Oct 6, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule on the sidelines during the first half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium.

Saturday Night Wrap-Up: Quick Thoughts From Key Games Across the League

Author:
Steven Bailoni
Publish date:
Oct 7, 2023

By Steven Bailoni

Jacksonville State vs Middle Tennessee

Jacksonville State has now improved to 5-1 in their first FBS season under the direction of Rich Rodriguez. His success at Jacksonville state surely will catch the eyes of ADs across the country as we hop on the coaching carousel this off-season. His past success at WVU and Arizona combined with his recent success at Jacksonville State may be enough for some ADs to look past his off the field issues that seem to plague him wherever he goes. Him and his team will face 5-0 Liberty on Tuesday with both teams looking for a bowl berth. MTSU falls to 1-5 under 4th-longest tenured FBS coach Rick Stockstill and will be looking for answers next week against LA Tech.

Jacksonville State Head Coach Rich Rodriguez talks on his headset during college football action at Burgess-Snow Field Jacksonville State Stadium in Jacksonville, Alabama.
© Dave Hyatt / USA TODAY NETWORK

Liberty vs Sam Houston

G5 juggernaut Liberty improves to 5-0 and seems to be unstoppable. Since Hugh Freeze took the helm in 2018, Liberty is now sitting at 39-16 with no signs of slowing down under new coach Jamey Chadwell. Chadwell was a hot name for many P5 openings last year and I'm sure those rumors will continue after this season should Liberty keep their momentum up. He's even already been tied to the Michigan State opening and will likely have some in-state options should Virginia move on from Tony Elliott as everyone seems to expect. Sam Houston falls to 0-5 in their first FBS season after only being 3 years removed from an FCS National Championship in 2020 and a conference title in 2021.

Scroll to Continue

Kansas State vs Oklahoma State

Oklahoma State gets a much-needed win after a rocky start to the season. Running back Ollie Gordon II lead the way with a 136 yard / 1 TD performance. Mike Gundy and the Cowboys will look to keep their momentum going with a tough matchup against Kansas next week. Kansas State is now sitting at 3-2 after Will Howard has an uncharacteristic performance with 3 interceptions. The Wildcats are now 3-2 but have some hope with a relatively easy conference schedule that includes Iowa State, Texas Tech, Houston, and Baylor. It'll be tough for KSU to repeat as conference champions after the start to their season but there's certainly room for optimism with their schedule that they may still have a season worthy of a top 25 ranking yet.

Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy talks with Kansas State head football coach Chris Klieman before the college football game between the Oklahoma State University Cowboys and the Kansas State Wildcats at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater. Okla., Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
© SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK

Nebraska vs Illinois

Nebraska is now 3-3 meaning in his first season Rhule has matched Scott Frost’s win totals in 2020 and 2021. It wasn't the best of wins as their turnover struggles continued with a Haarberg interception plus fumbles from RBs Anthony Grant and Emmett Johnson. The Cornhuskers have an easy three game stretch with Northwestern, Purdue, and Michigan State coming up but have more questions than answers on how they'll close the season against Maryland, Wisconsin, and Iowa. Illinois falls to 0-3 in conference play (2-4 overall) as Altmeyer continues to helm a lifeless offense. I expect Barry Lunney to be looking for a new home sooner rather than later if Bielema wants to turn this offense around.