College Football Top Ten ((Week 7): Another Saturday Shake Up

Just when things seemed to settle down and the picture was starting to take shape, another wild Saturday happened. No matter who is favored or who is an underdog, the games must still be played. Meaning anything can and will happen as it did the past weekend. After the smoke cleared, here is the new Top Ten.

1) Alabama Crimson Tide (7-0) defeated Missouri Tigers 39-10

The Crimson Tide easily handle the Tigers. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa took off early, going 12-22 for 265 yards with three touchdowns in a half of work. He gave the Alabama faithful a scare when he limped off the field but would be fine. Wide receivers Jerry Jeudy and DeVonta Smith each had over 100 yards receiving. The defense was very good, dominating Missouri’s offense.

Next game- at Tennessee Volunteers

 

2) Ohio State Buckeyes (7-0) defeated Minnesota Golden Gophers 30-14

The Buckeyes won an unexpected hard fought game against the Golden Gophers. Quarterback Dwayne Haskins was superb, going 33-44 for 412 yards with three touchdowns. Wide receiver KJ Hill was spectacular with nine catches for 187 yards and two touchdowns. The defense struggled in the first half but made the necessary adjustments and shut down Minnesota’s offense in the second half.

Next game- at Purdue Boilermakers

 

3) Clemson Tigers (6-0) Bye Week

Next game- #20 North Carolina State Wolfpack

 

4) Notre Dame Fighting Irish (7-0) defeated Pittsburgh Panthers 19-14

The Fighting Irish survived a scare from the Panthers. Quarterback Ian Book had good numbers, going 26-32 for 264 yards with two touchdowns but made some costly poor decisions with two interceptions. The defense made just enough plays against a struggling Pittsburgh offense to seal the win. Could their luck be running out?

Next game- at Navy Midshipmen

 

5) LSU Tigers (6-1) defeated #2 Georgia Bulldogs 36-16

The Tigers simply dominated the Bulldogs. Quarterback Joe Burrow was not particularly good, going 15-30 for 200 yards but made up for it running for two touchdowns. Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire was a workhorse with 145 yards rushing. Wide receiver Justin Jefferson had over 100 yards receiving. The defense shut down the Georgia offense and created four turnovers.

Next game- #24 Mississippi State Bulldogs

 

6) UCF Knights (6-0) defeated Memphis Tigers 31-30

The Knights made a furious comeback against the Tigers to remain unbeaten. Quarterback McKenzie Milton was pedestrian, going 17-29 for 296 yards with a touchdown and a rushing touchdown. Wide receiver Gabriel Davis had 128 yards receiving and a touchdown. The defense contained Memphis’ passing attack but struggled mightily against their running game, giving up almost 300 yards. Fortunately, they did make the stops at the end.

Next game- at ECU Pirates

 

7) Michigan Wolverines (6-1) defeated #15 Wisconsin Badgers 38-13

The Wolverines flexed their muscles against the Badgers. Quarterback Shea Patterson was average passing, going 14-21 for 124 yards but did add 90 yards rushing with a touchdown. Running back Karan Higdon had 105 yards rushing and a touchdown. The defense showed its mettle by shutting down Wisconsin’s offense. They had two interceptions, returning one for a touchdown.

Next game- at #23 Michigan State Spartans

 

8) Oklahoma Sooners (5-1) Bye Week

Next game- at TCU Horned Frogs

 

9) Georgia Bulldogs (6-1) lost to #10 LSU Tigers 36-16

The Bulldogs were manhandled by the Tigers. Quarterback Jake Fromm had his worst game to date, going 16-34 for 209 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. The running game wasn’t good either, only gaining 113 yards. The defense wasn’t bad but gave up too many chunk plays. It didn’t help with the offense committing four turnovers.

Next game- #12 Florida Gators

 

10) Texas Longhorns (6-1) defeated Baylor Bears 23-17

The Longhorns barely avoided the upset by the Bears. Starting quarterback Sam Ehlinger was injured early (shoulder). Back up Shane Buechele replaced him and played OK, going 20-34 for 184 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Running back Keaontay Ingram has over 100 yards rushing. Wide receiver Collin Johnson had a big day with 11 catches for 132 yards. The defense did just enough to preserve the victory after the offense completely stalled in the second half.

Next game- at Oklahoma State Cowboys