Prospect Matchup Review
Miami ILB Denzel Perryman vs Nebraska RB Ameer Abdullah
This was a pretty hyped up match up with Abdullah's agility and quickness vs Perryman's speed and instincts. However this was a pretty one sided. Not only did Nebraska score 41 points but the team rushed for 347 yards. Abdullah himself had 230 and a two touchdowns. Abdullah didn't break off any big runs,but still averaged over six yards per carry. Perryman could very well have a good NFL career. But this match up went to Abdullah.
Florida State LT Cameron Erving vs Clemson DE Vic Beasley
Florida State may have won the game, but this battle goes to Beasley. Erving was looking to prove that he was the best Left Tackle in this draft class, but this is not what he wanted to show off to scouts. Beasley used his speed and quickness to cause two sacks and cause havoc for back up quarterback Sean Maguire. Heck Beasley even had a pass breakup.
Iowa DT Carl Davis vs Pittsburgh RB James Connor
A defensive lineman by himself is never going to truly shut down a good running back, but they could do better than what Davis did against James Connor. Connor was able to have his way in route to 157 yards, a touchdown, and over five yards per carry. Davis on the other hand had only two assisted tackles and combined for a tackle for a loss. Even with facing double teams you would think that Davis would be able to do more.
West Virginia DE Shaquille Riddick vs Oklahoma LT Tyrus Thompson and RT Daryl Williams
With Riddick looking to prove himself as one of the top pass rushers in college football, he fell flat on his face. Riddick failed to register any stats. Not a tackle, sack or even quarterback hurry. Riddick's athletic ability was negated by both Sooner tackles who are light on their feet as well. But what's worse is that Riddick was often man handled in the run game which rises even more questions about his NFL future.
Heisman Watch
1. Marcus Mariota QB Oregon
Last Week: 21/25 for 329 yards passing 5 TDs, 58 yards rushing at Washington State (35-31) Next Week: vs Arizona
Summary: With a possible upset happening, the Ducks needed Mariota to step up and that's exactly what he did. Not only did have nearly 400 total yards and five touchdowns but he competed 84% of his passes and lead the Ducks to a game winning drive with five minutes to go. While it's not against a top flight team, saving potential bad losses is just as big. With that said, Mariota will need another big game next week against an undefeated Arizona team that blew out the Ducks last year.
Last Week: 10 receptions for 201 yards 3 TDs vs Florida (42-21) Next Week: BYE
Summary: Much like Toddy Gurley, Cooper is one of the best players in college football. We've known that for a while. But now with new offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin targeting Cooper almost every pass player it's illustrating it even more. We know that Alabama will be a contender for the National Title and if Cooper continues to keep this up he could be the first wide receiver to win the Heisman since Desmond Howard in 1991.
3. Todd Gurley RB Georgia
Last Week: 6 carries for 73 yards vs Troy (68-0) Next Week: vs Tennessee
Summary: When your team wins 68-0 and you've touched the ball plenty in the previous three games it's understandable that you only have six carries. But with those six carries go for 73 yards that is still impressive. Yes this small output does hurt him a little, but let's be honest. Gurley isn't going to win the Heisman with games against Troy, it's games like Clemson and South Carolina and will continue with SEC play.
4. Ameer Abdullah RB Nebraska
Last Week: 35 carries 230 yards 2 TDs, 1 receiving TD vs Miami, FL (41-31) Next Week: vs Illinois
Summary: Despite Miami's best effort to slow Abdullah down, it proved to be not. Abdullah keyed the Huskers run game en route to 309 all purpose yards and three total touchdowns. With this performance Abdullah went from being a candidate to being a strong contender. However for Abdullah to continue to be in the race, he'll need the Huskers to continue to win. Because we know that he'll have the yards and touchdowns.
5.Kenny Hill QB Texas A&M
Last Week: 16/22 265 yards 2 TDs INT, 57 yards receiving at SMU (58-6) Next Week: vs Arkansas
Summary: It seems like forever ago Hill was lighting up South Carolina. Yes with how the Gamecocks have played has made that game all the more impressive. However with their poor non-conference schedule we've barely seen him. That will change this next week when Arkansas comes to town along with the rest of the SEC schedule. But he tumbles because of it.
Power 8
In
1. Oklahoma Sooners (4-0)
After another dominating performance against a quality opponent, the Sooners are the clear top team in college football. Let's remember that it was Alabama that struggled with West Virginia.
2. Oregon Ducks (4-0)
It was pretty close to being a disaster against Washington State. However the Ducks pulled it out and remain undefeated. But they'll have to play better or that Michigan State win will be forgotten.
3. Auburn Tigers (3-0)
Winning on the road in Manhattan Kansas is not easy. However Auburn got the win and an impressive victory. In a very tough SEC West the Tigers continue to look the best.
4. Florida State Seminoles (3-0)
I don't care that Jameis Winston wasn't playing, the Seminoles are loaded with talent and should won walking away against Clemson. Makes you wonder if they won't slip up along the way.
Knocking on the Door
5. Baylor Bears (4-0)
It was a bye week and nothing really changed here. Baylor continues to be knocking on the door till they drop an unexpected loss or their game against Oklahoma.
6. Alabama Crimson Tide (4-0)
The Crimson Tide really kicked into gear in the second half in route to a blow out win over Florida. Alabama continues to look more impressive, but I'm still not impressed till they play somebody in their own conference.
7. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (3-0)
A week off should allow the Fighting Irish to rest up for an upcoming stretch that sees Stanford and Florida State. Those games either get Notre Dame into the playoffs or keeps them off.
8. Georgia Bulldogs (2-1)
Nothing continues to change. The winner of the Georgia, South Carolina puts them into the SEC Title Game and a great shot of getting in. Right now Georgia still remains the better of the two.
Team on the Rise
East Carolina Pirates
A ten point loss to South Carolina in Columbia is the only thing that's standing in the way of the Pirates being a serious contender for the playoffs. That happens when you beat Virginia Tech in Blackburg and North Carolina by 29 points. Only Cincinnati stands in the way in what should be a 11 win season and an AAC Title.
Team on the Decline
Michigan Wolverines
2004 seems like ages ago, but that was the last time that Michigan won a Big 10 title. They were a contender this year, but with their QB returning and another top ranked recruiting class you would think they would be improved. Instead they lost to Utah at home by 16 to give them their second non conference loss. Right now Michigan would be lucky to end with only four losses. What happened to this once proud program.
Team Under the Radar
Washington Huskies
One of the quietest 4-0 teams has to be the Huskies. But that's exactly how new coach Chris Peterson likes it. They have all the talent in the world and now have one of the top X's and O's coaches in college football. They host Stanford this weekend and a win there would really open eyes and could see the Huskies get some Pac 12 North love.
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