1. Alabama Crimson Tide– If you watched that game closely against the Florida Gators, you probably thought what I did. This will be another blowout in their favor. Florida on the other hand had different plans. I was happy to see Alabama get this challenge because it showed me they can win the blow outs or the close games. Each week, they’ll have that bullseye on their back which they should know because they will get the challenge from everyone who plays them. That’s what happens when you’re the defending champs. They cruised to another win in another week and now sit at 3-0.
2. Georgia Bulldogs– The bounceback season has been nice to them. In their SEC opener last weekend against South Carolina, JT Daniels returned and threw three touchdown passes. To some, they’re the most consistent team in the SEC. The offense has been potent and balanced. Then, you have a defense who’s been physical and punishing all year long. Actually, they just allowed their first two touchdowns last week. Is this the biggest threat to dethrone Alabama? We shall find out as the season moves along.
3. Oregon Ducks– They’ve been impressing me. I knew I was high on them for a reason and so far, they haven’t disappointed me. Stony Brook didn’t stand a chance against them in week three and the game was in Eugene. Oregon scored 38 unanswered points after a 10-7 lead which is close. This offense is scary when they have everything clicking. Some good quarterback play from Anthony Brown along with the running game from C.J. Verdell and Travis Dye and that offensive line can make problems for any defense. Pac-12 play begins today and the Ducks will face the Arizona Wildcats.
4. Penn State Nittany Lions– This is the best team in the Big Ten so far. Dating back to last season, they have won seven games in a row. The difference maker for them as been Sean Clifford. He’s really been surprising me with his play because at the beginning of the year, I questioned if he was able to consistently throw the football down the field and not always rely on his legs. Against the Auburn Tigers, he completed 28 of his 32 pass attempts. They won their first game against an SEC opponent since 1985. As I said on Monday Evening Quarterback, the Big Ten East is looking mighty interesting right now.
5. Iowa Hawkeyes– The defense continues to set the tone in Iowa City. They have only allowed three total touchdowns this season. With Wisconsin and their offense so up and down, Northwestern is in a rebuild, this is hands down the best team in the Big Ten West. The other day again on Monday Evening Quarterback, I showed Tyler Goodson some love. He’s one of the best running backs in the country. At this moment, the Big Ten West is theirs to lose.
