Five for Friday: Playoff Showdown, Horvath’s Heisman Bid & WAC’s Comeback
The college football landscape continues to provide surprises and notable performances as we progress through the season. Last week’s play saw significant shifts and standout performances, setting the stage for intriguing matchups and individual accolades in Week 7.
Playoff Showdown: South Florida’s Rise
South Florida (USF) has been making waves in the Group of Five as the Bulls aim for a playoff berth. Their journey began with a stunning 34-7 victory over Boise State in Week 1, sending shockwaves through college football.
Despite a setback against Miami, USF clawed back to No. 24 after decisive wins against South Carolina State and Charlotte. They recently overwhelmed Charlotte with a 52-24 victory, featuring an outstanding performance from quarterback Byrum Brown. Brown passed for 211 yards with four touchdowns, and ran for 162 yards, achieving one rushing touchdown.
Upcoming Challenges for USF
- USF begins a critical three-game road stretch in the American Athletic Conference.
- They are set to face North Texas, Navy, and Memphis, highlighting the complexity of their season.
- North Texas boasts the eighth-highest scoring offense nationally, driven by quarterback Drew Mestemaker and running back Caleb Hawkins.
Horvath’s Heisman Bid
Navy’s Blake Horvath stands out as a dark-horse candidate for the Heisman Trophy. His impressive statistics illustrate his potential. Horvath managed 339 passing yards with three touchdowns while rushing for 130 yards and securing a touchdown during the initial stages of the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy series last week.
Midseason Performance
Through five games, Horvath ranks 12th in FBS for rushing yards per game and 22nd in rushing touchdowns. His exceptional play places him in the discussion for the Heisman, solidifying his status against Temple’s defense, known to struggle against the run.
WAC’s Historical Comeback
The Western Athletic Conference (WAC) may no longer exist, yet its legacy continues to influence college football. This week, remnants of the WAC can be observed as Arizona hosts BYU and Utah plays against Arizona State.
Implications of the Matchups
- BYU, recently ranked No. 18, aims to maintain their strong start against a formidable Arizona team.
- Arizona and Utah seek redemption in the competitive Big 12 backdrop.
Five for Friday Highlights
- Indiana’s clash with Oregon offers a marquee matchup, showcasing two top-tier programs.
- Illinois, recovering from a substantial loss to Indiana, seeks to challenge Ohio State.
- The Illibuck Trophy tradition adds a historical touch to the Illinois-Ohio State game.
As Week 7 unfolds, the college football world watches closely to see how these narratives develop, with playoff implications, individual accolades, and historical callbacks all playing a significant role.
