Imagine a college football landscape where underdogs become powerhouses overnight, and legendary coaches are shown the door. This is the reality of Week 7, where Indiana’s meteoric rise under Curt Cignetti has shattered expectations, and Penn State’s implosion has left fans reeling. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can Indiana sustain this momentum, or is it just a flash in the pan? And this is the part most people miss: The transfer portal, while a game-changer, is no guarantee of success—just ask North Carolina. Now, let’s dive into the 20 most jaw-dropping takeaways from this week’s action, from Indiana’s historic road win to Texas’s defensive masterclass, and the shocking downfall of James Franklin at Penn State. Buckle up, because this season is anything but predictable.
College football is no stranger to Cinderella stories, with coaches like Bill Snyder and Frank Beamer transforming perennial losers into champions. But Indiana’s Curt Cignetti has rewritten the script, turning the Hoosiers into a powerhouse in just 19 games. Why settle for underdog status when you can leapfrog to national contender? The Hoosiers’ 30-20 win at Oregon—a team that was 22-1 at home under Dan Lanning—proved they’re the real deal. Indiana’s defense stifled Oregon’s Heisman hopeful Dante Moore, sacking him six times and holding the Ducks to 267 yards. But here’s the kicker: After Oregon tied the game in the fourth quarter, Fernando Mendoza led a 75-yard touchdown drive, and the defense sealed the deal with two interceptions. Indiana’s first top-five road win in program history? Check. But the question remains: Can they keep this up?
Indiana’s success isn’t just about talent—it’s about scheming. Cignetti, alongside coordinators Mike Shanahan and Bryant Haines, outcoached Oregon’s highly respected staff. The Hoosiers’ offensive line, once a liability, protected Mendoza against Oregon’s athletic front. While Mendoza wasn’t perfect (20/31, 215 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT), he connected repeatedly with WR Elijah Sarratt (8 catches, 121 yards, 1 TD). But here’s the twist: Oregon’s loss has sparked debates about whether they were overrated. What do you think?
The transfer portal is a double-edged sword. While Cignetti has hit home runs with additions like Mendoza, Sarratt, and LB Aiden Fisher, North Carolina’s struggles prove that stacking transfers doesn’t guarantee success. Cignetti’s ability to integrate these players seamlessly is what sets Indiana apart. But is this model sustainable, or will the portal’s unpredictability catch up to them?
Penn State’s collapse is nothing short of spectacular. Losing to 20-plus point underdogs in back-to-back games? Unprecedented. The Nittany Lions’ 22-21 loss to Northwestern, coupled with Drew Allar’s season-ending injury, has sealed James Franklin’s fate. Fans are done, and the school will likely negotiate a reduced buyout. But here’s the real question: How many more games will this preseason No. 2 team lose?
Texas’s Arch Manning silenced his critics with a stellar performance in the Red River rout of Oklahoma. Manning (21/27, 166 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT) protected the ball and kept the Longhorns’ offense humming. But it was the defense that stole the show, sacking John Mateer five times and intercepting him thrice. Texas’s DC Pete Kwiatkowski has built a unit that can keep them in every game. But can Manning continue to progress, or will he hit a sophomore slump?
See AlsoMississippi State Bulldogs Transfer Portal Players: Week 6 Performance BreakdownCollege Football Midseason Crisis: Which Teams Are in Trouble? Wisconsin, UNC, and More!Jaguars' Stunning Win: Overreactions and TakeawaysUnveiling the New NIL Era: College Sports Watchdog's Confidential Tip LineOklahoma’s loss to Texas raises questions about Brent Venables’ future. With a brutal schedule ahead, the Sooners’ defense must carry them, but Mateer’s inconsistency could be their downfall. Is Oklahoma’s Playoff dream already over?
Alabama’s 27-24 win at Missouri silenced critics of coach Kalen DeBoer. QB Ty Simpson’s fourth-quarter heroics proved the Tide are back in contention. But is this a temporary resurgence, or are they truly Playoff material?
Florida State’s 34-31 loss to Pitt exposed their vulnerabilities. Mike Norvell’s team is now 1-10 in conference play since last season. Is their ceiling lower than fans hoped?
Ohio State’s defense, led by Matt Patricia, is on another level. Holding Washington’s Demond Williams Jr. to 145 total yards? Impressive. But can they maintain this dominance against tougher opponents?
USC’s Lincoln Riley has steadied the ship, but a road win at Notre Dame would be a game-changer. Can the Trojans prove they’re legit?
Auburn’s losses have been marred by questionable officiating. Hugh Freeze has become a sympathetic figure, but will the SEC address these issues?
Texas A&M’s dominance on third downs is absurd. But with tough road games ahead, can they maintain their perfect record?
South Carolina’s Shane Beamer is stuck in a cycle of mediocrity. Will the Gamecocks ever break through?
BYU’s 6-0 start sets up a massive Holy War against Utah. Will this rivalry game live up to the hype?
Texas Tech’s rushing attack is unstoppable, but can they overcome Behren Morton’s injury woes?
Deion Sanders’ Colorado finally got a Top 25 win, but is this a turning point or a fluke?
USF’s Byrum Brown is making a Heisman case, but can they navigate a tough American conference schedule?
UCLA’s Jerry Neuheisel has transformed the Bruins’ offense. Is this a one-hit wonder, or are they here to stay?
Wisconsin’s Luke Fickell is on the hot seat after a humiliating loss to Iowa. Can the Badgers salvage their season?
The Big Ten’s financial struggles highlight the pressure on programs to perform. Will private equity money save them, or is it a band-aid solution?
What’s your take? Is Indiana the real deal, or will they falter? Can Penn State recover, or is Franklin’s exit inevitable? Let’s debate in the comments!
