College football Week 4 observations: Playoff hopes for Texas A&M, North Carolina, Iowa State now just a memory

High expectations are great as long as teams are attempting to make that climb with a solid foundation. 

Texas A&M, North Carolina and Iowa State spent all offseason with College Football Playoff talk permeating their locker rooms and fanbases. It was natural given those teams returning several key elements of last year's teams.

However, when you never reached the heights you seek, it is easy to get distracted in the enthusiasm of your situation. Chemistry doesn't carry over to the next season. The little things you did on your climb sometimes get overlooked. Distractions are everywhere. 

Those playoff hopes are a distant memory after Saturday with the Aggies falling to Arkansas, the Tar Heels getting thrashed by Georgia Tech and the Cyclones dropping a close one to Baylor.