Close Calls and Big Wins in College Football’s Week 11 Action

Week 11 of college football delivered thrilling moments as teams vie for positioning in the College Football Playoff. Notably, No. 2 Indiana edged past Penn State with a last-minute touchdown, while No. 9 Texas Tech secured a decisive victory over BYU. The weekend’s games not only impacted team rankings but also set the stage for future playoff aspirations.

Indiana Survives Penn State Challenge

In a dramatic finish, Indiana University narrowly defeated Penn State 27-24, keeping their undefeated season intact. With just 36 seconds left on the clock, quarterback Fernando Mendoza connected with Omar Cooper Jr., who executed a remarkable toe-tap catch in the back of the end zone. This victory marked Indiana’s first win at Penn State in school history. Penn State made a late rally, taking a brief lead at 24-20 after trailing by 13 points earlier in the third quarter. Ethan Grunkemeyer’s 19-yard touchdown pass to Nicholas Singleton pulled the Nittany Lions within striking distance, but it was not enough to overcome Indiana’s final push.

Texas Tech Dominates BYU

Meanwhile, Texas Tech solidified its position in the Big 12 with a convincing 29-7 victory over No. 8 BYU. Stone Harrington set a school record by kicking five field goals, while linebacker Jacob Rodriguez made significant contributions with two turnovers. Quarterback Behren Morton threw for 219 yards and a touchdown, helping the Red Raiders improve their record to 9-1. This victory marked a significant moment for Texas Tech, as it was their first top-10 matchup since 2008, and they managed to snap BYU’s 10-game winning streak.

The weekend also featured No. 1 Ohio State continuing its dominance with a 34-10 win over Purdue. Julian Sayin threw for 303 yards and a touchdown as the Buckeyes extended their winning streak to 13 games. Jeremiah Smith recorded 10 receptions for 137 yards, further solidifying his place in the team’s history with his 25th career touchdown catch.

Other Noteworthy Games

In other college football action, No. 5 Georgia overcame Mississippi State 41-21, showcasing Gunner Stockton’s impressive performance with three touchdown passes. Georgia’s offensive onslaught came after an initial touchdown by Mississippi State, allowing them to score 38 unanswered points.

Alabama also made headlines by defeating fifth-ranked St. John’s 103-96 in a thrilling college basketball matchup. Labaron Philon led Alabama with 25 points, including a crucial three-pointer late in the game. This victory demonstrates Alabama’s continued prowess in early-season non-conference play.

In a cross-sport story, the White House has expressed support for naming the new stadium for the Washington Commanders after former President Donald Trump. This announcement follows an intermediary’s communication with the Commanders’ ownership, coinciding with Trump’s anticipated appearance at a game.

Lastly, Novak Djokovic announced his withdrawal from the ATP Finals, citing a shoulder injury. The event, set to begin in Turin, Italy, will now feature Lorenzo Musetti, who recently faced Djokovic in the Hellenic Championship final.

As the college football season progresses, teams are increasingly aware of their playoff standings, making each game critical. Upcoming matchups, including Texas A&M at Missouri and Oregon at Iowa, will further shape the playoff landscape.