Unpredictable has described the first seven weeks of College Football. New contenders have arisen, championship teams have fallen and the excitement is as high as ever. The week eight slate has four Top-25 matchups, all with CFP or conference title aspirations. Before another week of football kicks off, here’s what we’ve learned through seven weeks.
College Football’s Week 7 Takeaways
Surprisingly, Alabama Can Win The West
Coming into the season there were question marks surrounding the quarterback position. After their loss to Texas, it looked like the Crimson Tide’s dominance was ending, but there’s one thing you can’t do and that’s count Nick Saban out. Just when you thought Bama was out they’ve turned the season around.
Since week two, they’ve won four consecutive games, all being against SEC opponents and they get another chance to prove themselves this weekend. Jalen Milroe has played very well after being sat in week three. Since returning as the starter he’s scored nine touchdowns and only two interceptions during this much-needed win streak.
Without a doubt, this is a very different Bama team we’ve seen in the last few years, especially offensively. They haven’t lit up the scoreboard but they haven’t reached their full potential either. If they do find a way to compete for another SEC Title it’s because of their resiliency. They continue to find ways to win especially ugly wins.
Back-to-back weeks against Tennessee and LSU will be the ultimate test for the Crimson Tide. This is the opportunity to get revenge for their two losses last season and solidify a chance to play for the SEC Championship.
The Florida State Hype Was Valid
Florida State is legit and they continue to impress each week. They’re off to their best start since 2015 and there aren’t too many teams playing better than the Noles. Collectively what we’ve seen from FSU on both sides of the ball they look unbeatable. The offense isn’t jumping off the charts in yardage but efficiency and scoring make them one of the best groups in the FBS. The Jordan Travis to Keon Coleman connection is amongst the best in the nation and will take this team a long way.
It’s almost safe to say Noles fans can book flights to Charlotte, but nothing is guaranteed. They’ve sailed smoothly through most of their schedule but they have three major tests for the remainder of the season. The first is facing a Duke defensive unit that’s only allowing 9.8 PPG. The second is finishing the job, they’ll most likely see North Carolina or see a rematch with the Blue Devils in the ACC Championship. Then there’s the Sunshine State Rivalry, don’t overlook the Gators who are starting to find their identity. Marching into the Swamp and securing a victory is never easy.
There’s Hope In Norman
Year one under Brent Venables, was an unexpected reset year for Oklahoma. They suffered their first losing season since 1998 and couldn’t find their footing throughout the season. Those from last year decided to buy into what Venables was trying to introduce and it’s paid off. 2023 has been full of success and they continuously look impressive each week.
After an impressive victory in the Red River Rivalry, Oklahoma sits in sole possession of the Big 12. Sooner fans have been a bit fortunate with phenomenal quarterback play and Dillon Gabriel has continued to spoil Sooner Nation. He has a 16-2 touchdown touchdown-to-interception ratio, ranks third in the nation in QBR (91.2), and has the second-best odds to win the Heisman.
There’s still a lot of football to be played but a CFP appearance looks very promising right now. At this moment, the Sooners don’t have a single ranked opponent remaining on their schedule. Will their resume impress the committee? Or will they need a Big 12 Title to prove they’re worthy of earning a spot?
