Fraud Alert: Notre Dame, Georgia and Alabama looking guilty after Week 7 upsets
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High-profile names always draw attention to any courtroom. After a chaotic Week 7, it's made for quite the day in the USA TODAY Sports Fraud Court.
All the disarray that happened within the top 10 has led to some of the perennial powers needing to face the judge and find out if the shocking result was just that, or it exposed them with some hard-hitting evidence not even the best defense attorneys could sneak their way out of. It's a critical examination since the majority of the teams, from Notre Dame to Georgia to Alabama, all have firm belief this year was destined for success.
The courtroom may be full, but it's now is session to determine the fate of several big brands hoping it doesn't diminish their College Football Playoff chase.
No. 3 BYU
The case: In one of the biggest home games in program history, BYU asserted itself in the playoff race with a dramatic defeat of Notre Dame, propelling the Cougars to their highest ranking since USA TODAY began administering the coaches poll in 1991.
The verdict: Jury is still out. Yes, BYU was impressive against the Fighting Irish. But really, the Cougars haven't impressed outside of it. A reason why not many people expected BYU to win because his lack of dominance this season by playing down to the level competition in games it should win easily. After an emotional win, BYU is now vulnerable to slip up, and it needs to be convincing in order to be fully cleared of any fraud activities.
No. 4 Georgia
The case: One week after beating the dominant team in the Yellowhammer State to become No. 1, Georgia couldn't handle the other one with Auburn coming into Sanford Stadium and leaving with a last-second win, its first win there since 2005.
The verdict: Guilty. Georgia's offense was the best in the country when it played against lesser competition, but it's now out of sorts. It was stagnant most of the day with reliable quarterback Gunner Stockton turning the ball over and gifting Auburn chances to pull off the upset. Two consecutive weeks of inconsistency is a trend. The Bulldogs escaped Alabama thanks to some fortunate calls, but the luck ran out against the Tigers, and now Kirby Smart's team needs to prove itself.
No. 6 Indiana
The case: The longest winning streak in the country came to an end with Indiana unable to beat Ohio State in Memorial Stadium for the first time since 1988.
The verdict: Not Guilty. One foot is what seperates from Indiana standing not having a court date. While the Hoosiers haven't been as dominant as 2025, they really did a solid job containing Ohio State from being explosive. It's unfortunate Nick Marsh wasn't able to stay in bounds for the go-ahead score because Indiana was primed to hold onto that lead. Curt Cignetti may have lost a game, but there's no reason to think the sky is falling.
No. 8 Notre Dame
The case: The first true test for Notre Dame this season ended in failure, losing to BYU despite some questionable officiating at the end of the game.
The verdict: Guilty. We have to seriously address Notre Dame's inability to defeat top-tier competition. The Fighting Irish are now 2-3 against ranked opponents since last season. That's enough to make the statement they aren't a top team considering they mostly beat up on lower-tier competition. This was as much of a statement game for Notre Dame as it was for BYU, and failing it puts it in jeopardy of once again missing the playoff if it can't get get past Miami at home next month.
No. 9 Utah
The case: Deion Sanders put a scare in the Utes, making them play all four quarters in a three-point victory that was the first one possession win of the year for Utah, now 6-0 for the first time since 2015.
The verdict: Not guilty. For some reason, playing at Folsom Field isn't always the easiest thing for Utah. The defense cracked a bit in the second half to open the door for Colorado, but Utah is a complete team that has an electric quarterback in Devon Dampier that isn't getting talked about enough. Plus, plenty awaits the Utes to determine how legit they are.
No. 12 Kentucky
The case: It was a slow day for Kentucky at Oklahoma, trailing heading into the fourth quarter before it locked in with two touchdowns, powered by a late pick six from Jordan Castell to seal the win.
The verdict: Not guilty. How about the job Will Stein is doing? The Wildcats are 6-1 thanks to the magificent play-calling coming from the coaching staff, and they persevered against a tough Oklahoma defense, while picking off John Mateer three times. Kentucky could use a convincing victory soon, but for now, it is safe as it is transforming into a football school.
No. 13 Alabama
The case: Neyland Stadium is turning into a house of horrors for the Crimson Tide after its prolific offense was held to just 10 points against Tennessee, losing consecutive regular-season games for the first time since Nick Saban's first year in 2007.
The verdict: Guilty. After getting off the hook last week, there's no avoiding the charges now. Alabama really did get suffocated by the Volunteers, exposing that the offense isn't as great as it seemed to be out of the gate. That's a concern as this was the toughest stretch for the Crimson Tide, and they failed. The rest of the schedule is easy enough for Alabama to play into the playoff, but don't be mistaken by the fraud label that would come with it.
No. 16 Houston
The case: The Cougars have casually gotten off to a 6-1 start with four consecutive wins after emerging victorious in a major Big 12 battle against Oklahoma State.
The verdict: Not guilty. You shouldn't be ignorning Houston much longer as Willie Fritz continues working wonders in H-Town. This is a really well-rounded squad that can win in a multitude of ways, and the offensive performance against the Cowboys showed how lethal it can be. The upcoming game against Utah will likely make-or-break the playoff chances, but no matter the result, the Cougars should be well on their way to a 10-win campaign.
Mississippi State
The case: Without Kamario Taylor or Fluff Bothwell, Mississippi State stood no chance against LSU, soundly beaten 31-0 in its first shutout loss since 2020.
The verdict: Guilty. Sure, the Bulldogs didn't have their best players on the field, but the doesn't discount the defense has been a liability. It didn't help the depleted offense one bit and it doesn't appear like it will be something that will get better later on. Taylor's eventual return will get Mississippi State into a bowl game, but any chance of being a credible threat is just about dead.
North Carolina
The case: Bill Belichick has improved the Tar Heels in his second season, matching the team's win total from 2025 by beating rival Duke for the second victory in row.
The verdict: Guilty. The Tar Heels come into the courtroom thinking makeup on a pig will overturn the guily verdict. This is still a fraudulent team that has caught some big breaks during this mini-win streak. The sky isn't falling, but this also isn't some contender emerging − reaffirming its status as guilty.
Guilty teams this season
- Oregon
- Michigan
- Oklahoma
- SMU
- Clemson
- Nebraska
- Illinois
- Texas A&M
- North Carolina
- Vanderbilt
- USC
- Penn State
- Louisville
- Washington
- Colorado
- Texas Tech
- Pittsburgh
- Virginia
- California
- Texas
- Tennessee
- LSU
- Florida
- Georgia
- Notre Dame
- Alabama
- Mississippi State
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fraud Alert: Notre Dame, Georgia and Alabama looking guilty after Week 7 upsets
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