"At the midpoint of the season, Penn State has three losses, Clemson has three losses, Texas is trying to claw its way back into the playoff conversation, and undefeated Indiana is ... a top five team?! "This showed the country we're a real team," Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza told reporters after the Hoosiers' 30-20 win at Oregon. "We're not just a one-hit wonder." Separation has started to occur, true playoff contenders have begun to emerge through statement wins,"
"The Buckeyes now have two impressive road wins, adding Saturday's 34-16 victory at Illinois to the Sept. 27 win at Washington. The Buckeyes have defeated three straight Big Ten opponents who are all at .500 or better, including two on the road. Miami has one road win and hasn't left its home state yet. Ohio State's defense has been one of the best in the country, and quarterback Julian Sayin has been one of the nation's most efficient, mistake-free quarterbacks."
Midseason results have upended preseason expectations, leaving several traditional powers with unexpected losses while elevating under-the-radar teams. Penn State and Clemson each carry three losses, Texas seeks to re-enter the playoff conversation, and undefeated Indiana now ranks among the nation's top teams after a signature road win at Oregon. Separation among contenders is forming as teams produce statement victories. Alabama presents a case as the leading one-loss team and Notre Dame has recovered from an 0-2 start to stake a claim as the top two-loss team. Ohio State combines elite offensive and defensive efficiency with key road wins and a mistake-free quarterback in Julian Sayin.
Read at ESPN.com
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