Dominant wins for Florida and Alabama earned them spots in this week’s projected bracket. Meanwhile, Iowa’s shocking win over Michigan suggests the Hawkeyes have a real chance of making the bracket in December…
1.Texas
The Longhorns struggled to score Tennesseeof defense, but they achieved a victory in an intense environment. Furthermore, the Texas the defense is so good at affecting the opposing QB that the Longhorns offense may not have to carry them in any game.
2.Miami
The Hurricanes earned a 52-3 win over Central Michigan SATURDAY. They should face more challenges from Clemson next week, but it’s unclear how much resistance the Tigers will offer. We may have to wait until Notre Dame match in November to see Miami be truly challenged.
3. Georgia
The Bulldogs’ first real challenge was supposed to take place on Saturday, but Oklahoma strategist John Mateer basically gave Georgia the game. It didn’t matter OklahomaGeorgia’s defense made Georgia’s offense sweat a little. The Bulldogs used turnovers and short fields to put up points in a 41-13 win. Georgia should be heavily favored against Vanderbilt next week. But a trip to Tuscaloosa in two weeks should be eye-opening.
4. Indiana
The Hoosiers had to fight to beat Northwest Friday. Maybe Northwestern is better and the Big Ten gets deeper. But it is probably also true that this version of Indiana isn’t as dominant as the team that won the national title last year. But it’s okay. The Hoosiers are still deep enough to compete with anyone on this list.
5. Notre Dame
Notre Dame ran the ball better in a 49-10 win over Purdue than against anyone this season. The Boilermakers aren’t the best competition, but the Fighting Irish needed a game against a power conference opponent where they averaged over five yards per carry. QB CJ Carr and the defense continues to be steady, and we’re counting down the days until Notre Dame travels to Provo to face BYU.
6. Ohio State
The Buckeyes kept breaking down the Jeremiah Smith counter button Illinoisand Smith finished the 42-19 victory with 12 catches for 217 yards and four touchdowns. This may need to be Ohio State‘s MO until other offensive weapons emerge. The Buckeyes will need to keep scoring, as this version of the defense isn’t as good as last year’s after losing three players in the first round and two in the second round from last year’s unit.
7. Florida
Gators crushed Ole Mademoiselle 52-28, and they racked up 302 rushing yards in the process. Tailback Duke Clark (12 carries, 126 yards, 1 TD) seemed as dangerous as Jadan Baugh (29 carries, 142 yards, 3 touchdowns). First year coach Jon Sumrall retained most of the players, but he completely overhauled the program. Florida seems talented and disciplined enough to play with anyone.
8.Alabama
THE Alabama the defense was more like that against Kentucky what against State of Florida in a 49-18 victory against South Carolina. Second-year quarterback Keelon Russell seems to be getting better every week, and he’s eviscerated the Gamecocks to the tune of 365 passing yards and five total touchdowns (four passing, one rushing). Alabama faces a tough next three weeks that could ultimately define the season. The Crimson Tide plays Mississippi State SATURDAY. Then they return home to face Georgia. They then hit the road to face Tennessee. We should know by the end of this period if we’re looking at a playoff team.
9. Oklahoma State
The Cowboys are tricky because they have a great win (Oregon) and a terrible loss (Tulsa), but remember that Tulsa’s loss has no bearing on whether Oklahoma State wins the Big 12. Neither did the win over Oregon, but by beating the Ducks, the Cowboys showed they were also good enough to beat anyone in the Big 12. By traveling to Morgantown and rallying for a 41-24 win over a West Virginia team which has just beaten Virginia generates even more confidence. Oklahoma State gets a break next week. Then UCF comes to Stillwater.
10. Oregon
The Ducks lost QB Dante Moore to head trauma, but safeguard Dylan Raiola – two-year starter at Nebraska – filled in and led Oregon to a 41-27 victory at U.S.C.. The Ducks’ loss at Oklahoma State was bad, but their defense was better against USC. Oregon finally managed to make a stop when it needed to. Oregon is off this week, and it’s unclear when (or if) Moore will return.
11. Iowa
The Hawkeyes pulled off a miracle (for them) by driving 75 yards in 1 minute, 46 seconds to win at Michigan. But the fact that Hank Brown, Reece Vander Zee and the company can do it against a demonstrably good defense, meaning Iowa can probably do it to other teams on its schedule. The toughest opponent remaining is Ohio State this week in Iowa City. After that, every game is winnable.
12. Boise State
Boise State left no doubt Saturday in a 32-7 win over the defending MAC champion Western Michigan in Kalamazoo. If the Broncos can remain undefeated in Pac-12 play, they will have a great chance of clinching the Group of 6 spot in the CFP.
First four outs: Ole Mademoiselle, LSU, BYU, Mississippi State
First round
No. 12 Boise State at No. 5 Notre Dame
No. 11 Iowa at No. 6 Ohio State
No. 10 Oregon at No. 7 Florida
No. 9 Oklahoma State at No. 8 Alabama
Quarter-finals
Boise State/Notre Dame wins against No. 4 Indiana in the Rose Bowl
Iowa/Ohio State wins against No. 3 Georgia in the Fiesta Bowl
Oregon/Florida wins against No. 2 Miami in the Peach Bowl
Oklahoma State/Alabama wins against No. 1 Texas at the Cotton Bowl
Gn sports
