The No. 13 Boise State Broncos secured a 42-21 win against the San Jose State Spartans, strengthening their position in the College Football Playoff race. After trailing 14-0 in the second quarter, Boise State dominated with standout performances, including Ashton Jeanty’s 159 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Quarterback Maddux Madsen’s precise passing and the defense’s four turnovers, including a decisive interception return, were pivotal in the victory.
The No. 10 Georgia Bulldogs secured a significant victory against the No. 4 Tennessee Volunteers with a 31-17 win at Sanford Stadium. Despite Tennessee's strong opening, Georgia made pivotal changes and relied on Carson Beck's skillful performance to turn the game around. The Bulldogs' defense improved drastically, mitigating Tennessee's offensive threats in the latter half, while their own offensive strategy including key drives, contributed to a decisive victory crucial for their College Football Playoff ambitions.
The No. 4 Penn State Nittany Lions delivered a dominant performance against the Purdue Boilermakers, securing a 49-10 victory on November 16, 2024. Quarterback Drew Allar's exceptional accuracy and connection with tight end Tyler Warren showcased the Nittany Lions' offensive prowess. Meanwhile, Purdue struggled to keep up, facing pressure from a formidable Penn State defense, leading to another Big Ten defeat.
The Texas Longhorns, ranked No. 3, triumphed over the Arkansas Razorbacks with a 20-10 victory, bolstering their pathway to the SEC Championship and College Football Playoff. In a defensively dominated game, Texas excelled with significant contributions from key players such as Alfred Collins and Jahdae Barron, who helped limit Arkansas to 231 total yards. Quarterback Quinn Ewers delivered a consistent performance, leading the team with two pivotal touchdown passes to receiver Matthew Golden, ensuring Texas maintained their lead throughout the match.