College Football

College football top plays: Vols upset Bama, Utah shocks USC

Updated Oct. 16, 2022 12:08 a.m. ET

Week 7 of the college football season kicked off with a bang, as No. 5 Michigan put on a rushing clinic in an impressive victory over No. 10 Penn State.

Following that, No. 6 Tennessee pulled off a memorable 52-49 upset victory over No. 3 Alabama.

No. 20 Utah finished the night by pulling off a dramatic comeback win over No. 7 USC at home, winning 43-42.

In other action, fans were treated to a pair of double-overtime thrillers, as No. 13 TCU beat No. 8 Oklahoma State, while Michigan State came back to beat Wisconsin in a Big Ten showdown. Meanwhile, No. 18 Syracuse cruised to an impressive win over NC State. No. 22 Kentucky ended its losing skid, beating No. 16 Mississippi State 27-17.

Here are the top plays from Saturday's Week 7 slate.

No. 4 Clemson 34, Florida State 28

FSU strikes first

Jordan Travis kept the ball and put the Seminoles on the board on their opening drive with a 20-yard TD run.

Can't touch this

DJ Uiagalelei stepped up to avoid the sack and throw a 59-yard touchdown pass.

"Brining" in the touchdown

Jake Briningstool got open in the flats, allowing him to easily make the catch before running into the end zone to tie the game at 14.

Make 'em miss

The Clemson QB juked out of a tackle again, but this time he kept the ball and ran into the end zone to put Clemson up 24-14 going into halftime.

Trickery for a TD

After a pair of pitches, the ball ended up back in DJ Uiagalelei's hands, throwing down the field to Davis Allen for a 31-yard TD to give Clemson a 31-14 lead.

FSU stayin' alive

Jordan Travis found Kentron Poitier in the end zone for a 25-yard touchdown to make it a one-score game.

No. 20 Utah 43, No. 7 USC 42

Dye does it

Travis Dye completed an impressive opening drive for USC, rushing for an 8-yard touchdown to go up 7-0.

Addison all day

Caleb Williams connected with Jordan Addison on a short swing pass to help the Trojans double their lead, 14-0.

Utes get one back

Micah Bernard made USC defenders miss so he could score a 14-yard touchdown to make it a 14-7 game.

Dye does it all

The Trojans RB threw a key block on a blitz, allowing Caleb Williams to scramble and throw a TD to Kyron Hudson, putting USC up 21-7.

Where'd Cam go?

The Trojans defense lost Cameron Rising, as the Utes' QB kept the ball to cut into USC's lead.

Keeping it interesting

Cameron Rising led Utah on a two-minute drill before the half, with a 30-yard pass helping them get into the red zone before making it a 28-21 game in USC's favor.

Tie game!

After trailing by two scores for much of the first half, Utah ties it up on the opening possession of the second half, as tight end Dalton Kincaid gets wide open for the score.

Back atcha

Josh Falo took Caleb Williams' pass from the line of scrimmage into the end zone for the 11-yard score, giving the Trojans a 35-28 lead.

Fumble!

USC and Utah were in a game of trading touchdowns, until the Utes fumbled just yards short of the goal line, keeping it 35-28 Trojans.

Tied again!

Cameron Rising gets a little help from his teammates for the 1-yard score that made it 35-35 in the early minutes of the fourth quarter.

Not that Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson III made his first catch of the game a big one: a touchdown that put USC up 42-35 midway through the fourth.

Clutch Cam

Rising ran in for the score on fourth down to make it a one-point game.

Then, Rising ran in again for the two-point conversion to give Utah the lead with 48 seconds left, eventually leading to a Utes victory.

No. 22 Kentucky 27, No. 16 Mississippi State 17

Will Levis has the Key

After missing last week's game, Levis showed off his impressive arm, connecting on a 30-yard throw on one play.

However, the Wildcats haven't made enough big plays as they've scored just three points in a 3-3 game at halftime.

Finally a TD

The Bulldogs' decision to go for it on fourth-and-goal pays off, as Austin Williams made the huge grab from Will Rogers.

Gambling men

Kentucky went for it on fourth down and scored, with Levis connecting with Rahsaan Lewis to take the lead.

Extending it!

Chris Rodriguez Jr. found the gaps and eventually the end zone to put Kentucky up 20-10 in the fourth quarter.

Dogs still in it

Levis attempted a screen pass, but it was picked off by Bulldogs corner Emmanuel Forbes, who took it all the way for a pick-six to cut the Wildcats' lead to 20-17.

Sealing the deal

Chris Rodriguez found the end zone for a second time, putting the Wildcats up 27-17 with just minutes remaining.

No. 5 Michigan 41, No. 10 Penn State 17

Mike Hart back on the sidelines

The Big House was rocking ahead of kickoff, and FOX Sports' Rob Stone began the day by delivering some great news.

Former Michigan running back and current running backs coach Mike Hart will be back coaching today after collapsing on the sideline last week at Memorial Stadium.

Defensive bout

Michigan scored on each of its first two possessions. Meanwhile, Penn State went three-and-out on its first two drives. Michigan led 6-0 at the end of the first quarter.

Wolverines for six

Running back Blake Corum finished off a 13-play Michigan drive in the end zone. The Wolverines led 13-0.

Penn State arrives

Sean Clifford took off for a 62-yard run, getting Penn State to the Michigan 4-yard line. Four plays later, Kaytron Allen scored on a 1-yard touchdown run on fourth-and-goal. The score cut Michigan's lead to 13-7.

Sean Clifford rips off a 62-yard run before Kaytron Allen finishes the drive to get Penn State on the board

Sean Clifford rips off a 62-yard run before Kaytron Allen finishes the drive to get Penn State on the board vs. Michigan.

We got a game!

Michigan got the ball to midfield and then the drive stalled. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy lost his footing and threw an errant pass that went off two helmets and was intercepted by Casey Jacobs, who ran it back for a 53-yard pick six. The Wolverines made a field goal on their next drive, taking a 16-14 lead into halftime.

J.J. McCarthy's pass hits TWO helmets en route to Curtis Jacobs pick six

J.J. McCarthy's pass hits two helmets en route to Curtis Jacobs' interception, which was returned for a touchdown, giving Penn State a 14-13 lead.

Things getting heated at halftime

We had some "halftime shenanigans" going on between the two teams in the tunnel. Players from both teams can be seen shouting back and forth.

House call

Penn State opened the second half with a field goal, set up by a 48-yard strike from Clifford to Harrison Wallace. Michigan answered, as Donovan Edwards evaded the Nittany Lions defense for a 67-yard rushing touchdown.

McCarthy then hit Ronnie Bell to convert the two-point conversion. The Wolverines led 24-17.

Donovan Edwards breaks free for a 67-yard TD run

Donovan Edwards breaks free for a 67-yard touchdown run to give Michigan a 24-17 lead over Penn State.

Making 'em pay

Penn State turned it over on downs in Michigan territory, and the Wolverines capitalized on the stop. On the first play of the possession, Corum ran through Penn State's defense for a 61-yard rushing score, giving Michigan a two-touchdown lead.

Blake Corum gets his second TD of the day with a 61-yard score to put Michigan ahead by 14

Blake Corum gets his second TD of the day with a 61-yard score to put Michigan ahead by 14 over Penn State.

Stamp on it

Edwards ran in a 3-yard score, his second of the day, to put the Wolverines up 41-17, which would be the final score.

Donovan Edwards scores his second TD of the game, giving the RB duo four total, to extend the UM lead

Donovan Edwards scores his second TD of the game, giving Michigan's RB duo four total on the day.

No. 6 Tennessee 52, No. 3 Alabama 49

Here to play

Tennessee got on the board first as Jabari Small ran in the 1-yard-score, putting the Volunteers up 7-0.

Bama strikes back

Set up by a 33-yard pass from Bryce Young to Isaiah Bond, Jahmyr Gibbs ran in an 8-yard score, evening the score at seven apiece.

Hooker to Hyatt

The Vols picked up right where they left off. After quickly getting past midfield, quarterback Hendon Hooker hit Jalin Hyatt for a 36-yard touchdown pass. Tennessee led 14-7.

Tennessee is cookin'

After forcing Alabama to punt, Hooker found Hyatt for an 11-yard touchdown pass, their second connection of the game. Tennessee led 21-7.

Yikes!

Alabama's defense got off the field, but then chaos ensued. Quandarrius Robinson went to retrieve the bouncing punt, but he couldn't corral it as Tennessee recovered the ball, taking over at the Alabama 40-yard line. Three plays later, the Volunteers scored their fourth touchdown of the game, set up by a 31-pass from Hooker to Ramel Keyton. Tennessee led 28-10.

Attacking back

Young hit Ja'Corey Brooks for a 7-yard score, Alabama's second touchdown of the game. The touchdown cut the Tennessee lead to 28-17.

Tide TD

Gibbs sliced through the Tennessee defense for a 26-yard touchdown run, which cut the lead to two. Then Young hit Brooks for the two-point conversion to tie the game at 28.

Hendon breaks the streak

Hooker aired one out 60 yards to Hyatt to end Alabama's scoring run and give Tennessee the lead back.

Bouncy Bryce

Bryce Young ran out of a couple would-be sacks, dancing in the pocket in order to create enough time to throw down the field on a long third-and-goal. While the pass fell incomplete, Tennessee committed defensive pass interference on the play to keep the 'Bama drive alive.

Jahmyr Gibbs ran two yards into the end zone right after to give Alabama its first lead of the day.

Hooker's streak ends

The Tennessee QB threw his first interception of the season. Hooker went 262 attempts without throwing an interception,

Hooker battles back

After a much-needed stop, Hooker gave the Volunteers the lead back when he hit Hyatt for a 78-yard touchdown. Tennessee took a 42-35 lead following the successful two-point conversion.

Bryce ballin'

On 4th-and-goal, the Alabama QB danced around before finding his tight end in the end zone to tie the game 42-42.

Scoop and score!

Alabama's defense not only got the stop, but also took care of the scoring by recovering Tennessee's botched handoff and returning it for a touchdown to take a 49-42 lead.

5's a party!

Hyatt caught his fifth touchdown of the day to tie the game up at 49-49 after an Alabama penalty gave Tennessee a second chance following a fourth-down interception.

Wide right!

Will Reichard's 50-yard kick to put Alabama up three with just seconds left went wide right, giving Tennessee one last chance to win the game in regulation.

Tennessee wins it!

Hooker completed two passes in the final 15 seconds to get the Volunteers in field goal range, allowing Chase McGrath to kick the game-winning 40-yard field goal.

No. 13 TCU 43, No. 8 Oklahoma State 40

Electric start

After forcing TCU to go three-and-out on the game's opening possession, Spencer Sanders ran in a 29-yard touchdown, putting Oklahoma State up 7-0.

The Horned Frogs arrive

A drive sparked by Max Duggan hitting Quentin Johnston for a 48-yard strike ended with Duggan running in a 1-yard score for TCU. The Horned Frogs trailed 14-7.

Cowboys offense rolling

Sanders had been doing it with his legs for the Cowboys. This time he did it with his arm, finding John Paul Richardson for a 22-yard touchdown pass. Oklahoma State led 24-7.

Tiptoe for the tie

TCU came back to tie the game 30-30 in the final minutes of regulation when Jared Wiley kept his feet in bounds to get into the end zone.

Upset and comeback complete!

Kendre Miller powered into the end zone to give the Horned Frogs the 43-40 win in double overtime.

TCU's Kendre Miller scores the two-yard TD to upset OSU in overtime 43-40

The TCU Horned Frogs RB Kendre Miller scores the two-yard TD to upset the OSU Cowboys in overtime 43-40 to stay undefeated on the season.

No. 18 Syracuse 24, No. 15 NC State 9

The Orange score first

Syracuse put together a five-play, opening touchdown drive, finished off by a 12-yard passing score from Garrett Shrader to Oronde Gadsden.

Syracuse takes two-score lead

Shrader hooked up with Gadsden on a 17-yard touchdown pass, their second connection of the day, giving the Orange a 17-6 lead.

The dagger

Sean Tucker took the run 25 yards to the end zone, putting the Orange up, 24-9, with just over two minutes left.

Michigan State 34, Wisconsin 28

Badger TD

Braelon Allen finished off an 11-play Wisconsin drive with a 1-yard score. The touchdown gave the Badgers a 7-0 lead.

Spartans make a play

Jacoby Windmon intercepted Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz at the Badger's 12-yard line. Two plays later, Jalen Berger ran in a 12-yard score to tie the game at seven.

Another Allen TD

Allen found the end zone again, running in a 1-yard score. Wisconsin took a 14-7 lead.

Big play for the Spartans

Maliq Carr powered his way nearly 80 yards on a reception that put the Spartans in scoring range. MSU tied the game up late in the third quarter.

Adjusting to take the lead

Michigan State wide receiver Keon Coleman made the back shoulder grab to give Sparty a 21-14 lead.

4th-and-TD

Mertz connected with Keontez Lewis in the back corner of the end zone on fourth-and-goal to tie the game at 21-21 with just over two minutes remaining.

Going all out for the W!

Jayden Reed made the impressive catch in 1-on-1 coverage to score and give Sparty the win in double overtime.

Oklahoma 52, No. 19 Kansas 42

Opening TDs

After Oklahoma scored on the opening possession of the game, Kansas did the same on a drive capped off by Jason Bean finding Lawrence Arnold for a dramatic, 39-yard touchdown pass.

More offense

After fumbling on its previous possession, Oklahoma took the lead back. The highlight of the drive was Dillon Gabriel finding Gavin Freeman for a 41-yard reception. On the next play, Jovantae Barnes ran in his second score of the game. Oklahoma led 21-14.

Sooners are rolling

Gabriel hit Theo Wease for a 24-yard touchdown pass. Then after forcing a three-and-out, Oklahoma put together a three-play touchdown drive, capped off by a 28-yard rushing score from running back Eric Gray. The Sooners took a 35-14 lead.

After failing to score at the goal line at the end of the first half, the Sooners punched it into the end zone on their first possession of the second half. Gabriel's 1-yard touchdown run on fourth down, which came after a DaShaun White interception, gave Oklahoma a 42-21 lead.

Kansas still fighting

After Kenny Logan picked off Gabriel, Bean & Co. capitalized. The Kansas quarterback hooked up with Arnold for another score. This one went for 28 yards and cut Oklahoma's lead to 42-28.

Getting interesting…

After scoring a touchdown following an Oklahoma fumble, the Sooners were able to add a field goal. Then, Bean hit Mason Fairchild for their second touchdown connection of the game, cutting the Oklahoma lead to 52-42 with 3:31 remaining.

No. 22 Texas 24, Iowa State 21

Setting the tone early

The Longhorns set the stone as Keilan Robinson blocked a punt early in the opening quarter.

Cyclones strike first

The first quarter had a blocked punt and a missed field goal, but Iowa State scored the first touchdown. Quarterback Hunter Dekkers hit Jaylin Noel for a 5-yard score. Iowa State led 7-0.

Texas gets it going

Quarterback Quinn Ewers finished off a nine-play drive with a 15-yard touchdown pass to Xavier Worthy, evening up the score at seven apiece.

Texas takes the lead

The Longhorns put together another nine-play scoring drive the next time they touched the football. The drive ended with a 5-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Whittington. Texas took a 14-7 lead into halftime.

Iowa State narrows the gap

After Texas kicked a field goal to make it a two-score game, Iowa State's offense woke up. On the second play of the drive, Dekkers hit Noel, who took off for a 54-yard touchdown. The score cut Texas' led to 17-14.

Cyclones take the lead

Iowa State's defense got off the field, and the offense rewarded their efforts. A 12-play drive for the Cyclones was capped off by Dekkers, who ran in an 11-yard score to give them a 21-17 lead.

We got a good one

Texas answered right back. An 11-play drive ended with Ewers hitting Worthy for their second touchdown hookup of the day, giving the Longhorns a 24-21 lead.

BRUTAL drop

On Iowa State's final possession, Dekkers threw downfield to Xavier Hutchinson, who was unable to reel in a could-be go-ahead touchdown pass. The Cyclones went on to lose the game.