We’re at the midpoint of the 2025 college football season. Week 7 brought some real shakeups in the landscape.
The top teams are clawing to stand out before the College Football Playoff bracket gets finalized in December. There are a bunch of storylines floating around—some more believable than others. So, let’s poke at a few of the biggest takeaways from the past week and see if they actually hold up.
Georgia’s Narrow Escape Against Auburn
Georgia’s game against Auburn was a wild ride. The Bulldogs got the win, but it was anything but comfortable.
They came dangerously close to trailing 17-0 in the first half. That kind of hole would’ve been tough to dig out of for anybody.
Even with Auburn’s collapse, Georgia only averaged 4.3 yards per play. For a team eyeing a championship, that’s not exactly reassuring.
SEC Teams and Yards Per Play
Here’s a weird stat: Since 2021, SEC teams that average under 4.5 yards per play in conference games win just 18.5% of the time. Georgia’s been flirting with disaster more than once this season.
If you look at their close calls, the Bulldogs could easily have three losses by now. Two would almost feel inevitable, honestly.
Penn State’s Decision to Fire James Franklin
Penn State finally cut ties with head coach James Franklin. Years of falling short against top-10 teams and some ugly back-to-back losses as a heavy favorite sealed his fate.
It makes sense, but you have to wonder—can Penn State really find someone who’ll do much better?
Franklin’s Tenure at Penn State
Franklin won 69% of his conference games since 2016. That’s a mark only a handful of powerhouses like Ohio State, Alabama, and Georgia have topped.
Still, Penn State isn’t exactly swimming in resources compared to those schools. Six 10-win seasons and a CFP semifinal last year? Whoever takes over has a mountain to climb.
Mizzou’s Missed Opportunity Against Alabama
Mizzou actually outgained Alabama in a lot of key areas, especially yards per play—5.9 to 4.3. But turnovers and a brutal 1-for-10 on third downs did them in.
Another chance against a top-tier opponent slipped away. That’s got to sting.
Beau Pribula’s Struggles
Quarterback Beau Pribula got his first real test and, well, it didn’t go great. He struggled to get the ball downfield, and even his short and intermediate throws were off.
If he can’t stretch the field, is that going to be the thing that holds Mizzou back all year?
Florida State’s Continued Struggles
Florida State dropped to 0-3 in ACC play after losing to Pitt. They were supposed to win that one easily.
Since the start of 2024, the Noles are just 1-10 in ACC games. That’s a pretty shocking fall, and you have to ask what’s next for Mike Norvell.
Norvell’s Tenure at Florida State
After Jordan Travis went down at the end of 2023, things unraveled fast. If you take out that 13-0 regular season in 2023, Norvell’s Noles are 12-23 in ACC play.
That’s rough. It feels like a coaching change might be coming sooner rather than later.
USC vs. Notre Dame: A Crucial Matchup
USC and Notre Dame are set for a huge clash. USC just knocked off Michigan, so they’re back in the playoff conversation.
Notre Dame, after stumbling early, has looked like one of the best teams in the country since their second loss in Week 2. This one’s got serious stakes.
Playoff Implications
Both sides have a ton riding on this game. If Notre Dame loses, their playoff hopes are basically toast.
USC can’t afford a loss either. Whoever comes out on top has a real shot at making the final bracket. It should be a fun one to watch.
LSU’s Offensive Woes
LSU’s offense has been a mess all season. They’re 74th in yards per play and 94th in yards per carry. Ouch.
Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier hasn’t looked comfortable, especially when it comes to throwing deep. Not a great combo.
Running Game Inconsistencies
The running game finally showed some life against South Carolina. Still, it’s been inconsistent week to week.
The defense, on the other hand, has held up pretty well. That could be the difference in their next matchup with Vanderbilt.
Indiana’s Rise in the Big Ten
Indiana’s been a surprise in the Big Ten. They’re No. 6 in adjusted EPA-per-play and No. 3 in SP+.
Quarterback Fernando Mendoza has been a revelation. The Hoosiers might actually have a shot at challenging Ohio State for the conference title.
Big Ten Title Chances
Their schedule lines up favorably, so making the title game isn’t out of reach. If they see Ohio State again, Indiana could be a tougher out than most people expect.
Worth keeping an eye on, for sure.
Ole Miss: Overrated or Underrated?
Ole Miss is ranked in the top 10, but it’s been a bumpy ride. They’ve squeaked by some weaker teams with narrow wins.
Their big test is coming up against Georgia. That’ll be the real measuring stick.
Key Matchups
Look at their résumé—tight wins over Kentucky, Arkansas, LSU, and Washington State. It’s hard not to question if they really belong in the top 10.
The Georgia game will tell us a lot about where they actually stand.
Texas A&M’s Promising Season
Texas A&M is off to its best start since joining the SEC. They’re 6-0, with wins over Notre Dame and some key SEC opponents.
They’ve got a balanced team and seem ready to make a run at the SEC title. It’s been a while since Aggie fans could say that.
Challenges Ahead
The road ahead isn’t easy—trips to LSU, Mizzou, and Texas could trip them up. But if they handle business, 11-1 and a shot at the SEC Championship isn’t out of the question.
Tennessee vs. Alabama: A Betting Perspective
Tennessee takes on Alabama in a game with plenty on the line. The Vols are hoping to take advantage of Alabama’s recent offensive issues.
Alabama’s showing against Mizzou—just 4.3 yards per play—makes you wonder if Tennessee can find some cracks to exploit.
Betting Insights
Alabama’s recent stretch has been rough. Playing four straight games against ranked teams? That’s no joke.
Tennessee at +9.5 looks like a bet worth considering. The Vols could cover that spread—and honestly, an upset isn’t out of the question.
If you want to dig deeper into these storylines, check out the full article on Saturday Down South.
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