Week 7 of the college football season showcased several thrilling matchups that could have a significant impact on the rest of the season. From an instant classic between Oregon and Washington to Iowa’s control of the Big Ten West, here are some of the biggest stories from Week 7.
In a highly-anticipated matchup, Washington emerged victorious over Oregon in a 36-33 win. Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. delivered an outstanding performance, throwing for 302 yards and leading his team to a come-from-behind victory. Despite a rough stretch in the second half, Penix showcased his skills and resilience, solidifying his case as a Heisman Trophy favorite. Although Oregon fell short, the team can take away some positives from the game, as they showcased toughness, precision, and physicality. Head coach Dan Lanning should feel confident in his program and the potential for future success.
Iowa’s win over Wisconsin allowed the team to take control of the Big Ten West division. Despite their not-so-pretty style of play, the Hawkeyes delivered a solid performance, relying on their running game to come out on top with a 15-6 victory. Running back Leshon Williams had a standout moment with an 82-yard touchdown run, contributing to Iowa’s dominant rushing attack. The defense also played a significant role, shutting down Wisconsin and cementing Iowa’s position as the team to beat in the division.
Colorado experienced a devastating collapse against Stanford, losing a 29-point lead and falling 46-43 in double overtime. The Buffaloes struggled to run the ball throughout the game and had difficulties containing opposing receivers. Their weak running game, coupled with poor coverage, proved to be a detrimental combination. Despite their flaws, Colorado will need to regroup and work on improving these areas to avoid similar collapses in the future.
In Georgia’s matchup against Vanderbilt, tight end Brock Bowers suffered an ankle injury, raising concerns about his availability moving forward. Bowers had been a reliable target for quarterback Carson Beck and had been crucial to Georgia’s success. Fortunately, early reports suggest that the injury may not be severe, and Bowers could potentially return to the field soon. This news comes as a relief for Georgia, as they continue their pursuit of a third consecutive national championship.
Finally, Alabama survived a scare against Arkansas, narrowly securing a 24-21 victory. Head coach Nick Saban acknowledged that his team must improve and play a complete 60 minutes. Despite their mistakes, the Crimson Tide remain in contention for an SEC championship and a College Football Playoff berth. A game-saving play from linebacker Dallas Turner helped seal the win for Alabama, but the team will need to clean up their performance if they want to maintain their championship aspirations.
As the 2023 college football season reaches its midpoint, these matchups and storylines will surely shape the course of the season moving forward. Fans can look forward to more thrilling games and unexpected outcomes as teams compete for conference titles and playoff berths.