2019 College Football Top Ten (Week 7): Welcome To The Party

The SEC has taken over the top ten with five teams and is clearly the best conference in college football. The Big Ten is trying to make it’s own claim with three teams and is a strong conference in it’s own right. There was one upset and a newcomer this week. Here is the latest Top Ten.

 

1) Alabama Crimson Tide (6-0) defeated #25 Texas A&M Aggies 47-28

The Crimson Tide went to College Station and won a relatively easy game after a slow start. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa looked mortal for once, going 21 of 34 for 293 yards with four touchdowns and an interception. Running back Najee Harris cracked the 100 yard barrier. The defense pressured the Aggie quarterback all game and was able to contain the offense.

Next game- vs. Tennessee Volunteers

 

2) Clemson Tigers (6-0) defeated Florida State Seminoles 45-14

The Tigers made easy work of an average Seminole team. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence was decent, going 17 of 25 for 170 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. Running back Travis Etienne had 127 rushing yards. The defense smothered Florida State’s offense and forced four turnovers.

Next game- at Louisville Cardinals

 

3) LSU Tigers (6-0) defeated #7 Florida Gators 42-28

The Tigers used a balanced attack to beat the Gators in a top ten SEC battle. Quarterback Joe Burrow was superb, going 21 of 24 for 293 yards with three touchdowns. Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire ran for 134 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Wide receivers Ja’Maar Chase (127 receiving yards/two touchdowns) and Justin Jefferson (123 receiving yards/one touchdown) had exceptional games. The defense struggled early but made stops in the second half to help secure the win.

Next game- at Mississippi State Bulldogs

 

4) Oklahoma Sooners (6-0) defeated #11 Texas Longhorns 34-27

The Sooners finally exorcised some demons by beating the Longhorns in this bitter rivalry. Quarterback Jalen Hurts accounted for 366 total yards with four touchdowns and one interception. Running back Kennedy Brooks rushed for 105 yards. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb was sensational with 10 catches for 171 yards and three touchdowns. The defense played well in keeping Texas’ high powered offense under control.

Next game- vs. West Virginia Mountaineers

 

5) Ohio State Buckeyes (6-0) Bye week

Next game- at Northwestern Wildcats

 

6) Wisconsin Badgers (6-0) defeated Michigan State Spartans 38-0

The Badgers simply dominated the Spartans on all levels in a resounding victory. Quarterback Jack Coan was efficient, going 18 of 21 for 180 yards with a touchdown. The fact that all-world running back Jonathan Taylor didn’t even rush for 100 yards makes the final score more impressive. The defense was outstanding, holding Michigan State under 200 total yards and forcing two turnovers.

Next game- at Illinois Fighting Illini

 

7)   Penn State Nittany Lions (6-0) defeated #17 Iowa Hawkeyes 17-12

The Nittany Lions went to Iowa City and ground out a victory over a physical Hawkeye team. Quarterback Sean Clifford was pedestrian, going 12 of 24 for 117 yards with a touchdown. Running back Noah Cain had 102 rushing yards and a touchdown. The defense forced two turnovers and made enough plays to secure the win.

Next game- vs. #16 Michigan Wolverines

 

8) Notre Dame Fighting Irish (5-1) defeated USC Trojans 30-27

The Fighting Irish survived a close call against the Trojans for the victory. Quarterback Ian Book was shaky at best, going 17 of 32 for 165 yards with a touchdown. Running back Tony Jones Jr was a workhorse, rushing for 176 yards. The defense struggled in the second half but still managed to stop USC’s late comeback attempt.

Next game- at #16 Michigan Wolverines (after Bye Week)

 

9) Florida Gators (6-1) lost to #4 LSU Tigers 42-28

The Gators went toe to toe with the Tigers in Death Valley but fell short in the end. Quarterback Kyle Trask had a good showing, going 23 of 39 for 310 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. Tight end Kyle Pitts had 108 receiving yards. The defense put up a valiant fight but ran out of gas late.

Next game- at South Carolina Gamecocks

 

10) Auburn Tigers (5-1) Bye week

Next game- at Arkansas Razorbacks