College Football's Best and Worst of October: Teams, players, coaches, power plays and more

October in college football has been marked by significant financial moves and on-field surprises. Known as "Buyout Month," schools have collectively spent $168 million on coaching buyouts. On the field, Alabama stood out as the best team, making SEC history by defeating four nationally ranked teams consecutively without a bye.

Texas A&M's Marcel Reed was named the best player, leading his team to an 8-0 record. Vanderbilt's Clark Lea received recognition as the best coach for steering the Commodores into playoff contention. Kennesaw State's Jerry Mack was highlighted as a coach deserving more attention for leading his team to bowl eligibility in their first full FBS season.

Indiana's 30-20 victory over Oregon was considered the best win, ending Oregon's 18-game home streak. The most thrilling game was BYU's double-overtime win against Arizona. Alabama's Ty Simpson executed the best play, pulling off a trick play to tie a game against South Carolina. Virginia's rise in the