Faculty Soccer Playoff Week 4 classes: Clemson, Utah emerge whereas USC tumbles

Faculty soccer’s Week 4 didn’t have any actually gorgeous upsets, however we bought to know extra in regards to the groups that must be in Faculty Soccer Playoff competition on the finish of the yr. Some groups aren’t out of it, whereas others aren’t as dominant as we anticipated, and the pool for one spot appears to be like lots greater than it did every week in the past.

Listed below are 5 classes from Week 4 as they relate to the CFP:

1. Clemson’s not achieved but

It appeared the school soccer world moved previous Clemson after the opening 34-3 loss to Georgia, however stories of the Tigers’ demise could have been significantly exaggerated. Since that loss, Clemson has a 66-20 win in opposition to Appalachian State and a 59-35 win in opposition to NC State on Saturday.

Sure, the Wolfpack began a real freshman quarterback, nevertheless it didn’t matter. Clemson was up 28-0 within the first quarter and the sport was over not lengthy after it started. The Tigers used quarterback Cade Klubnik’s legs a bit extra, highlighted by his 55-yard landing run. Working again Phil Mafah left the sport briefly with an obvious shoulder damage, however returned and instantly scored on a 38-yard landing run. He completed with 107 yards on seven carries.

Clemson doesn’t must be a top-four group to make the CFP. The Tigers simply have to win the ACC. The Clemson we’ve seen in the previous few weeks appears to be like like a group that might get an automated or possibly even at-large spot. Clemson hosts Stanford subsequent week after which travels to Florida State. The Tigers don’t play Miami within the common season and can get Louisville at residence, making for a manageable slate.

Clemson has a 29 % likelihood to make the Playoff, in line with The Athletic’s projections, with a 25 % likelihood to win the ACC.

A lot of the hype across the Volunteers this season was about their quarterback, however Saturday’s 25-15 win at No. 15 Oklahoma was a special strategy. The Vols knew Oklahoma couldn’t transfer the ball in opposition to their protection, and so they performed conservatively within the second half to safe a win with out type factors, and that’s OK. (Oklahoma’s protection additionally seems to be superb, so don’t play too dangerous.)

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Iamaleava was good, finishing 13 of 21 passes for 194 yards and a landing, however the Vols ran the ball 52 instances whole. Oklahoma quarterback Jackson Arnold was such a catastrophe, with three turnovers, that he was benched within the first half for true freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. Tennessee led 19-3 on the half and performed the second figuring out the Sooners wouldn’t catch up.

Oklahoma completed with 222 whole yards and 1.1 yards per rush, together with sacks. This Tennessee protection is actually good, and it’s why the Vols are in prime CFP place. Their probabilities of making the Playoff elevated from 58 % to 75 %, in line with our mannequin.

3. USC blew an opportunity to make an early assertion

The Trojans have improved, particularly on protection. It’s apparent. There’s motive to be ok with the course of this system beneath Lincoln Riley once more. However Saturday’s 27-24 loss at Michigan was a badly missed alternative. USC got here again from a 14-0 deficit to take the lead in Ann Arbor, however final yr’s poor tackling confirmed up on the worst potential time, because the Wolverines ran their manner right down to a game-winning landing within the ultimate seconds.

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USC let Michigan off the hook, and now the Trojans’ margin for error is slim

Michigan threw for simply 32 yards. The Wolverines had fewer than 20 whole yards within the second half going into their ultimate drive. However USC threw a pricey pick-six and the protection stumbled on the finish. A win would’ve put USC at 3-0 with wins in opposition to LSU and Michigan and a manageable path to a CFP spot. As an alternative, the loss means the Oct. 12 residence sport in opposition to Penn State might be a must-win for Massive Ten championship sport hopes. It additionally means USC could solely be capable to afford yet another loss to have an opportunity at an at-large bid. This could’ve been an excellent win to have in its again pocket, as its odds to make the Playoff fell from 69 % to 45 % in our mannequin.

Utah WR Dorian Singer had seven receptions for 95 yards within the Utes’ win in opposition to Oklahoma State. (William Purnell / Imagn Pictures)

4. Utah took early management of the Massive 12, however can it maintain?

Utah’s journey to Oklahoma State to open Massive 12 play was at all times going to be an announcement sport for early benefit in Massive 12 play among the many favorites. That edge went to Utah, which gained 22-19, holding on after having a 22-3 lead within the fourth quarter. The Utes protection was stout as anticipated, holding the Cowboys to 285 yards and operating again Ollie Gordon II to simply 42 speeding yards.

Quarterback Cam Rising missed one other sport with a finger damage on his throwing hand. Receiver Dorian Singer mentioned earlier within the week that Rising would play. The betting line swung from -2.5 for Utah to -2.5 for Oklahoma State in a single day Wednesday, seemingly indicating he wouldn’t. Rising finally warmed up however didn’t play. Backup Isaac Wilson accomplished 17 of 29 passes for 207 yards, one landing and two interceptions, together with 41 speeding yards. It was sufficient to win, and his play has been higher in current weeks, however Utah doubtless wants Rising wholesome if it desires to win the Massive 12 and make the CFP.

Among the many different Massive 12 preseason favorites, Kansas is 1-3, Arizona is 2-1 and Kansas State is 3-1 after a late-night blowout loss at BYU. The Utes get Arizona subsequent week, and three of their ultimate 4 video games are in opposition to BYU (4-0), Iowa State (3-0) and UCF (3-0).

5. The fifth CFP spot for the Group of 5 is extensive open once more

It didn’t take lengthy for the great feeling from some Energy 4 upsets to drop away. Memphis misplaced 56-44 at Navy, one sport after beating Florida State. Northern Illinois misplaced in additional time to Buffalo, one sport after beating Notre Dame. Toledo misplaced to Western Kentucky one sport after beating Mississippi State. It was a reminder that it’s robust for any G5 group to go undefeated in opposition to G5 groups with the same expertise degree (or a singular type, within the case of Navy).

Boise State additionally has one loss to Oregon. UNLV, ranked within the coaches ballot, is undefeated for now, and James Madison, pedestrian for 2 weeks, beat North Carolina 70-50 in a surprising sport. After which there’s Liberty, now 4-0 after pulling away late for a 35-24 win in opposition to East Carolina.

Many of the early favorites for the highest G5 spot have dropped a sport or two, protecting this race extensive open as we transfer into convention play, however the Undefeated Liberty Query continues to loom over all of it.

(High picture of Cade Klubnik and Phil Mafah: John Byrum / Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Pictures)