When Indiana beat Penn State 31-17 on a rainy Saturday night in November 2025, they didn’t just win a game—they stayed perfect. At 10-0 overall and 7-0 in the Big Ten, the Hoosiers are the last undefeated team in FBS football this season, and the implications are starting to ripple across the entire college landscape. Meanwhile, in a stunning upset, Texas Tech toppled No. 7 BYU 31-24, sending shockwaves through the rankings. And in a moment that will be replayed for years, California escaped with a walk-off overtime touchdown to beat Arizona State 34-28, sealing their season with a spark that could propel them into the top 10.
Indiana’s Perfect Run Keeps Rolling
The Indiana Hoosiers didn’t just win—they dominated. Quarterback Caleb Williams (yes, that Caleb Williams, now in his final season after transferring from USC) threw for 289 yards and three touchdowns, finding tight end Jalen Carter twice in the red zone. The defense held Penn State to just 214 total yards, forcing three turnovers. It’s the kind of performance that makes you wonder: Is Indiana the real deal, or is this a mirage built on a soft schedule?They’ve beaten three top-25 teams this season. Their closest game? A 12-point win over Iowa. The offense averages 41.3 points per game. The defense? Top 15 in tackles for loss. And here’s the kicker—they’ve done it without a single player drafted in the last three NFL drafts. This isn’t a star-studded squad. It’s a system. A culture. A team that believes.
Ohio State’s Road Domination
In West Lafayette, Ohio State didn’t just beat Purdue—they erased them. Quarterback J. Sayin was surgical: 27-of-33, 303 yards, one touchdown. Wide receiver J. Smith had 10 catches for 137 yards, turning slants into first downs like clockwork. Running back B. Jackson churned out 75 yards on 14 carries, grinding down the clock in the fourth quarter.But the story wasn’t just the stats. It was the silence in Ross-Ade Stadium. Purdue entered the game 3-5, hoping to salvage a bowl bid. They left 41-10 losers, their offense completely neutralized. Ohio State’s defense held the Boilermakers to 2.8 yards per carry. That’s not a fluke. That’s a statement.
California’s Miracle in Tempe
You don’t forget a play like this.With 1:12 left in overtime, Saabotell, Cal’s freshman quarterback, took the snap. The defense bit on the fake handoff. He rolled right, saw De Jesus break free on the back shoulder. He fired. Catch. Touchdown.
De Jesus, a transfer from Oregon State, finished with 11 catches for 168 yards and two touchdowns. He didn’t just win the game—he saved Cal’s season. The Golden Bears were 4-6 heading into Week 11. Now? They’re 5-6, bowl eligible, and suddenly relevant. The sideline erupted. The broadcast booth fell silent. And the YouTube clips? They’ve already hit 2.3 million views.
Upsets and Underdogs: Texas Tech, Akron, and UNLV
The biggest surprise? Texas Tech beating No. 7 BYU. Quarterback B. Morton threw for 219 yards and a touchdown, but it was the defense that made the difference. Three sacks, two interceptions. One of those picks came in the red zone with 1:45 left, sealing the win.And then there was Akron—a team that hadn’t won a game since Week 3 of 2024. They rolled over UMass 44-10. Ben Finley threw two TDs. Jordan Gant ran for 153 yards and two more. It wasn’t pretty. But it was real. And for the first time in over a year, Akron fans had something to celebrate.
UNLV wasn’t far behind. Quarterback A. Colandrea threw for 251 yards and two touchdowns, rushed for two more. Running back Jai'Den Thomas added 131 yards on the ground. They crushed Colorado State 42-10. The Rams? They’re now 1-9. This isn’t a rebuild. It’s a collapse.
The Big Picture: Who’s Really in the Mix?
The Big Ten is Indiana’s to lose. No other team in the conference has more than seven wins. Ohio State (8-2) is lurking, but their loss to Michigan earlier this season keeps them out of the title game unless the Hoosiers stumble twice. Meanwhile, in the MAC, Ohio and Miami (OH) are tied at 4-1. The winner of their Week 12 showdown will likely head to the conference title game.And then there’s the chaos. Vanderbilt beat Auburn 28-27 in a game that came down to a failed two-point conversion. Hernandez, a walk-on tight end from Alabama, caught a 12-yard TD with three defenders draped on him. The play? “A wave of blockers,” as one highlight commentator put it. “Hernandez pop clutch.” That’s the kind of moment college football lives for.
What’s Next?
Week 12 brings the Iron Bowl. Alabama vs. Auburn. The Egg Bowl. Mississippi State vs. Ole Miss. And the most important game of the season: Indiana at Ohio State. If the Hoosiers win, they’re in the College Football Playoff conversation. If they lose? The door cracks open for Georgia, Oregon, or even Texas.One thing’s clear: The 2025 season isn’t just about talent. It’s about resilience. About players like Saabotell, who wasn’t even a starter in August. About teams like Akron, who refused to quit. About a freshman receiver catching a ball in the end zone, and suddenly, everything changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Indiana stay undefeated despite playing a tough schedule?
Indiana’s undefeated run stems from a balanced offense averaging 41.3 points per game and a defense that ranks in the top 15 nationally in tackles for loss. They’ve capitalized on turnovers, winning the turnover battle in 8 of their 10 games. Quarterback Caleb Williams, a transfer from USC, has been the catalyst, throwing 24 touchdowns with only 3 interceptions. Their offensive line, led by All-American center Marcus Bell, has allowed just 1.2 sacks per game—the best in the Big Ten.
Why is California’s win over Arizona State considered a turning point?
California entered Week 11 at 4-6, needing a win to become bowl eligible. Their 34-28 overtime victory over Arizona State not only secured a sixth win but also gave them a signature win on the road. Freshman QB Saabotell threw for 287 yards and three touchdowns, while receiver De Jesus had a career-high 168 yards. The win sparked a surge in ticket sales and national media attention, with ESPN’s College GameDay announcing a visit to Berkeley for Week 13.
What does Texas Tech’s upset of BYU mean for the Mountain West?
Texas Tech’s 31-24 win over No. 7 BYU shattered the perception that the Mountain West is a weak conference. BYU, a former powerhouse with a national following, had been ranked since Week 3. The loss drops them to 7-3 and out of contention for a New Year’s Six bowl. Meanwhile, Texas Tech, an independent in 2025, now has a resume that could land them in the Cotton Bowl if they win out. It’s the kind of win that reshapes conference credibility.
Are Akron and UNLV legitimate contenders next season?
Both teams showed signs of life in 2025. Akron’s win over UMass was their first since October 2024, and they’ve improved their turnover margin by +1.8 per game. UNLV’s offense, led by QB A. Colandrea, averaged 38.7 points per game in November—up from 21.4 in September. If they retain their key players and land a strong recruiting class, both could be top-10 in the MAC and Mountain West next year. But they’re not playoff contenders yet—just building blocks.
What’s the significance of walk-on players like Hernandez making big plays?
Hernandez, a walk-on tight end from Alabama, caught the game-winning touchdown against Auburn after spending two years on the scout team. His story isn’t rare—it’s emblematic of college football’s depth. Over 40% of FBS teams have at least one walk-on with a touchdown this season. These players often embody grit over glamour. Their contributions don’t show up in recruiting rankings, but they win games. And in a sport where one play can change everything, that’s priceless.
Could Indiana make the College Football Playoff?
Yes—if they beat Ohio State in Week 12. The selection committee has shown a willingness to reward undefeated teams from non-power conferences (see: Cincinnati in 2021). Indiana’s strength of schedule is now among the top 10 nationally. A win over the Buckeyes would give them a signature win, a top-5 RPI, and a conference title. Even a loss might not be fatal if Georgia or Oregon stumble. But they need to keep winning. No margin for error.
