College Football Top 10 (Week 5)

1) Alabama Crimson Tide (5-0) defeated Mississippi Rebels 66-3

Alabama crushed Ole Miss so bad, it turned into a bench clearing game by halftime. The Crimson Tide had over 600 yards of total offense, which is clicking on all cylinders. Quarterback Jalen Hurts is turning into a special player. This is what he did playing half the game, 12-19 for 197 yards with two touchdowns and 101 rushing yards with another touchdown. The running game is scary because they have talent and depth with Damien Harris, Bo Scarbrough and Najee Harris. The defense was awesome holding the Rebels to 0-13 on 3rd downs, 88 yards rushing and forcing two turnovers. The defense also scored it’s first touchdown of the season on an interception return.

 

2) Clemson Tigers (5-0) defeated Virginia Tech Hokies 31-17

Another road victory for Clemson. It was not pretty but they got the job done. The defense did it’s job as usual. They gave up two late touchdowns which could not have made them happy. The Tigers defense did force three turnovers. Clemson controlled the trenches on both sides of the ball. The offense struggled because of the passing game again. Quarterback Kelly Bryant has to be better than 12-21 for 186 yards. He did rush for 94 yards but needed 19 carries which is way too many. They need better distribution of carries (only nine for Atavism Feaster and eight for Travis Etienne). No need to panic but I’m starting to worry.

 

3) Oklahoma Sooners (4-0) Idle

Next game vs. Iowa State Cyclones

 

4) Penn State Nittany Lions (5-0) defeated Indiana 45-14

Running back Saquon Barkley was on full display against the Hoosiers. He opened the game with a 98-yard kick off return for a touchdown. Then he had a highlight reel one handed catch for 36 yards. To top off his performance, he threw a 16 yard touchdown pass. I have him and Oklahoma Sooner quarterback Baker Mayfield tied for the Heisman lead. Quarterback Trace McSorley was very good, going 23-36 for 315 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. He was sacked five times, which is too many. The running game was held in check but not really needed. The defense gave up some rushing yards (177) but kept Indiana out the end zone (only 14 points). Forcing four turnovers helped their cause.

 

5) Washington Huskies (5-0) defeated Oregon State Beavers 42-7

After a very sluggish and uninspired first half (7-0 lead), Washington scored 35 second half points to put away Oregon State. Quarterback Jake Browning was excellent going 26-34 for 293 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. Running back Myles Gaskin rushed for 113 (7.5 per rush) and a touchdown. Wide receiver Dante Pettis was electrifying with 12 catches for 105 yards and three touchdowns. The defense had no trouble with an inept Beavers’ offense. Holding them to eight first downs, 2-13 on third downs and 184 total yards. The Huskies are flying under the radar, which I thinks helps them. Their schedule only gets tougher.

 

6) Georgia Bulldogs (5-0) defeated Tennessee Volunteers 41-0

Georgia went to Knoxville and punished Tennessee. They controlled the game by running the ball, gaining 294 yards on a healthy 5.3 yards per carry. The Bulldogs move up two spots after this impressive road win. Freshman quarterback Jake Fromm did not have a good passing day, going 7-15 for 84 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He needs to be better moving forward. Running back Nick Chubb led the ground attack with 109 yards. The defense was lights out and continues to get better. The Volunteers could only manage seven first downs, 1-12 on 3rd downs, 142 total yards and committed four turnovers. It was ugly. Georgia’s defense creates so much pressure up front and are sure tacklers. The Bulldogs are the class of the SEC East.

 

7) Wisconsin Badgers (5-0) defeated Northwestern Wildcats 33-24

Wisconsin struggled against a mediocre Northwestern team at home. Quarterback Alex Hornibrook was not good, going 11-20 for 197 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. I’ll continue to not trust him, especially in a big spot. Running back Jonathan Taylor was ok, rushing for 80 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver Quintez Cephus was the big play guy with four catches for 99 yards. The defense had trouble late in the game but held it’s ground. They only gave up 244 total yards, held them to 3-15 on 3rd downs and forced two turnovers. Although they have a forgiving schedule, getting their offense in gear would be in their best interest.

 

8) TCU Horned Frogs (4-0) Idle

Next week vs West Virginia Mountaineers

 

9) Michigan Wolverines ((4-0) Idle

Next week vs Michigan State

 

10) Auburn Tigers (4-1) defeated Mississippi State 49-10

 

Auburn came out and manhandled Mississippi State. They controlled the trenches on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Jarrett Stidham was really good going 13-16 for 264 yards with two touchdowns. If he finds a rhythm, this offense could take off. Running back Kerryon Johnson rushed for 116 yards (5.0 yards percarry) and three touchdowns. The defense bent, giving up 194 rushing yards but did not break, only giving up 10 points. They forced two turnovers. This defense has speed and hits hard.