College Football: 11 Top 10 Losses in Three Weeks

The past three weeks of college football produced 11 losses by teams ranked in the AP top 10. This total ties the record for the most such losses in any three-week span of the regular season. The previous record was set in 2007. The volatility of the sport has intensified, reshaping the College Football Playoff picture and the national standings.

Miami remained the No. 1 team after a 52-23 victory over Pitt. The Hurricanes extended their winning streak, with wide receiver Malachi Toney setting a school record by catching 16 passes for 194 yards. Despite the win, Miami allowed three sacks and multiple hits on quarterback Darian Mensah. The team will face North Carolina next before playing Notre Dame on Nov. 7.

Ohio State entered the week without starting quarterback Julian Sayin, who is out indefinitely with an elbow injury. True freshman Luke Fahey is now the primary option. The Buckeyes also gave former five-star recruit Tavien St. Clair snaps with the first team. Ohio State faces a crucial test at USC on Saturday, a game that will define their playoff potential without their original signal-caller.

BYU fell to No. 4 after a double-overtime loss to UCF. The Cougars had risen to No. 2 following their win over Notre Dame the previous week. The loss exposed the team's reliance on an absent star running back, LJ Martin. BYU averaged just 3.2 yards per carry, and quarterback Bear Bachmeier completed only 16 of 32 passes. The team's margin for error in the playoff race has narrowed considerably.

Indiana captured a 13-6 overtime victory at Michigan. The Hoosiers relied on a defensive performance that limited the Wolverines to 54 rushing yards on 39 carries. This win snapped Michigan's 14-game streak of not losing to an AP top-10 opponent while allowing 13 or fewer points. Indiana quarterback Josh Hoover threw his first interception of the season but made two plays in overtime to secure the win.

Alabama managed a narrow win over Texas A&M, finishing the week 6-2. The Crimson Tide struggled offensively, gaining only 68 rushing yards on 28 carries. Coach Kalen DeBoer noted that four starters and several key reserves are currently injured. The team will use the bye week to recover before facing LSU on Nov. 7.

Texas held off an Ole Miss comeback to win, improving to a strong start to their season. Arch Manning threw three turnovers, including a strip sack that led to a touchdown, but the Longhorns found a way to close out the game. The victory marked a response to two straight losses against unranked teams. The team will continue to navigate a challenging schedule with high stakes in the conference race.

Kentucky defeated Vanderbilt 34-17 to secure their third winning record in the SEC since 1977. The Wildcats are in the hunt for their first league title since 1976. Quarterback Kenny Minchey threw for 203 yards and two touchdowns. Kentucky will take a bye week before playing a final stretch that includes games against Tennessee, Florida, Missouri, and Louisville.