Welcome to college football, where the storylines change within a week. Take last Saturday’s scenes in Lexington, Ky., and South Bend, Ind., which set the stage for our overreaction or underreaction analysis this week.
“There was a perception about our team this week, but it wasn’t reality.” — South Carolina coach Shane Beamer
Just a week ago, South Carolina’s Shane Beamer faced skepticism after a narrow 23-19 win over Old Dominion. Then, as 10-point underdogs, the Gamecocks crushed Kentucky 31-6. This dramatic win has brought ESPN’s “College GameDay” to Columbia for their matchup against LSU. Another upset could radically change South Carolina’s season.
“We’ve been here before. Now it’s time to get it fixed.” — Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman
Notre Dame’s shocking 16-14 loss to Northern Illinois has stirred debate. While history shows Notre Dame is no stranger to close calls, whether this loss has sunk their season or if they can bounce back remains to be seen.
Five More Hot Topics in College Football:
Overreacting to Top Teams’ Struggles
Though Notre Dame was the only high-ranked team to lose as a big favorite, others like Penn State, Oklahoma, and Alabama faced close calls. However, let’s not panic yet; early-season adversity isn’t uncommon, and strong teams often bounce back.
Underreacting to a Freshman Phenom in South Carolina
South Carolina’s Dylan Stewart has been a game-changer, tallying 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in just two weeks. Facing LSU next, Stewart is on a trajectory to stardom.
Overreacting to Conference Supremacy Debates
With nonconference records showing true parity, claiming one conference’s dominance this early is premature. Real comparisons come down to Playoff bids, bowl records, and draft picks, not Week 2 results.
Underreacting to Kyle McCord and Syracuse
Kyle McCord, a transfer from Ohio State, has ignited Syracuse’s offense with stellar performances, leading to optimism for a strong ACC run. Paired with solid defensive transfers, McCord’s impact is evident.
Perfectly Reacting to the Targeting Rule Disdain
Everyone hates how the targeting rule is enforced. Alabama’s Justin Jefferson was unfairly penalized for a textbook tackle, highlighting the rule’s flaws. The targeting rule needs a reevaluation to prevent unjust penalties and ensure player safety.
