College Football Week 4: Upsets, Dominance, and Statements

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Week 4 of the college football season delivered another exhilarating Saturday, further shaping the national landscape. While some top teams rolled to expected victories, others faced unexpected challenges, and a few rising stars continued to solidify their dark horse candidacies. Here’s a look at the biggest stories and crucial stats from yesterday’s AP Top 25 matchups.

Top 10 Dominance (Mostly)

No. 1 Ohio State 45, Western Kentucky 10

The Buckeyes continued their flawless run, dispatching Western Kentucky with ease. Quarterback Ryan Day threw for 310 yards and 3 touchdowns, while the defense held the Hilltoppers to under 200 total yards. Ohio State’s balanced attack showcased why it remains the nation’s top team.

No. 2 Penn State 38, Illinois 13

Penn State cruised to a comfortable win over Illinois, maintaining its strong start. Their formidable defense registered 5 sacks and held the Illini to just 70 rushing yards. On offense, Drew Allar tossed 2 touchdowns, and the ground game picked up 180 yards.

No. 3 LSU 42, Mississippi State 24

LSU handled a tough SEC road test, taking down Mississippi State. The Tigers’ offense exploded for over 500 total yards, with Garrett Nussmeier throwing for 350 yards and their running backs combining for 3 touchdowns.

No. 4 Miami 31, Florida 17

In a highly anticipated rivalry clash, No. 4 Miami proved too strong for Florida. The Hurricanes’ defense stifled the Gators’ rushing attack, allowing only 65 yards on the ground. Quarterback Carson Beck added 2 touchdowns through the air, extending Miami’s unbeaten start.

No. 7 Florida State 27, Boston College 10

Florida State weathered an early challenge from Boston College before pulling away for the win. The Seminoles’ defense recorded 4 sacks and 10 tackles for loss. Jordan Travis threw for 220 yards and a pair of scores.

Key Upsets and Close Calls

No. 18 Georgia Tech 30, Wake Forest 28

Georgia Tech’s Cinderella run continued with a narrow road victory over Wake Forest. The Yellow Jackets’ defense made a crucial late-game stop, preserving their unbeaten record and solidifying their place in the Top 25. Their offense was led by Jamal Haynes, who rushed for 110 yards.

No. 12 Utah 28, No. 17 Texas Tech 27

In a thrilling ranked matchup, No. 12 Utah edged out No. 17 Texas Tech by one point. The Utes showcased their trademark grit, coming from behind in the fourth quarter. Both teams exchanged blows, with Utah’s defense making the pivotal stand on the final possession.

No. 24 Missouri 34, Memphis 31

Missouri escaped with a close victory over a feisty Memphis squad. The Tigers’ offense had to fight tooth and nail, relying on a late field goal to secure the win and avoid an upset.

No. 25 USC 38, Washington State 24

USC continued its climb back into the rankings with a solid win over Washington State. The Trojans’ offense was efficient, scoring on several big plays, while their defense forced 2 turnovers.

Other Noteworthy Scores

No. 5 Oregon 48, Hawaii 17
No. 6 Texas 40, UTSA 13
No. 8 Oklahoma 55, Tulsa 14
No. 9 Michigan 49, Bowling Green 7
No. 10 Texas A&M 35, ULM 7
No. 11 Notre Dame 30, Ball State 10
No. 13 Ole Miss 45, Georgia Southern 14
No. 14 Oregon State 31, San Diego State 20
No. 15 North Carolina 42, Minnesota 28
No. 16 Wisconsin 33, New Mexico State 10
No. 19 Louisville 41, Indiana 17
No. 20 Vanderbilt 24, South Carolina State 6
No. 21 Kansas State 36, Marshall 14
No. 22 Auburn 28, Samford 10
No. 23 Duke 20, NC State 17

The season’s narrative continues to evolve, with undefeated teams solidifying their positions and upsets reminding everyone that no game is a guaranteed win. Next week promises more pivotal matchups as conference play heats up across the nation!