Indiana set a program record by scoring at least 40 points for the seventh time during its 47-10 victory at Michigan State on Saturday. The Hoosiers fell in an early 10-0 hole but were vicious after as they cruised to a 9-0 mark and continued a magical beginning to coach Curt Cignetti's tenure.
While the milestones are one thing, the method is what's so impressive as Indiana isn't merely dependent on a high-powered offense. As they showed against Michigan State, the Hoosiers have a stout defense as well. As a result, they've worked their way up the national title odds sheet and are now mingling with big-time company.
On a Week 10 Saturday full of consequential results, Indiana's dominance stood out. Things weren't as rosy for IU's Big Ten brethren Penn State, however. The Nittany Lions have been graded harshly this week for their inability to convert critical short-yardage situations in a 20-13 loss to Ohio State.
But even some national title contenders received critical grades this Week. This late in the season, it's time for the cream to start rising to the top. As we reflect on a fantastic weekend of college football, here are the grades for all teams with national title odds of +4000 or better.
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Bye weeks: Texas (+550), Alabama (+1400), Notre Dame (+3000)
Ohio State
Grade: A-
Title odds: +350
Ohio State's defense came up with critical stops at the end of both halves and held Penn State to just 3 of 11 on third downs in a desperately needed 20-13 over the Nittany Lions. A pair of costly turnovers from quarterback Will Howard kept the Buckeyes from winning in more authoritative fashion, but after how shaky Ohio State looked against Nebraska in Week 9, this was a great team showing.
Georgia
Grade: C-
Title odds: +400
Georgia quarterback Carson Beck threw three interceptions, bringing his tally over the past five games to 11. As a result, the Bulldogs struggled to put away a Florida team that was down to a redshirt freshman walk-on at quarterback. Don't let the final score deceive you -- the Bulldogs' were wholly unimpressive in their 34-20 win over the Gators.
Oregon
Grade: A-
Title odds: +450
Oregon was never in real trouble during a 38-17 road win against Michigan. The Wolverines had just one real touchdown drive as their first score came largely due to a muffed punt by the Ducks. That was a costly miscue in the moment. In the grand scheme of things, it was just a hiccup during a workmanlike road win for the nation's top-ranked team.
Miami
Grade: B
Title odds: +1200
Cam Ward bolstered his Heisman Trophy campaign by throwing for 400 yards and five touchdowns on 25-of-41 passing as the Hurricanes beat Duke 53-31. Miami's defense continues to be a concern, though. The Blue Devils scored touchdowns on three straight possessions in the first half and led 28-17 at one point. Ward is unbelievable, but it's going to be hard for Miami to win a national championship with this defense.
Penn State
Grade: C-
Title odds: +2000
Penn State struggled offensively and failed to execute in critical red-zone situations late in both halves. The defense scored Penn State's only touchdown of the day as the Nittany Lions continued to struggle offensively in important games and situations. Penn State has a manageable path to the playoff, but this performance showed it's likely not a real national title contender.
Tennessee
Grade: B
Title odds: +2000
Tennessee's defense turned in another solid effort as the Volunteers edged Kentucky 28-18 behind a 3-1 turnover edge. Offensively, the receivers suffered through a few costly reps, but quarterback Nico Iamaleava looked sharp and running back Dylan Sampson became the program's single-season leader in rushing touchdowns (19). The most concerning aspect of the win was special teams performance as kicker Max Gilbert went 0 for 3 on field goals attempts.
Ole Miss
Grade: A-
Title odds: +3000
Jaxson Dart set a school record for passing yards (515) and tossed six touchdown passes in the Rebels' 63-31 win at Arkansas. His favorite target was Jordan Watkins, who set a school record with five touchdown catches. With 694 total yards, the Rebels finally rediscovered their elite offensive gear entering next week's showdown with Georgia. The defense wasn't perfect, but the offense made up for it.
Indiana
Grade: A
Title odds: +3500
Kurtis Rourke returned from injury and threw four touchdowns as Indiana smoked Michigan State 47-10 to reach 9-0. The Hoosiers were on the heels early defensively but shut out the Spartans over the final three quarters. Michigan State amassed a paltry 27 total yards in the second half and went 0 for 6 on third downs.
