This past Saturday marked a remarkable day in college football, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the sport.
For the first time since 2016, and only the fifth time since the FBS and FCS division in 1978, four top 11 teams faced defeat against unranked opponents in a single day. The top-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide fell to the Vanderbilt Commodores for the first time since 1984, while the fourth-ranked Tennessee Volunteers lost to a 3-2 Arkansas Razorbacks team. The tenth-ranked Michigan Wolverines succumbed to a 3-2 Washington Huskies squad, and the eleventh-ranked USC Trojans faced defeat against a Minnesota Golden Gophers team that entered the game with three losses.
Such weekends spark extensive discussions among the team at FOX Sports as they prepare for the next Big Noon Kickoff. Each Sunday night, reflections on the previous day’s events lead to a detailed email sent to producers, researchers, and on-air colleagues, sharing insights on the past week and highlighting notable upcoming matchups.
This week, six ranked teams will be traveling to face unranked opponents, alongside three matchups pitting ranked teams against each other. Nine teams from the top 10 in the AP poll will be in action, with 20 of the top 25 also set to compete this weekend.
Here are some thoughts and matchups to keep an eye on in Week 7.
Pretty in Provo
This Saturday, Big Noon Kickoff will take place in Provo, Utah, where the undefeated BYU Cougars will host the 3-2 Arizona Wildcats. Under the leadership of Kalani Sitake, BYU is emerging as a serious contender for a spot in the Big 12 title game. The Cougars boast a rich college football history, highlighted by significant moments like their victory over Michigan in the 1984 Holiday Bowl and Ty Detmer’s Heisman-winning performance in 1990 against powerhouse Miami. They have also produced NFL stars such as Steve Young and Fred Warner.
While it may not be apparent to casual fans, BYU has a storied football tradition, and attending the game this weekend promises to be an exciting experience.
Red River Rivalry: SEC edition
In a historic twist, this will be the first time in the 124-year history of the Red River Rivalry that both teams will compete as SEC opponents. The top-ranked Texas Longhorns are favored by 14.5 points and are expected to have quarterback Quinn Ewers back in action. Texas appears to have the upper hand, especially considering the struggles of the 18th-ranked Oklahoma Sooners, who currently sit 117th in the FBS for offensive expected points added. This is a stark contrast to their previous performances in the rivalry, where they have won five of the last six matchups.
Buckeyes visit Autzen
The highly anticipated clash between the second-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes and the third-ranked Oregon Ducks is finally here. This matchup has the potential to be a preview of the conference championship, given the absence of divisions this year. Can quarterback Dillon Gabriel find his rhythm? After throwing three interceptions in the past two weeks, his performance will be crucial. Ohio State has dominated its first five games, winning by over 28 points each time, a feat never before achieved in the school’s history.
With NFL-caliber talent at nearly every position, the Buckeyes are a formidable opponent. However, if they are to suffer a regular-season loss, it could very well be against the Ducks this Saturday or against fourth-ranked Penn State in November. This matchup should be thrilling.
Cardiac Canes
The Miami Hurricanes have pulled off back-to-back last-minute victories against lesser opponents, thanks to standout performances from quarterback Cam Ward. Leading the nation in passing yards and touchdowns, Ward has thrown for over 300 yards in every game this season. Their comeback against Cal marked the largest for the Canes since 2003. However, the question remains: how long can they maintain this trend? Their next challenge comes against a Louisville team that narrowly lost its last two games.
Rebels to run wild in Baton Rouge
Morgantown a trap for undefeated Cyclones
Morgantown poses a potential trap for the Iowa State Cyclones, who currently hold the top ranking in the Big 12. Facing a Mountaineers team that averages 31.8 points per game, this night game could prove challenging. Quarterback Garrett Greene, tied for the most rushing touchdowns among FBS quarterbacks last season, led West Virginia to a decisive win over Oklahoma State last week. Coach Neal Brown has a solid record against the spread as an underdog, and Saturday could mark another upset.
How about the Warhawks?
Louisiana Monroe stands at 4-1, with their only loss to the top-ranked Texas team. They are emerging as a team to watch in the Sun Belt conference. Under the leadership of head coach Bryant Vincent, who has a successful track record, a win this Saturday against Southern Miss would mark their first five-win season since 2019 and bring them closer to bowl eligibility for the first time since 2012.
Potential MAC title game preview?
Northern Illinois and Bowling Green have been making headlines in the MAC this season. Northern Illinois achieved a stunning upset against fifth-ranked Notre Dame, while Bowling Green has kept games close against Power 5 opponents. This matchup could have implications for the MAC title race, with Bowling Green favored by three points.
All about Ashton
Ashton Jeanty has emerged as a frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy, following an impressive performance with 186 rushing yards and three touchdowns against Utah State. His current pace could see him break NCAA single-season records in rushing yards and touchdowns. This weekend, he faces a Hawaii defense that has yet to encounter a player of his caliber.
Crucial game for Trojans
Huge Big 12 matchup in Boulder
Following the Ohio State versus Oregon showdown, the matchup between Kansas State and Colorado is highly anticipated. The Buffs’ run defense will be tested against the Wildcats’ strong rushing game. With questions surrounding Colorado’s ability to score against a tough defense, this game could be pivotal for both teams in the Big 12 landscape.
