As November arrives, college football fans eagerly watch playoff contenders make their final impressions ahead of the first rankings being released on Tuesday.
In a thrilling showdown, No. 4 Ohio State defeated No. 3 Penn State 20-13, highlighted by a crucial goal line stand in the final minutes. This victory marks the Buckeyes’ first win against a top-5 team on the road since 2006 and their 12th victory over the Nittany Lions in the last 13 encounters. Despite establishing an early 10-0 lead through a defensive pick-six, Penn State struggled offensively, managing only three additional points after the first quarter. Ohio State’s defense proved formidable, with key interceptions and turnovers. Quarterback Will Howard rebounded from early mistakes, amassing 182 yards and two touchdowns, leading his team to a 7-1 record overall and 4-1 in the Big Ten. Although the Nittany Lions fell to 7-1, their hopes for the College Football Playoff remain intact, as they have no remaining games against teams in the AP Top 25.
In another key matchup, No. 1 Georgia fought back from a slow start to defeat Florida 34-20 in Jacksonville. Trailing 13-6 at halftime, Georgia surged in the second half with quarterback Carson Beck throwing for 309 yards and two touchdowns. The Bulldogs executed flawlessly in the red zone, converting all four of their trips inside Florida’s 20-yard line. While Florida’s starting quarterback DJ Lagway left with an injury, backup Aidan Warner struggled, leading to Georgia’s commanding second-half performance. With this win, the Bulldogs continue their winning streak over Florida while maintaining momentum as they face a tough schedule ahead.
No. 5 Miami also showcased resilience, overcoming a sluggish first half to claim a 53-31 victory over Duke. Despite trailing at halftime, the Hurricanes exploded in the second half, outscoring Duke 36-3. Quarterback Cam Ward delivered an impressive performance, throwing for 400 yards and five touchdowns, while wide receiver Xavier Restrepo had three touchdown receptions. Miami’s successful comeback solidifies their candidacy in the playoff race, although they must navigate a challenging schedule ahead without games against top ACC contenders.
In a dramatic finish, Texas Tech handed No. 11 Iowa State its first loss of the season, winning 23-22 with a game-winning touchdown that capped a remarkable two-minute drill. The victory also makes the Red Raiders bowl-eligible for the fourth consecutive year, showcasing their determination to compete at a high level in the Big 12.
In a surprising turn of events, Vanderbilt has become bowl eligible for the first time since 2018, claiming a historic victory over Auburn with a score of 17-7. Quarterback Diego Pavia led the charge, showcasing his leadership as he threw for two touchdowns. This victory is significant for the Commodores, marking their first win at Auburn and a banner year as they strive to finish with a winning record for the first time since 2013.
Overall, Week 10 has provided thrilling matchups and showcased the resilience of various teams, creating an exciting atmosphere heading into the playoff rankings. As teams continue to battle for positioning, fans can look forward to high-stakes games that promise to be both competitive and entertaining.