What a Finish!

6 seconds remained on the clock. Duke's quarterback had just sealed the win for the Blue Devils, running into the endzone for a 27-24 lead over Miami. Short of some kickoff return miracle, it was all over for the Hurricanes. A minute later, the game's final play would leave the Duke sideline speechless, but not even this crazy finish was uncharacteristic of the sport. This is college football; anything can happen.

On the last play of the game, Duke kicked the ball to Miami, who needed nothing short of a touchdown. Scrambling around the field, the Miami players kept the ball in play by lateraling it to each other a total of eight times, and they eventually found the endzone on one of the wildest finishes of the century. After a 9 minute official review, the referees declared the entire play was legal, and Miami had won the game.

             
                               This image is courtesy of Grant Shorin.

The event resulted in an instant controversy, as multiple block in the back penalties were missed, and the knee of a Miami player with possession of the ball appeared to touch the ground. Either way, the ending was inspiring, heartbreaking, and undeniably fun to watch. What does this game mean for the face of the college football playoff? It likely has no impact at all, as neither team posed as a serious contender, but what a finish!

Indeed, this week had little effect on the playoff picture, as most of the top teams were able to slide past their opponents unscathed. No. 9 Notre Dame was able to fend off No. 21 Temple, handing the Owls their first loss of the year. Temple played valiantly for four quarters, but the Irish were able to score a late touchdown for a 24-20 victory.

             
                               This photo is compliments of Mel Evans.

While the college football landscape changed little this past week, next weekend will showcase an abundance of marquee matchups that will alter the course of the season. In the Atlantic Coast Conference, the league's top contenders duel as No. 3 Clemson hosts No. 17 Florida State. If Clemson can escape the Seminoles, they'll be a shoe in for the playoff, and I'm predicting they earn a close victory.

A battle of undefeated teams in the Big 12 Conference will be a great opportunity for the nation to learn more about No. 5 TCU and No. 12 Oklahoma State. While neither team has played a very hard schedule yet, the winner will grab the fast track to the playoff. I think TCU's defense will struggle against the Cowboys, but I'm still picking them to win by a point. I'm guessing over 100 points are scored in this affair, and I feel TCU will find a way to come out on top.

             
                         This picture is compliments of Anthony Dwyer.

In the biggest showdown of the week, No. 4 LSU travels to Tuscaloosa to face the seventh ranked Alabama Crimson Tide. In a battle of the SEC's best, I think star LSU running back Leonard Fournette will come up short against the Tide. Alabama continues to build momentum, and I think a victory Saturday will vault them into playoff position, so watch out!

Be sure to keep an eye on Penn State as they travel to Northwestern this weekend. After a blowout win over Illinois, this game may be a trap for the Nittany Lions. I don't think it's going to be pretty, but I'm still predicting a Penn State victory!