College Football Week 10 Takeaways: Gunner Kiel Goes Bombs Away
By Erik Lambert
Nov 7, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Gunner Kiel (11) walks off the field after turning over the ball against the Houston Cougars in the fourth quarter at TDECU Stadium. The Cougars won 33-30.Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
It was another wild weekend of college football which included some unforgettable finished and standout performances. What were some takeaways from the action?
Gunner Kiel lights up undefeated Houston in loss
It seems some time off not only helped Gunner Kiel get healthy, it also may have allowed him to switch bodies with Tom Brady. Since returning he has played like a quarterback possessed. That continued in a wild game against 25th ranked Houston in which he threw for 523 yards and four touchdowns. Keep in mind the Cougar had allowed just 17 total points in their previous three games. The only reason Kiel did pull off the upset was the Cincinnati defense allowing 266 yards on the ground.
Iowa looks like challenger to Ohio State
Most people know the true source of power in the Big Ten belongs in the West division where Ohio State continues their quests to win a second-straight national championship. That doesn’t seem to both Iowa, who have quietly gone about the business of dominating the East and with their victory over Indiana have set themselves up to host either of those teams in the conference championship. It might not be the best idea to dismiss them.
TCU defensive bubble finally popped by Trevone Boykin
Critics have said for the past month that TCU was playing a dangerous game, forced to rely on their dynamic offense to compensate for a weak defense. All it would take is one game to upend that model, and sure enough it came to pass against Oklahoma State. Only it wasn’t the Cowboys but the Horned Frogs’ own quarterback Trevone Boykin that sparked the collapse with four interceptions.
Normally so careful with the football, he finished the night with four interceptions. OSU turned them into touchdowns and pulled away for a crushing 49-29 victory.
Clemson likely the most complete team in college football
The last great hurdle in ACC was ahead for Clemson and they knew that. No team has tormented them the past few years more than Florida State and for a time it looked like it might happen again. Then, thanks to strong second half efforts from both the offense and defense, they took control of the game and pulled away 23-13. It was another sign that the Tigers may be the most talented and balanced team in the NCAA.
Nebraska fittingly claims biggest win of season with last-second finish
One should’ve expected a barnburner between two teams that had spent all season winning or losing close games. It has haunted Nebraska most of the season, but undeterred they looked to pull off the upset over national championship hopeful Michigan State. Late in the game it seemed like the Spartans hand it in hand, then the Cornhuskers scored two late touchdowns, the final with just 17 second left. It was an all-too perfect way for a team that has lost five games this season by five points or less to get their signature victory of the season.