It was one other large week of faculty soccer, and the theme of this week was elite groups avoiding upsets and fringe playoff contenders ending their possibilities on the playoffs. Indiana, Alabama, Oregon, and even Vanderbilt had been taking part in to one-score video games late into the fourth quarter of their matchups, however all of them managed to tug it out ultimately.
Indiana had probably the most spectacular save of the weekend, the place Fernando Mendoza was in a position to save the day with a game-winning drive, capped off by a possible catch of the yr from Omar Cooper Jr.
I do wish to put a pause on the loopy individuals calling this Mendoza’s Heisman second. If it weren’t for Mendoza’s huge interception within the 4th quarter, he wouldn’t have wanted to make the miracle comeback he did. It’s the least constant Indiana’s offense has appeared since every week 5 slug fest towards a gritty Iowa group. Moreover, it’s value noting that Penn State now must win out to even qualify for a bowl recreation this yr. One of the crucial insane falls from grace for a preseason title favourite.
Staying within the Large 10, it wasn’t fairly, however Oregon pulled off the highway win at Kinnick Stadium, and that’s at all times spectacular. That being mentioned, the query marks proceed to develop for Oregon. Mendoza wasn’t in a position to get something going via the air at Iowa both, however Dante Moore had a horrific efficiency on this one. I actually don’t have a number of religion on this Geese offense towards any competent defenses.
Heisman hopefuls Julian Sayin and Ty Simpson each pulled out wins and stable stat strains, to maintain the race wanting like a photograph end because the season involves an in depth. No one within the nation appears to be pulling away on this race, so it’d come right down to anybody pulling off a memorable “Heisman Second” within the waning weeks of the season.
Texas A&M as soon as once more seems to be like the most effective group within the SEC. They’ve had one of many extra forgiving schedules within the convention, however they proceed to handle enterprise, which is what a nationwide title contender ought to do. Marcel Reed continues to look extra snug in large moments, and if he can proceed to make large throws, I feel they’d simply be the favorites to win the SEC in Atlanta subsequent month.
Additionally within the state of Texas, the Crimson Raiders had the largest win of the weekend, and I’m shopping for a number of inventory in Texas Tech. They’re in a position to lean on their protection and restrict whole possessions every recreation by working the soccer so nicely. It’s a method that I feel can translate to the postseason. Texas Tech has the dangerous loss to Arizona State on its resume, however I feel that recreation is extra of an outlier. I genuinely imagine they’ll cling with any of the most effective groups within the nation, and they don’t seem to be a group you need in your aspect of the bracket within the playoffs.
Lastly, right here lies the hopes and prayers of two groups within the ACC making the playoffs. The percentages of that occurring earlier than this week had been slim to none, however each Virginia and Louisville notching their second losses of the season can actually kiss this goodbye. The ACC just isn’t on the identical stage as the highest three conferences in school soccer this season, and they need to be ranked accordingly. Nevertheless, I’m preserving my eye on Pitt, as they’ve Notre Dame coming to city, and I feel they’ll actually shake up the school soccer season with an upset over the Irish on this one.
