Season-Defining Showdowns and Rankings Drama: Champ Jackson’s Return to College Football

Getting back into college football after everything I went through has been surreal—but I couldn’t have picked a better time to return. So much has happened, and every team has their own story as we head into the final stretch. Let’s start at the top. USF at #5 feels right; they’ve been solid, delivering big wins and fighting to prove themselves among the nation’s best. Coastal Carolina has been incredible, holding a perfect record at 9-0, standing proud at #9, and showing they’re a team no one wants to face.

But then there’s UNT at #8 with two losses, and I can’t help but feel they’re ranked a little high, especially with teams like South Alabama and Arkansas State nipping at their heels with cleaner records. UNT’s offense has been electric, but I’m not convinced they’re Top 10 material. Meanwhile, South Alabama at #11 and Arkansas State at #12 are quietly making their cases, grinding for every inch and proving they deserve their spots. And let’s not forget Tulane at #21, clawing their way back after a few setbacks, or UNLV at #24, whose 9-1 record shows they’re ready to finish this season strong.

Wyoming’s journey has been compelling, too, with Tyler King leading the charge as he fights for back-to-back Heisman wins. He’s got the stats, the talent, and a team that’s backing him all the way, and I can’t wait to see if he can make history. Then there’s Troy—undefeated and relentless, but somehow still snubbed by the CFP rankings, which is bound to fuel them even more. Texas State is battling for a bowl game, turning things around after a rocky start to the season, and they’re right on the cusp of something special. And Nevada? They’re sitting strong with eight wins and no intention of stopping there.

And then there’s ECU, where the story goes beyond the field. Head Coach Mike Peach remains in a coma, but word is he’s showing more signs of life each day. It’s a story that’s transcended the game, with every player and fan hoping for his recovery, and his team continues to play with his spirit guiding them.

As we dive into Week 11, every game feels more meaningful than the last. Every touchdown, every stop, and every moment on the field holds the weight of a season’s worth of effort and dreams. I’m here to break it all down, and after the past few weeks, I couldn’t be more ready. Let’s dive back into the action and see who’s ready to make their mark on college football history.

The Chaos Begins: Week 5

Week 5 marked the beginning of a wild stretch in college football, as Texas State edged out Sam Houston State in a tight 20-14 rivalry game. While Coach Uncle Matt celebrated the win, little did he know this would become the catalyst for a series of events that would complicate things for Champ. Meanwhile, powerhouse teams like Arkansas State dominated Marshall with a resounding 94-38 victory, and North Texas rolled past UAB 84-13. UNLV stunned Clemson 56-14, leaving fans across the nation buzzing with excitement.

Nevada grabbed the spotlight by toppling Kansas 56-37, setting up a showdown against South Alabama in Week 6.

The Thrill of Upsets and High-Stakes Wins: Week 6

Week 6 brought heart-stopping excitement, as Nevada pulled off a dramatic Thursday night upset over South Alabama, winning 43-40 in a game that came down to the wire. Marco Kight led the charge, while Tyrone Howell’s three-touchdown performance helped Nevada stay strong. On the South Alabama side, Bishop Davenport kept it competitive, but it wasn’t enough to edge out the win.

Meanwhile, UNLV continued its unbeaten streak with a 72-35 victory over Wyoming, capitalizing on a flurry of interceptions to secure the win despite Wyoming outgaining them in yardage. Troy, Coastal Carolina, and Tulane all picked up key victories, adding to the intense momentum building as the season progressed.

Emerging Streaks and Hard Fights: Week 7

Texas State’s win streak continued, defeating Western Kentucky and showing they were more than just a team with a rocky start. Arkansas State narrowly avoided an upset against James Madison, winning 38-21, while Troy outlasted Liberty 32-14, with Coach Khail remarking on the challenge of defeating his alma mater. Tulane, USF, and Wyoming all delivered high-scoring performances that left fans in awe, while Nevada stumbled against Boise State, and UNT lit up the field with a 91-21 victory over Memphis.

Momentum Swings and Statement Games: Week 8

By Week 8, UNLV was unstoppable, dropping 112 points on San Jose State in a game that reinforced their status as offensive juggernauts. Meanwhile, Arkansas State continued its strong campaign with a 38-7 victory over Bowling Green, and Coastal Carolina, Tulane, and North Texas secured decisive wins, with Coastal’s victory over Southern Miss and Tulane’s against ECU showcasing their offensive firepower.

One of the most impressive showings came from Texas State, who kept their winning streak alive with a narrow 17-14 victory over Liberty, solidifying their place as a team that could deliver under pressure.

The Shock of the Year and Rising Competition: Week 9

In one of the season’s most unexpected outcomes, UNLV fell to San Diego State 66-45, in a game that saw the Aztecs explode offensively, racking up over 700 yards. The Aztecs’ offense was unstoppable, and UNLV struggled to keep up, managing only four rushing yards on the night. This upset sent shockwaves through the season, as UNLV went from dominating Clemson to facing a humbling loss.

The Wyoming vs. South Alabama game added to the intensity, with South Alabama prevailing 41-29 in a thrilling showdown. USF, UNT, and Troy all recorded strong wins, and Texas State kept their win streak alive with a solid victory over New Mexico State. The Battle for the Palladium returned with Troy’s 35-14 win over Middle Tennessee, reaffirming Troy’s dominance in the rivalry.

Texas State’s Streak Ends and Troy’s Dominance Continues: Week 10

Texas State’s fairytale run came to a close in Week 10 as Troy handed them a decisive 42-3 loss. After five straight wins following an 0-3 start, Texas State’s story captivated fans, but Troy’s consistent strength and undefeated record proved too much. Troy’s Dylan Lonergan connected for four touchdowns, and the defense, led by Rondell Carter’s two interceptions, shut down Texas State.

Elsewhere, Arkansas State crushed UL Monroe, Coastal Carolina outlasted Marshall 82-75 in a high-scoring thriller, and Wyoming won a shootout against Toledo 94-54. With each win, teams like Troy, Coastal Carolina, and UNLV continued solidifying their championship bids, making it clear that the race was heating up.

With Champ Jackson back on the scene, the stories of Weeks 5 to 10 come to life with a new energy. As we dive into the details and dissect the defining moments, it’s clear these weeks have been unforgettable, marked by upsets, thrilling performances, and a football season packed with surprises.

CFP Top 25

USF - Ranked #5, with an 8-1 record. USF has proven to be a force, showing dominance in high-stakes games and maintaining a strong position in the Top 10.

UNT - Coming in at #8 with an 8-2 record. UNT’s offensive firepower and resilience have kept them firmly in the top rankings as they push toward the season’s final stretch.

Coastal Carolina - Holding steady at #9 with an undefeated 9-0 record. Coastal has remained unbeaten, combining explosive offense and strategic defense, making them a serious contender.

South Alabama - Ranked #11 with a 9-1 record. South Alabama’s only loss hasn’t slowed them down as they’ve consistently bounced back and taken command in key matchups.

Arkansas State - At #12 with an 8-1 record, Arkansas State has showcased depth on both sides of the ball, keeping them competitive and firmly in the Top 15.

Tulane - Standing at #21 with a 7-3 record. Despite a few setbacks, Tulane’s consistency and strong performances have kept them within the Top 25.

UNLV - Ranked #24 with a 9-1 record. UNLV has impressed with big wins and continues to climb, proving their place in the Top 25 as they eye a strong finish to the season.

Week 10 Heisman Watch

Tavarus Cargile: QB, Freshman, UNLV

Season Stats: 5145 passing yards, 81 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, 77% completion percentage, 514.5 yards per game, 126 carries, 351 rushing yards, 12 touchdowns. Zach Evans: RB, Senior, UNT

Season Stats: 157 carries, 1086 rushing yards, 19 touchdowns, 51 receptions, 1051 receiving yards, 12 touchdowns.

Ja'Vin Simpkins: RB, Junior, Coastal Carolina

Season Stats: 202 carries, 1521 rushing yards, 25 touchdowns, 41 receptions, 743 receiving yard, 8 touchdowns.

JeyQuan Smith: WR, Junior, USF

Season Stats: 87 receptions, 1257 receiving yards, 27 touchdowns, 2 carries, 90 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns, 8 kick returns, 114 yards.

Tyler King: WR, Senior, Wyoming

Season Stats: 68 receptions, 2737 receiving yards, 34 touchdowns, 42 kick returns, 790 kick return yard, 1 touchdown, 17 punt returns, 95 punt return yards.

Conference Standings:

AAC:

Tulane - 5-0

USF - 5-0

UNT - 6-0 ECU - 1-4

C-USA:

Troy - 6-0

Texas State 4-1

Mountain West:

Boise State - 5-1

South Alabama - 5-1

UNLV - 4-1

Nevada - 4-2

Wyoming - 3-2

Sun Belt:

Arkansas State - 6-0

Coastal Carolina - 6-0

As we head into Week 11, there’s one game that stands out among the rest: Tulane vs. USF. This matchup has all the makings of an AAC classic, with both teams fighting for a shot at the conference championship. USF, ranked #5 and sitting with just one loss, has looked nearly unstoppable, while Tulane, at #21, has been clawing their way back after a few tough games. This is more than just a regular season game—it’s a battle that could very well determine who will be playing for the AAC crown.

With Tulane’s explosive offense and USF’s relentless drive, it’s anyone’s guess who will come out on top. But one thing’s certain: the stakes have never been higher, and both teams know what’s on the line. It’s games like these that define a season, and I can’t wait to see which team rises to the occasion. Week 11 is shaping up to be one for the books, and the AAC is about to get the showdown it deserves.