After last week’s upset fest, the stage was set for what could be the biggest week of College Football in this year’s regular season. There are so many big games, all of which have an impact on the College Football Playoffs. So, how did the Oregon Ducks, Penn State Nittany Lions, and LSU Tigers (among others) fare in Week 7 of the 2024 season?
Oregon hold off the Buckeyes
The game of the week was between two undefeated sides in the Big Ten. The number two-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes went to Eugene to face the number three-ranked Oregon Ducks. This game had massive consequences, as the winner would likely earn a spot in the Big Ten Championship game. But, who would it be?
The Buckeyes had the first drive of the game and would be able to get the first set of points from it. Starting from their 25-yard line, Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard moved his offense down to the Buckeyes’ one-yard line. He found the endzone for a rushing TD from here, giving Ohio State the early lead.
However, things did not remain great for Ohio State. On their next drive, running back Quinshon Judkins fumbled the ball on the 28-yard line, which the Ducks scooped up. Taking advantage of the short field, the Ducks offense made its way down to the three-yard line before Jordan James found the endzone to score six points. The two-point conversion that Oregon subsequently attempted was unsuccessful.
Oregon tried to take the lead on their next drive, but their drive stalled on the Buckeyes’ 26-yard line. From here, Ducks kicker Atticus Sappington had a 44-yard field goal attempt but was unsuccessful.
In contrast, the Buckeyes succeeded on their next drive and added to their lead. Helped by two long runs from TreVeyon Henderson to take Ohio State deep into the Ducks’ red zone. Then, from the one-yard line, Judkins shook off his previous mistake and found the endzone for a one-yard rushing TD.
In reply, the Ducks found the endzone on their next drive. Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel moved the offense down to the Buckeyes’ 10-yard line before finding Evan Stewart for the TD pass. However, as with their previous TD score, the Ducks attempted a two-point conversion, which was unsuccessful like their last attempt.
However, Oregon quickly gained possession back and used this to its advantage. Gabriel and company reached the Buckeyes’ nine-yard line before Sappington scored a 27-yard field goal to give them a one-point lead.
This did not last for long, as on the next drive, Howard moved the Buckeyes’ offense down to the Ducks’ 15-yard line. He found Emeka Egbuka for the 15-yard TD pass to retake the lead. But, just before halftime, Oregon regained the lead through a 48-yard TD pass from Gabriel to Tez Johnson.
This meant that the Ducks had a 22-21 lead over the Buckeyes at halftime.
Ohio State was able to open their second half strong and retake the lead when Howard found Jeremiah Smith for a six-yard TD pass. Oregon tried to respond, moving the ball down to the Buckeyes’ two-yard line. Here, they would have a crucial fourth-down conversion attempt. This was unsuccessful, with Gabriel’s pass being ruled incomplete, handing possession back to the Buckeyes.
But the Ducks would have better luck on their next drive. They could make it down to the Buckeyes’ 27-yard line, and from here, Gabriel found the endzone, scoring a rushing TD and handing the Ducks a one-point lead as the fourth quarter began.
Ohio State tried to do enough on their next drive to force the Ducks to score on their next drive. They reached the Oregon 22-yard line before the drive stalled. This set up a 40-yard field goal attempt from Buckeyes’ kicker Jayden Fielding. This was successful, giving them a two-point lead.
All the Ducks had to do was score a field goal and kill time off the clock. They were able to do both of these things. The drive lasted four minutes and ended with a Sappington field goal from the one-yard line.
Ohio State had to enter field goal territory in 90 seconds of game time, but they were unsuccessful in doing so.
This meant the number three-ranked Oregon Ducks had defeated the number two-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes 32-31.
This was a perfect game and shows that the Ducks are strong enough to compete in the Big Ten. Unless they have a terrible run of form in their remaining games, the Ducks will make the Big Ten Championship game in their first season. As for Ohio State, they were only narrowly beaten. While any loss is bad, it will not mean their season is over. The Ducks improved to 6-0 (3-0 Big Ten), while Ohio State fell to 5-1 (2-1 Big Ten)
Next week, Oregon faces Purdue, while Ohio State plays Nebraska.
A Typical Penn State Game
The number four-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions have been winning games. They haven’t been the best games, nor has anything stood out in these wins. They get the job done and are among the few teams with an unbeaten record this season. This week, they face the USC Trojans, who have not been the best against their new conference rivals, losing to Minnesota last weekend. However, teams have struggled on the West Coast. Would Penn State join this trend?
The Nittany Lions were able to get the first score of this game. Starting from their 11-yard line, the offense, led by quarterback Drew Allar, moved down to the Trojans’ two-yard line. From here, Allar found Tyler Warren for the touchdown pass. However, a pass interference penalty removed the score from the board. This led to Nittany Lions kicker Ryan Barker making a 34-yard field goal to give them the lead.
But the lead did not last long. On the first play of the next drive, Quinten Joyner found the endzone for a 75-yard rushing touchdown to give the Trojans the lead.
They would add to this lead on their next drive when Trojans’ quarterback Miller Moss found Joyner for a nine-yard touchdown pass.
Things would get even better for USC soon after. On the next drive from the Nittany Lions, Allar’s pass was intercepted, which would be returned to the 26-yard line by the Trojans, setting up a perfect field position to score. They were able to do this, with kicker Michael Lantz kicking a 45-yard field goal.
A couple of drives later, Penn State would again get on to the board. Their drive stalled at the Trojans’ 16-yard line, and Barker would make a 33-yard field goal. In reply, USC would also score a field goal from 47 yards out this time.
This meant that at halftime, the Trojans were leading 20-6.
Penn State opened the second half doing what they needed to do. Allar and company would be able to get down to the Trojans’ 32-yard line, and from here, he found Warren for the TD pass.
The scores would be level on their next drive, as Kaytron Allen found the endzone from the one-yard line.
However, things were not all good for the Nittany Lions. On the first play of their next drive, Allar’s pass was intercepted, giving the Trojans possession deep into Nittany Lions’ territory. However, the Miller Moss offense would not go far with this, and the drive would only result in three points gained from a 39-yard field goal from Michael Lantz.
In reply, Penn State could make it down to the USC three-yard line, but no further. A 20-yard field goal was the best they could do, keeping the scores tied going into the fourth quarter.
On the game’s next drive, the Trojans retook the lead from a five-yard TD pass from Moss to Kyron Hudson. This was matched by a 14-yard TD pass from Allar to Nicolas Singleston to tie the scores again. With under three minutes left in the game, the Trojans had possession and needed at least a field goal to win.
The drive started on their 25-yard line, and Moss moved the offense down to the Nittany Lions’ 45-yard line. But, with 14 seconds left on the clock, a mistake occurred. Moss’ pass was intercepted by Penn State, who had two plays to steal a victory.
They were unable to do this, and with the scores level as time ran out, this game was going to overtime.
The Trojans had the first possession of overtime, but could not move the ball anywhere. This set up a 45-yard field goal attempt that was missed, meaning that all Penn State had to do was make a field goal, and the game would be theirs.
They were able to do this. Ryan Barker scored a 36-yard field goal to seal a 33-30 win over the USC Trojans.
Penn State was close to becoming another team that lost on the West Coast. Drew Allar and the Nittany Lions did enough to win and keep their undefeated season alive. As for USC, their struggles continue, and they now fall to 3-3 (1-3 Big Ten).
Next week, Penn State has a rest week, while USC faces Maryland.
LSU Claim an OT Win over Ole Miss
Both the number nine-ranked Ole Miss Rebels and the number 13-ranked LSU Tigers come into their meet-up with one loss. In the current state of the SEC, that is fine, and all bar Texas have at least one loss. The season is not over for either side, but having two losses may be the death sentence. Who would leave Death Valley victorious?
The game did not start well. The first three drives ended in punts. The Rebels’ first attempt at scoring came when they drove 65 yards down the field to the Tigers’ 15-yard line. The drive stalled here, setting up a 32-yard field goal attempt from Ole Miss kicker Caden Davis. This was unsuccessful, keeping the scores locked at zeros.
The Tigers were also struggling. On the next drive, LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier’s pass was intercepted deep in his territory, setting up a good chance for the Rebels to score. However, they were unable to do this, turning the ball over on downs.
But, eventually, Ole Miss was able to put something on the board. The Rebels drive again stalled, this time at the Tigers’ 32-yard line. However, on this occasion, Davis was successful with his 49-yard field goal attempt.
The Rebels would add to this lead on their next drive. From the 50-yard line, Ulysses Bentley IV would find the endzone to score the first touchdown of the pass on an important fourth-down attempt.
That score would open the floodgates. On the next drive, the Tigers would get their first of the game. From the Rebels’ 12-yard line, Nussmeier found Trey’Dez Green for the TD pass. In response to this, Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart found Tre Harris for the 15-yard TD pass.
The scoring continued on the next drive. The Tigers’ move down the field stalled at the Rebels’ 16-yard line, setting up kicker Damien Ramos to make a 33-yard field goal.
Things would get better for the Tigers soon after. Ole Miss wide receiver Henry Parris Jr fumbled the ball at the Rebels 28-yard line, giving LSU a good field position to score again. They struggled to go anywhere and settled for a 45-yard field goal from Ramos.
This meant that Ole Miss had a 17-13 lead over LSU at halftime.
The Rebels scored the first score of the second half, again through a field goal. A 35-yard kick from Davis gave Ole Miss a seven-point lead.
This was cut to four on the next drive. Another drive stalled, setting up a 41-yard field goal from Ramos.
Then, mistakes were made. A deep pass from Dart into the LSU endzone was intercepted. However, on the next play of the game, Nussmeier threw an interception.
A couple of drives later, the Rebels were able to extend their lead through another field goal. This gave them a seven-point lead with around three minutes left. With LSU now having the possession, could they find the endzone to take the game to overtime?
They were. On a fourth down attempt from the Rebels’ 23-yard line, Nussmeier found Aaron Anderson for the TD pass to level the scores and take the game to overtime.
Ole Miss had the first possession of the game and only managed to get a field goal. This meant that all the Tigers had to do was find the endzone from 25 yards out, and they would win the game.
This is exactly what the Tiger did. Nussmeier found Kyren Lacy for a 25-yard touchdown pass to record a 29-26 overtime victory over the Rebels.
This was another back-and-forth affair that could have gone either way. In the end, the Tigers were the stronger team and were worthy winners. This keeps their season alive as they improve to 5-1 (2-0 SEC). As for the Rebels, it may be hard for them to make the CFP with those two losses, as they fall to 5-2 (1-2 SEC)
Next week, LSU faces Arkansas, while Ole Miss is on a rest week.
What happened to the other Ranked Teams?
#1 Texas @ #18 Oklahoma
This week, it was the Red River Rivalry game between the number one ranked Texas Longhorns and the number 18 ranked Oklahoma Sooners. This game saw the return of Longhorns QB Quinn Ewers, who had a rough start but was able to have a good game overall. Oklahoma, who had their five best wide receivers out due to injury could not compete with the Longhorns, who recorded a 34-3 victory to keep alive their undefeated season and be the only undefeated team left in the SEC. Next week, the Longhorns face another test in the Georgia Bulldogs.
Mississippi State @ #5 Georgia
The number five-ranked Georgia Bulldogs prepared for their game next week against the Longhorns with a victory over the Mississippi State Bulldogs. A late comeback from Mississippi State did not deter Georgia, who held on for a 41-31 victory. QB Carson Beck threw for 459 yards in this game. How many will he throw next week against the strong Longhorn defense?
South Carolina @ #7 Alabama
Last week, the number seven ranked Alabama Crimson Tide suffered a historic defeat to the Vanderbilt Commodores (who were able to win this week as well). They hoped to return to their usual form against the South Carolina Gamecocks. Despite pulling off a 14-point lead, the Gamecocks came back and nearly delivered another defeat to the Crimson Tide. Unfortunately, they did not, as Bama held on for a 27-25 win. Much more needs to be done if Bama is going to make a run for the National Championship.
Florida @ #8 Tennessee
The number eight-ranked Tennessee Volunteers hope to return to winning ways against the Florida Gators this week. This was another game that went to overtime, where the stronger Volunteers scored the winning TD to record a 23-17 win.
#10 Clemson @ Wake Forest
The number 10 ranked Clemson Tigers’ dominance of the ACC continued this week as they faced the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. Tigers’ QB Cade Klubnik threw for 309 yards and three TDs in their 49-14 win.
Stanford @ #11 Notre Dame
The number 11 ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish welcomed the Stanford Cardinal to South Bend this week. They demolished them 49-7.
#11 Iowa State @ West Virginia
The number 11-ranked Iowa State Cyclone has been mostly ignored this season. They are undefeated and faced the West Virginia Mountaineers this week. Cyclones running back Carson Hansen scored three TDs in their 28-16 win over the Mountaineers to keep their undefeated season alive.
Arizona @ #14 BYU
The number 14 ranked BYU Cougars are another undefeated team still left in College Football. This week, they faced the Arizona Wildcats, and their undefeated record is still intact. Four defensive turnovers were pivotal in their 41-19 win.
#16 Utah @ Arizona State
The number 16 ranked Utah Utes struggled a bit without Cam Rising, but now that he is back, they should be able to defeat many teams, including the Arizona State Sun Devils. However, this was not the case. Sun Devils running back Cam Skattebo recorded 158 yards and scored two TDs in their shock 27-19 win.
#17 Boise State @ Hawaii
The Ashton Jeanty Heisman Trophy bid continued this week as the number 17-ranked Boise State Broncos faced the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors. Jeanty ran for 217 yards, and the Broncos recorded a simple 28-7 win.
#18 Kansas State @ Colorado
The number 18 ranked Kansas State Wildcats faced the Colorado Buffaloes this week. Deion Sanders’ side was facing their first test of the season and were able to remain competitive in the game. However, a late TD from Jayce Brown gave the Wildcats a 31-28 win.
#21 Missouri @ Massachusetts
Coming off their heavy defeat to Texas A&M last week, the number 21 ranked Missouri Tigers faced the easy challenge of the Massachusetts Minutemen this week. This ended as expected, with a massive blowout 45-3 win.
California @ #22 Pittsburgh
The California Golden Bears nearly added to the upsets last week as they nearly defeated the Miami Hurricanes. This week, they faced the number 22-ranked Pittsburgh Panthers and nearly upset them. A late TD from the Golden Bears put them within two points of tying the game. However, the two-point conversion failed, handing the Panthers a 17-15 win.
Purdue @ #23 Illinois
The number 23-ranked Illinois Fighting Illini hosted the Purdue Boilermakers. The Boilermakers only had one win coming into this game, and it did not look like it on the field. Purdue had a strong second half, scoring 40 points to take this game to overtime. In the end, a failed two-point conversion was the difference between a massive upset victory and defeat, as Illinois held on for a 50-49 win.
That was week 7 of the 2024 College Football season. Next week, the Texas Longhorns face the Georgia Bulldogs, Alabama and Tennessee meet with both teams wanting an easy win, and Ashton Jeanty will get no yards, as Boise State is on a rest week.
