Week 4 of the college football season has come to a close, and there have been some significant developments since the preseason. Here’s a recap of the key changes:
- New contenders emerge: Teams like Notre Dame, Oregon, and Texas have made strong statements, while preseason favorites like Clemson and Ohio State have faced unexpected challenges.
- SEC dominance: The Southeastern Conference (SEC) continues to assert its dominance, with teams like Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee looking strong. The SEC has produced some of the most exciting matchups and upsets so far.
- Big 12 and Pac-12 surprises: The Big 12 and Pac-12 conferences have seen some surprises, with teams like Kansas State, TCU, and Washington making noise. These conferences are shaping up to be more competitive than initially thought.
- Coaching hot seat: Some coaches, like Nebraska’s Scott Frost and Wisconsin’s Paul Chryst, are feeling the heat after disappointing starts to the season.
- Heisman Trophy race: The Heisman Trophy race is starting to take shape, with players like Alabama’s Bryce Young, Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud, and USC’s Caleb Williams making strong cases.
- Conference realignments: The news of conference realignments, such as Texas and Oklahoma joining the SEC, has continued to dominate headlines. These changes will have a significant impact on the college football landscape in the coming years.
- Playoff picture: The College Football Playoff (CFP) picture is starting to take shape, with teams like Georgia, Alabama, and Ohio State positioning themselves for a spot in the top four.
Some notable teams that have exceeded preseason expectations include:
- Kansas State: The Wildcats have started 3-1, with a notable win over Oklahoma.
- Washington: The Huskies have started 4-0, with a strong offense and defense.
- Syracuse: The Orange have started 4-0, with a solid all-around performance.
On the other hand, some teams that have underperformed include:
- Clemson: The Tigers have struggled, with a loss to Notre Dame and a close win over Georgia Tech.
- Wisconsin: The Badgers have started 2-2, with losses to Washington State and Ohio State.
- Nebraska: The Cornhuskers have started 1-3, with a struggling offense and defense.
Overall, Week 4 has brought significant changes to the college football landscape, with new contenders emerging and preseason favorites facing challenges. As the season progresses, it will be exciting to see how these developments shape the playoff picture and the conference championships.