With so many teams on a bye this weekend, and the ones who weren’t mostly playing cupcakes, there wasn’t a whole lot to be gleaned from the games in week six. Despite the lack of intriguing matchups, there were still some teams that helped their cause, and some who did not.
Winners:
#1 Alabama
Somehow the Tide actually picked up some 1st place votes in the polls over the #2 Clemson Tigers despite the fact that both teams had bye weeks. #ItJustMeansMore
#19 Michigan
The Wolverines actually won against a ranked team, something that has become very rare in the Harbaugh era. The Wolverines used a smothering defense to shut down #14 Iowa, forcing 4 turnovers, tallying 8 sacks, and holding the Hawkeyes to just 1 rushing yard. However, for as effective as the defense was, the offense was just as ineffective. Under the guidance of first year offensive coordinator Josh Gattis, the Michigan offense has been nothing short of a dumpster fire. Yet, despite gaining just 267 total yards, Harbaugh insists the offense is “hitting its stride.” The win keeps the Wolverines faint playoff hopes on life support.
#4 Ohio State
The Buckeyes continue to impress, beating #25 Michigan State at home 34-10. Sparty was able to give Justin Fields some issues, but not nearly enough to keep it competitive, and it is quite possible no one in the B1G can do so.
#10 Florida
The Gators were the biggest winners of the week, beating #7 Auburn 24-13 at The Swamp. This Florida defense is championship caliber, the question is whether the offense is. It has looked better since Kyle Trask took over for the injured Felipe Franks, but they turned it over 4 times in this one. Luckily for them, the Gator D forced 4 turnovers too, in what was one sloppy performance from the two SEC powerhouses. #ItJustMeansMore
Losers
#7 Auburn
Sitting at 5-0 and with a chance at adding to the nations best resume, Auburn blew a chance at putting themselves in prime position for a playoff spot against Florida. They are not out of it by any means, but securing a spot now would entail running the table, and they still have LSU and Alabama on the schedule.
#18 UCF
It is now back to reality for UCF fans. After suffering their second loss of the season to Cincinnati on Friday night, UCF fans are now faced with the realization that their teams two year run is over. That is just fact and it isn’t up for debate. No worries though, as one fan pointed out on Twitter, those last 3 losses will be officially recognized in the NCAA record books.
#15 Washington
What little playoff life the Huskies had is now gone after losing to Stanford. Jacob Eason and the offense only managed 294 total yards and were a measley 2-12 on 3rd downs.
