We’re in the thick of college football season with Week 9 action underway.
Here’s a look at the results from Saturday:
Indiana remains undefeated
Indiana continued its perfect start, outlasting Washington, 31-17, to improve to 8-0 in front of a raucous home crowd. The Hoosiers capitalized on early defensive stops and a clutch 67-yard pick-six by D’Angelo Ponds, who jumped a screen pass in the first quarter, giving Indiana a 7-0 edge that it never surrendered.
Tayven Jackson, stepping in as quarterback, connected on a 42-yard strike to Omar Cooper Jr. in the second quarter, extending the lead to 14-0. Washington responded with a quick touchdown drive, but Indiana’s defense forced critical stops, holding the Huskies to a field goal late in the fourth quarter to keep a two-score lead intact.
Justice Ellison led the charge offensively with a late third-quarter touchdown, capping an eight-play drive where he was the focal point. The Hoosiers added a fourth-quarter touchdown on a short run from Jackson, making it 31-14 and sealing the victory. Indiana’s balanced attack totaled 318 yards, while its defense disrupted Washington’s rhythm, tallying three sacks and forcing two turnovers.
Indiana’s undefeated record remains intact as it marches toward a potential appearance in the Big Ten title game.
No. 12 Notre Dame routs No. 24 Navy
One of the most intriguing matchups heading into Week 9 of the college football season was No. 12 Notre Dame vs. unbeaten No. 24 Navy. A fast start by the Irish crushed any hopes for a potential upset on the neutral site field at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey with the Irish defeating the Midshipmen, 51-14.
Navy entered the day averaging a whopping 44.8 points per game to rank third in the nation. Notre Dame’s defense kept Navy’s high-powered offense at bay, holding the Midshipmen to just 14 points. Turnovers also proved crucial, with the Irish recovering five Navy fumbles on the day that helped lead them to the blowout win.
Notre Dame’s offense also continued to soar since their Week 2 home loss to Northern Illinois. Quarterback Riley Leonard put together an efficient day both on the ground and through the air rushing for 83 yards and going 13-for-21 with 173 yards passing and 3 total touchdowns.
Notre Dame looks to continue its winning streak next weekend against a struggling Florida State team in South Bend.
No. 4 Ohio State escapes Nebraska in nail-biting finish
After a tough one-point loss to Oregon snapped its win streak, Ohio State sought redemption at home.
Nebraska, however, had other plans. With a fierce second-half surge, the Huskers turned the Buckeyes’ bounce-back bid into a dogfight. Even so, Ohio State held strong, clinching a 21-17 victory.
After Nebraska scored its first touchdown to take a late 17-14 lead in the fourth quarter, the Buckeyes answered with a touchdown drive to reclaim the lead at 21-17.
As time dwindled, Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese was called for targeting, giving Nebraska the ball near midfield and a chance to spoil the Buckeyes’ redemption. But Ohio State’s cornerback Jordan Hancock clinched a game-sealing interception with just 1:16 left on the clock.
OHIO STATE PICKS OFF RAIOLA 😱
The @ohiostatefb defense does it again! 🔒 pic.twitter.com/Su5tQEYDqG
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 26, 2024
This victory propels Ohio State to a 6-1 record, keeping them in the Big Ten and national title race. However, with an undefeated Penn State awaiting next week, the Buckeyes will need to make key adjustments to keep their championship hopes alive.
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