6. Notre Dame – Ian Book showed signs that he’s actually human, throwing an interception and only throwing two touchdowns in the 45-23 win over Virginia Tech. While the decision to go to Book under center has given a legit reason the Irish can run the table, the story was running back Dexter Williams who ran for 178 yards and three touchdowns on 17 carries. He’s coming alive in the last two weeks with 339 yards since making his season debut after Brian Kelly finally let him loose.
7. Oklahoma – Mike Stoops’ defense allowed the most points in the history of the Red River Showdown (48) as they were helpless in stopping Sam Ehlinger and the Texas offense. The Sooners aren’t eliminated from the Playoff, but their odds dropped from 34 percent to 14, according to ESPN’s playoff predictor. Kyler Murray had five total touchdowns but committed two turnovers that led to 10 Texas points. He may have lost the Heisman today.
8. Auburn – This team hasn’t played great all season, including for large stretches in the season-opening win against Washington. It cost them against LSU and it really cost them in Starkville where Nick Fitzgerald and the Mississippi State Bulldogs kept them out of the end zone in the 23-9 win.
9. West Virginia – Will Grier threw four touchdowns to four different receivers, but his Heisman stock took a big hit after tossing four interceptions, including three in the red zone. This is a good team, but may not be a great team.
10. Washington – It wasn’t pretty but the Huskies got their first win over UCLA in the Rose Bowl since 1995. The winless Bruins hung tough, only losing 31-24, so that’s pretty concerning that Washington wasn’t able to put away this team in the first half. I think they were looking ahead to next week’s showdown with Oregon.