1. Alabama Crimson Tide– I think they may have seen where I had them ranked last week and they took offense to that (shrugs). In their opener against Vanderbilt, they dominated the game from start to finish and it wasn’t even close. What they did spoke volumes: They were so aggressive in the running game, 496 yards to be exact and even if they decided to run the ball all game, I still believe they would’ve won by the same score. They are now winners of 19 straight against the SEC East. It’s Ole Miss next, a team that they’ve struggled with the last few seasons.
2. Oklahoma Sooners– They struggled in Waco last Saturday. I honestly thought they were going to win by at least 15 points, but it didn’t happen and they got a battle from the Baylor Bears. They struggled against the pass and on special teams and these are two aspects of the game that have hurt them over the years. If they don’t fix these issues, they won’t win the Big 12 and their national title aspirations could be derailed. Baker Mayfield showed once again why he’s the best player in the country and he came to the rescue once again and handled his business. Baker’s efficiency and the rushing attack were both much needed.
3. Clemson Tigers– I was shocked to see them struggle so much through the first three-quarters of the game last week against Boston College. The old saying really is true though: It isn’t how you start, it’s how you finish and the running game woke up and helped put this game away. Kelly Bryant was shaky in this one. He threw two interceptions, but made up for it with his feet and running the ball. He needs to play better if Clemson wants to repeat as champions. We need to see the guy that took apart the Louisville defense a few weeks back. He’s capable of taking games over.
4. Penn State Nittany Lions– Each week, they continue to impress me and I become more of a believer as the time passes along. They showed they’re a mentally tough football team and going into the game against Iowa, I called this a trap game and the Hawkeyes hung in there until the end. Saquon Barkley continues to elevate his Heisman chances rushing for 211 yards and a touchdown. This is still the team to take down in Big Ten and I can’t wait until they face Michigan at home and then the big game on October 28th against Ohio State at the shoe.
5. Washington Huskies– We haven’t heard many people talk about them too much this year. Let’s also remember that the same thing happened last year and they ended up winning the Pac 12 and made it to the playoffs. Myles Gaskin is a running back that doesn’t get the attention he deserves. He can single-handedly take games over by himself and help carry an offense and he did just that for the Huskies last Saturday to help quarterback Jake Browning who had an off day.
