Texas, Penn State's Playoff Hopes Dwindle After Losses
Texas and Penn State faced damaging losses, impacting their College Football Playoff hopes significantly. UCLA upset Penn State, while Florida defeated Texas, creating chaos in the SEC and Big Ten conferences.
Texas and Penn State's playoff dreams fade
UCLA shocks Penn State with a win
Florida ends losing streak against Texas
Longhorns and Nittany Lions drop in rankings
Remaining schedules pose challenges
Securing wins is critical for both teams
Florida defeated Texas 29-21 in Gainesville, and UCLA topped Penn State 42-37 in Pasadena. These results have reshaped the SEC and Big Ten races and left both programs with slim playoff margins.
Florida Defeats Texas in SEC Opener
Florida built a 19-7 halftime lead and never trailed in its conference opener. Quarterback DJ Lagway threw three touchdown passes, leading the Gators to a 29-21 victory over No. 9 Texas.[1] Texas managed 335 total yards, including 289 passing yards from Arch Manning, but Florida’s balanced offense and third-down stops proved decisive. The loss drops Texas to 3-2 overall and 0-1 in SEC play. Florida improves to 2-3 and 1-1 in conference.
UCLA Upsets Penn State at the Rose Bowl
Winless UCLA earned its first victory and first win over a top-10 opponent since 2010 by defeating No. 7 Penn State 42-37. Nico Iamaleava accounted for five touchdowns—two passing and three rushing—and rushed for 128 yards. After trailing 27-7 at halftime, the Bruins rallied behind a potent ground game and sealed the upset with a fourth-down stop in the final minute. Penn State falls to 3-2 and 0-2 in Big Ten play.[2]
Impact on Playoff Contenders
These upsets remove two preseason favorites from playoff contention. In the SEC, Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Tennessee, Missouri, and Vanderbilt now emerge as top contenders. In the Big Ten, Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, Illinois, USC, and Maryland strengthen their at-large prospects.
Remaining Schedules
Penn State Remaining (3-2, 0-2 Big Ten)
Date
Opponent
Site
Oct. 11
Northwestern
Away
Oct. 18
Iowa
Away
Nov. 1
No. 1 Ohio State
Away
Nov. 8
No. 8 Indiana
Home
Nov. 15
Michigan State
Away
Nov. 22
Nebraska
Home
Nov. 29
Rutgers
Away
Texas Remaining (3-2, 0-1 SEC)
Date
Opponent
Site
Oct. 11
No. 5 Oklahoma
Away
Oct. 18
Kentucky
Away
Oct. 25
Mississippi State
Away
Nov. 1
Vanderbilt
Home
Nov. 8
No. 12 Georgia
Away
Nov. 15
Arkansas
Home
Nov. 22
No. 6 Texas A M
Home
Each remaining game carries significant weight for conference standings and playoff hopes.
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