College Football Week 7 Takeaways: Upsets, Firings & Betting Shifts in the CFP Race

Week 7 in college football had everything — upsets, statement wins, and a coaching bombshell that shook the odds board. Several undefeated teams fell, and the playoff picture looks completely different heading into Week 8.

Here’s what bettors need to know.

🔴 Indiana Stuns Oregon — And Becomes a True Contender

No. 7 Indiana walked into Eugene and ended No. 3 Oregon’s 18-game home streak, cashing as +6.5 underdogs. The Hoosiers sacked Dante Moore six times and picked him off twice, proving they’re not just a feel-good story.

Their title odds dropped from +2500 to +900, and they’re now a legit Top 5 CFP threat. If they can beat Oregon in Autzen, they can beat anyone.

💥 Penn State Fires James Franklin After Third Straight Loss

The weekend’s biggest off-field move: Penn State fired James Franklin after 12 seasons. The Nittany Lions’ loss to Northwestern was the breaking point.

Franklin’s $49 million buyout shows how high the stakes are in the NIL era — even top coaches aren’t safe. Early lines for Week 8 already moved +3 points against PSU with the interim staff stepping in.

💸 No Buyout Too Big

So much for schools avoiding firings due to massive contracts.There are now seven Power 4 openings — including Penn State, UCLA, and Oregon State — and programs are paying up to stay relevant.

As Lane Kiffin put it: “You’ve got to pay him, pay his assistants, and then buy another team.” In 2025, no buyout is too big to pull the trigger.

💨 Washington’s Demond Williams Jr. Enters Heisman Race

Washington QB Demond Williams Jr. threw for 400 and ran for 136 yards vs Rutgers — one of the best performances of the season.

He’s now +1200 in Heisman odds (from +5000 two weeks ago) and could surge again with Michigan and Oregon ahead. Quietly, Washington’s a team bettors shouldn’t ignore.

⚓ Navy Keeps Winning — Group of 5 Sleeper?

Navy pulled off a wild comeback vs Temple, with QB Blake Horvath scoring on a 51-yard run and converting the game-winning 2-point try.

Now 6-0 (5-1 ATS), the Midshipmen are +180 favorites to win the AAC — and potentially the Group of 5 playoff slot. Don’t sleep on them.

✌️ USC Finds a Star in Walk-On RB King Miller

Injuries forced USC to give redshirt freshman King Miller the ball — and he delivered: 158 yards and a TD in a win over Michigan.

Lincoln Riley called him “ready and fearless,” and his breakout could make USC’s offense a sneaky Over team in upcoming weeks.

🧱 Oklahoma’s Offense Collapses Against Texas

The Red River Rivalry was all Texas, beating Oklahoma 23–6. QB John Mateer, fresh off surgery, threw three picks and looked out of rhythm.

The Sooners’ playoff odds drifted from +700 to +1600, and with a bottom-tier run game, bettors should be cautious until the offense finds balance.

🏈 Bottom Line

Indiana’s legit. Penn State’s in chaos. Washington and Navy are surging. And Oklahoma suddenly looks vulnerable.

Week 7 didn’t just shake up the rankings — it shifted the betting landscape.

Bet smart. Bet live. BetNow.