2019 College Football Top Ten (Week 9): New Faces, New Rankings

There was more separation this weekend with a top ten and top 15 matchup. Next weekend will be about the two top ten SEC showdowns that will certainly influence the college football playoff picture. There are five undefeated teams left but that will certainly change. Here is this week’s Top Ten.

 

1) Alabama Crimson Tide (8-0) defeated the Arkansas Razorbacks 48-7

The Crimson Tide easily handled the Razorbacks in route to the victory. Backup quarterback Mac Jones, subbing for injured starter Tua Tagovailoa, was efficient, going 18 of 22 for 235 yards with three touchdowns. Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy had 103 receiving yards and two touchdowns. The defense held Arkansas to 213 total yards and forced four turnovers.

Next game- vs. #2 LSU Tigers

 

 

2) LSU Tigers (8-0) def #9 Auburn Tigers 23-20

LSU won the battle of the Tigers in a close contest. Quarterback Joe Burrow was on his game, going 32 of 42 for 321 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He also rushed for a touchdown. Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire ran for 136 yards and a touchdown. Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase had 123 receiving yards. The defense harassed Auburn’s quarterback all game and had three sacks.

Next game- at #1 Alabama Crimson Tide

 

 

3) Ohio State Buckeyes (8-0) defeated #11 Wisconsin Badgers 38-7

The Buckeyes broke open a close game in the second half to run away from the Badgers. Quarterback Justin Fields was pedestrian, going 12 of 22 for 167 yards with two touchdowns. He also ran for a touchdown. Running back JK Dobbins was a beast, rushing for 163 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver Chris Olave had 93 receiving yards and two touchdowns. The defense held Wisconsin’s Jonathan Taylor in check, keeping the offense under 200 total yards and had five sacks.

Next game- vs. Maryland Terrapins

 

 

4) Clemson Tigers (8-0) defeated Boston College Eagles 59-7

The Tigers jumped all over the Eagles and cruised to an easy win. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence was sharp, going 16 of 19 for 275 yards with three touchdowns. Running back Travis Etienne rushed for 109 yards and three touchdowns. Wide receiver Diondre Overton had 119 receiving yards and three touchdowns. The defense held an inept Boston College offense under 200 total yards.

Next game- vs. Wofford Terriers

 

 

5)  Penn State Nittany Lions (8-0) defeated Michigan State Spartans 28-7

The Nittany Lions physically manhandled the Spartans in a shocking manner in East Lansing. Quarterback Sean Clifford was up and down, going 18 of 32 for 189 yards with four touchdowns and an interception. The defense held Michigan State to 265 total yards and forced four turnovers.

Next game- at #15 Minnesota Golden Gophers

 

 

6) Florida Gators (7-1) Bye week

Next game- vs. #7 Georgia Bulldogs

 

 

7) Georgia Bulldogs (7-1) Bye week

Next game- at #6 Florida Gators

 

 

8) Oregon Ducks (7-1) defeated Washington State Cougars 37-35

The Ducks survived a scare from the Cougars to win a nail biter. Quarterback Justin Herbert looked ordinary, going 21 of 30 for 222 yards. Running back CJ Verdell was great, rushing for 257 yards and three touchdowns. The defense was saved by the offense’s late game heroics after giving up the go ahead score with a minute left in regulation but did force two key turnovers.

Next game- at USC Trojans

 

 

9) Utah Utes (7-1) defeated California Golden Bears 35-0

The Utes used a big first half to put the game away over the slumping Golden Bears for the victory. Quarterback Tyler Huntley was efficient, going 11 of 17 for 214 yards with a touchdown. Running back Zack Moss rushed for 115 yards and two touchdowns. The defense was amazing, holding California’s offense under 100 total yards and had three sacks.

Next game- at Washington Huskies

 

 

10) Oklahoma Sooners (7-1) lost to Kansas State Wildcats 48-41

The Sooners got down big to the Wildcats before their comeback bid fell short. Quarterback Jalen Hurts accounted for 491 total yards and four touchdowns. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb had 135 receiving yards and a touchdown. The defense looked like last season’s version, getting gouged for huge chunk plays.

Next game- vs. Iowa State Cyclones