It isn't fun when all your conference mates abandon you, leaving your future in doubt. But while you're spending all this time trying to ensure your program will be safe, you have to play the games, too.
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That part isn't easy, either.
The 2025 season has been a tumultuous one for the Beavers, and they suffered a 39-14 home loss to Wake Forest on Oct. 11. The defeat drops Oregon State to 0-7, making it the first team in the FBS to be eliminated from bowl eligibility and the only team in the country with seven losses.
Not only is it the program's worst start since 1991, but the Beavers have mostly looked lifeless all season, losing by an average of 17.9 points per game. As the Demon Deacons applied the beatdown in front of a hopeless Reser Stadium, whatever fans stuck around resorted to the infamous paper-bag-over-head.
Including the first round and quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff, there are 43 bowl games, meaning 82 of the 136 FBS teams are able to play a postseason game. Make that 135 now thanks to Oregon State. Hopefully, the Beavers can win in Week 8 when FCS Lafayette visits Corvallis.
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Times are tough for Oregon State, and it leads the best and worst things of college football in Week 7.
In USA TODAY Sports' review of compensation for Division I football head coaches, we found 32 are earning $7,000,000 or more this season. Georgia’s' Kirby Smart is No. 1 at $13,282,580 million.
(Alan Poizner, Imagn Images)
Ryan Day, Ohio State, $12,575,000
(Adam Cairns, Columbus Dispatchvia USA TODAY NETWORK)
Lincoln Riley, Southern California, $11,537,560
(Ron Johnson, Imagn Images)
Dabo Swinney, Clemson, $11,382,775
(Ken Ruinard, GREENVILLE NEWS via USA TODAY Network)
Steve Sarkisian,Texas, $10,800,000
(Scott Wachter, Imagn Images)
Dan Lanning, Oregon, $10,400,00
(Ben Lonergan, The Register-Guard via USA TODAY NETWORK)
Kalen DeBoer, Alabama, $10,250,000
(Melina Myers, Imagn Images)
Brian Kelly, LSU, $10,175,000
(Petre Thomas, Imagn Images)
Bill Belichick, North Carolina, $10,100,000
(Bob Donnan, Imagn Images)
T10. Josh Heupel, Tennessee, $9,000,000
(Brianna Paciorka, News Sentinel via USA TODAY NETWORK)
T10. Eli Drinkwitz, Missouri, $9,000,000
(Denny Medley, Imagn Images)
T10. Mark Stoops, Kentucky, $9,000,000
(Matt Stone, Courier Journal via USA TODAY NETWORK)
T10. Lane Kiffin, Mississippi, $9,000,000
(Petre Thomas, Imagn Images)
Deion Sanders, Colorado, $8,975,000
(Ron Chenoy, Imagn Images)
T15. James Franklin, Penn State, $8,500,000
(James Lang, Imagn Images)
T15. Matt Rhule, Nebraska, $8,500,00
(Dylan Widger, Imagn Images)
Mario Cristobal, Miami, $8,302,883
(Sam Navarro, Imagn Images)
Curt Cignetti, Indiana, $8,300,000
(Rich Janzaruk, Herald-Times via USA TODAY NETWORK)
Bret Bielema, Illinois, $8,200,000
(Ron Johnson, Imagn Images)
Shane Beamer, South Carolina, $8,150,000
(Jeff Blake, Imagn Images)
Luke Fickell, Wisconsin, $7,825,000
(Mark Hoffman, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via USA TODAY NETWORK)
Jedd Fisch, Washington, $7,575,024
(Joe Nicholson, Imagn Images)
Brent Venables, Oklahoma, $7,552,000
(BRYAN TERRY, THE OKLAHOMAN via USA TODAY NETWORK)
Billy Napier, Florida, $7,470,000
(Sam Navarro, Imagn Images)
Kenny Dillingham, Arizona State, $7,442,000
(Patrick Breen, The Republicvia USA TODAY NETWORK)
Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame, $7,421,201
(Michael Caterina, Imagn Images)
Jonathan Smith, Michigan State, $7,350,000
(Nick King, Lansing State Journal via USA TODAY NETWORK)
Pat Narduzzi, Pittsburgh, $7,259,909
(Charles LeClaire, Imagn Images)
Kirk Ferentz, Iowa, $7,175,000
(Jeffrey Becker, Imagn Images)
Sonny Dykes, TCU, $7,036,013
(Patrick Breen, The Republic via USA TODAY NETWORK)
T31. P.J. Fleck, Minnesota, $7,000,000
(Matt Krohn, Imagn Images)
T31. Mike Elko, Texas A&M, $7,000,000
(Maria Lysaker, Imagn Images)
1/32
Who are the highest paid college football coaches? Check out the top 32.
In USA TODAY Sports' review of compensation for Division I football head coaches, we found 32 are earning $7,000,000 or more this season. Georgia’s' Kirby Smart is No. 1 at $13,282,580 million.
(Alan Poizner, Imagn Images)
1/32
Who are the highest paid college football coaches? Check out the top 32.
In USA TODAY Sports' review of compensation for Division I football head coaches, we found 32 are earning $7,000,000 or more this season. Georgia’s' Kirby Smart is No. 1 at $13,282,580 million.
(Alan Poizner, Imagn Images)
2/32
Who are the highest paid college football coaches? Check out the top 32.
Ryan Day, Ohio State, $12,575,000
(Adam Cairns, Columbus Dispatchvia USA TODAY NETWORK)
3/32
Who are the highest paid college football coaches? Check out the top 32.
Lincoln Riley, Southern California, $11,537,560
(Ron Johnson, Imagn Images)
4/32
Who are the highest paid college football coaches? Check out the top 32.
Dabo Swinney, Clemson, $11,382,775
(Ken Ruinard, GREENVILLE NEWS via USA TODAY Network)
5/32
Who are the highest paid college football coaches? Check out the top 32.
Steve Sarkisian,Texas, $10,800,000
(Scott Wachter, Imagn Images)
6/32
Who are the highest paid college football coaches? Check out the top 32.
Dan Lanning, Oregon, $10,400,00
(Ben Lonergan, The Register-Guard via USA TODAY NETWORK)
7/32
Who are the highest paid college football coaches? Check out the top 32.
Kalen DeBoer, Alabama, $10,250,000
(Melina Myers, Imagn Images)
8/32
Who are the highest paid college football coaches? Check out the top 32.
Brian Kelly, LSU, $10,175,000
(Petre Thomas, Imagn Images)
9/32
Who are the highest paid college football coaches? Check out the top 32.
Bill Belichick, North Carolina, $10,100,000
(Bob Donnan, Imagn Images)
10/32
Who are the highest paid college football coaches? Check out the top 32.
T10. Josh Heupel, Tennessee, $9,000,000
(Brianna Paciorka, News Sentinel via USA TODAY NETWORK)
11/32
Who are the highest paid college football coaches? Check out the top 32.
T10. Eli Drinkwitz, Missouri, $9,000,000
(Denny Medley, Imagn Images)
12/32
Who are the highest paid college football coaches? Check out the top 32.
T10. Mark Stoops, Kentucky, $9,000,000
(Matt Stone, Courier Journal via USA TODAY NETWORK)
13/32
Who are the highest paid college football coaches? Check out the top 32.
T10. Lane Kiffin, Mississippi, $9,000,000
(Petre Thomas, Imagn Images)
14/32
Who are the highest paid college football coaches? Check out the top 32.
Deion Sanders, Colorado, $8,975,000
(Ron Chenoy, Imagn Images)
15/32
Who are the highest paid college football coaches? Check out the top 32.
T15. James Franklin, Penn State, $8,500,000
(James Lang, Imagn Images)
16/32
Who are the highest paid college football coaches? Check out the top 32.
T15. Matt Rhule, Nebraska, $8,500,00
(Dylan Widger, Imagn Images)
17/32
Who are the highest paid college football coaches? Check out the top 32.
Mario Cristobal, Miami, $8,302,883
(Sam Navarro, Imagn Images)
18/32
Who are the highest paid college football coaches? Check out the top 32.
Curt Cignetti, Indiana, $8,300,000
(Rich Janzaruk, Herald-Times via USA TODAY NETWORK)
19/32
Who are the highest paid college football coaches? Check out the top 32.
Bret Bielema, Illinois, $8,200,000
(Ron Johnson, Imagn Images)
20/32
Who are the highest paid college football coaches? Check out the top 32.
Shane Beamer, South Carolina, $8,150,000
(Jeff Blake, Imagn Images)
21/32
Who are the highest paid college football coaches? Check out the top 32.
Luke Fickell, Wisconsin, $7,825,000
(Mark Hoffman, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via USA TODAY NETWORK)
22/32
Who are the highest paid college football coaches? Check out the top 32.
Jedd Fisch, Washington, $7,575,024
(Joe Nicholson, Imagn Images)
23/32
Who are the highest paid college football coaches? Check out the top 32.
Brent Venables, Oklahoma, $7,552,000
(BRYAN TERRY, THE OKLAHOMAN via USA TODAY NETWORK)
24/32
Who are the highest paid college football coaches? Check out the top 32.
Billy Napier, Florida, $7,470,000
(Sam Navarro, Imagn Images)
25/32
Who are the highest paid college football coaches? Check out the top 32.
Kenny Dillingham, Arizona State, $7,442,000
(Patrick Breen, The Republicvia USA TODAY NETWORK)
26/32
Who are the highest paid college football coaches? Check out the top 32.
Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame, $7,421,201
(Michael Caterina, Imagn Images)
27/32
Who are the highest paid college football coaches? Check out the top 32.
Jonathan Smith, Michigan State, $7,350,000
(Nick King, Lansing State Journal via USA TODAY NETWORK)
28/32
Who are the highest paid college football coaches? Check out the top 32.
Pat Narduzzi, Pittsburgh, $7,259,909
(Charles LeClaire, Imagn Images)
29/32
Who are the highest paid college football coaches? Check out the top 32.
Kirk Ferentz, Iowa, $7,175,000
(Jeffrey Becker, Imagn Images)
30/32
Who are the highest paid college football coaches? Check out the top 32.
Sonny Dykes, TCU, $7,036,013
(Patrick Breen, The Republic via USA TODAY NETWORK)
31/32
Who are the highest paid college football coaches? Check out the top 32.
T31. P.J. Fleck, Minnesota, $7,000,000
(Matt Krohn, Imagn Images)
32/32
Who are the highest paid college football coaches? Check out the top 32.
T31. Mike Elko, Texas A&M, $7,000,000
(Maria Lysaker, Imagn Images)
Worst: Kirby Smart's hijinx
A strange incident unfolded in Georgia vs. Auburn, and some discipline should be in store for Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart.
In the fourth quarter, Smart apparently called for a timeout. When officials blew play dead for said timeout, Smart suddenly didn't know what was going on. He tried to explain that he was just clapping his hands, and the worst part is, the officials bought it.
When replays were shown on the broadcast, it was very easy to tell Smart was lying. Essentially, he delayed the game and wasn't penalized for it.
It's hard to decide who handled it worse, Smart or the referees, and Auburn had every right to be upset about it ... especially when the jumbotron in Jordan-Hare Stadium proved Smart was guilty.
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Best: Kent State gets FBS win
Kent State entered the 2025 season as seemingly one of the worst teams in the country, but the Golden Flashes are making tremendous progress under interim coach Mark Carney.
In the season opener, they beat Merrimack to snap a 21-game losing streak. In Week 7, they put on a strong performance to beat Massachusetts 42-6 for their first win over an FBS team since 2022. The Golden Flashes had lost 26 consecutive games to FBS opponents, with the last victory coming 1,050 days ago.
Finally, the skid is over. The Minutemen aren't feeling better with an 0-6 record.
Worst: Disaster 'College GameDay' kick
Pat McAfee's field goal challenge on ESPN's "College GameDay" has become one of the best segments in college football, allowing a student the chance to win a huge amount of money. There's been awesome celebrations in doing so.
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But none of that happened when the show visited Eugene. A student named Luca had the chance to win $1 million and a new car.
There hasn't been much excitement about Oklahoma State this season, but a spectacular scene unfolded inside Boone-Pickens Stadium during a 39-17 loss toHouston.
What started as one shirtless guy waving his shirt in the air in an empty section, just having fun, turned into a chaotic scene. More and more people joined in on the fun, and before anyone could blink, the section was flooded with people just having a good time.
Even in the midst of defeat, Cowboys fans were able to have a smile in a moment that just makes college football special.
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Worst: Students getting called out
No. 4Mississippisurvived a scare fromWashington Stateto remain undefeated, and coach Lane Kiffin wasn't happy with his team's performance. However, it wasn't the only thing he was displeased with: He took issue with the home crowd.
"I thought our Red Zone offense showed up about like our student section," Kiffin said.
To add further insult, Cougars quarterbackZevi Eckhaussaid the loudest he heard the crowd was actually when the traveling Washington State fans were cheering, and noted Wazzu never had to use a silent count.
Clearly, there are some problems with the home field advantage for the Rebels, and Kiffin is trying to get people fully invested in a potential College Football Playoff team. Time for the students, and likely the entire crowd, to step up.
EUGENE, OREGON - OCTOBER 11: Roman Hemby #1 of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates with Fernando Mendoza #15 after a touchdown during the first half against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium on October 11, 2025 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
Indiana Curt Cignetti expresses his anger after a pass interference no call against Oregon during the second quarter at Autzen Stadium October 11, 2025.
(Chris Pietsch/The Register-Guard, Chris Pietsch/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
EUGENE, OREGON - OCTOBER 11: Kellan Wyatt #13 of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates after a sack during the first half against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium on October 11, 2025 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
EUGENE, OREGON - OCTOBER 11: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers runs out of the pocket during the first half against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium on October 11, 2025 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
EUGENE, OREGON - OCTOBER 11: Indiana Hoosiers mascot Hoosier The Bison poses for a photo before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium on October 11, 2025 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
EUGENE, OREGON - OCTOBER 11: Jamari Johnson #9 of the Oregon Ducks is hit by Aiden Fisher #4 of the Indiana Hoosiers after making a catch during the first half at Autzen Stadium on October 11, 2025 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
EUGENE, OREGON - OCTOBER 11: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers runs the ball during the first half against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium on October 11, 2025 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
Indiana wide receiver Elijah Sarratt hauls in a pass under cover from Oregon defensive back Sione Laulea as the Oregon Ducks host the Indiana Hoosiers Oct. 11, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.
(Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard, Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Oregon outside linebacker Blake Purchase pressures Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza as the Oregon Ducks host the Indiana Hoosiers Oct. 11, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.
(Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard, Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
EUGENE, OREGON - OCTOBER 11: Head coach Curt Cignetti of the Indiana Hoosiers enters the field before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium on October 11, 2025 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
1/10
Indiana football, yes, Indiana football ends Oregon home win streak in top-10 showdown
EUGENE, OREGON - OCTOBER 11: Roman Hemby #1 of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates with Fernando Mendoza #15 after a touchdown during the first half against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium on October 11, 2025 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
1/10
Indiana football, yes, Indiana football ends Oregon home win streak in top-10 showdown
EUGENE, OREGON - OCTOBER 11: Roman Hemby #1 of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates with Fernando Mendoza #15 after a touchdown during the first half against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium on October 11, 2025 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
2/10
Indiana football, yes, Indiana football ends Oregon home win streak in top-10 showdown
Indiana Curt Cignetti expresses his anger after a pass interference no call against Oregon during the second quarter at Autzen Stadium October 11, 2025.
(Chris Pietsch/The Register-Guard, Chris Pietsch/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
3/10
Indiana football, yes, Indiana football ends Oregon home win streak in top-10 showdown
EUGENE, OREGON - OCTOBER 11: Kellan Wyatt #13 of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates after a sack during the first half against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium on October 11, 2025 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
4/10
Indiana football, yes, Indiana football ends Oregon home win streak in top-10 showdown
EUGENE, OREGON - OCTOBER 11: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers runs out of the pocket during the first half against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium on October 11, 2025 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
5/10
Indiana football, yes, Indiana football ends Oregon home win streak in top-10 showdown
EUGENE, OREGON - OCTOBER 11: Indiana Hoosiers mascot Hoosier The Bison poses for a photo before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium on October 11, 2025 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
6/10
Indiana football, yes, Indiana football ends Oregon home win streak in top-10 showdown
EUGENE, OREGON - OCTOBER 11: Jamari Johnson #9 of the Oregon Ducks is hit by Aiden Fisher #4 of the Indiana Hoosiers after making a catch during the first half at Autzen Stadium on October 11, 2025 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
7/10
Indiana football, yes, Indiana football ends Oregon home win streak in top-10 showdown
EUGENE, OREGON - OCTOBER 11: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers runs the ball during the first half against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium on October 11, 2025 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)
8/10
Indiana football, yes, Indiana football ends Oregon home win streak in top-10 showdown
Indiana wide receiver Elijah Sarratt hauls in a pass under cover from Oregon defensive back Sione Laulea as the Oregon Ducks host the Indiana Hoosiers Oct. 11, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.
(Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard, Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
9/10
Indiana football, yes, Indiana football ends Oregon home win streak in top-10 showdown
Oregon outside linebacker Blake Purchase pressures Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza as the Oregon Ducks host the Indiana Hoosiers Oct. 11, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.
(Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard, Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
10/10
Indiana football, yes, Indiana football ends Oregon home win streak in top-10 showdown
EUGENE, OREGON - OCTOBER 11: Head coach Curt Cignetti of the Indiana Hoosiers enters the field before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium on October 11, 2025 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
Quarterback Fernando Mendoza has been known to give a great quote, and hegave an incredible postgame interviewto CBS following the victory. He made sure to shout out so many people, and even gave love to Pat McAfee and ESPN – a rival network.
Not only is Mendoza climbing up the Heisman Trophy odds, he's becoming a person college football fans adore.
Worst: Booger McFarland's odds comments
It's obvious defensive players make it a mission to dish out punishment to opposing offenses, but admitting to trying to specifically injure someone is going a little too far.
We learned that questionable tactics are apparently something people think ofthanks to ESPN's Booger McFarland. When discussing Oklahoma quarterbackJohn Mateer's injury, the analyst said if he were playing, he'd be thinking about some unsportsmanlike tactics.
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"That's a thumb and a hand I would be looking to step on as a defensive lineman," McFarland said on ABC.
That's a pretty low, unprofessional comment to make. It sounds like a bounty-type of comment. Hopefully, current players aren't taking this as actual advice and are better than that.
UCLA is now 2-4, and while it still isn't much, there is an obscure scenario: the Bruins recover from the 0-4 start and run the table toward the Big Ten title game. Will it happen? Likely not, with Indiana andOhio Stateon the road later this season.
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But UCLA's drastic turnaround shows the beauty of college football – it's a chaotic, beautiful mess, and deep down, wouldn't we all love to see the Bruins turn into a sudden contender?
