Week 6 Flop 10: Bill Belichick embarrassed, Penn State punked, Diego Pavia humbled
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Week 6 Flop 10: Bill Belichick embarrassed, Penn State punked, Diego Pavia humbled
Matthew Glenesk, USA TODAY·USA TODAY Sports
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6 min read
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There was no shortage of candidates for the Week 6 Flop 10 astwo preseason Playoff teams went down, and folks are learning Super Bowl rings don't mean squat on campus.
Here's some of the lowlights from Week 6 of college football:
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Bill Belichick
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 01: Head coach Sonny Dykes (L) of the TCU Horned Frogs and head coach Bill Belichick of the North Carolina Tar Heels shake hands following their game at Kenan Stadium on September 01, 2025 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The TCU Horned Frogs defeated the North Carolina Tar Heels 48-14. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 20: Head coach Bill Belichick of the North Carolina Tar Heels walks off the field after losing 34-9 against the UCF Knights at FBC Mortgage Stadium on September 20, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
(Julio Aguilar, Getty Images)
Oct 4, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney with North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick before the game at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, Bob Donnan-Imagn Images)
Head coach Bill Belichick of the North Carolina Tar Heels and Jordon Hudson look on prior to the game against the Richmond Spiders at Kenan Memorial Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
(Lance King, Getty Images)
North Carolina football coach Bill Belichick watches his team during the first half against Central Florida at FBC Mortgage Stadium on Sept. 20, 2025 in Orlando, Fla.
(Julio Aguilar, Getty Images)
North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick walks the sideline during the first quarter against the UCF Knights at the Bounce House Stadium in Orlando, Florida.
(Mike Watters, Mike Watters-Imagn Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 08: North Carolina Tar Heels football head coach Bill Belichick and his girlfriend Jordon Hudson look on during the first half of the game between the North Carolina Tar Heels and the Duke Blue Devils at Dean E. Smith Center on March 08, 2025 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
Bill Belichick, North Carolina, $10,100,000
(Bob Donnan, Imagn Images)
Sep 13, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick on the sidelines in the second quarter at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, Bob Donnan-Imagn Images)
Sep 20, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick walks into the field before the game against the UCF Knights at the Bounce House Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
(Mike Watters, Mike Watters-Imagn Images)
North Carolina football coach Bill Belichick watches the Tabor Academy vs. Milton Academy game on Friday, Sept. 26, 2025.
(Marc Vasconcellos/The Enterprise)
Oct 26, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and girlfriend Jordon Hudson enter the field before the game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Navy Midshipmen at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
(Vincent Carchietta, Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images)
Sep 13, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick before the game at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan-Imagn Images)
Sep 1, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick with TCU Horned Frogs head coach Sonny Dykes after the game at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan/Imagn Images)
North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick meets with a recruit before the Tar Heels hosted the TCU Horned Frogs on Sept. 1, 2025.
(Bob Donnan/Imagn Images)
Sep 13, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick before the game at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, Bob Donnan-Imagn Images)
Sep 13, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Richmond Spiders head coach Russ Huesman with North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick after the game at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, Bob Donnan-Imagn Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 06: Head Coach Bill Belichick of the North Carolina Tar Heels walks off the field after the football game against the Charlotte 49ers at Jerry Richardson Stadium on September 06, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
(David Jensen, Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 01: Head coach Bill Belichick of the North Carolina Tar Heels looks on during the second half of the game at Kenan Stadium on September 01, 2025 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick looks on before his Tar Heels faced the TCU Horned Frogs in Belichick's collegiate coaching debut.
(Bob Donnan, Imagn Images)
North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick, right, embraces TCU head coach Sonny Dykes after TCU defeated UNC, 48-14 on Sept. 1, 2025.
(Bob Donnan, Imagn Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 01: Head coach Bill Belichick of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts during the first half of the game against the TCU Horned Frogs at Kenan Stadium on September 01, 2025 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 01: Head coach Bill Belichick of the North Carolina Tar Heels walks off the field following the completion of the first half of the game against the TCU Horned Frogs at Kenan Stadium on September 01, 2025 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
1/23
Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick struggling early on as North Carolina football coach
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 01: Head coach Sonny Dykes (L) of the TCU Horned Frogs and head coach Bill Belichick of the North Carolina Tar Heels shake hands following their game at Kenan Stadium on September 01, 2025 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The TCU Horned Frogs defeated the North Carolina Tar Heels 48-14. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
1/23
Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick struggling early on as North Carolina football coach
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 01: Head coach Sonny Dykes (L) of the TCU Horned Frogs and head coach Bill Belichick of the North Carolina Tar Heels shake hands following their game at Kenan Stadium on September 01, 2025 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The TCU Horned Frogs defeated the North Carolina Tar Heels 48-14. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
2/23
Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick struggling early on as North Carolina football coach
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 20: Head coach Bill Belichick of the North Carolina Tar Heels walks off the field after losing 34-9 against the UCF Knights at FBC Mortgage Stadium on September 20, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
(Julio Aguilar, Getty Images)
3/23
Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick struggling early on as North Carolina football coach
Oct 4, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney with North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick before the game at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, Bob Donnan-Imagn Images)
4/23
Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick struggling early on as North Carolina football coach
Head coach Bill Belichick of the North Carolina Tar Heels and Jordon Hudson look on prior to the game against the Richmond Spiders at Kenan Memorial Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
(Lance King, Getty Images)
5/23
Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick struggling early on as North Carolina football coach
North Carolina football coach Bill Belichick watches his team during the first half against Central Florida at FBC Mortgage Stadium on Sept. 20, 2025 in Orlando, Fla.
(Julio Aguilar, Getty Images)
6/23
Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick struggling early on as North Carolina football coach
North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick walks the sideline during the first quarter against the UCF Knights at the Bounce House Stadium in Orlando, Florida.
(Mike Watters, Mike Watters-Imagn Images)
7/23
Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick struggling early on as North Carolina football coach
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 08: North Carolina Tar Heels football head coach Bill Belichick and his girlfriend Jordon Hudson look on during the first half of the game between the North Carolina Tar Heels and the Duke Blue Devils at Dean E. Smith Center on March 08, 2025 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
8/23
Who are the highest paid college football coaches? Check out the top 32.
Bill Belichick, North Carolina, $10,100,000
(Bob Donnan, Imagn Images)
9/23
Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick struggling early on as North Carolina football coach
Sep 13, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick on the sidelines in the second quarter at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, Bob Donnan-Imagn Images)
10/23
Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick struggling early on as North Carolina football coach
Sep 20, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick walks into the field before the game against the UCF Knights at the Bounce House Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
(Mike Watters, Mike Watters-Imagn Images)
11/23
Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick struggling early on as North Carolina football coach
North Carolina football coach Bill Belichick watches the Tabor Academy vs. Milton Academy game on Friday, Sept. 26, 2025.
(Marc Vasconcellos/The Enterprise)
12/23
Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick struggling early on as North Carolina football coach
Oct 26, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and girlfriend Jordon Hudson enter the field before the game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Navy Midshipmen at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
(Vincent Carchietta, Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images)
13/23
Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick struggling early on as North Carolina football coach
Sep 13, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick before the game at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan-Imagn Images)
14/23
Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick struggling early on as North Carolina football coach
Sep 1, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick with TCU Horned Frogs head coach Sonny Dykes after the game at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan/Imagn Images)
15/23
Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick struggling early on as North Carolina football coach
North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick meets with a recruit before the Tar Heels hosted the TCU Horned Frogs on Sept. 1, 2025.
(Bob Donnan/Imagn Images)
16/23
Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick struggling early on as North Carolina football coach
Sep 13, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick before the game at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, Bob Donnan-Imagn Images)
17/23
Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick struggling early on as North Carolina football coach
Sep 13, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Richmond Spiders head coach Russ Huesman with North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick after the game at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, Bob Donnan-Imagn Images)
18/23
Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick struggling early on as North Carolina football coach
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 06: Head Coach Bill Belichick of the North Carolina Tar Heels walks off the field after the football game against the Charlotte 49ers at Jerry Richardson Stadium on September 06, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
(David Jensen, Getty Images)
19/23
Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick struggling early on as North Carolina football coach
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 01: Head coach Bill Belichick of the North Carolina Tar Heels looks on during the second half of the game at Kenan Stadium on September 01, 2025 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
20/23
Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick struggling early on as North Carolina football coach
North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick looks on before his Tar Heels faced the TCU Horned Frogs in Belichick's collegiate coaching debut.
(Bob Donnan, Imagn Images)
21/23
Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick struggling early on as North Carolina football coach
North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick, right, embraces TCU head coach Sonny Dykes after TCU defeated UNC, 48-14 on Sept. 1, 2025.
(Bob Donnan, Imagn Images)
22/23
Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick struggling early on as North Carolina football coach
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 01: Head coach Bill Belichick of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts during the first half of the game against the TCU Horned Frogs at Kenan Stadium on September 01, 2025 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
23/23
Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick struggling early on as North Carolina football coach
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 01: Head coach Bill Belichick of the North Carolina Tar Heels walks off the field following the completion of the first half of the game against the TCU Horned Frogs at Kenan Stadium on September 01, 2025 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
It opened with a trick play for aClemsonTD and the laughs just kept coming Saturday. Things aren't going well for Chapel Bill. TheTar HeelstrailedClemson28-3 at the end of the first quarter, and UNC studentshad seen enough, heading for the exits — probably toHe's Not Here(I'm wondering how many Heels fans wished that about Sir Hoodie). Clemson scored four touchdowns on its first 16 plays. Maybe hiring your son to run your defense wasn't the best move...North Carolinalost 38-10(it wasn't that close)and is 0-3 vs. Power Four opponents, having been outscored 120-33. On to Cal? More like on to basketball season.
If you thought UNC's first half was bad,Boston Collegesaid, "Hold my beer." Maybe Bill O'Brien was trying to take some of the stink off his old Patriots boss. The GoldenEaglestrailed 31-0 at the break to Pitt, who handed a true freshman QB his first career start. And just look at some of these first half stats:
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Yards:Pitt, 331; BC: 69
First downs:Pitt, 20; BC: 2
Time of possession:Pitt, 21:12; BC: 8:48
Rushing yards:BC had negative-9 yards on eight carries.
It finished 48-7. "We did a terrible job," O'Brien said postgame. "... I did a bad job. Did not have the team ready to play. I take full responsibility for what happened on that field."
The Eagles are 1-4 and are propping up the ACC standings at 0-3 in league play.
Maybe James Franklin thought because the game was in the Rose Bowl it was a big game. Or maybe theNittany Lionswere still reeling from last week's loss toOregon. Or maybe they saw 0-4UCLAon the schedule, and figured the trip to L.A. would be like a stroll on the Santa Monica Pier. Whatever the reason (and I guessyou can give credit to the Bruins and Nico Iamaleavaif you must), Penn State completely fell on its face in a 42-37 loss Saturday. For the second week in a row, "Fire James Franklin" chants were audible — even on the road. From College Football Playoff favorite to the Duke's Mayo Bowl. Not really the White Out Nittany Lions fans were expecting.
Hey, how about another CFP favorite biting the dust? We thoughtFlorida's defense would give theLonghornssome trouble, and it'snot like a Manning hasn't struggled in The Swamp before. This was a chance for Arch to quiet the haters. And he didn't. Now, this loss isn't all on Manning. He got very little help. He accounted for 37 of Texas' 52 rushing yards. It really came down to the under-fire Billy Napier out-coaching Steve Sarkisian, which is perhaps even more concerning.
The Vols didn't play, but that doesn't mean Tennessee fans took the day off. Undoubtedly they settled in for that nationally televised Penn State-UCLA game looking to sharpen their knives and fire off plenty of tweets during a nice hate-watch. ButNico Iamaleava, who left Knoxville for L.A. in a high-profile transfer, and theBruinssprungthe surprise of the season in a 42-37 win. And Nico balled. He completed 17-of-24 passes for 166 yards and two TDs and rushed for 128 yards and three more scores. At least Vanderbilt lost.
Oct 4, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) is tackled by Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Justin Jefferson (10) during the first quarter at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images
(David Leong, David Leong-Imagn Images)
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - OCTOBER 04: Diego Pavia #2 of the Vanderbilt Commodores is sacked by Justin Jefferson #10 of the Alabama Crimson Tide during the fourth quarter of the game at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 4, 2025 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images)
(Butch Dill, Getty Images)
Oct 4, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama defensive lineman Tim Keenan III (96) recovers a fumble by Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
(Gary Cosby Jr., Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images)
Oct 4, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) is taken down by Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Justin Jefferson (10) during the first quarter at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images
(David Leong, David Leong-Imagn Images)
Oct 4, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) is tackled during the second half against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images
(David Leong, David Leong-Imagn Images)
Oct 4, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) ensures Alabama defensive back Keon Sabb (3) stays down after Sabb fell while returning an interception at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama downed Vanderbilt 30-14. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images
(Gary Cosby Jr., Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images)
Oct 4, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) is chased by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Keon Sabb (3) during the second half at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images
(David Leong, David Leong-Imagn Images)
Oct 4, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) is chased by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Keon Sabb (3) during the second half at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images
(David Leong, David Leong-Imagn Images)
Oct 4, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) is tackled in the backfield by Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Justin Jefferson (10) during the second half at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images
(David Leong, David Leong-Imagn Images)
Oct 4, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama linebacker Justin Jefferson (10) strips the ball from Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images
(Gary Cosby Jr., Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images)
1/10
Diego Pavia had a rough day vs. Alabama. See photos from Vanderbilt loss
Oct 4, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) is tackled by Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Justin Jefferson (10) during the first quarter at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images
(David Leong, David Leong-Imagn Images)
1/10
Diego Pavia had a rough day vs. Alabama. See photos from Vanderbilt loss
Oct 4, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) is tackled by Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Justin Jefferson (10) during the first quarter at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images
(David Leong, David Leong-Imagn Images)
2/10
Diego Pavia had a rough day vs. Alabama. See photos from Vanderbilt loss
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - OCTOBER 04: Diego Pavia #2 of the Vanderbilt Commodores is sacked by Justin Jefferson #10 of the Alabama Crimson Tide during the fourth quarter of the game at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 4, 2025 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images)
(Butch Dill, Getty Images)
3/10
Diego Pavia had a rough day vs. Alabama. See photos from Vanderbilt loss
Oct 4, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama defensive lineman Tim Keenan III (96) recovers a fumble by Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
(Gary Cosby Jr., Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images)
4/10
Diego Pavia had a rough day vs. Alabama. See photos from Vanderbilt loss
Oct 4, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) is taken down by Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Justin Jefferson (10) during the first quarter at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images
(David Leong, David Leong-Imagn Images)
5/10
Diego Pavia had a rough day vs. Alabama. See photos from Vanderbilt loss
Oct 4, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) is tackled during the second half against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images
(David Leong, David Leong-Imagn Images)
6/10
Diego Pavia had a rough day vs. Alabama. See photos from Vanderbilt loss
Oct 4, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) ensures Alabama defensive back Keon Sabb (3) stays down after Sabb fell while returning an interception at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama downed Vanderbilt 30-14. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images
(Gary Cosby Jr., Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images)
7/10
Diego Pavia had a rough day vs. Alabama. See photos from Vanderbilt loss
Oct 4, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) is chased by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Keon Sabb (3) during the second half at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images
(David Leong, David Leong-Imagn Images)
8/10
Diego Pavia had a rough day vs. Alabama. See photos from Vanderbilt loss
Oct 4, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) is chased by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Keon Sabb (3) during the second half at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images
(David Leong, David Leong-Imagn Images)
9/10
Diego Pavia had a rough day vs. Alabama. See photos from Vanderbilt loss
Oct 4, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) is tackled in the backfield by Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Justin Jefferson (10) during the second half at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images
(David Leong, David Leong-Imagn Images)
10/10
Diego Pavia had a rough day vs. Alabama. See photos from Vanderbilt loss
Oct 4, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama linebacker Justin Jefferson (10) strips the ball from Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images
About thoseCommodores... Pavia ran his mouth quite a bit in the build-up to Saturday's game vs.Alabama. After beating the Crimson Tide last year, why not feel a little confident? But Pavia had two red zone turnovers andTy Simpson(340 passing yards) was clearly the best quarterback in Alabama's 30-14 win. AndTide playersandfanslet Pavia hear about it on his way off the field.
The undefeated Terrapins led Washington 20-0 with four minutes left in the third quarter, in front of rare sold-out crowd, and on their way to a potential Top 25 ranking. That's quite theturnaround for a team with a freshman QB and a coach who admitted to losing his locker room last season. But despite a 97.2% win probability, the wheels fell off as theHuskiesran off 24 straight points, which included fourth-quarter touchdown drives of 74, 75 and 80 yards. "I think what I have to do is focus on evaluating what happened, why it happened and how I can get it fixed," Terps coach Mike Locksley said postgame. "... I'm going to be defined by how we move forward, not by the history of what we've done."
The Boilermakers receiver may have trouble looking at the man in the mirror. Purdue hadn't fumbled in its first four games this season. Jackson fumbled twice Saturday. And they were back-breakers. On the first play after Jackson's first fumble,IllinoisQBLuke AltmyerhitHank Beattyfor a 62-yard touchdown. Then with Purdue trailing 30-21 midway through the third quarter, the Boilermakers forced a key stop, only to have Jackson fumble a punt at his own 8-yard line. The Boilermakers' defense held Illinois to a field goal, but it was a key play in the Illini's 43-27 win. Now, to Jackson's credit, he did have a team-high 14 catches for 94 yards, but those fumbles were game-changers.
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Kent State
The Golden Flashes finished the guarantee-game potion of its schedule with a 44-0 loss atOklahoma. Kent State received a combined $4.2 million from OU, Florida State and Texas Tech; They lost those three games by a combined 172-24 score. Hey, as long as the checks clear.
Wofford's pass defense
Western Carolina's Taron Dickensset an NCAA record completing his first 46 passesSaturday. Yup, FORTY-SIX straight completions. He finished 53-of-56 for 378 yards and three touchdowns in the Catamounts' 23-21 win. I don't care if every pass is a screen or dump off, have some pride Terriers!
