College Football Teams Face November Tests

Ole Miss players say they must respond with accountability and renewed commitment after a 42-7 home loss to Georgia ended the Rebels’ 16-game home winning streak and weakened their playoff hopes. Iowa, at 7-2, faces Purdue at Kinnick Stadium and must avoid an upset, with the Hawkeyes’ history against the Boilermakers and Purdue’s willingness to take risks making preparation and ball security important. Iowa players and coach Kirk Ferentz have also framed the Purdue matchup as meaningful November football. Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman is emphasizing disciplined preparation to guard against a letdown after a major win, while Kansas State’s struggles have been linked in part to a shortage of teammates willing to lead and hold one another accountable.