I have some big problems with the AP top ten rankings for this week. Michigan fans have the right to be upset with a one-loss Ohio State team above them. Ohio State lost to an Oregon team that has barely hung on for its life after the win in Columbus, and has not beaten a quality opponent. Michigan, meanwhile, may not have had the toughest schedule either, but they have yet to lose. Ohio State and Alabama are ranked in front of Michigan just because of brand name.
I also do not understand Penn State above Michigan State and Oklahoma State. Penn State has a loss, their starting quarterback has injury concerns, and when the backup went in against Iowa, he was very bad. Meanwhile, Michigan State has one of the best rushers in the country and is undefeated. Alabama’s win against Miami (who has turned out to be terrible), is still held in high regard, but Michigan State has that same win, but no one cares about it. Oklahoma State has a very strong defense and a win on the road against Texas, which I think is bigger than Penn State’s win against Auburn.
I do not believe that Oregon is a top ten team right now. They are playing down to their Pac 12 opponents and the offense doesn't have explosive plays. They won at OSU, but since then they look like they might not even win the Pac 12.
Playoff Predictions:
Georgia
Oklahoma
Ohio State
UC
Heisman Watch:
Desmond Ridder UC QB
Bijon Robinson Texas RB
Matt Coral Ole Miss QB
Jordan Davis UGA DT
My Picks:
Last week I was 7/11 (64%)
Wisconsin at (25)Purdue: Purdue is coming off a program-defining win at Iowa, but they need to be focused and not allow a letdown game. The good thing for them is that Wisconsin is only good at stopping the run game, not the pass. Purdue excels in the passing game because of future NFL receiver David Bell. Purdue also has a solid defense, so the already struggling Badgers offense will face a challenge. I think Purdue will win but may have a slow start.
Clemson at (23)Pitt: Pitt has one of the best passing offenses in the country with quarterback Kenny Pickett. However, they can’t run the ball at all, so the passing game has a lot of pressure on it. Clemson has not been a typical Clemson team. The defense isn’t bad, but the offense can't get anything going. I like Pitt this season, and I am picking them in the game, but it scares me a little bit because Pitt is famous for being inconsistent.
(8)Oklahoma State at Iowa State: Both teams have below average quarterbacks, so it will be a battle of the running backs. Iowa State has Breece Hall and Oklahoma State will run the ball through Jaleyn Warren. I think Oklahoma State’s run is going to come to an end with Iowa State squeaking out a close win at home.
UT at (4)Alabama: The Tennessee fans let an awesome game turn into an embarrassment for them last weekend, littering the field with trash after a call didn't go their way. Alabama, meanwhile, bounced back from their loss, demolishing Mississippi State. Tenneeesse’s offense has found ways to put up lots of points, but they haven’t faced a defense as good as the Tide. I don’t think this will be a very close game.
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