College Football Top Ten (Week 5): Shakeup Saturday

After four Top Ten teams played each other, there was bound to be some movement. There was even a new entry this week. Teams must bring it every week or risk losing. There were some virtuoso performances as well. The Heisman list is also starting to take shape up. Here is the new Top Ten:

 

1)  Alabama Crimson Tide (5-0) defeated Louisiana Ragin Cajuns 56-14

The Crimson Tide made easy work of the Ragin Cajuns. Quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa and Jalen Hurts combined to go 12-14 with three touchdowns. Wide receivers Jaylen Waddle and Henry Riggs lll each had over 100 yards receiving. The defense did it’s job shutting down Louisiana’s offense. Still, Coach Saban won’t be happy with giving up 200 yards rushing, even if it was garbage time.

Next game- at Arkansas Razorbacks

2) Georgia Bulldogs (5-0) defeated Tennessee Volunteers 38-12

The Bulldogs won an easy contest against the Volunteers. They are still waiting for the passing game to find it’s groove. Quarterback Jake Fromm was okay, going 16-22 for 185 yards. The rushing attack had no such issues, piling up 251 yards. Most of the damage was done by Elijah Holyfield, Brian Herrian and D’Andre Swift. The defense completely dominated Tennessee’s offense.

Next game- Vanderbilt Commodores

 

3) Ohio State Buckeyes (5-0) defeated #5 Penn State Nittany Lions 27-26

The Buckeyes g0t a great road win against the Nittany Lions in dramatic fashion to jump up one spot. Quarterback Dwayne Haskins wasn’t as sharp as usual (22-39) but made the throws when it counted (3 touchdowns). The defense overcame injuries and an ejection along with giving up big yards. Penn State’s offense but made crucial stops to give their offense a chance to win it.

Next game- Indiana Hoosiers

4) Clemson Tigers (5-0) defeated Syracuse Orange 27-23

The Tigers survived against the Orange. It was a nightmare scenario with quarterback Trevor Lawrence getting hurt in the second quarter (concussion). Back up Chase Brice was shaky. Running back Travis Ettiene saved the day with 203 yards and three touchdowns. The defense made the necessary halftime adjustments to strangle Syracuse’s offense in the second half. Lawrence’s injury is very concerning though. Kelly Bryant, anyone?

Next game- at Wake Forest Demon Deacons

 

5) Oklahoma Sooners (5-0) defeated Baylor Bears 66-33

The Sooners routed the Bears with explosive plays. Quarterback Kyler Murray was Superman again, passing for 432 yards and accounting for seven touchdowns. Wide receivers Marquis Brown and CeeDee Lamb each had over 100 yards receiving. The defense did it’s work in the first half allowing the offense to build a big lead. Baylor gained a lot of yards and scored points late when the game was already decided.

Next game- #18 Texas Longhorns

 

6) Notre Dame Fighting Irish (5-0) defeated #9 Stanford Cardinal 38-17

The Fighting Irish outplayed Stanford in every phase of the game. Quarterback Ian Book was very good again (24-33 with four touchdowns). Running back Dexter Williams was a workhorse with 161 yards and a touchdown. There was no answer for wide out Miles Boyd (11 catches and a touchdown). The defense was stout, especially against the run, holding Bryce Love to 73 yards.

Next game- at Virginia Tech Hokies

 

7) LSU Tigers (5-0) defeated Ole Miss Rebels 45-16

The Tigers destroyed the Rebels. Quarterback Joe Burrow had himself a game, with 388 total yards and accounting for four touchdowns. The ground attack churned out 281 yards. They are a dangerous team when they are this balanced. The defense flexed it’s claws to contain Ole Miss’ offense.

Next game- at #21 Florida Gators

 

8) Penn State Nittany Lions (4-1) lost to Ohio State Buckeyes 27-26

The Nittany Lions had control of the game but couldn’t finish it. They seemed to get conservative on offense in the second half. Quarterback Trace McSorley is a gamer: he struggled throwing the ball but still accounted for 461 yards and two touchdowns. The defense just couldn’t stop Ohio State’s offense in the fourth quarter to secure the win. They will be kicking themselves after this loss.

Next game- #20 Michigan State Spartans

 

9) West Virginia Mountaineers (5-0) defeated #25 Texas Tech Red Raiders 42-34

The Mountaineers went into Lubbock, Texas and won after building a huge first half lead. Quarterback Will Grier was excellent with 370 passing yards and three touchdowns. Wide receiver Marcus Simms hauled in 9 catches for 138 yards and a touchdown. The defense was strong in the first half shutting down Texas Tech’s high octane passing attack. A pick six late in the 4th quarter sealed the victory.

Next game- Kansas Jayhawks

 

10) Auburn Tigers (4-1) defeated Southern Miss Golden Eagles 24-13

The Tigers seemed to sleepwalk through this game and won a closer than expected contest. Quarterback Jarrett Stidham was not efficient (19-33) but threw two touchdowns. Running back Kam Martin pounded out 90 yards but only averaged 3.8 yards per carry. The defense was strong as usual, dominating the Golden Eagles offense forcing three turnovers.

Next game- at Mississippi State Bulldogs