College Football Top 10 (Week 9) – Separation Saturday

As the chaos continues, the college football landscape is starting to take shape. The top teams in the Power 5 conferences are starting to knock each other off. This is a good thing because it brings clarity. Here’s a look at the latest top ten.

 

1. Georgia Bulldogs (8-0) defeated Florida Gators 34-7

The Bulldogs dominated the Gators for the easy win. Quarterback Stetson Bennett went 10-19 for 161 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. Running back Zamir White ran for 105 yards and a touchdown. The defense gave up some yards but only allowed one touchdown and forced two turnovers.

Next game – vs. Missouri Tigers

 

2. Oklahoma Sooners (9-0) defeated Texas Tech Red Raiders 52-21

The Sooners routed the Red Raiders to earn the victory. Quarterback Caleb Williams was superb, going 23-30 for 402 yards and six touchdowns. Wide receivers Marvin Mins (135 receiving yards/two touchdowns) and Mario Williams (100 receiving yards/one touchdown) were causing havoc in the secondary. The defense did a good job containing Texas Tech’s offense and forced two turnovers.

Next game – at #13 Baylor Bears

 

3.  Cincinnati Bearcats (8-0) defeated Tulane Green Wave 31-12

The Bearcats were unimpressive in their victory over the Green Wave. Agree or not, style points matter with them. Quarterback Desmond Ridder was solid, completing 17-27 for 227 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. The defense held Tulane’s offense under 300 total yards, had four sacks and forced four turnovers.

Next game – vs. Tulsa Golden Hurricanes

 

4. Alabama Crimson Tide (7-1) Idle

Next game- vs. LSU Tigers

 

5. Michigan State Spartans (8-0) defeated then #4 Michigan Wolverines 37-31

The Spartans made a furious comeback to beat the Wolverines. Quarterback Payton Thorne went 19-30 for 196 yards and two interceptions. Running back Kenneth Walker III was sensational, rushing for 197 yards and five touchdowns. The defense gave up a ton of yards but got the game saving interception to seal the win.

Next game – at Purdue Boilermakers

 

6. Ohio State Buckeyes (7-1) defeated Penn State Nittany Lions 33-24

The Buckeyes survived an upset minded Nittany Lion team for the victory. Quarterback C.J. Stroud completed 22-34 for 305 yards and a touchdown. Running back TreVeyon Henderson ran for 152 yards and a touchdown. Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba had 97 receiving yards. The defense got the necessary stops late and forced three turnovers.

Next game – at Nebraska Cornhuskers

 

7. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (8-0) defeated Duke Blue Devils 45-7

The Demon Deacons made it look easy against an overmatched Blue Devil team for the win. Quarterback Sam Hartman was awesome, going 24-37 for 402 yards and three touchdowns. Wide receiver A.T. Perry had 116 receiving yards. The defense had little trouble containing Duke’s offense with four sacks and forced a turnover.

Next game – at UNC Tar Heels

 

8. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (7-1) defeated UNC Tar Heels 44-34

The Fighting Irish scored late to get the win over the Tar Heels. Quarterback Jack Coan went 16-24 for 213 yards and a touchdown. Running back Kyren Williams was a workhorse, rushing for 202 yards and a touchdown. The defense struggled with UNC’s offense but made stops late and forced a key turnover.

Next game – vs. Navy Midshipmen

 

9. Oregon Ducks (7-1) defeated Colorado Buffaloes 52-29

The Ducks flexed their muscles against the Buffaloes to get the win. Quarterback Anthony Brown was sharp, going 25-31 for 307 yards and three touchdowns. Running back Byron Cardwell ran for 127 yards and a touchdown. Wide receiver Devon Williams had 95 receiving yards and a touchdown. The defense made enough plays to contain Colorado’s offense.

Next game – at Washington Huskies

 

10. Oklahoma State Cowboys (7-1) defeated Kansas Jayhawks 55-3

The Cowboys destroyed the Jayhawks en route to an easy victory. Quarterback Spencer Sanders went 12-19 for 157 yards and two touchdowns. The defense held Kansas’s offense to just 143 total yards and forced three turnovers.

Next game – at West Virginia Mountaineers