Top 10 teams drop 11 games in three weeks, matching 2007 record
A chaotic schedule featuring upsets in Cincinnati, Wisconsin, and Salt Lake City has tied a modern regular season record for elite team losses.
By Evan Wright ·
Eleven losses by top-10 teams in three weeks is a modern regular season record for the AP Poll, a stat that ties a benchmark last set in 2007. According to ESPN Research, this span of instability marks the most volatile period for the elite tier in recent memory. The data confirms that the current standings are as fragile as they look.
The chaos accelerated during Week 8. South Carolina defeated Tennessee, ending the Volunteers' playoff hopes with a comeback win. Cincinnati held its ground against Texas Tech, while Wisconsin defeated USC. The Trojans, fresh off a bye week, managed only seven points in that loss. BYU, which rose to No. 2 after beating Notre Dame, fell in double overtime to UCF. The Cougars averaged just 3.2 yards per carry in that defeat.
Other top-tier teams survived by narrow margins. Indiana won 13-6 in overtime at Michigan, holding the Wolverines to 54 rushing yards. Alabama used fourth-quarter touchdowns to beat Texas A&M. Boise State required a late push to defeat Washington State. In a high-profile matchup, Texas held off a strong Ole Miss comeback to secure a win despite 14 penalties.
Coaches are reacting to the shifting dynamics. Kalen DeBoer of Alabama said he hopes a lot of injured players return for the Nov. 7 trip to LSU. Steve Sarkisian of Texas praised the response from his team and described quarterback Arch Manning as edgy after the win over Ole Miss. Utah, which defeated Houston 21-13, now stands as the Big 12 favorite after losses by both Texas Tech and BYU.
The schedule ahead remains demanding. Miami plays at North Carolina, with a matchup against Notre Dame set for Nov. 7. Ohio State hosts USC after losing starting quarterback Julian Sayin to an elbow injury. Georgia faces Florida in Atlanta before traveling to Ole Miss. Kentucky, which beat Vanderbilt 34-17, has a bye before closing the regular season against four ranked opponents. Wake Forest plays at Virginia next, with a potential ACC title game on the line for Nov. 14.
Source: ESPN
