As the 2024 college football season progresses into October, the excitement surrounding the pursuit of a perfect season is palpable. With only nine teams remaining undefeated in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) as we reach the midway point of Week 9, fans are eagerly tracking their favorite squads. The landscape of college football is ever-changing, and this year, the competition is fierce.
The Undefeated Contenders
Currently, the Big Ten is leading the charge with three unbeaten teams, showcasing the strength of the conference. The Big 12, Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), and American Athletic Conference each boast two undefeated teams, while the Southeastern Conference (SEC) saw its last unbeaten team fall after Georgia’s victory over Texas in Week 8. The stakes are high, and each game is critical as these teams aim to maintain their perfect records.
Week 8 Recap
Before diving into the undefeated teams, let’s take a moment to reflect on the thrilling action from Week 8. Notable games included Georgia’s impressive win over Texas and Tennessee’s upset of Alabama, which shook up the rankings and added to the drama of the season. For a detailed recap of these games, check out the full coverage here.
No. 1 Oregon
Record: 7-0 (4-0 Big Ten)
Last Game: Defeated Purdue, 35-0
Last Undefeated Season: 1916 (7-0-1, won Rose Bowl)
Oregon has been on a roll, showcasing their dominance with a decisive victory over Purdue. After a slow start to the season, the Ducks seem to have found their rhythm, especially following their significant win against Ohio State in Week 7. With a crucial matchup against No. 20 Illinois on the horizon, the Ducks are poised to solidify their position as a top contender in the Big Ten.
No. 3 Penn State
Record: 6-0 (3-0 Big Ten)
Last Game: Defeated Southern Cal, 33-30 (OT)
Last Undefeated Season: 1994 (12-0, won Rose Bowl)
Penn State demonstrated remarkable resilience in their recent overtime victory against Southern California. Coming back from a halftime deficit, the Nittany Lions proved they can handle pressure. With a bye week to prepare for Wisconsin and a showdown with Ohio State looming, Penn State’s path to an undefeated season is both challenging and thrilling.
No. 6 Miami (Fla.)
Record: 7-0 (3-0 ACC)
Last Game: Defeated Louisville, 52-45
Last Undefeated Season: 2001 (12-0, won BCS National Championship Game)
The Hurricanes survived a nail-biter against Louisville, thanks to a stellar performance from quarterback Cam Ward. With their sights set on an in-state rivalry against Florida State on October 26, Miami is looking to continue their winning streak and keep their perfect season alive.
No. 10 Iowa State
Record: 7-0 (4-0 Big 12)
Last Game: Defeated UCF, 38-35
Last Undefeated Season: N/A
Iowa State has emerged as a surprise contender this season, achieving their first 6-0 start since 1938. With a thrilling win over UCF, the Cyclones are gaining momentum and confidence. As they prepare to face Texas Tech, the spotlight is on them to see if they can maintain their unbeaten status.
No. 11 BYU
Record: 7-0 (4-0 Big 12)
Last Game: Defeated Oklahoma State, 38-35
Last Undefeated Season: 1984 (13-0, won national championship)
BYU has made significant strides in their second year in the Big 12, already surpassing their conference win total from the previous season. With two ranked victories under their belt, the Cougars are looking to extend their perfect record against UCF in their upcoming game.
No. 13 Indiana
Record: 7-0 (4-0 Big Ten)
Last Game: Defeated Nebraska, 56-7
Last Undefeated Season: 1945 (9-0-1)
Indiana has been a pleasant surprise this season, dominating Nebraska in their latest matchup. With a strong performance under their belt, the Hoosiers are set to face Washington next, and fans are eager to see if they can continue their impressive run.
No. 19 Pittsburgh
Record: 7-0 (3-0 ACC)
Last Game: Defeated Syracuse, 41-13
Last Undefeated Season: 1976 (12-0, won national championship)
Pittsburgh has rebounded from a disappointing previous season, with transfer quarterback Eli Holstein leading the charge. With a series of close wins and a solid performance against Syracuse, the Panthers are looking to keep their momentum going as they prepare to face SMU.
No. 23 Army
Record: 7-0 (6-0 American)
Last Game: Defeated East Carolina, 45-28
Last Undefeated Season: 1958 (8-0-1)
Army has been a force to be reckoned with, averaging over 38 points per game and holding the longest win streak in FBS football at 11 games. As they look ahead to their matchup against Notre Dame, the Black Knights are in a prime position to make a statement this season.
No. 24 Navy
Record: 6-0 (4-0 American)
Last Game: Defeated Charlotte, 51-17
Last Undefeated Season: 1926 (9-0-1)
Navy has already matched their win total from last season and is gearing up for a significant challenge against Notre Dame. With their eyes set on a perfect season, the Midshipmen are ready to prove their mettle on a neutral site.
As October unfolds, the race for a perfect season is heating up, and fans are in for an exhilarating ride as these teams battle it out on the gridiron. Each game brings new challenges, and the quest for perfection is a thrilling narrative that captivates college football enthusiasts across the nation.