UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, college football’s landscape was dramatically altered on November 4, 2023, as three of the top ten teams in the AP poll suffered unexpected defeats. This chaos comes just days before the College Football Playoff rankings are unveiled, complicating the selection committee’s task.
The most alarming result came from Boulder, Colorado, where the Buffaloes, under coach Deion Sanders, faced a devastating 52-17 loss to Arizona. This defeat marks Colorado’s second consecutive blowout, having been outscored a staggering 105-24 over the past two weeks.
Colorado’s performance raises serious questions about the program’s future. The Buffaloes now sit at 3-6 and must win their remaining games to have any hope of a bowl bid. In a surprising move, Coach Sanders barred his players from speaking to the media post-game, indicating the turmoil within the program.
“Don’t attack the coordinators. Come at me. Don’t attack the players. Come at me,” Sanders stated, reflecting his frustration amid growing criticism.
Meanwhile, Arizona celebrated a much-needed victory, improving to 5-3 after their win. Coach Brent Brennan expressed relief following the game, stating, “We’re gonna enjoy the plane ride home.” The Wildcats now need just one more win to secure a bowl berth, a crucial step for Brennan’s future at the school.
In contrast, the Big 12 saw a remarkable upset as Arizona State triumphed over Iowa State with a score of 24-19. Backup quarterback Jeff Sims shone, rushing for 228 yards despite missing key players. This victory is a significant boost for Coach Kenny Dillingham, who may attract attention from larger schools seeking new leadership.
As for the Bay Area teams, it was a dismal day. Stanford lost 35-20 to Pittsburgh, putting them at 3-6 and on the brink of missing the postseason again. The Cardinal must win all remaining games to have any chance of bowl eligibility.
Cal also struggled, dropping four of their last six games and leaving Coach Justin Wilcox facing criticism. With a goal of eight or nine wins set by general manager Ron Rivera, the Bears must secure victories against tough opponents in their final matches to save their season.
As the College Football Playoff rankings loom, the selection committee will have to navigate this tumultuous landscape. The implications of these results will undoubtedly shape the postseason picture, making the next few weeks critical for teams across the nation.
Stay tuned for the official rankings announcement on Tuesday at 5 p.m. EST on ESPN, as the fallout from this chaotic weekend continues to unfold.
