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Takeaways from Week 7 of College Football: Indiana earns defining win, James Franklin on the hot seat

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Takeaways from Week 7 of College Football: Indiana earns defining win, James Franklin on the hot seat


College football is unpredictable and delightful, which is why we live for what happens on Saturdays. Week 7 certainly delivered, from a statement win by Indiana in Autzen Stadium to the biggest win for USC in years.

Each Sunday, I’ll publish my biggest takeaways from the college football weekend. I’ll highlight the most interesting storylines, track College Football Playoff contenders, and specifically shout out individual and team performances that deserve the spotlight.

1. Indiana just had its biggest win in program history.

I have seen all sorts of stats celebrating the Hoosiers’ win over then-No. 3 Oregon. Probably the most notable one is that it’s the first road win over an AP top-five opponent in Indiana football history. But let’s be real for a second. We don’t need qualifiers. This is the best and biggest win in program history, full stop. This is the losingest program in the history of college football! The high points have been few and far between. Last year’s 10 wins were the most in a single season. Indiana has only started a season 6-0 three times in its history … and two of them have come under Curt Cignetti (last year and this year). We are in uncharted territory here! And we might as well say as much!

I don’t know if Indiana is the best team in the country or if the Hoosiers are going to — gasp! — win a national title. But I do know it would be unwise to put any limits on this team.

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Indiana secures program-defining win over Oregon

Indiana showed that it can compete with the big boys by walking into Eugene and defeating Oregon.

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2. Steve Sarkisian finally found a winning formula for Texas.

The Longhorns’ second-half performance vs. Oklahoma had to be therapeutic for Texas fans. This was an offense that finally had some balance, which made everything easier — both for quarterback Arch Manning (who completed 21 of 27 passes) and play caller Steve Sarkisian, who could finally put his quarterback in positions to succeed thanks to a functional run game. Plus, the vaunted Texas defense returned to form after a rough outing against Florida, forcing three John Mateer interceptions and holding the Sooners to just 88 total yards of offense in the second half. Throw in a fourth-quarter punt-return touchdown, and you’ve got wins in all three phases. Boy, did Texas need a performance like that.

Manning encouraging in Texas’ win over Oklahoma

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Arch Manning and Texas got a desperately needed win by playing virtually mistake-free football against rival Oklahoma.

3. Texas A&M might be the best team in the SEC.

Every weekend, I attempt to figure out the pecking order in the SEC, and I often end up more confused than I was when I started. For a few weeks, I felt best about Alabama and Heisman hopeful Ty Simpson, believing I’d pick them on a neutral site against any other SEC opponent. But now I think I’m going to join the Aggies’ bandwagon — even knowing that Texas A&M has a history of late-season collapses. This team feels different, not just because I trust Mike Elko defenses. I like how explosive the pass game can be, with Mario Craver and KC Concepcion, and a fairly reliable rushing attack. I know that Marcel Reed doesn’t always dazzle, but when he’s on, he makes this offense one that can strike fear in opposing SEC defenses.

That, and Alabama’s offensive line continues to be a problem. And Ole Miss nearly lost to Washington State. So, that’s where I am for now.

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4. USC might be back.

Well, maybe. At the very least, Lincoln Riley earned the first signature win of his Trojans tenure so far. USC averaged 7.2 yards per play against one of the better defenses in the Big Ten in Michigan. Coming into the game, I thought it could be a huge opportunity for the Trojans to prove they can be tough and physical — that they could win a game at the line of scrimmage. And they did so despite injuries to their running backs. USC has spent the past two seasons trying to develop on the defensive side of the ball (both with coaching hires and personnel), and the Trojans limited a previously prolific rushing attack (that also dealt with injuries) to just 3.5 yards per carry.

But beyond the nuts and bolts of the win, it was just extremely impressive for a program that has had a history of close, painful losses. What better way to make a statement than by not letting Michigan stay close enough to have a chance late? Entering Saturday, Riley was 4-11 vs. ranked opponents at USC. The only way to start to change a narrative is to win a game like that.

5. It’s hard to imagine James Franklin remaining the head coach at Penn State.

I don’t know how soon James Franklin and Penn State will part ways, but it feels impossible to imagine him on the sideline in Nittany Lions’ gear next season. Does Penn State just find frustrated donors to pony up and pay a buyout of more than $50 million? Or does athletic director Pat Kraft get with Franklin to negotiate down the buyout, knowing that Franklin deep down doesn’t want to stay in an environment (and fan base) that has grown so toxic?

Last week, I argued that Franklin should be the one to leave — that he should find one of the Power 4 jobs that open this season and get a fresh start. But at this point, after two inexcusable losses to two of the worst teams in the Big Ten (with a season-ending injury to quarterback Drew Allar to make things even worse), I don’t know that it will be his choice after all. Penn State cannot move forward with him; the situation feels far too untenable.

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‘No way forward’ for Franklin at Penn State

With three consecutive Big Ten losses and Drew Allar out for the season, Nicole Auerbach and Joshua Perry have a hard time seeing James Franklin at Penn State moving forward.

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Indiana vs. Oregon predictions, picks and best bets for college football Week 7: Ducks favored at home in matchup of unbeatens

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Indiana vs. Oregon predictions, picks and best bets for college football Week 7: Ducks favored at home in matchup of unbeatens


On Saturday, the Indiana Hoosiers (5-0, 2-0 in Big Ten) and Oregon Ducks (5-0, 2-0 in Big Ten), two of the best teams in college football, will fight for a chance to all but lock in both a Big Ten Championship Game appearance and a College Football Playoff berth.

The stakes could hardly be higher, especially for a matchup this early in the regular season.

The Hoosiers enter Autzen Stadium as a 7.5-point road dog against Oregon, while the over/under (55.5 points) indicates a high-scoring matchup.

Keep reading below for our Indiana vs. Oregon predictions, picks, and best bets breakdown for this blockbuster Big Ten bout in Week 7.

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Indiana vs. Oregon Predictions and best bets

  • Indiana Hoosiers +7.5: -115 at BetMGM
  • Under 55.5 points: -115 at FanDuel

*Note: Odds are based on the best value our experts find as of publication; check lines closer to game time to ensure you get the best odds.

Indiana Hoosiers +7.5

Teams that have had the most success against the Hoosiers during the coach Curt Cignetti era had elite defensive lines, elite pass-rushing talent, or both.

Oregon doesn’t have either one.

The Ducks have the 63rd-highest pass rush grade (PFF) and rank 53rd in pressure rate and 79th in blitz rate.

When Fernando Mendoza can sit in the pocket and go through his progressions, he is one of the best quarterbacks in the country. His arm talent is pro-level.

And Indiana’s last two opponents, Iowa and Illinois, are two of the better pass-rushing teams not only in the Big Ten, but also in the nation.

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Mendoza and company have had enough experience in picking up blitzes and getting the ball out quickly to score on this Ducks defense.

I like Oregon to win this game, as it has won 41 of its last 42 games at Autzen. However, the Hoosiers have enough talent on both sides of the ball to keep this one close.

Under 55.5 points

Many people expect this game to be a shootout, as evidenced by the 55.5-point over/under line.

However, I believe that each of these two defenses will complicate matters for their opponent, resulting in a lower-scoring game.

Indiana held its two toughest opponents, Illinois and Iowa, to 10 and 15 points. The Hoosiers rank third in opponent points per game and sixth in opponent total yards per game.

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Oregon also has a tough defense, especially when it’s at Autzen. The Ducks rank first nationally in opponent points per game this season at home.

Scoring will be hard to come by for both teams on Saturday.

Indiana vs. Oregon moneyline odds analysis

Why Oregon could win as the favorite

Best odds: -270 at FanDuel

The Oregon Ducks are undoubtedly one of the best teams in college football. For every metric in which Indiana ranks high, the Ducks seem to rank higher.

Oregon is led by Heisman Trophy frontrunner Dante Moore, who patiently waited his turn last season behind former Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel, and has taken clear advantage of that time.

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Moore is behind the best pass-blocking unit (first in pass block grade, per PFF) and has a plethora of talent at the skill positions, including true freshman sensation Dakorien Moore, wide receiver Malik Benson, tight end Kenyon Sadiq, and a seemingly never-ending running back room.

While Oregon’s road win over now-unranked Penn State looks less impressive on the surface, I believe it was less about Penn State’s talent level and more about the fact that the Ducks broke the Nittany Lions’ spirit.

This is a national title-contending team, and it doesn’t lose at Autzen.

Why Indiana could win as the underdog

Best odds: +245 at DraftKings

At the moment, the Hoosiers have the highest overall grade (PFF) in the country and rank fourth in ESPN’s FPI, fourth in ESPN’s overall net efficiency rating, third in opponent points per game, seventh in points per game, and third in ESPN’s SP+.

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Indiana already has a road win against a tough Iowa team that is finally having some success in the passing game and an atomic bomb-level blowout at home versus then-No. 9 Illinois.

The Hoosiers have one of the most efficient and effective offenses in the country, led by Heisman candidate Fernando Mendoza and supported by skill position players, such as Omar Cooper Jr, Elijah Sarratt, Roman Hemby, Kaelon Black, and EJ Williams Jr.

Indiana’s offensive line has improved year over year, and its defensive line has picked up where it left off last season.

The Hoosiers have held their past three opponents (Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana State) to the third-fewest rushing yards per game on the sixth-fewest yards per rush attempt in the country.

Simply put, this Hoosiers team is the real deal, and its No. 7 ranking in the AP Poll does not do them justice.

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Videos show ICE arrest in Indiana, mayor and police respond

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Videos show ICE arrest in Indiana, mayor and police respond


A viral video shows ICE agents conducting an arrest at an El Rancherito restaurant in East Chicago, Ind. on Thursday, and officials have responded.

What we know:

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A video went viral on Thursday appearing to show ICE agents arresting an individual at an El Rancherito restaurant East Chicago, Ind. 

The video made its way to Mayor Anthony Copeland’s office. East Chicago Police confirmed that ICE agents were staged in a publicly accessible part of the department’s parking lot. 

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In a statement, officials clarified that the police are not involved in ICE operations, even though their parking lot is open to the public.

“We have not coordinated, supported, or participated in any immigration enforcement actions, and no information has been shared with ICE regarding such matters,” the statement read.

Copeland said they received no prior notification that ICE would be around. 

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“Today will be remembered as the day that tested my resolve. The lack of prior notification from ICE was troubling, but I understand that federal agencies are not required to inform local governments of their presence,” Copeland said.

He urged residents to stay calm and not engage with ICE agents. 

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“We are actively working through law enforcement channels to understand and contain this action,” he said.

Chief of Police José Rivera added, “We remain committed to protecting the rights and safety of all East Chicago residents. Our department is here to serve and support the community — not to participate in immigration enforcement.”

“This is a moment for unity, not division,” Copeland said. “I pray that our community will face this challenge as one. There will be many who will foolishly inform you that the city is empowered to take action against ICE this is not only false but it is dangerous misinformation.”

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What’s next:

A protest has been scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m. at City Hall. East Chicago Police will be present to ensure public safety.

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Residents are encouraged to contact the East Chicago Police Department with questions and concerns at 219-391-8400.

ICE agents were also spotted in Hammond, Ind. earlier this week.

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The Source: Details for this story were provided by the City of East Chicago.

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Dan Lanning Reiterates Commitment to Oregon on Eve of Indiana Clash

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Dan Lanning Reiterates Commitment to Oregon on Eve of Indiana Clash


Since he arrived at Oregon from Georgia before the 2022 season, Ducks coach Dan Lanning’s trajectory has pointed ever upward.

First came a 10-3 campaign in ’22—a deft act of stabilization after Mario Cristobal’s departure for Miami. A 12-2 season and Fiesta Bowl victory followed in 2023, and in 2024 Oregon posted its highest winning percentage since 1916.

Now, the Ducks have their sights set on a national championship—something that has eluded the program since its Nike-fueled late 20th-century explosion. On Friday, as his No. 3 team prepares to host No. 7 Indiana, Lanning told On3‘s Chris Low that he wants to bring such a title to Eugene.

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“I’ve been very clear and adamant that I’m not going anywhere. A lot of coaches use that as an opportunity to say, ‘OK, I’m either going to get a big raise where I’m at,’ or maybe they really want that other job,” Lanning said. “I don’t want any other jobs. I’ve got the job that I want.”

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That’s significant, as Lanning has been a favorite candidate of many a fanbase with a job opening in recent years. In 2024, he moved quickly to swat away rumors tying him to Alabama after coach Nick Saban’s retirement.

At 39, Lanning would appear to have a lot of wins ahead of him—which Oregon fans hope come in the Willamette Valley.

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