Prospect Matchup Review
Georgia DE Ray Drew, OLB Leonard Floyd, and OLB Jordan Jenkins vs South Carolina LT Corey Robinson and LG AJ Cann
We all knew that Cann and Robinson were good run blockers and that was very evident in this game helping the Gamecocks go for 176 yards on the ground. However it was their play in the pass game that was the big surprise. Floyd, Jenkins, and Drew combined for zero sacks and only a half tackle for a loss. Not the showing you would expect out of Floyd and Jenkins who are two of the top edge rushers in this draft class. Cann's stock was already pointed upward, but continue to keep an eye on Robinson.
Arkansas DE Trey Flowers vs Texas Tech LT La'Raven Clark
Going into this match up you would think that Clark would have his hands full dealing with Flowers' strength. However Flowers really didn't have the impact you would think. Finishing with only three tackles and a tackle for a loss it was so so. However Clark didn't give up a single sack which should help his stock as he can show he can play both tackle or guard.
Florida LT Chaz Green vs Kentucky DE's Alvin Dupree and Za'Darius Smith
While they didn't escape with the win, it was a good night for the Wildcat duo. They combined for 11.5 tackles, a half sack, and three QB hurries. They played a huge role in limiting the Gators to 20 points in regulation and putting them in a place to win the game. Green on the other hand had to play LT due to an injury and wasn't in his comfort zone.
East Carolina WR Justin Hardy vs Virginia Tech CB Kendall Fuller and SS Kyshoen Jarrett
While Hardy played a big role in the Pirates upset of Virginia Tech, he didn't have the huge game that many expected. Hardy had four catches for 47 yards, but with teammate Cam Worthy going off that really limited this match up from really taking place. But part of that was the attention that Hardy was receiving.
Heisman Watch
1. Marcus Mariota QB Oregon
Last Week: 19/23 221 yards passing 2 TDs, 71 yards rushing 2 TDs vs Wyoming (48-14) Next Week: at Washington State
Summary: There really isn't much to right about for Mariota. He was expected to cruise past Wyoming and did just that with 392 total yards and four total touchdowns. With a slight down game from Gurley, Mariota becomes the clear favorite for the Heisman. With the win over Michigan State and easy wins over the next couple of weeks we won't get much for Mariota. However we'll see if Maritoa can hold onto the lead when the heart of their schedule comes up with UCLA and Stanford in consecutive weeks.
2. Todd Gurley RB Georgia
Last Week: 20 carries 131 yards rushing TD at South Carolina (35-38) Next Week: vs Troy
Summary: You really can't blame Gurley for the Bulldogs loss to South Carolina, but it still affects his Heisman status. However you have to wonder what could have been. Gurley had a long TD called back which caused the Bulldogs to punt. Then with it being first and goal, a pass was called instead of giving the ball to Gurley which ended up being an intentional grounding. If you just give the ball to your best player they might have won the game and we might now be talking about Gurley taking over the lead again.
3.Kenny Hill QB Texas A&M
Last Week: 20/31 300 yards passing 4 TDs, 38 yards rushing vs Rice (38-10) Next Week: at SMU
Summary: Hill continues to put up video game numbers and look to be in total control, but does his 300 yards and 4 TDs even register with anybody? He's really being hurt by playing such an easy schedule. Which makes that opening week dominance of South Carolina seem like last year. It won't change this this week when Aggies host SMU who have looked hapless this season. October 11th against Mississippi can't get here fast enough.
4. James Connor RB Pittsburgh
Last Week: 31 carries 177 yards rushing 3 TDs vs Florida International (42-25) Next Week: vs Iowa
Summary: His name might not yet be household, but it will soon. All Connor has done since taking over in the middle of last year is produce. He's a rushing machine going for 177 yards against FIU bringing his total to 554 yards and 8 touchdowns. Connor could easily be this year's Andre Williams as the unknown running back. But the main difference is that Connor is making his mark early in the season while Williams didn't get notice till the end. Connor will get tested against an Iowa team that is very stout against the run.
5. Ameer Abdullah RB Nebraska
Last Week: 19 carries for 110 yards rushing TD at Fresno State (55-19) Next Week: vs Miami (Fl)
Summary: Outside of his early 57 yard touchdown run in the first quarter, we really didn't see much from Abdullah in this one. But that also could be attributed to the Bulldogs poor secondary and the Huskers lessening the load for Abdullah. That should change with Miami coming to town. A big game matched up against Miami ILB Denzel Perryman could really help Abdullah out and give him a change to move up the list.
Power 8
In
1. Florida State Seminoles (2-0)
Nothing changing here. Seminoles were on a bye week and will pick up with Clemson. Florida State is the clear best team in the ACC and should have yet another undefeated season, locking them into the playoff.
2. Oregon Ducks (3-0)
Standard game for the Ducks who rolled a Wyoming team that did hold them scoreless for the first quarter. The Ducks should continue to cruise till their game vs nemesis Stanford. Get past them, the Ducks could be thinking #1 seed.
3. Oklahoma Sooners (3-0)
Their 34-10 win over Tennessee continues to show that the Sooners are playing at an elite level. Sure it was in Norman and Tennessee still finished towards the bottom of the East. But the Volunteers had a ton of momentum with them and the Sooners just ran by them.
4. Auburn Tigers (2-0)
I don't understand why people are overlooking Auburn. Not only did they almost win the National Title last year but their QB is back and they've looked like they haven't skipped a beat. Their the best team in the SEC in my eye and that gets them in right now.
Knocking on the Door
5. Baylor Bears (3-0)
It's not so much what Baylor hasn't done, it's more of what Oklahoma is doing. Baylor will get their shot and as long as they are playing like they have it will come down to that November 8th game vs Oklahoma.
6. Alabama Crimson Tide (3-0)
In a muddled up SEC, the Crimson Tide are in a great spot. Even if they lose a game or two. The SEC champ is going to the playoff and that's all the Tide need to worry about. As long as Blake Sims continues to develop, or just get the ball to Amari Cooper, Alabama has a great shot.
7. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (3-0)
It only beating Rice, Michigan, and now Purdue which is nothing to brag about. But since Everett Golson has returned the offense has looked like Brian Kelly's old Central Michigan and Cincinnati juggernauts. They'll get their tests against USC, Florida State, and Stanford. But escaping that with only a loss could earn their spot into the playoff.
8. Georgia Bulldogs (1-1)
So maybe the Bulldogs aren't as good as we thought they were. However let's not forget that the SEC East is very wide open and Georgia is the most talented team in that group. Win out and they are likely in the SEC Title Game which we all know the winner is automatically in. So don't count out the Bulldogs yet.
Team on the Rise
BYU Cougars
If you haven't heard much about BYU lately, you aren't watching college football very closely. The Cougars were a team that was poised for a big year, but with a dominating win over Texas and two quality wins over Houston and UConn it looks like the Cougars could go undefeated. It starts with QB Taysom Hill has his ability to run, but when you add their dynamic RB Jamaal Williams and it really stresses the defense trying to stop both of them. Their defense has really stepped up while missing talented pass rusher Bronson Kaufusi. I'm not sure they get into the playoff talk, but it's going to be hard if they do run the table.
Team on the Decline
Central Florida Knights
It was clear that last year was a magical season that saw QB Blake Bortels emerge to go with a talented RB in Storm Johnson which ended with one loss, AAC Title, and a Fiesta Bowl win. Now it's not like this team just came out of nowhere. They have talent and were expected to still contend for the conference title. However in their two games this year the Knights just haven't looked as good as they should be. Look for them to fall back to the middle of the AAC.
Team Under the Radar
Virginia Cavilers
If it wasn't for three turnovers returned for touchdowns against UCLA, we could be talking about a 3-0 Virginia team. Lead by their defense, the Cavilers are turning what many (including me) thought would be another last place ACC finish. Their defense is going to keep them in games, while their offense needs to cut down on its turnovers. They won't beat FSU for the division, but they're easily a bowl team. Looks like Mike London may be saving his job.
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