Cherry picking some scores and stats from outside the SEC for your consideration. This time, we're highlighting the ApoCCalypse.
JAMES MADISON 21, VIRGINIA TECH 16
The Hokies outgained JMU 362-235. The Dukes had only three drives that went longer than four plays. Two led to touchdowns and the third ran out the clock on the game. Not a bad way to take advantage when you have an opening. Of course, one of JMU's three-play drives ended with a 77-yard touchdown pass. It seems like nearly every humungous upset involves at least one touchdown over 60 yards or so.
OHIO STATE 36, MIAMI (FL) 24
Look at only offense versus defense, and this game becomes 36-10. Miami's defense did fairly well against Terrelle Pryor the passer, who completed 44% of his throws. But, Pryor the rusher went for 113 yards on 20 carries. Miami's -4 turnover margin also helped keep the Hurricanes well out of striking distance.
OKLAHOMA 47, FLORIDA STATE 17
This wasn't Florida State's biggest lost in history, or even in recent memory. However, it was particularly damaging to the new coaching regime. Mark Stoops may eventually be the answer, but he's no miracle worker. Jimbo Fisher, set free from the shadow of Bobby Bowden, couldn't stop another 30-point loss to a top-ten team. Florida State is no closer to being "back" right now than it was two years ago.
KANSAS 28, GEORGIA TECH 25
GT outgained the Jayhawks 407-320. So how did the Jackets lose? Here's their second half drive summary: punt, turnover on downs, punt, downs, fumble, TD, downs. That's not going get it done generally when you go into the half only up three. GT was 4-13 on third down and 1-4 on fourth down.
MICHIGAN 28, NOTRE DAME 24
You all know what Denard Robinson did by now, so respect to him, but I'm talking about something else. As much as everyone noted his day, the Irish outgained UM by three yards. Neither team played a lot of defense, but Notre Dame kept up while spreading out the load. That to me seems more sustainable than putting 92% of the load on one guy.
STANFORD 35, UCLA 0
We knew Stanford had Andrew Luck passing the ball, but who was going to replace Toby Gerhart? Well, the Cardinal's most efficient runner was... Luck, who went for nine yards a carry in the big win. Side note: how long it's going to take for Bruins Nation to turn on Rick Neuheisel? He's yet to do a thing that matches Karl Dorrell's best season, and he's been there a few years now.
USC 17, VIRGINIA 14
This just in: Virginia outgained USC. In Los Angeles. The times, they have a-changed. Also, remember the off season talk about how Lane Kiffin was bringing discipline to the program as it had gone lax under Pete Carroll? I guess that doesn't include what happens on the field. Against Hawai'i, the Trojans racked up 11 penalties for 100 yards; against Virginia, they beat that mark with 13 penalties for 140 yards.
WISCONSIN 27, SAN JOSE STATE 17
Remember that lifeless patsy that Alabama beat 48-3 in Week 1? Wisconsin went went up on it 20-0 before allowing some late points to end up with the final score you see. John Clay, reigning Big Ten offensive POY, got 137 yards on 23 carries. Eddy Lacy, Alabama's third string back, got 111 yards on just 13 carries. Just pointing it out.
HOUSTON 54, UTEP 24
Houston is an Air Raid team. It passes a lot. But, 279 passing yards in, Case Keenum goes down. No problem, though. Houston ended up rushing more than passing and rolled up 308 yards on the ground. If only the defense was as resilient as the offense.
SOUTH DAKOTA 41, MINNESOTA 38
A common thread of most I-AA upset wins is the I-A team dominating the game in most respects but somehow losing thanks to mistakes (see: VT versus JMU). That wasn't really the case in this one. The Gophers only outgained SDU 462-444 and the teams each had two turnovers apiece. They both even went 6-12 on third down. Minnesota got legitimately, straight up beat by South Dakota. No smoke and mirrors required.
AIR FORCE 35, BYU 14
Check the box score; this one was no fluke. I wonder if this is how it's going to be, with MWC teams taking advantage of their last chance to take a shot at BYU before the Cougars leave.
WEST VIRGINIA 24, MARSHALL 21
The Mountaineers fell behind 21-6 before Marshall collapsed and allowed two touchdowns (plus a two-point conversion) to send the game to overtime. It really sucks for the Thundering Herd, who has had to fight hard even to get WVU to play them. Marshall is now 0-10 all time.
LA-LAFAYETTE 31, ARKANSAS STATE 24
The verdict is in: Georgia's first week opponent is better than Auburn's first week opponent.
MIAMI (OH) 28, EASTERN MICHIGAN 21
The team that pushed Florida all game two weeks ago needed a fourth quarter touchdown to beat Eastern Michigan, quite possibly the worst team in I-A.