Week 4 CFP Shifts: Texas Tech Rises, Clemson Mascot Surrenders
What a weekend for college football. Some teams took huge steps toward the College Football Playoff, while others saw their hopes fade fast.
This article breaks down which teams are climbing the rankings and who’s slipping, based on the latest odds. Let’s dig into the most memorable games and standout performances—college football’s never dull, is it?
Teams on the Rise
Table of Contents
- 1 Teams on the Rise
- 2 Teams on the Decline
- 3 Noteworthy Games and Performances
- 3.1 Biggest Destruction
- 3.2 Most Tired Situation
- 3.3 Team Not to Be Overshadowed
- 3.4 Hot Seat Coaches
- 3.5 Best Expenditure
- 3.6 Least Courteous Homecoming
- 3.7 Most Exhausting Number
- 3.8 Best SEC Impersonator
- 3.9 Most Lopsided Disparity
- 3.10 Most Welcome Participant
- 3.11 Most Durable Bragging Rights
- 3.12 Saddest Realignment Casualties
- 3.13 Confusingly Thorough Turnaround
- 3.14 Guy Most Grateful to Not Be in the Big 12
- 3.15 Manning of the Week
Several teams really boosted their Playoff odds after this weekend. Here are the biggest movers:
Texas Tech
No. 17 Texas Tech made a big jump in their CFP odds, going from 33 percent to 50 percent. Their 34-10 win over No. 16 Utah was pure dominance.
The Red Raiders’ defense locked down Utah’s offense and showed off some real contender energy.
Ole Miss
No. 13 Ole Miss also surged, with their odds rising from 47 percent to 58 percent. Their 45-10 demolition of Tulane—who was 3-1—put their offense on full display.
Ole Miss is definitely a team to keep an eye on.
Miami
No. 4 Miami saw their odds climb from 71 percent to 79 percent after rolling past Florida, 26-7. Miami’s defense only allowed seven points, making a statement.
Indiana
No. 19 Indiana jumped from 18 percent to 26 percent in CFP chances. Their 63-10 thrashing of No. 9 Illinois was historic—the biggest win ever for a non-top-10 team over a top-10.
Quarterback Fernando Mendoza had a day, going 21-of-23 for five touchdowns.
Michigan
No. 21 Michigan improved from 23 percent to 31 percent after a gritty 30-27 win over Nebraska. That win means a lot with a tough schedule looming.
Oklahoma
No. 11 Oklahoma bumped their odds from 33 percent to 40 percent after beating No. 22 Auburn, 24-17. Oklahoma’s defense was relentless, sacking Auburn’s QB Jackson Arnold nine times—tying a school record.
Teams on the Decline
Not everyone had a good weekend. Some teams saw their Playoff hopes take a real hit:
Utah
No. 16 Utah watched their CFP odds drop from 33 percent to 17 percent after the loss to Texas Tech. That defeat stings for a team that looked like a contender just a week ago.
Auburn
No. 22 Auburn fell from 28 percent to 17 percent after losing to Oklahoma. The offensive line just couldn’t keep their quarterback upright, and it showed.
Clemson
Clemson plummeted from 12 percent to 3 percent following a 34-21 loss to Syracuse. That’s three losses now, and things aren’t looking great.
Nebraska
Nebraska dropped from 14 percent to 8 percent after their tough 30-27 loss to Michigan. They just can’t seem to get over the hump against ranked teams.
Illinois
No. 9 Illinois slid from 12 percent to 5 percent after getting blown out 63-10 by Indiana. That margin set a record for a top-10 team losing to a non-top-10.
Noteworthy Games and Performances
There’s more to the weekend than odds. Here are some games and moments that really stood out:
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Biggest Destruction
Illinois vs. Indiana was supposed to be close, but Indiana’s 53-point win was the biggest ever for the Hoosiers against a ranked opponent. Mendoza’s near-perfect game made all the difference.
Most Tired Situation
Clemson keeps struggling, now sitting at 1-3 after losing to Syracuse. Dabo Swinney’s feeling the heat from fans and media, and you can’t blame them at this point.
Team Not to Be Overshadowed
Syracuse pulled off a win over Clemson with backup quarterback Rickie Collins under center. That says a lot about their resilience and coaching staff.
Hot Seat Coaches
Mike Gundy (Oklahoma State) and Luke Fickell (Wisconsin) are both in trouble after ugly losses. Gundy’s squad lost to Tulsa, and Fickell’s Wisconsin got stomped by Maryland.
Best Expenditure
Texas Tech’s investment in their defensive line really paid off. That unit dominated Utah and put Tech right in the Playoff conversation.
Least Courteous Homecoming
Auburn QB Jackson Arnold had a nightmare return to Norman, taking nine sacks from Oklahoma. His backup, John Mateer, actually played pretty well, which can’t make Arnold feel any better.
Most Exhausting Number
Nebraska’s loss to Michigan was their 28th straight defeat against ranked teams. Only Rutgers has a worse streak among Power 4 schools. Ouch.
Best SEC Impersonator
Memphis, a Group of Five team, outrushed Arkansas by 120 yards in their 32-31 win. It’s rare to see an SEC team get run over like that.
Most Lopsided Disparity
Missouri beat South Carolina 29-20, but the real story was the rushing totals. Missouri piled up 285 yards, while South Carolina finished with negative-9.
Most Welcome Participant
USC’s pass rush has been a revelation, racking up 16 sacks in four games. Their win over Michigan State just added to the hype.
Most Durable Bragging Rights
TCU took the last Iron Skillet game (for now) over SMU, 35-24. Eric McAlister went off for 254 receiving yards—just unreal.
Saddest Realignment Casualties
Oregon and Washington both cruised past their rivals, Oregon State and Washington State. These lopsided games show how realignment is messing with classic rivalries.
Confusingly Thorough Turnaround
San Diego State bounced back from losing to Washington State by shutting out previously unbeaten Cal, 34-0. Didn’t see that coming.
Guy Most Grateful to Not Be in the Big 12
North Carolina’s rough patch continued with a 34-9 loss to UCF. Their next game against Clemson is shaping up to be a must-win.
Manning of the Week
Texas quarterback Arch Manning led the nation in yards per dropback. He did this even though Texas played a weaker opponent in Sam Houston.
Manning’s performance really stood out for Texas.
For more detailed insights and updates on college football, check out the full article on the New York Times Athletic.