1. Alabama Crimson Tide– The offense could definitely improve, but the defense, they simply picked up where they left off from last year even with different players on the field. They just proved once again they are still the class of college football and it’s not even close. The offense didn’t click as we expected it too (it’ll come with time) but when you have a team that did well on special teams, you add in that smothering defense and you also can’t forget that talented trio of running backs in Scarbrough and the Harris boys. It’s just another day at the office for Nick Saban and the Tide.
2. Penn State Nittany Lions– I know they played Akron, but the biggest question surrounding them was about last year and was it a fluke or are they a serious team? They are definitely for real and they showed that in their beatdown of Akron on Saturday. Saquon Barkley showed why he is the best all-around running back in the country today. He opened the season up with 172 yards rushing and 54 yards receiving. Trace McSorley wasn’t too bad either and held his own by passing for 280 yards. The defense pitched a shutout and things are looking good for them. They now have an in-state battle with Pittsburgh today.
3. Ohio State Buckeyes– I’ll be the first to admit that I wasn’t impressed with them last Thursday night when they faced Indiana. The secondary was attacked frequently and the offense had a very lackluster start. Eventually, Urban Meyer and company made the necessary adjustments and righted the ship by scoring 28 unanswered points and got a nice start from running back J.K. Dobbins who filled in for Mike Weber who was sidelined with a hamstring injury. J.T. Barrett also woke up in the second half and tossed three touchdown passes.
4. Oklahoma Sooners– I just have two words: Baker Mayfield. He’s back and it means that records will be set and many will be broken. He started his game against UTEP with 16 consecutive completions and finished the game with a stat line of 19 of 20 passes completed and three touchdown passes. It’s safe to say Lincoln Riley’s debut as Oklahoma’s head coach was a successful one. We’ll see who they really are tonight in Columbus.
5. Clemson Tigers– There’s only so much that you can take from a 53-point beatdown. The major thing I took away was new quarterback Kelly Bryant spreading the football around to his receivers and I’ve always said that guys making their first starts always have the upper hand against any defense because there isn’t much tape on him and you learn more about the player as the game goes along. Now, a showdown with the Auburn Tigers. That game will definitely have my attention.
