College Football 2023: Unraveling the Season’s Drama

Benjamin Fair
The Lyons Den
Published in
4 min readNov 14, 2023

In the realm of college football, the 2023 season has proven to be an odyssey of exhilarating triumphs, tumultuous turns, and unparalleled drama. From the storied legacy of a once revered coach to the rising stars poised for greatness, the gridiron has been a canvas painted with moments that define the essence of the sport.

Join me as I navigate through the highs and lows, from the intriguing coaching shifts to the pivotal playoff clashes and the race for the prestigious Heisman Trophy, all intertwined in the unpredictable tapestry that is college football. In this thrilling saga, where every game carries the weight of destiny, we explore the narratives that shape the season’s drama, paving the way for history to be etched on the fields where dreams are both made and shattered.

Jimbo Fisher’s arrival at Texas A&M, heralded with expectations soaring from his triumphant tenure at Florida State University — a national championship, an 83–23 career record, and a dominant run in the ACC — prompted dreams of Aggie ascendancy. Yet, his 45–25 overall record, and 27–21 SEC standing and securing the 2022 top recruiting spot, fell short of anticipated success.

The disappointment stemmed from Fisher’s struggle to translate potential into consistent on-field dominance. His departure marked the end of an era, leaving a lingering question about unmet expectations and missed opportunities. Nonetheless, Fisher’s tenure remains a lesson in the unforgiving nature of college football, where even once celebrated coaches grapple with the balance between promise and performance, leaving Texas A&M to navigate the aftermath and search for a new leader amid the evolving landscape of the sport.

Meanwhile, the rollercoaster ride continued amidst the ebbs and flows of college football, Deion Sanders’ leadership at Colorado painted a picture of unpredictability. While the Buffs started triumphantly with victories over TCU, Nebraska, and Colorado State, they have hit a rough patch, losing six of their last seven games. Within this season of unexpected turns, shining moments emerged, notably seen in Sanders’ son, Shedeur, who has showcased a masterful performance, sparking talks of his potential as a first-round NFL draft pick. Shedeur’s brilliance amidst the team’s struggles hinted at a brighter future amid the present trials.

As the season crescendos, Colorado stands at the precipice of bowl eligibility, facing an uphill battle against Washington State and Utah. These pivotal matches loom large as the Buffs seek redemption and a chance at postseason glory. Sanders’ leadership, tested by the team’s rollercoaster trajectory, remains a beacon in Colorado’s narrative — a tale of resilience, twists, and the pursuit of success in the face of adversity.

Amidst the coaching shuffle, the college football playoffs stand as the pinnacle of anticipation, hosting eight formidable teams in a fierce battle for championship contention. The looming clash between Michigan and Ohio State, set for the final week of the season, holds the potential to reshape the playoff landscape dramatically. Simultaneously, the SEC championship game teeters on the brink of an epic collision between perennial powerhouses Georgia and Alabama, promising a monumental showdown that could reverberate through the playoff standings.

In the PAC 12, the championship game between Oregon and Washington amplifies the excitement, offering a showdown pivotal in influencing the postseason calculus. These impending face-offs, both in the regular season finale and conference championships, signal an imminent seismic shift in the playoff narrative, with each matchup becoming a stage for legacy-making performances, ultimately reshaping the playoff bracket and determining which teams will vie for the coveted championship title.

However, amid the unpredictable nature of the playoffs, the race for the Heisman Trophy reflects a similar sense of uncertainty. The current favorites for the Heisman, in my estimation, include quarterbacks such as Bo Nix of Oregon, Michael Penix of Washington, Jayden Daniels of LSU, Jalen Milroe of Alabama, and running back Ollie Gordon of Oklahoma State. Each has illuminated the season with their remarkable performances, leaving an indelible mark on the field. Yet, it’s Bo, Michael, and Jalen whose upcoming performances in the final regular season games and ensuing conference battles will likely sway the coveted Heisman honor.

With the season hurtling towards its climax, the college football landscape stands ripe with anticipation. The drama, the stakes, and the sheer unpredictability set the stage for a thrilling finale, where careers are made, dreams shattered, and legends born.

As the dust settles and the final whistle blows, who will emerge triumphant? The answers lie within the remaining games, where every play, every touchdown, and every moment counts — a testament to the unpredictable magic that defines college football.

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