5 Things Learned From College Football Week 15
Posted: 2020-12-13

College football week 15 is in the books. After every week fans can take away things from what happened on the field. Here are five things learned from college football week 15.

1. Give Devonta Smith the Heisman

This has been touched on over the last few weeks, but Devonta Smith had another good game with a great highlight. In Alabama’s game against Arkansas he had a punt return where he was untouched. In all, he had three punt returns for 111 yards and the touchdown to go along with his three catches for 22 yards. He helped Alabama get an easy 52-3 win.

For the season, Smith has 80 receptions for 1,305 receiving yards and 17 total touchdowns. He will be going up against quarterbacks for the Heisman Trophy in Mac Jones and Kyle Trask. Smith has been the best player in college football, but the award will likely go to a quarterback like it usually does.

2. Don’t Throw an Opponent’s Shoe

In one of the biggest upsets of the season, LSU was able to take down Florida, ending their hopes of making the CFP. LSU won 37-34 after making a field goal with 23 seconds left in the game. Florida had a shot to tie it with a field goal of their own, but the 51-yard attempt missed wide left.

What set up LSU’s chance for a field goal was a penalty on Florida defensive back Marco Wilson. The penalty happened after Florida had stopped LSU on a third down to force a punt. Wilson, excited that Florida had stopped LSU, picked up and threw one of the Tigers’ shoes, which had fallen off as a result of the tackle. The personal foul, allowed LSU’s drive to continue and ultimately for them to win the game.

3. Ohio State is in the Big Ten Championship

Well, it took a special vote, but Ohio State is in the Big Ten Championship. They won all five of their games, but the Big Ten had a rule in place that stated that all representatives in the Big Ten Championship needed at least six games played. With Ohio State winning all of their games and clearly being the best team in the Big Ten East, the Big Ten schools voted to allow Ohio State to play Northwestern.

This wasn’t a completely unselfish vote. The conference will make more money for having a team in the College Football Playoff, which Ohio State gives them the best chance for. Either way, it is Ohio State vs. Northwestern in the Big Ten Championship.

4. North Carolina has a Ridiculous Offense

North Carolina’s offense has been one of the best in the country this season. This is because they can beat teams in a number of ways. Against Miami this weekend, they ran the ball well in a great performance. Michael Carter rushed for 308 yards and two touchdowns, while Javonte Williams rushed for 236 yards and three touchdowns.

Sam Howell had a good, efficient day himself. He finished the game 14/19 with 223 yards and a touchdown. His top playmaker Dyami Brown had four receptions for 167 yards as a big play threat. Their two losses this season, to Florida State and Virginia, are head scratching, but North Carolina will be a lot of fun to watch in a bowl game.

5. The Pac-12 Needed More Games

USC won a thrilling game over UCLA to extend their record to 5-0. They are getting ready to play in the Pac-12 Championship, which will give them a chance to play in a Rose Bowl, but the conference will be left out of the CFP. Due to the Pac-12 canceling the season then coming back late, there simply wasn’t enough games on the schedule against quality opponents for USC to show they are worthy of a spot in the CFP.

With more games, USC could have easily lost a few, but they were the Pac-12’s best bet to make the CFP. The Trojans would’ve been a fun team to watch making a CFP push, as Kedon Slovis has played excellent football and helped USC in some exciting games. They have won three games by one score. USC could’ve been a Pac-12 representative in the CFP if only they had more time.