Final week, many video games went as anticipated. However, in week 5 of the 2024 School Soccer season, we had been handled to many upsets, a few of which is able to impression the School Soccer Playoffs. So, how did the Georgia Bulldogs, Ole Miss Rebels, and Miami Hurricanes, amongst others, fare?
The Thriller in Tuscaloosa
This was on paper the sport of the season. The quantity two ranked Georgia Bulldogs confronted the quantity 4 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide, in a recreation that has turn out to be a constant matchup within the SEC Championship Sport and the School Soccer Playoffs lately. Nonetheless, there was no trophy on the road right here. Each got here in with undefeated data, however one would go away Tuscaloosa with out it.
Alabama has the sport’s opening drive and would have the ability to take the early lead. Led by quarterback Jalen Milroe, the Crimson Tide offense was capable of make it into the Bulldogs’ pink zone. This, Bama was capable of do one thing that many groups have struggled to take action far this season. Rating a landing in opposition to Georgia. This occurred after Milroe discovered the endzone from a seven-yard run.
Quickly after, the Crimson Tide would have the ability to enhance their lead. They had been once more capable of rapidly transfer into the Bulldogs’ pink zone after which to the 16-yard line. From right here, Milroe discovered Jam Miller for the TD go.
Issues would get even worse for Georgia on their subsequent drive. Not quickly after that they had gained possession, they misplaced it when Bulldogs’ QB Carson Beck threw an interception deep in Bulldogs territory. From right here, the Crimson Tide took benefit of the quick subject to attain one other TD. This time, it was a 7-yard speeding TD from Germie Bernard.
Alabama would make it 4 from 4 when Milroe discovered the endzone to attain a 36-yard speeding landing. This gave them a 28-point lead over the second-best group within the nation, and the primary quarter had solely simply completed. This was getting ugly in a short time.
Nonetheless, the Bulldogs would lastly get one thing occurring offense, which was wanted in the event that they had been going to remain on this recreation. Beck was capable of lead his offense down the sector to the Crimson Tide’s 7-yard line. From right here, Trevor Etienne, the youthful brother of NFL star Travis Etienne discovered the endzone to place Georgia on the board.
However, issues would then once more take a flip for the more severe for the Bulldogs. Just a few drives later, Beck threw his second interception in Bulldogs territory, and Bama then moved to the 13-yard line. However then, Milroe’s go was intercepted, handing possession again to Georgia. Nonetheless, Beck would solely transfer backward from right here and report a security handing two factors to Bama.
This meant that after an eventful first half, the Crimson Tide had a 30-7 lead over the Bulldogs.
Georgia would have the ability to lower into the lead within the early elements of the second half. The Bulldogs discovered their means right down to the Crimson Tide’s 12-yard line. Right here, Beck discovered Arian Smith for the landing go. The Bulldogs then went for a two-point conversion, which they had been profitable with.
Nonetheless, Alabama did carry a few of their lead again on the subsequent drive. This stalled on the Bulldogs’ 10-yard line and arrange a 28-yard subject purpose try from Crimson Tide kicker Grahman Nicholson. He was profitable on this try, and the lead grew to become 18 factors.
The subsequent two drives from Georgia had been eventful. On the primary one, Beck was sacked after which fumbled the ball at across the 50-yard line. Fortunately, Bama was unable to do something with their subsequent drive following the error. On the second drive, Beck and firm could be much more profitable. He would discover Lawson Luckie for an eight-yard TD go. The Bulldogs did try a two-point conversion, however this was unsuccessful.
The sport would then turn out to be a one-score recreation, which appeared extraordinarily unlikely after the primary quarter. Thanks to 2 lengthy passes from Beck, the Bulldogs discovered themselves on the Alabama three-yard line. From right here, Dilion Bell discovered the endzone.
Then, the inconceivable did occur. On the primary play of the drive, Beck would discover Bell for a 67-yard landing to place the Bulldogs into the lead after being 28 factors down. They had been now 4 factors up, however with two and a half minutes left on the clock, Bama had the ball, figuring out {that a} rating on the proper time would finish the sport.
However, Alabama did the identical factor as Georgia did. On the primary play of their drive, Milroe discovered Ryan Williams (who is just 17 years outdated) for a 75-yard TD go. They tried a two-point conversion, however this failed. The Bulldogs now had possession, figuring out that they needed to rating a landing to tie the sport.
On the sport’s remaining drive, Beck moved his offense right down to the Crimson Tide’s 20-yard line. Right here, Beck threw a go into the endzone, but it surely was intercepted. Sport over.
The quantity 4 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide had defeated the quantity two ranked Georgia Bulldogs 41-34.
This was a thriller to look at. After the primary quarter, many thought it was over, and the Bulldogs would by no means have the ability to do something. Nonetheless, they did and almost pulled off a comeback for the ages. Each groups mixed for 1066 complete yards on offense in what has a high-scoring recreation, one thing that’s frequent for these matches. Bama proceed their good season, enhancing to 4-0 for the season, and giving Kalen DeBeor a successful begin within the SEC. Georgia falls to 3-1, with this being their first common season loss since their loss to the Florida Gators in 2020.
Subsequent week, Alabama faces Vanderbilt, whereas Georgia performs Auburn.
A Controversial Win for Miami
The quantity seven-ranked Miami Hurricanes have been probably the greatest groups in faculty soccer within the early a part of the season. They’ve been capable of dismantle a lot of their opponents, placing them in prime place to seize the ACC championship. Their convention play began this week in opposition to the Virginia Tech Hokies.
The sport didn’t begin effectively for the Hurricanes. On the opening drive, Miami quarterback Cam Ward was sacked and them fumbled the ball, which was then scooped up by the Hokies. This error would show pricey, as Hokies’ quarterback Kyron Drones would discover Benji Gosnell for a 25-yard landing go to present Virginia Tech the early lead.
However, this lead didn’t final lengthy. In reply to this, Ward shook off his mistake from the primary drive to have extra success right here. From the Hokies’ 17-yard line, he discovered Jacolby George for an 18-yard TD go to stage the scores.
Virginia Tech made the subsequent mistake of the sport, throwing an interception on the 50-yard line. From right here, Ward was capable of rapidly transfer his offense right down to the 43-yard line. From right here, he discovered Elijah Arroyo for the TD go to present the Hurricanes their anticipated lead.
Quickly after, the proverbial boot was on the opposite shoe. After an extended drive down into Hokies’ territory, Ward would throw an interception, which Virginia Tech would have the ability to capitalize on. From their 45-yard line. Hokies’ operating again Bhayshul Tuten would discover the endzone for a 55-yard speeding TD to stage the scores.
These scores weren’t stage for lengthy, as Jaylin Lane discovered the endzone for a 20-yard speeding landing on the Hokies’ subsequent drive to present them the lead. This, paired with a 57-yard subject purpose from Hokies’ kicker John Love gave Virginia Tech a shock 24-17 lead at halftime.
The Hokies’ would add to this lead after halftime, with a 52-yard subject purpose from Love. Miami nevertheless, was unable to counter this and stored on making errors. One other Cam Ward interception early within the second half would solely give extra of an opportunity for the upset win.
Nonetheless, we then noticed a return to the Miami Hurricanes that now we have seen for a lot of the season. On their subsequent drive, they’d have the ability to get right down to the Virginia Tech 17-yard line, and from right here, Ward discovered the endzone to chop into the lead.
However the Hokies weren’t taking this sitting down. In reply to the rating, they received one among their very own to maintain maintain of their lead. From the Hurricanes 16-yard line, Drones discovered Ayden Greene for the TD go to maintain it a two-score recreation. This didn’t final lengthy, as on the subsequent drive Ward discovered Cam McCormick for a 6-yard TD go. This diminished the result in three factors.
Miami had the possession now and needed to kill as a lot time as potential in the event that they had been to attain with a purpose to restrict any probabilities of a late rating from Virginia Tech. So, in a drive that took greater than 5 minutes, the Hurricanes had been capable of transfer right down to the Hokies’ one-yard line. From right here, Ward discovered Isaiah Horton for the TD at hand them the lead. However, with below two minutes to go, may the Hokies come again?
On this drive, Drones was capable of transfer his offense right down to the Hurricanes 30-yard line. Then, as time ran out, he tried a Hail Mary. The ball was caught at the back of the endzone by a Virginia participant, however this play was reviewed. The next overview dominated the play to be an incomplete go. This has generated debate within the days following the incident, as there was proof to help a Hokies TD.
Nonetheless, the ultimate rating can’t be modified, and the quantity seven-ranked Miami Hurricanes defeated the Virginia Tech Hokies 38-34.
This recreation ought to have ended with the Hokies successful. Miami was not their normal self and was fortunate to win this recreation. They improved to 5-0 for the season, whereas Virginia Tech fall to 2-3. Subsequent week, Miami faces the California Golden Bear, a group on the Pacific coast that performs within the ATLANTIC Coast Convention, whereas Virginia Tech additionally faces a Californian group in Stanford.
A Kentucky Fried Upset
The quantity six-ranked Ole Miss Rebels have had a simple begin to the season. This week, the actual challenges started, as they opened their SEC marketing campaign in opposition to the Kentucky Wildcats. Final week, the Wildcats very almost defeated the Georgia Bulldogs. What may they do in opposition to the Rebels?
The Rebels had the opening possession of the sport and would have the ability to get the opening rating. Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart would have the ability to transfer his offense right down to the Wildcats’ one-yard line. From right here, Henry Parrish Jr discovered the endzone.
However in reply, the Wildcats had been capable of get one thing from their opening drive. It took Wildcats QB Brock Vandagriff 15 performs to make it right down to the Rebels’ 9-yard line just for the drive to stall right here. This arrange Wildcats kicker Alex Raynor with a 27-yard subject purpose try, which he was profitable with.
We then had a interval the place not loads occurred of offense, the place each groups struggled. Nonetheless, there was a second when Rebels operating again Matt Jones appeared to faux an harm earlier than a play began.
However close to the top of the primary half, Kentucky would have the ability to take the lead. In one other lengthy drive, Vandagriff was capable of transfer the offense right down to the Ole Miss five-yard line. From right here, he discovered Dane Key for the TD go. This meant that at halftime, the Wildcats had a 10-7 lead over the Rebels.
Ole Miss would have the ability to lower into this lead within the third quarter. Their drive took them right down to the Wildcats’ 10-yard line, however no additional. This arrange Rebels’ kicker Caden Davis with a 31-yard subject purpose try, which he was profitable with.
In reply to this, the Wildcats scored one other subject purpose, with Raynor kicking it from 48 yards out, to retain their three-point lead.
Just a few drives later, the Rebels would have the ability to take the lead. Late within the third quarter, Tre Harris discovered the endzone for a 48-yard speeding TD to present Ole Miss a four-point lead going into the fourth quarter.
There would then be one other interval the place not loads of motion occurred. However then, with 4 minutes left within the recreation, Kentucky would have the ability to ship a significant blow. The Wildcats offense was capable of make it down into the Rebels’ pink zone after which right down to the six-yard line. From right here, Josh Kattus discovered the endzone to present Kentucky a three-point lead.
With time operating out, may the Wildcats maintain on for a shock victory?
The Rebels had possession, figuring out {that a} subject purpose would take this recreation to additional time. Dart and firm had been capable of carry themselves into subject purpose territory, establishing Caden Davis with a 48-yard subject purpose to stage the scores and ship the sport to additional time. Davis missed this kick.
This meant that the Kentucky Wildcats had upset the quantity six ranked Ole Miss Rebels 20-17.
Kentucky has had an excellent final two video games. They almost defeated Georgia, and have now defeated Ole Miss. They need to be ranked subsequent week. As for Ole Miss, their straightforward begin to the season could have been too straightforward for them, and the second they confronted robust opposition they struggled. This might have an effect on their possibilities for the CFP in the long run.
Subsequent week, the 3-2 Kentucky Wildcats have a relaxation week, whereas the 4-1 Ole Miss Rebels face South Carolina.
What Occurred to the Different Ranked Groups?
Mississippi State @ #1 Texas
The quantity one-ranked Texas Longhorns opened their SEC marketing campaign in opposition to the Mississippi State Bulldogs. This was once more a recreation the place Arch Manning was the quarterback as Quinn Ewers was not match to play. Manning delivered once more, scoring three touchdowns on the Longhorns stored their good begin going with a 35-13 win.
#3 Ohio State @ Michigan State
The quantity three ranked Ohio State Buckeyes open their Massive Ten season in opposition to the Michigan State Spartans. Ohio State was once more dominant on this recreation, with WR Jeremiah Smith scoring two TDs of their 38-7 win. More durable video games will come.
#8 Oregon @ UCLA
After their poor begin to the season, the quantity eight-ranked Oregon Geese have discovered their mojo once more. They opened their Massive Ten marketing campaign in opposition to fellow former PAC-12 group the UCLA Bruins. Geese QB Dilion Gabriel scored three TDs because the Geese performed effectively and recorded a simple 34-13 win.
#19 Illinois @ #9 Penn State
The quantity 9 ranked Penn State Nittany Lions confronted the quantity 19 ranked Illinois Preventing Illini. This was a low-scoring affair, however the Nittany Lions could be the higher group, and report a 21-7 victory to remain undefeated.
Arizona @ #10 Utah
The quantity 10 ranked Utah Utes have performed one other recreation with Cam Rising. They’d have wanted him once they confronted the Arizona Wildcats. Wildcats QB Noah Fifita scored two touchdowns, whereas Issac Wilson struggled as Arizona recorded a 23-10 win to open up the Massive 12.
Minnesota @ #12 Michigan
The quantity 12 ranked Michigan Wolverines continued to avoid wasting their season defeating the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Within the QB place, they weren’t robust, however their run recreation and protection had been robust, holding off a late comeback from Minnesota to report a 27-24 victory.
Wisconsin @ #13 USC
After their loss to the Michigan Wolverines final week, the quantity 13-ranked USC Trojans confronted the Wisconsin Badgers. The Badgers had an 11-point lead at halftime, however the Trojans got here again within the second half to report a 38-21 victory, their first within the Massive Ten.
South Alabama @ #14 LSU
Whereas nearly all of groups have performed convention opponents this week, the quantity 14-ranked LSU Tigers confronted the South Alabama Jaguars. As anticipated, LSU dominated the Jaguars to report a 42-10 win, which doesn’t have an effect on the SEC.
#15 Louisville @ #16 Notre Dame
The quantity 15-ranked Louisville Cardinals confronted the quantity 16-ranked Notre Dame Preventing Irish. If it wasn’t for a robust first quarter from the Irish, they’d have misplaced this recreation. Ultimately, they held on for a 31-24 win to present Louisville their first defeat of the season.
Stanford @ #17 Clemson
The quantity 17 ranked Clemson Tigers confronted the Stanford Cardinals this week. Stanford isn’t the most effective program (and has a terrifying mascot), and this was seen on this recreation. Tigers QB Cade Klubnik scored 4 TDs as Clemson cruised to a 40-14 victory.
#18 Iowa State @ Houston
The quantity 18 ranked Iowa State Cyclones had a simple recreation in opposition to the Houston Cougars. The Cougars had been unable to do something, as they had been shut out in a 20-0 win for Iowa State.
#20 Oklahoma State @ #23 Kansas State
In a extremely anticipated Massive 12 matchup, the quantity 20-ranked Oklahoma State Cowboys confronted the quantity 23-ranked Kansas State Wildcats. This recreation was all about Avery Johnson. The Wildcats QB was concerned in 5 touchdowns as Kansas State put a severe dent within the possibilities for Oklahoma State to do effectively this season with a 42-20 win.
#21 Oklahoma @ Auburn
Within the battle of groups with struggling quarterbacks, the quantity 21 ranked Oklahoma Sooners confronted the Auburn Tigers. Auburn was robust on this recreation, with QB Paxton Throne scoring three TDs. Nonetheless, a late collapse meant that the Sooners would report a 27-21 victory, their first within the SEC.
#22 BYU @ Baylor
After their shut recreation with the Colorado Buffaloes final week, the Baylor Bears confronted the quantity 22-ranked BYU Cougars. Once more, the Bears stayed on this recreation till the very finish, by a late Choose 6 TD from the Cougars gave them a 34-28 win.
Arkansas @ #24 Texas A&M
The quantity 24 ranked Texas A&M Aggies confronted the Arkansas Razorbacks. Aggies QB Marcel Reed scored two TDs within the Aggies 21-17 win.
Washington State @ #25 Boise State
The quantity 25 ranked Boise State Broncos welcomed the Washington State Cougars to their well-known blue subject. The Cougars will probably be feeling blue once they go away, as Boise State had a great recreation. Operating again Ashton Jeany ran for 259 yards and scored 4 TDs because the Broncos recorded a 45-24 victory.
That was week 5 of the 2024 School Soccer season. Subsequent week, now we have a repeat of the 2024 Nationwide Championship recreation, Georgia faces the opposite Alabaman facet in Auburn and the Miami Hurricanes will hope to have a better recreation in opposition to California.
