It was a compelling weekend in college football, with many matchups that went down to the final minutes. There were a number of games that were closer than predicted, meaning those who might have looked away expecting blowouts against unranked teams missed some tight contests. Here are a few of the dramatic results, along with the new AP college rankings:
(13) Utah 34 - (24) USC 32
In a thriller, the hot-and-cold Trojans probably saw their hopes of a post-season bid disappear. After Utah held a six-point cushion with just over two minutes remaining, a huge punt return for the Trojans started them in the red zone, leading to a Caleb Williams sprint for an 11-yard score. They failed the two-point conversion attempt, which loomed large. With 1:46 remaining, Utah QB Bryson Barnes managed a crafty 11-play drive that set up the winning field goal as time ran out.
(3) Ohio State 20 – (10) Penn State 12
Another Top-10 matchup of undefeated teams for the second straight week. This one was a typical Big-10 battle, meaning it was tight for most of the game but a bit of a slog to watch. Neither team could rush for more than 80 yards, and they combined for only 16 points before the fourth quarter. With the exception of receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., the offenses were not at all impressive, but Ohio State controlled the game throughout.
(7) Texas 31 - Houston 24
In a game that was tougher for the Longhorns than it should have been on the road, Texas lost QB Quin Ewers in the third quarter, and they managed to hold off a late drive by the Cougars. On a short running play, it appeared the Cougars got a first-and-goal with about 1:20 to play, setting up for a tying score, but the referees gave them a poor spot and measured them short. The Longhorns stopped them on the fourth down attempt and held on for the win.
Houston ended up not converting on 4th & 1 on their next play, their final play of the game, and ended up losing.
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 21, 2023
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(6) Oklahoma 31 – Central Florida 29
In another surprise, the Sooners were challenged by UCF all game, as QB Dillion Gabriel had to rally against his former school. While trailing by six, Oklahoma needed a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns, and that was nearly not enough. The Golden Knights drove to a touchdown with 1:16 to play but could not convert the two-point conversion to get the tie.
Virginia 31 - (17) North Carolina 27
The Cavaliers came into this one with only one win, but they were close in most of their games, and they were unfazed in facing off against the Tarheels, who had just climbed into the Top 10. Virginia was rushing by committee, with three runningbacks gaining over 60 yards apiece. It took a defensive stance late as North Carolina star QB Drake Maye was driving for the winning score, but when he was hit during a pass, it led to the sealing interception with under 30 seconds remaining.
(5) Washington 15 – Arizona State 7
In yet another challenge by an unbeaten team, the potent Washington offense and Michael Penix Jr. could not manage a touchdown. The Huskies' running game was non-existent, as the team totaled an anemic 13 yards. The Sun Devils held a 7-6 lead with just over eight minutes to play, and on a fourth down at the Washington 11-yard line, they went for it and promptly surrendered an 89-yard interception return that made all the difference.
For the new rankings, Iowa dropped off as James Madison moved into the poll. Here are the current Top-25 schools (With first-place votes):
1 Georgia (38)
2 Michigan (19)
3 Ohio State (3)
4 Florida State (3)
5 Washington
6 Oklahoma
7 Texas
8 Oregon
9 Alabama
10 Penn State
11 Oregon State
12 Ole Miss
13 Utah
14 Notre Dame
15 LSU
16 Missouri
17 North Carolina
18 Louisville
19 Air Force
20 Duke
21 Tennessee
22 Tulane
23 UCLA
24 USC
25 James Madison
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