.