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For most college football fans, the next big “Game of the Year” is coming in two weeks when the Alabama Crimson Tide visits LSU to play the upstart Tigers.
For as great as that game may be, I was truly mesmerized last Saturday night in West Lafayette, Indiana as Purdue took on Ohio State University. Purdue came into the game at a disappointing 3-3, and Ohio State was undefeated and 7-0 on the season.
But the Boilermakers’ three losses were by a total of seven points, and the team was rallying to make a dream come true for Purdue student, Tyler Trent.
If you did not see the game, check out this terrific story about Tyler and make sure to keep a handkerchief handy if you scroll down to view the ESPN profile of this brave young man. It is worth your time.
Tyler Trent is 20 years old and has terminal bone cancer. He is in hospice care right now and is literally week-to-week.
He loves his Boilermakers, though, and he proclaimed that Purdue would shock the world Saturday night and end Ohio State’s perfect season.
Boy, was he right! With Tyler in attendance for this game, Purdue steamrolled Ohio State 49-20.
In a second half of football which was simply magical at times, Purdue answered every Ohio State challenge with some of the most mesmerizing touchdowns I have witnessed on a college football field. One after another after another. There was no doubt who was going to win this game.
Therefore, in appreciation for the most enthralling half of football I have seen all season, I am making a special exception and place in the SwampSwami Top 25 for the inspired team from Purdue University.
SwampSwami has refused to bend and put any two-loss teams into his rankings thus far in 2018. With Purdue now at 4-3, this week’s poll still doesn’t have any two-loss teams!
Congratulations to the Purdue football team, head coach Jeff Brohm, and their number one fan, Tyler Trent. You made my Top 25 poll with the most inspiring football I have witnessed in a very long time!
Now…on with the countdown!
Rank Team W L Best win/loss this season
1 Alabama 8 0
2 Clemson 7 0
3 UCF 7 0
4 Notre Dame 7 0
5 South Fla. 7 0
6 Kentucky 6 1 26-16 @ 6-1 Florida
7 Florida 6 1 27-19 over 7-1 LSU
8 LSU 7 1 36-16 over 6-1 Georgia
9 Georgia 6 1 38-12 @ 3-4 Tennessee
10 Texas 6 1 48-45 over 6-1 Oklahoma
11 Oklahoma 6 1 Lost to 6-1 Texas 48-45
12 Michigan 7 1 38-13 over 5-2 Wisconsin
13 Wash.State 6 1 28-24 over 5-2 Utah
14 West Va. 5 1 42-34 @ 5-2 Texas Tech
15 Iowa 6 1 13-3 over 4-3 Iowa State
16 Ohio State 7 1 27-26 @ 5-2 Penn State
17 NC State 5 1 35-21 over 5-2 Virginia
18 San Diego.St 6 1 19-13 @ 5-2 Boise State
19 Utah State 6 1 45-20 @ 4-3 BYU
20 Houston 6 1 45-18 over 3-5 Arizona
21 UAB 6 1 28-7 @ 5-2 La. Tech
22 Cincinnati 6 1 34-30 over 4-3 Ohio U.
23 Buffalo 7 1 36-29 @ 5-3 Temple
24 App. State 5 1 35-9 @ 4-3 Ark. State
25 Purdue 4 3 49-20 over 7-1 Ohio St.