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Following a third straight national championship won by different schools from the Big Ten last season, the conference has seen a sharp decline. Week 9 action demonstrated that the Big Ten is currently much closer to the Big 12 and ACC than it is to the dominant SEC.
Big Ten Conference Loses Its Edge
The top teams in the Big Ten are either deeply flawed, untested, or both. Ohio State is visibly weakened without star quarterback Julian Sayin, who may miss the remainder of the season following a loss to USC. Indiana has looked like a one-and-done playoff team rather than a championship contender, while UCLA has benefited from a weak strength of schedule without facing any elite opponents. Other programs like Oregon, Michigan, and Penn State have similarly failed to live up to expectations.
Conversely, the SEC stands out as the most challenging and talented conference in the country, holding the entire top five and nine of the top ten toughest schedules according to ESPN metrics. While the SEC features multiple viable playoff contenders, programs like Mississippi State have already gone on the road to defeat Big Ten opponents such as Minnesota.
Jeremiah Smith Faces Heisman Hurdles
Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith set a Big Ten milestone by catching his 40th career touchdown during a 30-18 loss to USC. However, that defeat damaged both the team’s championship aspirations and Smith’s Heisman Trophy candidacy. Smith dropped behind Miami quarterback Darian Mensah and receiver Malachi Toney in the odds.
Backup quarterback Luke Fahey struggled to match Julian Sayin’s production in the loss to USC. With Fahey’s limitations and a conservative offensive scheme potentially limiting explosive opportunities, Smith’s chances of winning the award in New York next month remain in jeopardy.
Officiating Controversies Plague the Big 12
The Big 12 faced heavy criticism following another series of officiating errors, continuing a three-week trend of controversial calls involving BYU. During BYU’s 27-20 win over Arizona State, quarterback Bear Bachmeier fumbled on a quarterback sneak, and running back Sione Pioha recovered it for a touchdown. While officials initially ruled the play dead due to stopped forward progress, a replay center review inexplicably awarded a touchdown.
FOX Sports rules analyst Mike Pereira expressed disbelief at the decision, stating that a recovery can be granted but not an advance under those circumstances. Following the game, the Big 12 acknowledged another mishandled crucial call, putting pressure on outgoing commissioner Brett Yormark to address the officiating crisis.
Notre Dame Playoff Path Remains Narrow
Notre Dame sits at 7-1 and ranked No. 5 after a 35-13 victory over Navy, but recent results across the country complicate the Fighting Irish’s postseason resume. Syracuse’s upset over SMU and Iowa’s blowout win over Wisconsin eliminated Notre Dame’s lone victory over a top-25 opponent and removed a remaining quality win opportunity.
A victory over top-ranked Miami next week would likely secure a top-four seed and a first-round bye, but a loss could leave Notre Dame at 10-2 with zero top-25 wins and a mediocre strength of schedule. That resume risks leaving the team out of the playoff in favor of a potential logjam of 9-3 SEC teams.
Philip Rivers Emerges as NC State Candidate
NC State has focused heavily on hiring Philip Rivers since firing Dave Doeren, with multiple industry sources expecting the hire to materialize. While transitioning directly from high school coaching to the FBS level carries historical risks, Rivers’ cerebral approach, leadership, and recruiting background present a high-reward scenario.
Success for Rivers will depend heavily on assembling an experienced coaching and support staff, including a strong general manager for name, image, and likeness personnel and a qualified defensive coordinator. The Wolfpack are positioning the program alumnus to revitalize a solid but stagnant roster.
