The score line says one thing, but sometimes the result says another. Digging into Week 11’s notable results, we here at Sports Illustrated are determined to find the answer to the question: Which team does the final score say more about?
Michigan 24, Penn State 15 says more about: Michigan
Sign-stealing fiasco aside, Michigan did what it needed to in this game to the tune of 30 straight rush attempts before two kneeldowns to end the game. The Wolverines didn’t have Jim Harbaugh, but they didn’t need him. Their preseason is over, and this is the run of games that truly matter for their chance at a championship. They look ready for prime time.
Texas 29, TCU 26 says more about: Texas
The Longhorns just have to get this season into the house, so to speak. They’re on the golf course and they’re on about the 14th hole, and they haven’t made a bogey yet, but they keep missing some birdie putts in the form of blowing big leads in games only to hold on at the end. It seems shaky for UT right now, but what matters for their Playoff case is that they’re winning … so far.
Missouri 36, Tennessee 7 says more about: Missouri
I don’t know who needs to hear this, but Missouri is good. Certifiably, with a bullet, good. The Tigers lost to Georgia by nine points last week and absolutely put a lickin’ on Tennessee in this game with 205 yards from Cody Schrader on the ground and 116 yards receiving. He’s been tremendous for them this season and specifically in this demon-exorcizing victory after last year’s blowout at the hands of the Vols.
UCF 45, Oklahoma State 7 says more about: Oklahoma State
The Pokes somehow have two of the most inexplicable losses this season with a blowout at the hands of South Alabama earlier this season and now this. Oklahoma State still has a good shot to make it to the Big 12 championship game, but this is quite the setback, putting a major dent in all the good vibes of this season.
Arizona 34, Colorado 31 says more about: Colorado
The retrospect on Colorado’s season is going to be a fascinating one. The Buffs looked like they were going to be a certain threat to go to a bowl game, but now are looking like bowl eligibility will be a tall task. How they’ve proceeded through the season has exposed concerns about depth and roster construction that appeared to have been papered over early in the season. Games against Washington State and Utah remain to try to salvage the postseason.
Derick Hingle/AP
LSU 52, Florida 35 says more about: Heisman voters
In a couple of weeks, we’re gonna find out how much this year’s crop of Heisman voters are really weighing who the most outstanding player is in college football against which contender is on the best team. Because if individual excellence is all it takes to bring the stiff-arming trophy home, you cannot overlook Jayden Daniels. What Daniels is doing is nothing short of remarkable.
Timing is everything when it comes to firing a college football coach, and A&M surprisingly did so after a win. Athletic director Ross Bjork said in his Sunday press conference that he essentially thought that the game was winnable against Abilene Christian next Saturday given all the emotions his team would be feeling and expressing this week. He stressed it wasn’t just one game that became the straw that broke the camel’s back. But with a nod to the transfer portal window opening and early signing day, the Aggies made the move now, despite the fact that they won a game the night before by quite a bit. But that game was the straw that broke the camel’s back for the Bulldogs, who had a relatively minuscule buyout to make the move to fire Zach Arnett.
