Week 7 College Football Highlights: Indiana’s Key Win, James Franklin Under Scrutiny

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Week 7 College Football Highlights: Indiana’s Key Win, James Franklin Under Scrutiny

Week 7 of college football delivered riveting actions and noteworthy performances across various games. Indiana celebrated a historic triumph over Oregon, while scrutiny intensified around James Franklin’s future at Penn State. Here’s a recap of the significant highlights from the weekend.

Indiana’s Landmark Victory Over Oregon

Indiana achieved a milestone by defeating then-No. 3 Oregon at Autzen Stadium. This victory marks the first road win against an AP Top-5 opponent in Indiana’s history. The Hoosiers have struggled historically, making this victory a defining moment for the program.

  • First road win over an AP Top-5 opponent.
  • Only third time starting a season 6-0, with two instances under Coach Curt Cignetti.
  • Last season’s 10 wins were the most in program history.

Texas Finds Success Against Oklahoma

Texas showcased a strong performance against rival Oklahoma, achieving a critical win. Quarterback Arch Manning displayed his skills, completing 21 of 27 passes. The Texas defense also bounced back, limiting the Sooners to only 88 total yards in the second half.

  • Manning had an impressive completion rate.
  • Texas defense forced three interceptions.
  • Fourth-quarter punt return touchdown added to their victory.

Texas A&M Emerges in the SEC

Texas A&M is rising in the SEC standings and may position itself as the conference’s top team. The Aggies’ explosive passing game, paired with a solid rushing attack, makes them formidable. The performance under Coach Mike Elko suggests a positive direction, especially despite historical late-season collapses.

  • Key players include Mario Craver and KC Concepcion.
  • Marcel Reed contributes significantly to the offense.

USC Celebrates a Signature Win Against Michigan

USC marked a potential resurgence under Coach Lincoln Riley with a win over Michigan. The Trojans averaged 7.2 yards per play, showcasing their offensive prowess against a tough defense. This victory reflects the team’s development on the defensive side as well, limiting Michigan’s running game effectively.

  • USC dominated in both offense and defense.
  • Riley’s record against ranked opponents improves.

James Franklin Under Scrutiny at Penn State

The future of Coach James Franklin at Penn State seems increasingly uncertain. Amid three consecutive Big Ten losses and with quarterback Drew Allar out for the season, discussions about a possible buyout exceed $50 million. The atmosphere around the team has grown increasingly toxic, leading many to question Franklin’s tenure.

  • Two losses to struggling teams highlight the team’s decline.
  • Speculations arise about Franklin’s future and potential negotiations.

As the season continues, these storylines will unfold, significantly impacting team dynamics and future predictions for the College Football Playoff contenders.