College Football Chaos: 11 Top 10 Losses in Three Weeks
A three-week span of upsets ties a record set in 2007, reshuffling the playoff field and leaving several elite teams with slim margins for error.
By Lauren Bello ·
Eleven top-10 college football teams lost games in the past three weeks, a mark that ties the record for the most losses by high-ranked teams in any three-week regular season span. The last time this level of volatility occurred was in 2007. ESPN Research confirmed the data, which shows the current season matching that historical benchmark for unpredictability.
Week 8 brought further instability to the standings. South Carolina defeated Tennessee in a late surge, ending the Volunteers' playoff aspirations for the moment. Texas Tech lost to Cincinnati, and USC fell to Wisconsin after scoring only seven points following a bye week. These results added to the growing list of surprises that have characterized the fall schedule.
BYU held the No. 2 spot in the AP Poll after beating Notre Dame but dropped to No. 4 following a double-overtime loss to UCF. The Cougars struggled on the ground, averaging just 3.2 yards per carry. Quarterback Bear Bachmeier completed 16 of 32 passes in the defeat. The loss narrowed the margin for error for a team still aiming for the College Football Playoff.
Ohio State is navigating a quarterback injury without its starter, Julian Sayin, who is out indefinitely with a elbow issue. The Buckeyes, now ranked No. 3, are relying on true freshman Luke Fahey. Fahey, who stands 5-foot-11, can run the ball, which may force the offense to move the pocket to create throwing lanes. The team will test this new dynamic when it travels to play USC this Saturday.
Georgia sits at No. 4 after a 27-24 loss to Auburn on October 17. The Bulldogs used their bye week to address issues in the running game, which produced only 113 yards on 28 attempts against the Tigers. Star tailback Nate Frazier has looked rusty after missing time with a rib injury, while backup Chauncey Bowens is sidelined with a lower-body ailment. Georgia faces Florida in Atlanta on Saturday.
Indiana stunned Michigan in a 13-6 overtime victory, keeping the Hoosiers alive in the playoff conversation. The defense held the Wolverines to 54 rushing yards and limited them to 13 total points. This win snapped Michigan's streak of not losing to a top-10 opponent when holding them to 13 or fewer points, a streak that had lasted since 1985. Indiana quarterback Josh Hoover made two key plays in overtime to secure the win.
Alabama beat Texas A&M in a game that highlighted the Tide's offensive struggles. The running game produced just 68 yards on 28 carries, continuing a slide that had begun earlier in the season. With four starters and key reserves out due to injuries, the Crimson Tide avoided a third straight loss. Coach Kalen DeBoer expressed hope that many injured players, including wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams, will return for the November 7 game against LSU.
Texas held off a strong comeback from Ole Miss to win, improving its standing to No. 13. The Longhorns built a 24-3 halftime lead before Ole Miss outscored them 14-0 in the third quarter. Arch Manning committed three turnovers, including a strip sack that led to a touchdown. Despite the penalty trouble, which totaled 134 yards, Texas relied on its running game and explosive plays to defeat the top-10 rival.
Kentucky entered Week 9 with a 7-0 record and a spot at No. 8 in the AP Poll. The Wildcats beat Vanderbilt 34-17, securing their third winning record in the SEC since 1977. Quarterback Kenny Minchey threw for 203 yards and two touchdowns. The defense limited Vanderbilt to 15 rushing yards and forced two turnovers. Kentucky will have a bye before facing a challenging stretch of games against Tennessee, Florida, Missouri, and Louisville.
Utah remains unbeaten at 7-0 and holds the No. 9 spot. The Utes came back from a 10-0 halftime deficit to beat Houston 21-13, extending their winning streak. However, coaches noted a lack of consistency between halves over the last two weeks. With rivals Texas Tech and BYU losing, Utah is now considered the favorite in the Big 12 for a playoff spot. The team will take its record to the conference title race with a strong regular season finish.
