35-40. Now 1-60. Vanderbilt’s record against former SEC teams in college football. A losing record that spans decades of consistent losses and beat-downs from the top universities that project some of the most extraordinary talents in football history. SEC teams that create the future generation of NFL players. Alongside them and the 11 other players on the opposing team, a group of primarily scientific “nerd” players came together to beat the number one team in the nation. Fresh off their win against Georgia, number one Alabama was stunned when facing an unranked Vanderbilt team. In a Saturday night showdown, the students and fans of Vanderbilt left the stadium with the goalpost, celebrating their 35-40 victory against the powerhouse Tide. Despite a 40-year losing streak to the Crimson Tide, Vanderbilt pulled off what seemed to be the university win of the century. The Commodore’s head coach, Clark Lea, stated, “And for the next 12 hours, I am going to enjoy the dream. We have more ahead of us, but this is what Vanderbilt football needs to be about big wins on big stages. We are going to go get some more.” However, this headline and upset contribute to college football’s best and potentially most significant sports periods.
One thousand thirty-one yards and 16 touchdowns. An untrained sports eye might spot these numbers and recognize great end-of-the-year seasonal stats for a running back. However, upon further insight and investigation, you will realize these stats stem from one man from a five-game period. Ashton Jeanty, Boise States running back, is on track to beat some of the most covenant records in college football history. Averaging more than three touchdowns and 300 yards a game, Jeanty is on pace to shatter legends’ records such as Barry Sanders. With this, the sacred Heisman trophy is presented to Jeanty. Utah State interim head coach stated, “I do not have a vote because I did not win the Heisman,” Dreiling said. “If I did, I would be voting for him” after their loss to Boise State. However, the race for the award remains a game of inches, leading to one of the closest battles for the Heisman in recent history.
For the first time in college football history, a two-way player dominates the polls at both positions. Colorado’s Travis Hunter, one of the most dynamic players in college football, leads the polls in the race for the Heisman. Hunter is playing at a high level as a cornerback and wide receiver. Playing on both ends of the ball while averaging all-star statistics on both sides is unheard of in collegiate and even pro history. Travis Hunter also leads Colorado alongside Sheduer Sanders to a winning record and is a contender for the college football playoffs. The PrimeTime show in Colorado is prominent, with its star players in a race against Ashton Jeanty for one of the most anticipated Heisman trophies.
With upsets left and right and a Heisman race for the decade, this era of college football is giving the fans everything they want and much more. The constant battles between powerhouse teams have kept fans glued to their TVs. Along with this, Pat Mcafee and College Gameday have brought new energy to the streaming. This college football season is set out to be one of the greatest, and we have not even got to rivalry week.
