BREAKING: The college football landscape shifted dramatically on November 4, 2023, as three top-10 teams suffered shocking losses, leaving the College Football Playoff committee scrambling ahead of their crucial rankings release on Tuesday. With only four undefeated teams remaining—Ohio State, Indiana, BYU, and Texas A&M—the stakes have never been higher.
The biggest upset of the day came as Colorado was obliterated by Arizona, with a staggering score of 52-17. This defeat marks a disastrous two-week stretch for the Buffaloes, who have been outscored 105-24 in their last two games. Coach Deion Sanders faces increasing scrutiny as his team falls to a disappointing 3-6 record, leaving them with slim hopes of reaching a bowl game.
In a surprising decision, Sanders prohibited players and coaches from speaking to the media following the loss, stating, “Don’t attack the coordinators. Come at me. Don’t attack the players. Come at me.” This unprecedented move signals turmoil within the program and raises questions about Sanders’ future, especially given his well-documented health concerns.
On the other side of the field, Arizona celebrated a crucial win that restores hope. After enduring back-to-back losses earlier in the season, the Wildcats are now 5-3 and need just one more victory to secure bowl eligibility. Coach Brent Brennan expressed relief after the game, stating, “We’re gonna enjoy the plane ride home.” His job security may hinge on the team’s performance in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, an impressive performance by Arizona State stole attention in the Big 12. The Sun Devils triumphed over Iowa State with a 24-19 victory, despite missing key players like starting quarterback Sam Leavitt. Backup quarterback Jeff Sims shone with a remarkable 228 rushing yards, marking a significant win for coach Kenny Dillingham and potentially shifting the landscape for coaching positions as the season progresses.
In stark contrast, the Bay Area teams faced dire challenges. Stanford fell to Pittsburgh, 35-20, leaving them on the brink of postseason elimination with only three games left to play. With a 3-6 record, the Cardinal must win out to avoid staying home during bowl season for the sixth consecutive year.
Cal’s struggles continued as the Bears, once 3-0, dropped their fourth game in six attempts. General manager Ron Rivera has set a demanding goal of 8-9 wins for the season, putting coach Justin Wilcox‘s job at risk if the team cannot rise to the challenge in their final matchups against tough opponents like Louisville and Notre Dame.
As the College Football Playoff rankings loom, the fallout from this weekend’s games has left fans and analysts alike questioning the future of several programs. With coaching vacancies expected across the country, the urgency for teams to secure wins has never been greater. Stay tuned for updates as the playoff picture unfolds.
