2019 College Football Top Ten (Week 8): The Calm Before The Storm

This was a relatively slow week in the Top Ten. Only Penn State played a ranked opponent. Next week will be a defining moment within the top ten with two huge SEC matchups and one in the Big Ten. This is why you play the games. Here is a look at the most recent Top Ten:

 

1) Alabama Crimson Tide (7-0) defeated Tennessee Volunteers 35-13

The Crimson Tide handled the Volunteers but it came at a heavy price. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa injured his ankle in the second quarter and didn’t return. The good news is he’ll have three weeks to get ready for LSU. Mac Jones replaced him and looked nervous. Running back Najee Harris rushed for 105 yards and two touchdowns. The defense held Tennessee to under 250 total yards and forced two turnovers.

Next game- vs. Arkansas Razorbacks

2) Clemson Tigers (7-0) defeated Louisville Cardinals 45-10

The Tigers disposed of an average Cardinal team. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence was up and down, going 20 of 29 for 233 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions. Running back Travis Etienne was outstanding, rushing for 192 yards and a touchdown. The defense had no trouble keeping Louisville’s offense in check and they forced three turnovers.

Next game- vs. Boston College Eagles

 

3)  LSU Tigers (7-0) defeated Mississippi State Bulldogs 36-13

The Tigers went to Oxford and beat a tough Bulldog team. Quarterback Joe Burrow was great, going 25 of 32 for 327 yards with four touchdowns. The defense gave up some yards but kept Mississippi State’s offense under wraps and forced three turnovers.

Next game- vs. #9 Auburn Tigers

 

4) Oklahoma Sooners (7-0) defeated West Virginia Mountaineers 52-14

The Sooners crushed the Mountaineers to keep their momentum rolling. Quarterback Jalen Hurts was near perfect, going 16 of 17 for 316 yards with three touchdowns. He also added two rushing touchdowns. The defense was solid, holding West Virginia’s offense under 200 total yards.

Next game- at Kansas State Wildcats

 

5) Ohio State Buckeyes (7-0) defeated Northwestern Wildcats 52-3

The Buckeyes easily destroyed the Wildcats in a laugher. Quarterback Justin Fields was efficient, going 18 of 23 for 194 yards with four touchdowns. Running back J.K. Dobbins rushed for 121 yards and a touchdown. The defense held Northwestern’s offense under 200 total yards and forced two turnovers.

Next game – vs. #12 Wisconsin Badgers 

 

6) Penn State Nittany Lions (7-0) defeated #16 Michigan Wolverines 28-21

The Nittany Lions got off to a fast start and held on to beat the Wolverines. Quarterback Sean Clifford got the job done, going 14 of 25 for 182 yards with three touchdowns. Wide receiver KJ Hamler had a huge impact on the game with 108 receiving yards and two touchdowns. He also iced the game running for the game ending first down. The defense came up big in the end with a goal line stand to help preserve the win.

Next game- at Michigan State Spartans

7) Florida Gators (7-1) defeated South Carolina Gamecocks 38-27

The Gators went on the road to defeat a confident Gamecock team coming off their upset win over Georgia last week. Quarterback Kyle Trask had a decent game, going 21 of 33 for 200 yards with four touchdowns and an interception. The defense had trouble stopping South Carolina’s rushing attack but tightened up late to help get the win.

Next game- at #10 Georgia Bulldogs

 

8) Notre Dame Fighting Irish (5-1) Bye week

Next game- vs. Virginia Tech Hokies

 

9) Auburn Tigers (6-1) defeated Arkansas Razorbacks 51-10

The Tigers blitzed the Razorbacks in an easy rout. Quarterback Bo Nix was efficient, going 12 of 17 for 176 yards with three touchdowns. Wide receiver Seth Williams had 90 receiving yards and two touchdowns. The defense was stingy, holding Arkansas’ offense to 234 total yards and forced four turnovers.

Next game- at #3 LSU Tigers

 

10) Georgia Bulldogs (6-1) defeated Kentucky Wildcats 21-0

The Bulldogs bounced back from last week’s loss to shut out the Wildcats on a rainy, sloppy day. Quarterback Jake Fromm was a non-factor due to the weather. Running back D’Andre Swift was the offense, rushing for 179 yards and two touchdowns. The defense bottled up Kentucky’s offense, holding them under 200 total yards.

Next game- vs. #7 Florida Gators