It was one other super week of school soccer, and the theme of this week was elite groups avoiding upsets and fringe playoff contenders ending their possibilities on the playoffs. Indiana, Alabama, Oregon, and even Vanderbilt have been taking part in to one-score video games late into the fourth quarter of their matchups, however all of them managed to drag it out in the long run.
Indiana had probably the most spectacular save of the weekend, the place Fernando Mendoza was capable of save the day with a game-winning drive, capped off by a possible catch of the yr from Omar Cooper Jr.
I do need to put a pause on the loopy folks calling this Mendoza’s Heisman second. If it weren’t for Mendoza’s huge interception within the 4th quarter, he wouldn’t have wanted to make the miracle comeback he did. It’s the least constant Indiana’s offense has seemed since per week 5 slug fest towards a gritty Iowa group. Moreover, it’s value noting that Penn State now must win out to even qualify for a bowl sport this yr. Some of the insane falls from grace for a preseason title favourite.
Staying within the Huge 10, it wasn’t fairly, however Oregon pulled off the street win at Kinnick Stadium, and that’s at all times spectacular. That being mentioned, the query marks proceed to develop for Oregon. Mendoza wasn’t capable of get something going by way of the air at Iowa both, however Dante Moore had a horrific efficiency on this one. I actually don’t have numerous religion on this Geese offense towards any competent defenses.
Heisman hopefuls Julian Sayin and Ty Simpson each pulled out wins and stable stat strains, to maintain the race wanting like a photograph end because the season involves an in depth. No one within the nation appears to be pulling away on this race, so it would come all the way down to anybody pulling off a memorable “Heisman Second” within the waning weeks of the season.
Texas A&M as soon as once more seems to be like the very best group within the SEC. They’ve had one of many extra forgiving schedules within the convention, however they proceed to deal with enterprise, which is what a nationwide title contender ought to do. Marcel Reed continues to look extra snug in massive moments, and if he can proceed to make massive throws, I feel they might simply be the favorites to win the SEC in Atlanta subsequent month.
Additionally within the state of Texas, the Crimson Raiders had the largest win of the weekend, and I’m shopping for numerous inventory in Texas Tech. They’re capable of lean on their protection and restrict whole possessions every sport by working the soccer so nicely. It’s a system that I feel can translate to the postseason. Texas Tech has the dangerous loss to Arizona State on its resume, however I feel that sport is extra of an outlier. I genuinely consider they will grasp with any of the very best groups within the nation, and they don’t seem to be a group you need in your facet of the bracket within the playoffs.
Lastly, right here lies the hopes and prayers of two groups within the ACC making the playoffs. The chances of that occurring earlier than this week have been slim to none, however each Virginia and Louisville notching their second losses of the season can actually kiss this goodbye. The ACC just isn’t on the identical stage as the highest three conferences in faculty soccer this season, and they need to be ranked accordingly. Nonetheless, I’m conserving my eye on Pitt, as they’ve Notre Dame coming to city, and I feel they will actually shake up the faculty soccer season with an upset over the Irish on this one.
