Mississippi State- 28 vs Kentucky- 22
Finally, Dak Prescott took control of a game for Mississippi State. He was 23-of-34 passing for 268 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Prescott did so with minimal support from his running backs.
Neither team committed a turnover. It was a safe, controlled game by both sides.
Kentucky’s offense was much more balanced, despite having not won the game. Maxwell Smith had a passing touchdown, but he was actually supported by his running backs. On 30 carries, Raymond Sanders and Jojo Kemp totaled 149 yards and Kemp had a 14-yard touchdown run.
(16) Texas A&M- 56 vs Vanderbilt- 24
Very early on, the Aggies took a dominating 28-0 lead. Manziel was dealing touchdown pass after touchdown pass and his first three touchdowns were to three different receivers. In fact, Manziel only dominated by passing. He only had four carries for 11 yards.
Despite losing the turnover battle 5-3, A&M still clearly demoralized Vanderbilt. A&M did a better job capitalizing on offensive drives as well as containing Vanderbilt on theirs.
After struggling all year long on defense, Texas A&M played an impressive game on defense. Vanderbilt was held to an average of 2.2 yards per carry and their quarterbacks threw three interceptions to A&M defenders.
(1) Alabama- 45 vs Tennessee- 10
Doubts have been surrounding Alabama in terms of them still being dominant. After last Saturday, doubts should be erased from people’s minds. The slaughter fest began immediately and continued until the 2nd half. In the 2nd half, Alabama toned it down and only scored 10 points as compared to their 35 point first half.
Yet again, Tennessee’s offensive struggles root from Justin Worley’s incompetence. He was a sub-mediocre 8-of-15 and threw two interceptions. Although, Tennessee was able to get a glimpse of freshman Josh Dobbs, who already appears to be a better quarterback than Worley.
Alabama’s rushing attack was as intimidating as usual. TJ Yeldon powered into the the end zone three times for touchdowns.
(13) LSU- 48 vs Furman- 16
At halftime, Furman was only down 16-20 and appeared as if they may have a fighting chance, but LSU turned it up a notch in the second half. The Tigers ended the game with a 28-0 scoring run.
Although LSU won, Zach Mettenberger struggled again. He may have thrown for 300-plus yards and three touchdowns, but he also threw two ugly interceptions, one of which was returned for an interception.
On only 21 attempts, Jeremy Hill and Terrence McGee combined for 251 yards, as well as two touchdowns each.
(21) South Carolina- 27 vs (5) Missouri- 24
South Carolina’s Connor Shaw did not start the game, but after South Carolina went down 17-0, he was called upon despite being injured. He alone can be credited the most for the dramatic win.
No game ended in a more dramatic fashion this entire year. After Connor Shaw came in and tied the game, the team’s drew a stalemate in the first overtime after both of them scored. In the second overtime, South Carolina failed to score a touchdown, but took the lead with a field goal. Missouri failed to score a touchdown as well and were forced to kick a field goal. Unfortunately for Mizzou, the kicker dinked the kick off of the left goal post to end their undefeated reign of terror.
(11) Auburn- 45 vs Florida Atlantic- 10
Unsurprisingly from the eleventh ranked team in the nation, Auburn stomped the lesser opponent that is Florida Atlantic. Like Alabama, Auburn opened the game with a stunning lead. They scored 38 unanswered points to begin the game.
Freshman quarterback Jeremy Johnson of Auburn was given another chance to shine and he did so. He was 10-of-16 passing and threw two touchdowns, accompanied by only one interception.
The game’s most impressive performer was Auburn’s Sammie Coates. Even though he only caught three passes, those few receptions accounted for 113 yards and two of them went for touchdowns.
Ole Miss- 59 vs Idaho- 14
Ole Miss utilized two quarterbacks due to their crushing league and both of them were stellar. The two combined for 280 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions.
Just as Ole Miss’ passing attack was two-headed, so was their rushing attack. I’Tavius Mathers and Jaylen Walton racked up 224 yards and three touchdowns on a miniscule 25 carries.
Despite a complete dismantling of Idaho, Ole Miss only forced one turnover. The lone turnover was a fumble lost by Idaho’s James Baker.