Football Covered by 4th & Forever
Miami is headed to the national championship after outlasting Ole Miss in a back-and-forth Fiesta Bowl thriller. The Hurricanes sealed the win late when quarterback Carson Beck kept the ball on a second-and-goal and sprinted three yards into the end zone, capping a decisive final drive and lifting Miami to a 31-27 victory. Miami struck first with an early field goal, but Ole Miss answered in dramatic fashion early in the second quarter. Running back Kewan Lacy broke loose on a 73-yard touchdown run—the longest rushing play the Hurricanes had allowed all season. Lacy appeared to injure his hamstring on the play and was limited for stretches, though he returned in the second half with a sleeve on his leg. Down 7-3, Miami responded with a long, methodical possession. A 15-play, 75-yard drive ended with a four-yard touchdown run by CharMar Brown to put the Hurricanes back in front. Ole Miss tied the game at 10 on a 42-yard Lucas Carneiro field goal, but Miami quickly regained momentum when Beck connected with Keelan Marion, who slipped behind the secondary for a 52-yard touchdown. The Hurricanes seemed poised to take a comfortable lead into halftime, but Carneiro drilled a career-long 58-yard field goal as time expired, trimming Miami’s advantage to 17-13 at the break. Despite trailing, Ole Miss stayed within striking distance while being outgained and failing to convert a third down in the first half. The Rebels edged ahead 19-17 early in the fourth quarter after a long drive stalled at the goal line, resulting in another short field goal. Miami answered immediately, as freshman Malachi Toney turned a screen pass into a 36-yard touchdown to reclaim the lead with just over five minutes remaining. Ole Miss wasn’t finished. Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss led a sharp response, highlighted by two completions to tight end Dae’Quan Wright, the second a 24-yard touchdown. A successful two-point conversion gave the Rebels a 27-24 edge with just over three minutes left. That set the stage for Beck’s defining moment. He calmly guided Miami down the field on a 15-play march, finishing it himself with a three-yard rushing score in the final half-minute to put the Hurricanes ahead for good. Ole Miss had one last chance with seconds remaining, moving the ball near midfield, but Chambliss’s final throw toward the end zone fell incomplete as time expired, sending Miami on to the national championship game.
Photo Provided by: Miami Athletics
OXFORD, miss. If you take a look at the stat sheet in this game you would think that Tulane fared well in this game
South Carolina set the tone immediately after electing to receive the opening kickoff. On the first play from scrimmage, L. Sellers connected with J. Sellers for a 75-yard touchdown, giving the Gamecocks an electric 7–0 start.
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Duke pulled off a late-game stunner on Saturday, reclaiming the lead on a 1-yard run by Anderson Castle with just over two minutes remaining and holding on for a 32–25 victory over rival North Carolina. The Blue Devils (6–5, 5–2 ACC) secured bowl eligibility with the win and ensured the Victory Bell stays in Durham for another year. Head coach Manny Diaz praised his team’s late-game composure, noting that his players once again delivered in the final moments of the rivalry matchup. Castle found the end zone three times from a yard out, but the game’s turning point came on a gutsy special-teams gamble. Trailing 25–24, Duke initially lined up for a 45-yard field goal. Instead, holder Kade Reynoldson pitched the ball to kicker Todd Pelino, who sprinted 26 yards down the left side to the UNC 1. Castle scored on the next play, and quarterback Darian Mensah connected with Nate Sheppard for a successful two-point try to stretch the lead to seven. For UNC (4–7, 2–5), Gio Lopez accounted for two touchdowns — one passing and one rushing — and Davion Gause added another score on the ground. The defeat eliminates the Tar Heels from bowl contention in Bill Belichick’s first season at the helm. North Carolina had one final chance to tie the game, but the drive stalled, and Lopez's fourth-down pass intended for Kobe Paysour fell incomplete with 1:18 on the clock. Takeaway: Duke bounced back after a roller-coaster stretch that included a marquee win at Clemson followed by disappointing losses to UConn and No. 19 Virginia. Despite letting a 24–10 lead slip away, the Blue Devils regrouped and closed the door in dramatic fashion. Photo Provided by: UNC Athletic Communications
Pirate Nation turned up the volume and ECU delivered, outlasting Memphis in a thriller at Dowdy-Ficklen.
Duke Stuns Clemson in Death Valley Thriller, 46–45 Fast Start, Wild Finish Duke came out firing early, jumping ahead 21–7 in the opening quarter thanks to sharp quarterback play and a balanced offensive attack. Clemson, however, responded before halftime, finding rhythm on the ground and through the air to pull even by the break. The two ACC rivals traded scores throughout the second half in a back-and-forth offensive showcase. Clemson appeared to have the game sealed when they took a 45–38 lead late in the fourth quarter, but Duke wasn’t finished. With less than a minute to play, Duke quarterback Darian Mensah engineered a determined drive downfield. Facing a fourth-down situation, a pass interference call against Clemson extended the possession — a decision that drew loud debate and a heated response from Clemson fans and coaches alike. Moments later, Duke running back Nate Sheppard powered across the goal line for a three-yard touchdown. Rather than settle for overtime, the Blue Devils went for two — and it paid off. Mensah connected with Sahmir Hagans on a quick slant to take a 46–45 lead with under a minute remaining. Offensive Fireworks Mensah led the way for Duke, throwing for 361 yards and four touchdowns, spreading the ball to multiple receivers while keeping the Clemson defense on its heels. Despite being outgained in total yardage, the Blue Devils capitalized on key moments and avoided critical turnovers. Clemson’s offense, meanwhile, piled up over 500 total yards and had several explosive plays of their own, but costly penalties and defensive breakdowns down the stretch proved too much to overcome. Controversy and Consequences After the game, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney voiced frustration over the late pass interference call that helped Duke extend their final drive. His postgame comments later resulted in a fine and public reprimand from the ACC. While the call will continue to spark debate, Duke’s clutch execution in the final moments sealed the story — a historic win on the road and a defining moment for a program continuing to rise in the ACC standings. Looking Ahead The win marks a statement victory for Duke as they continue to build momentum in conference play. For Clemson, it’s another tough chapter in a season that’s fallen short of preseason expectations, raising questions about discipline and late-game decision-making.
Coastal Carolina Capitalizes on Marshall Mistakes for Comeback Win
Virginia Outlasts North Carolina in Overtime Thriller
Around the League
Week 13
BATON ROUGE, La. — Michael Van Buren threw a touchdown pass, and Damian Ramos added two field goals to help LSU narrowly defeat Western Kentucky 13–10 on Saturday night. Western Kentucky coach Tyson Helton said his team struggled against LSU’s strong defense. “We faced a very good defense today, and LSU controlled us offensively,” Helton said. “I could have done a better job putting our offense in position, and that’s on me and the staff. Against a defense like LSU’s, we needed to find a way, but we didn’t.” The Hilltoppers opened the game with a 57-yard drive over nine plays, capped by a 35-yard field goal from John Cannon to take a 3-0 lead. Rodney Tisdale Jr. finished 20 of 39 passing for 128 yards.
BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State held on for a dramatic 26-24 win over Marshall on Saturday, thanks to a late fumble recovery by Colton Phares with 55 seconds remaining. Jaquari Lewis powered the Mountaineers’ offense with 175 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Trailing 21-9 midway through the second quarter, Appalachian State mounted a comeback behind JJ Kohl, who orchestrated an eight-play, 75-yard drive capped by a 19-yard touchdown pass to David Larkins. The Mountaineers opened the second half with another 75-yard march, this time finished by Lewis on a 5-yard touchdown run. Marshall had a chance to reclaim the lead late in the third quarter with a first-and-goal at the 10-yard line, but settled for a 25-yard field goal to go ahead 24-23. The Thundering Herd’s attempts to score in the fourth quarter were thwarted by a missed field goal, a punt, and two critical turnovers. App State’s Ian Ratliff pinned Marshall at its own 1-yard line with a 70-yard punt, and Caleb Sandstrom forced a key fumble near midfield with 5:36 left. Dominic De Freitas then gave the Mountaineers the lead with a 23-yard field goal at 2:02 remaining, before Phares’ game-clinching fumble recovery sealed the victory. For Marshall, Carlos Del Rio-Wilson passed for 146 yards with an interception and added 71 rushing yards with two touchdowns. Zion Turner completed 8-of-9 passes for 54 yards, while Jo’Shon Barbie ran for 102 yards and a score. The win improves Appalachian State to 5-6 overall and 2-5 in Sun Belt play, while Marshall falls to 5-6 and 3-4 in conference.
PHILADELPHIA — Jake Retzlaff threw for two touchdowns and ran for another as No. 24 Tulane cruised past Temple 37-13 on Saturday, putting the Green Wave one win away from the American Conference championship game. Tulane (9-2, 6-1) can clinch a spot in the Dec. 5 title matchup with a victory over Charlotte (1-10) at home next weekend. As the only American Conference team ranked in the latest College Football Playoff poll, Tulane’s standing could serve as a tiebreaker for teams without head-to-head matchups, including Navy and North Texas. “I’d say we’re probably around the 75th-best team in the country,” Tulane coach Jon Sumrall said, a week after calling his squad a “bottom 25 team” following a win over Florida Atlantic. “We’re not a bottom-25 team, but we’re not a top-25 team either. There’s still work to do.” Tulane’s defense dominated, holding Temple to just 20 rushing yards on 20 carries and limiting the Owls to 204 total yards. “It wasn’t a perfect game,” defensive end Jordan Norman said. “There are still areas we could improve.” Retzlaff set the tone early with a 69-yard touchdown pass to Shazz Preston on Tulane’s second play from scrimmage. He later added a 2-yard rushing touchdown midway through the second quarter to give the Green Wave a 17-7 lead. “That early score fires everyone up and energizes the defense,” said Retzlaff, who finished 17-of-28 passing for 231 yards. In the fourth quarter, Retzlaff threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to Justyn Reid and completed a 2-point conversion pass to Anthony Brown-Stephens to make it 34-13. Temple quarterback Evan Simon completed 21 of 32 passes for 168 yards and two touchdowns. Colin Chase had five catches for 59 yards and a score as the Owls (5-6, 3-4) dropped their third straight game.
NASHVILLE — Vanderbilt dominated Kentucky 45-17 on Saturday, led by a strong team effort that left the Wildcats struggling on both sides of the ball. Despite the loss, Kentucky’s Diego Pavia continued to impress, throwing for 469 yards with four touchdowns and adding a rushing score. The Heisman hopeful remained a force throughout the second half before being pulled midway through the fourth quarter, capping a memorable senior day. Vanderbilt, however, controlled the game from start to finish. Their offense moved efficiently, putting up 45 points and keeping Kentucky from mounting any serious comeback. The win gives the Commodores momentum heading into their final games of the season. Meanwhile, Kentucky’s season now shifts focus to their rivalry matchup at Louisville next week—a game with big implications despite Saturday’s setback. For Louisville, the situation remains challenging. The Cardinals recently suffered a 38-6 loss to SMU, marking their third consecutive defeat and dropping their record to 7-4. SMU moved the ball almost at will, while Louisville struggled to convert on third downs and generated just 228 total yards. Vanderbilt’s win over Kentucky showcased a balanced, efficient performance and could serve as a springboard for the Commodores in the closing stretch of the season.
COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Marcel Reed threw three first-quarter touchdown passes before exiting early in the second quarter, as No. 3 Texas A&M cruised to a 48-0 win over FCS opponent Samford on Saturday. The victory improves the Aggies to 11-0, their best start since going 12-0 under R.C. Slocum in 1992. Texas A&M now sets its sights on a perfect regular season as they prepare to face in-state rival No. 17 Texas on Friday. Reed led the offense effortlessly, orchestrating touchdowns on four of his five possessions. This dominant showing came a week after a rough first half against South Carolina, where Texas A&M fell behind by 27 points before Reed rallied the team for a historic 31-30 comeback. “I’m proud of the professionalism and how the team handled itself,” coach Mike Elko said. Reed connected with Ashton Bethel-Roman for a 3-yard touchdown on the opening drive to make it 7-0. The Aggies extended the lead to 14-0 when KC Concepcion caught a 6-yard pass from Reed late in the first quarter. Bethel-Roman added a second touchdown on a 58-yard reception near the end of the first quarter, giving Texas A&M a commanding 21-0 lead. Amari Daniels, a senior potentially playing his final home game at Kyle Field, added a 1-yard rushing touchdown early in the second quarter to push the margin to 28-0. “It felt great, and I’m ready for the next opportunity to make a play,” Daniels said.
BLACKSBURG, Va. — Carson Beck threw for 320 yards and four touchdowns as No. 14 Miami defeated Virginia Tech 34-17 on Saturday, keeping the Hurricanes’ ACC championship hopes alive. Malachi Toney set career highs with 12 catches for 146 yards and a touchdown, helping Miami (9-2, 5-2 ACC, No. 13 CFP) capture its third consecutive win. “All in all, we controlled the game from start to finish,” Miami coach Mario Cristobal said. “I’m really proud of our guys.” Beck opened the game by completing his first 11 passes and finished 27-of-32. He threw a 20-yard touchdown to Elija Lofton and a 3-yard strike to Mark Fletcher in the first half, while Carter Davis added two field goals. The Hurricanes scored on all four first-half drives to take a 20-3 lead into halftime. Virginia Tech (3-8, 2-5) cut the deficit to 20-10 on a 38-yard touchdown run by Jeffrey Overton early in the second half, but Miami responded with a 16-yard TD pass from Beck to Girard Pringle Jr. about seven minutes later. “I thought the game plan was excellent all week, and the energy and confidence on offense carried over,” Beck said. “Execution is key, and we were able to do that today.” Beck added a late 20-yard touchdown pass to Toney in the final minute to seal the victory. Miami finished with 418 total yards, while Virginia Tech managed 194 yards on the ground against the ACC’s top rushing defense (81.8 ypg). Marcellous Hawkins led the Hokies with 72 rushing yards on eight carries. “I think we competed physically and played hard on the edges,” interim Virginia Tech coach Philip Montgomery said. “If we hadn’t fallen behind so quickly, we might have been able to put more pressure on them.”
Week 12
ATHENS, Ga. — Georgia dominated the fourth quarter to secure a 35-10 win over Texas on Saturday night, handing the Longhorns another tough loss. Gunner Stockton threw four touchdown passes, including two to Noah Thomas, and added a rushing touchdown, outshining Texas quarterback Arch Manning. The No. 5 Bulldogs outscored No. 10 Texas 21-0 in the final quarter, extending their winning streak to six games and strengthening their postseason positioning. “It’s the approach we take,” Georgia coach Kirby Smart said. “We focus on dominating and finishing strong in the fourth quarter.” Texas had trimmed the deficit to 14-10 in the third quarter, but Stockton’s 30-yard touchdown pass to London Humphreys, followed by a successful onside kick, put the game out of reach. “I wouldn’t say our guys lost composure,” Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said. “We just lost a little focus and intensity in the fourth quarter.”
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Carson Beck threw for 291 yards and three touchdowns, including two to Malachi Toney, as No. 16 Miami cruised past N.C. State 41-7 on Saturday in the Hurricanes’ final home game of the regular season. Beck completed his final 13 passes to finish 21-of-27, helping Miami (8-2, 4-2 ACC) secure its fifth victory this season by at least 25 points—the most for the Hurricanes in a single season since 2002. “Turn on the tape,” defensive lineman Ahkeem Mesidor said. “Look at us when we play.” Miami hopes performances like Saturday’s keep them in contention for a spot in the College Football Playoff, which could bring at least two games to the Hurricanes’ home field this season, including the Orange Bowl on Jan. 1 and the CFP title game on Jan. 19. Jakobe Thomas made a big impact with two first-quarter interceptions, returning one for a touchdown. Meanwhile, Girard Pringle Jr. had a breakout game on the ground, rushing for 116 yards—more than he had in the first four games of the season combined. The Hurricanes took a 41-0 lead before rotating in backups during the fourth quarter on Senior Day. Miami dominated in total offense, outgaining N.C. State 581-149. The Wolfpack had been averaging 454 yards per game in ACC play, ranking second in the conference before Saturday’s matchup.
OXFORD, Miss. — Kewan Lacy ran for 224 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winning score on the first play of the fourth quarter, as No. 6 Mississippi rallied past Florida 34-24 on Saturday night. The Rebels (10-1, 6-1 SEC, No. 7 CFP) sealed the victory with 1:43 remaining when Lacy powered in a 4-yard touchdown on his 31st and final carry of the night. Ole Miss took over on downs after Florida failed to convert a fourth-and-9 at its own 4-yard line, and Sage Ryan intercepted DJ Lagway’s desperation throw at midfield. As the team ran out the clock, Ole Miss fans chanted “We want Lane!” in an effort to keep coach Lane Kiffin from leaving for another school, with Florida rumored as a potential destination. Lacy capped his stellar night with a postgame slam dunk on a portable basketball hoop at midfield.
BOSTON — With the ACC championship on the line, Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King focused on one goal late in the fourth quarter: do whatever it took. King and the 14th-ranked Yellow Jackets rallied to a 36-34 win over Boston College, capped by Aidan Birr’s 23-yard field goal with just 11 seconds remaining. The victory keeps Georgia Tech tied for first place in the Atlantic Coast Conference and sets up a crucial home matchup next Saturday against No. 23 Pittsburgh. A win in that game would punch the Yellow Jackets’ ticket to the ACC championship. “Whatever it takes,” King said after the dramatic finish, reflecting the determination that fueled the comeback.
DURHAM, N.C. — Chandler Morris may be new to Virginia, but coach Tony Elliott knows the quarterback’s toughness is unquestionable. Elliott wasn’t surprised when Morris announced he was ready to return after sitting out last week’s loss to Wake Forest due to a head injury. Morris rewarded the trust, throwing for 316 yards and two touchdowns as No. 20 Virginia defeated Duke 34-17 on Saturday, keeping its ACC title hopes alive.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Tommy Castellanos rushed for two touchdowns and threw a 50-yard scoring pass to Duce Robinson as Florida State scored on six consecutive drives to beat Virginia Tech 34-14 on Saturday. Ousmane Kromah added 59 rushing yards, and Samuel Singleton Jr. contributed 53, helping the Seminoles (5-5, 2-5 ACC) amass 237 yards on 46 carries. After a scoreless first quarter, Florida State took control of the game, putting together five drives of 56 yards or more. “It wasn’t a great performance overall,” coach Mike Norvell said. “But the guys kept battling, and that’s what mattered.” Robinson caught six passes for 134 yards, marking his third straight 100-yard game and fifth of the season.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Wake Forest’s Carlos Hernandez had a standout performance, scoring twice—including a touchdown on a teammate’s fumble recovery—as the Demon Deacons shut out North Carolina in the red zone en route to a 28-12 victory on Saturday. Hernandez finished with 100 receiving yards on six catches, while quarterback Robby Ashford contributed both a passing touchdown and a rushing score for Wake Forest (7-3, 4-3 ACC). Running back Demond Claiborne added 98 rushing yards, including a 12-yard touchdown. The win marked first-year coach Jake Dickert’s first triumph over an in-state conference rival.
Week 11
GREENVILLE, N.C. — The East Carolina Pirates pulled away for a 48-22 win over the Charlotte 49ers on November 8, 2025, highlighted by a standout performance from quarterback Katin Houser. Houser threw for 224 yards and two touchdowns while adding 26 yards and two scores on the ground. ECU built a commanding lead early, outscoring Charlotte 35-14 in the first half, and extended their advantage in the second half with another touchdown and two field goals. The Pirates’ offense was well-balanced, with London Montgomery rushing for 85 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries. Receivers Anthony Smith and Yannick Smith combined for 14 catches totaling 128 yards, while Sean Brown led all receivers with 119 yards and a touchdown. Javen Nicholas added 90 receiving yards and caught two touchdown passes. The 49ers controlled the ground game, scoring six rushing touchdowns and totaling 311 yards on 52 carries.
Week 10
Week 9
Alabama Rally Caps Dramatic Win at South Carolina, 29–22 COLUMBIA, S.C. — No. 4 Alabama overcame a late deficit behind clutch plays from Germie Bernard and Ty Simpson, rallying to a 29–22 victory over South Carolina on Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium. The Crimson Tide (7–1, 5–0 SEC) trailed by eight points in the final minutes, but two late touchdowns, combined with a key turnover, sealed the comeback. South Carolina (3–5, 1–5 SEC) mounted a spirited fight behind LaNorris Sellers, but costly mistakes in the fourth quarter proved decisive. First Half: Mistakes Keep Game Close Alabama struck first in the second quarter after a miscue by South Carolina’s running back Rahsul Faison was intercepted by DeShawn Jones, who returned it 18 yards for a score, giving the Tide a 7–3 lead. The Gamecocks responded but were hampered by penalties and a missed field goal, allowing Alabama to maintain a narrow edge. At halftime, South Carolina trailed 14–6 despite several opportunities in the red zone. Second Half: Gamecocks Take the Lead South Carolina came out strong in the third quarter, scoring 16 unanswered points. Nyck Harbor hauled in a 54-yard touchdown pass, kicker William Joyce converted a 47-yard field goal, and Sellers capped a 10-yard touchdown run after a punt recovery in Alabama territory, giving the Gamecocks a 22–14 advantage late in the fourth quarter. Fourth Quarter: Tide Rally Seals Victory Alabama responded with a 14-play, 79-yard drive capped by a 4-yard touchdown pass from Simpson to Bernard with 2:16 remaining. A successful two-point conversion tied the game at 22. On the next possession, linebacker Deontae Lawson forced a fumble from Sellers, giving Alabama excellent field position at the South Carolina 38. On third-and-10, Bernard took a direct snap and raced 25 yards for a go-ahead touchdown with 34 seconds left, completing the comeback. Key Stats and Performances Ty Simpson: 253 passing yards, 2 TDs Germie Bernard: 2 late touchdowns, including rushing and receiving DeShawn Jones: 18-yard interception return for a score LaNorris Sellers: 222 passing yards, 67 rushing yards, 1 TD, costly fumble late Alabama rushed for just 72 yards on 23 carries, with most production in the fourth quarter South Carolina’s offense was hampered by penalties and missed opportunities, including two red zone trips nullified by holding calls Final Take Alabama showcased resilience and clutch execution, rallying from a late deficit to preserve its SEC record. South Carolina, which opened the season ranked No. 13, suffered another heartbreaking loss despite strong individual performances from Sellers and the offensive line. The Crimson Tide return home to face No. 20 LSU next week, while the Gamecocks travel to take on No. 8 Ole Miss.
Vanderbilt Survives Missouri Thriller, 17–10 COLUMBIA, Mo. — In what may have been their roughest game of the season, Vanderbilt found a way to win behind a dominant defensive effort and a few timely plays on offense, edging Missouri 17–10 and securing their program-record third top-15 win of the year. The Commodores leaned on a suffocating defense and big plays from MK Young, Tre Richardson, and Eli Stowers to pull out the victory in a game defined by inches and missed opportunities. First Quarter: Sluggish Start The opening frame set the tone for a sloppy affair. Missouri went three-and-out, and Vanderbilt’s first drive stalled after just one first down. Across six possessions in the quarter, only one saw either team cross midfield. Both offenses, expected to shine, struggled to get anything going early. Second Quarter: Commodores Find a Spark Vanderbilt finally showed some offensive life early in the second quarter. Key completions to Tre Richardson (16 yards) and Eli Stowers (13 yards) moved the ball into Missouri territory, but penalties and negative plays pushed the Commodores out of field goal range. Missouri’s offense responded with a methodical drive, working down to the 21-yard line. Vandy’s defense stiffened, forcing a 39-yard field goal to give the Tigers a 3–0 lead. Vanderbilt answered immediately. A 39-yard pass to Richardson and a 19-yard strike to Stowers set up a scoring opportunity at the 7-yard line. A spectacular scramble by Diego Pavia for a potential touchdown was called back due to holding penalties, forcing the Commodores to settle for a 38-yard field goal by Brock Taylor, tying the game 3–3 at halftime. Second Half: Defense Dominates The second half was largely defined by Vanderbilt’s defense. Bryan Longwell led the way with 13 tackles, while CJ Heard earned the game ball for a crucial forced fumble against Missouri’s Jamal Roberts. Langston Patterson, Miles Capers, Randon Fontenette, and Keanu Koht all added tackles for loss, contributing to what was arguably the team’s best defensive performance of the year. Missouri managed to drive into Vanderbilt territory in the fourth quarter, but critical stops—including a forced intentional grounding by Koht—kept the Tigers from scoring. Fourth Quarter: Inches Decide the Outcome Vanderbilt capped the game with timely plays and a bit of luck. On Missouri’s final possession, a Hail Mary from Zollers appeared caught by Kevin Coleman, but a review showed he was inches short of the goal line as time expired. Vanderbilt’s players and fans celebrated a 17–10 victory, cementing a win in a game that showcased grit over polish. Key Offensive Performances MK Young: 86 rushing yards, 1 TD, including an 80-yard touchdown run Tre Richardson: 4 catches, 62 yards, highlight deep catch keeping body inbounds Eli Stowers: 3 catches, 42 yards Final Take It was an ugly, messy game by Vanderbilt’s standards, but the combination of opportunistic defense and clutch plays on offense carried the day. Inches separated the Commodores from defeat, but the win keeps them firmly in contention for a College Football Playoff spot. Cleaner play will be necessary moving forward if they hope to maintain their title aspirations.
Texas A&M Breaks LSU’s Death Valley Streak, 49–25 BATON ROUGE, La. — No. 3 Texas A&M ended a 30-year losing streak at LSU’s Tiger Stadium with a dominating 49–25 victory over No. 20 LSU on Saturday night. The Aggies (8–0, 5–0 SEC) turned a halftime deficit into a blowout, led by Marcel Reed, who passed for 202 yards and ran for 108 yards with four total touchdowns. First Half: Tigers Hang Around The game started competitively, with LSU taking an 18–14 lead at halftime thanks to big plays from special teams and defense. Jhase Thomas blocked a Texas A&M punt for a safety. A.J. Haulcy intercepted a pass in the end zone, setting up freshman Harlem Berry’s 7-yard touchdown run. Linebacker Harold Perkins later intercepted a deflected pass, but LSU stalled inside the Aggies’ 20-yard line, settling for a field goal by Damian Ramos. Despite these moments, LSU’s offensive line allowed multiple pressures on Garrett Nussmeier, who managed 168 passing yards and a short touchdown to Trey’Dez Green but was sacked seven times overall. Second Half: Aggies Take Control Texas A&M dominated the third quarter, scoring two touchdowns in the first six minutes. Reed scored on a 5-yard scramble on third down. A 60-yard punt return by KC Concepcion set up another Aggies touchdown, pushing the lead to 28–18. LSU’s offense sputtered after halftime, and the Tigers’ fourth-quarter possession lasted just three plays. The Aggies’ ground and aerial attack overwhelmed LSU’s defense, highlighted by Reed’s dual-threat performance and efficient scoring drives. Fourth Quarter: A&M Runs Away With It Texas A&M continued scoring in the final frame: Nate Boerkircher ran in a 1-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 42–18. Additional Aggies scoring ensured a 49–25 final, silencing the raucous Death Valley crowd. Despite flashes from LSU, including Haulcy’s 12 tackles and Nussmeier’s earlier efforts, the Tigers could not sustain momentum against a relentless Aggies team. Key Stats and Performances Marcel Reed: 202 passing yards, 108 rushing yards, 4 total TDs KC Concepcion: 1 TD reception, 79-yard punt return TD A.J. Haulcy: 12 tackles, 1 interception Garrett Nussmeier: 168 passing yards, 1 TD, 7 sacks Final Take Texas A&M ended decades of frustration in Death Valley while maintaining its undefeated record. LSU’s season, once projected as a College Football Playoff contender, has taken a hard turn after consecutive losses, raising questions about the team’s ability to recover in the SEC. The Aggies continue their unbeaten run, while LSU will look to regroup before hosting their next opponent.
Ole Miss Battles Past Oklahoma in Rainy Road Win, 34–26 NORMAN, Okla. — In a gritty, rain-soaked clash at Gaylord Family–Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, No. 8 Ole Miss found a way to grind out a 34–26 victory over No. 11 Oklahoma on Saturday night. The win moved the Rebels to 7–1 (4–1 SEC), strengthening their postseason push, while the Sooners dropped to 6–2 (2–2). First Half: Defense and Field Goals Set the Tone Both offenses struggled early in the wet conditions, as miscues and slippery footballs defined much of the first half. Ole Miss broke through first when Kewan Lacy punched in a short touchdown run late in the opening quarter to make it 7–3. The Rebel defense made its presence felt midway through the second quarter, when a swarm of defenders tackled Oklahoma running back Tory Blaylock in the end zone for a safety, giving Ole Miss a 12–10 advantage. Before the break, Lacy capped another steady drive with a 2-yard score, extending the Rebel lead to 22–10 at halftime. Second Half: Momentum Swings Wildly Coming out of the locker room, Ole Miss tried to keep its foot on the gas but suffered a costly turnover when Kewan Lacy mishandled a direct snap on a fourth-and-short near midfield. Oklahoma capitalized quickly — Xavier Robinson broke free on a 65-yard touchdown run to bring the Sooners within five, 25–20. Moments later, Robinson struck again with a 9-yard rushing score that gave Oklahoma its first lead of the night, 26–25, late in the third quarter. Ole Miss responded by turning back to its steady kicker Lucas Carneiro, who connected on a 30-yard field goal, his third of the game, to put the Rebels back on top 25–20 before the Sooners’ surge. Fourth Quarter: Chambliss Closes It Out Trailing by one in the fourth quarter, Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss engineered a decisive drive, capping it with an 8-yard touchdown pass to Trace Bruckler to regain the lead, 31–26. After the defense forced a fumble on a Sooners punt return, Carneiro added a 37-yard field goal with just over four minutes remaining, sealing the 34–26 victory. Chambliss finished the game 24-of-44 for 315 yards and one touchdown, adding 53 rushing yards on 12 carries. Lacy led the ground game with 78 yards and two scores on 27 carries. Final Takeaway On a night when the weather and turnovers made execution difficult, Ole Miss leaned on resilience and discipline to pull off a signature road win. The Rebel defense delivered key stops, while Chambliss showed poise late to guide Ole Miss to its seventh win of the season.
Miami Bounces Back, Dominates Stanford 42–7 MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — After suffering its first loss of the season, No. 9 Miami delivered a convincing response on Saturday night, cruising past Stanford 42–7 in an ACC matchup at Hard Rock Stadium. The Hurricanes (6–1, 2–1 ACC) overcame a sluggish first half before erupting after the break, fueled by a stifling defense and a three-touchdown performance from Mark Fletcher Jr. First Half: Missed Chances Keep It Close Miami looked out of rhythm early, despite moving the ball deep into Stanford territory on multiple drives. Quarterback Carson Beck guided the offense inside the red zone three times, but a missed field goal and turnover on downs stalled their momentum. Stanford capitalized first, piecing together a 74-yard opening drive capped by a touchdown pass from Ben Gulbranson to Caden High, silencing the home crowd. The Hurricanes finally answered late in the half when CJ Daniels made a highlight-reel grab in the end zone — leaping over a defender for Beck’s only passing touchdown of the game — tying things up 7–7 at halftime. Third Quarter: Fletcher Takes Over Miami came out of the locker room energized and never looked back. Running back Mark Fletcher Jr. exploded for three touchdowns in the third quarter alone, powering the Hurricanes to a commanding lead. Behind a revitalized offensive line, Fletcher finished the night with 106 yards on the ground, marking his best performance of the season. Beck bounced back from last week’s struggles with an efficient showing, completing 75% of his passes for 189 yards. Defense and Special Teams Seal It Miami’s defense flipped the game in the second half, holding Stanford to just 62 total yards after the opening drive. Linebacker Wesley Bissainthe and cornerback Xavier Lucas each intercepted Gulbranson on consecutive possessions, setting up short fields for the offense. Special teams also delivered, as Malachi Toney sparked the crowd with two long punt returns that helped Miami extend its lead and drain the clock. Stanford’s offense never recovered. Gulbranson was benched early in the fourth quarter after completing just 9 of 21 passes for 50 yards, while running back Cole Tabb managed 64 yards on 19 carries against Miami’s front. Final Takeaway After a flat first half, Miami rediscovered its rhythm, showcasing the balance and depth that made it a top-10 team earlier in the season. With Fletcher leading the ground attack and the defense forcing turnovers, the Hurricanes made a loud statement in their return home, and in their sharp camo uniforms, no less.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Cortez Braham Jr. caught two touchdown passes, including the game-winner with just over a minute left, as Memphis rallied past USF 34–31 on Saturday at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. The Tigers (6–2, 3–1 AAC) trailed 24–14 late in the third quarter but outscored the Bulls 20–7 down the stretch to stay alive in the conference race. Memphis struck first on a 19-yard touchdown run by Frank Peasant, but USF responded with back-to-back scores from Byrum Brown, including a 44-yard sprint to take a 14–7 lead. The Bulls extended that margin in the second quarter when Brown found Jeremiah Koger for a 5-yard touchdown, and Nico Gramatica later drilled a 46-yard field goal to make it 24–14 at halftime. Kicker Gianni Spetic kept Memphis close with a 55-yard field goal, but USF answered with a lightning-fast drive as Sam Franklin broke free for a 73-yard touchdown run with two seconds left in the third quarter. From there, the Tigers took control. Greg Desrosiers Jr. scored on a 13-yard run, Spetic added a 28-yard field goal, and Braham Jr. capped the comeback with a 10-yard touchdown grab from Brendon Lewis with 1:07 remaining. Lewis then ran in the two-point conversion to seal the victory. Memphis’ defense held firm in the final minute, forcing a turnover on downs to end the game. The Tigers improved to 4–0 at home this season, while USF (5–3, 2–2) dropped its second straight road contest.
Week 8
No. 4 Texas A&M 45, Arkansas 42 Texas A&M held off a late push from Arkansas to earn a 45–42 road victory, keeping their perfect season alive and moving to 7–0 — the program’s best start since 1994. The Aggies remain the SEC’s only unbeaten team. Both offenses went back and forth all afternoon, with Arkansas staying within a field goal midway through the fourth quarter. Quarterback Marcel Reed led a key 10-play, 75-yard scoring drive capped by the run game to extend A&M’s lead to double digits with just under seven minutes remaining. Arkansas answered with a quick touchdown drive, but the Aggies recovered the onside kick to close it out. Reed finished the day with 280 passing yards and three total touchdowns, while Texas A&M topped 200 rushing yards for the fourth time this season.
No. 6 Alabama 37, No. 11 Tennessee 20 Alabama pulled away from Tennessee on Saturday night, earning a 37–20 victory thanks to a dominant defensive showing and steady offense. The win marked the Crimson Tide’s fourth straight over a ranked opponent. The turning point came courtesy of Alabama’s defense, which stifled the Volunteers throughout the night. The Tide limited Tennessee to over 100 yards below its usual output and even contributed points of their own. A second-quarter safety and a 99-yard interception return by defensive back Zabian Brown just before halftime helped Alabama build a 23–7 advantage it would not relinquish.
No. 16 Missouri 23, Auburn 17 (2OT) No. 16 Missouri survived a wild one on the road, edging Auburn 23–17 in double overtime in what was easily one of the most chaotic SEC games of the week. It was a defensive grind from start to finish, with neither offense able to find rhythm for long stretches. The teams combined for nine punts and three interceptions, and no quarter saw more than seven points scored. Regulation ended in a 17–17 tie, and the tension only grew as both squads missed field goals in the first overtime. In the second extra period, Missouri pieced together a 25-yard touchdown drive across seven plays, then came up with a critical defensive stand to seal the victory.
Oklahoma Dominates South Carolina in SEC Showdown The No. 14 Oklahoma Sooners pulled away for a 26-7 victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks at William-Brice Stadium. Tory Blaylock got Oklahoma on the board first with an 18-yard rushing touchdown, and Xavier Robinson added another score in the second quarter. South Carolina answered with a 2-yard touchdown pass from LaNorris Sellers to Nyck Harbor, but it would be their only points of the game. Oklahoma extended their lead in the second half with a 55-yard field goal from Tate Sandell, a 20-yard touchdown pass from John Mateer to Isaiah Sategna III, and capped it off with a safety. The Gamecocks were held scoreless after the second quarter, struggling to move the ball in their own territory. True freshman Cutter Woods made his collegiate debut at quarterback for South Carolina in the final minutes, but it wasn’t enough to mount a comeback. Oklahoma improves to 6-1 on the season, while South Carolina falls to 3-4.
No. 9 Georgia 43, No. 5 Ole Miss 35 ATHENS, Ga. — No. 9 Georgia overcame a sluggish start and a halftime deficit to hand No. 5 Ole Miss its first loss of the season, 43–35, Saturday night at Sanford Stadium. After yielding touchdowns on the Rebels’ first five possessions, Georgia (6–1, 3–1 SEC) regrouped defensively in the second half, holding Ole Miss scoreless in the final quarter and forcing three critical stops to close out the game. The final stand came when the Bulldogs batted down a fourth-down pass, allowing them to run out the clock and secure the win before a roaring home crowd. Quarterback Gunner Stockton powered Georgia’s rally, finishing with 348 total yards and five touchdowns — four passing and one rushing. Tight end Lawson Luckie emerged as his top target, hauling in three touchdown receptions, including the go-ahead score early in the fourth quarter. Peyton Woodring’s 42-yard field goal later extended the lead to two possessions with under five minutes remaining. Ole Miss (6–1, 3–1) controlled the tempo early behind quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, who engineered multiple scoring drives, and running back Kewan Lacy, who rushed for two first-half touchdowns. The Rebels carried a 21–20 lead into halftime and stretched it to 28–20 when De’Zhaun Stribling turned a short pass into a 75-yard touchdown early in the third quarter. From there, Georgia’s defense flipped the momentum. Mykel Williams and Smael Mondon Jr. generated constant pressure as the Bulldogs shut down the Rebels’ high-powered offense over the final 20 minutes. The victory keeps Georgia squarely in the SEC title and College Football Playoff picture while ending Ole Miss’s six-game winning streak.
Georgia Tech’s 95-yard defensive touchdown shifts early momentum It didn’t take long for Georgia Tech to deliver one of the highlights of the college football weekend. Midway through the first half, Duke was threatening to score from the 1-yard line when quarterback Darian Mensah lost control of a handoff to Anderson Castle, sending the ball bouncing toward the turf. That’s when Omar Daniels pounced. The Georgia Tech defensive back scooped up the loose ball and sprinted 95 yards the other way for a touchdown, flipping the momentum and igniting the home crowd at Bobby Dodd Stadium.
Old Dominion connects for record-setting 98-yard touchdown Old Dominion made history Saturday with the longest offensive play in program history. Pinned deep at their own two-yard line, quarterback Colton Joseph found receiver Tre Brown on a crossing route near midfield. From there, Brown turned on the speed, leaving James Madison defenders behind — including safety Tyler Brown — on his way to a 98-yard touchdown. The play not only electrified the crowd but also etched its place in Monarchs history as the team’s longest scoring strike ever.
No. 17 Vanderbilt Upsets No. 10 LSU, 31-24 In a thrilling showdown in Nashville, the No. 17 Vanderbilt Commodores toppled the No. 10 LSU Tigers 31-24. LSU struck first with a 48-yard field goal, but Vanderbilt quickly answered. On their opening drive, quarterback Diego Pavia capped a 9-play, 57-yard march with a rushing touchdown, giving the Commodores a 7-3 lead after the first quarter. LSU reclaimed the lead early in the second quarter when quarterback Garrett Nussmeier found Trey’Dez Green for a 24-yard touchdown pass, making it 10-7. Vanderbilt responded with a methodical 14-play, 8:58 drive, culminating in a one-yard touchdown run by Sedrick Alexander to go ahead 14-10. LSU trimmed the deficit late in the half with a 42-yard field goal, making it 14-13, after missing an earlier 52-yard attempt. Vanderbilt countered with a swift 50-yard drive in the final minute, capped by a 46-yard field goal, sending the Commodores into halftime with a 17-13 advantage. The Commodores struck first after the break, executing a 10-play, 75-yard drive finished by Pavia’s touchdown pass to Cole Spence, extending the lead to 24-13. LSU answered immediately as Nussmeier scrambled and connected with Zavion Thomas for a 62-yard touchdown, followed by a successful two-point conversion to pull within three at 24-21. Vanderbilt kept up the pressure, with Pavia leading another 10-play, 75-yard drive and finishing it with his second rushing touchdown, putting the Commodores ahead 31-21 by the end of the third quarter. LSU mounted a 69-yard drive in the fourth, highlighted by a 51-yard run from Caden Durham, but stalled inside the five-yard line and settled for a field goal, cutting the gap to 31-24. The Tigers forced a crucial three-and-out on defense, but the offense couldn’t capitalize, allowing Vanderbilt to control the clock and secure the upset victory.
Tulane Pulls Off Stunning TD Catch to Beat Army, 24-17 With under 45 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, Tulane lined up for what seemed like a game-winning field goal from Army’s 26-yard line. Instead, the Green Wave went for the end zone—and delivered a moment straight out of highlight reels. Quarterback Jake Retzlaff launched a pass toward wide receiver Shazz Preston, who was tightly covered. The ball, however, didn’t land cleanly in anyone’s hands at first. It ricocheted in the air in the end zone, leaving defenders helpless. Preston chased it down, juggling the football before securing it for a 26-yard touchdown reception, giving Tulane the go-ahead lead. The Green Wave held on for the 24-17 victory, sealing the win with one of the most improbable plays of the season.