Week 4 College Football Recap: Rankings, Heisman, Playoff Projections

I typically like to do one of these every week, but due to a busy schedule, I was unavailable to do one the past couple weeks. I almost prefer to not update every week now. This way I can tear up what I had before and start over, rather than involuntarily going off my previous week’s rankings. I will publish as much as I can, however. Check out what this week’s action did for the landscape of this college football season below.

Top 25 Poll

Others receiving votes: Duke, Marshall, Ohio State, TCU, Washington

Dropped from the rankings: Pittsburgh (20), Ohio State (24)

25 (NR). Wisconsin (2-1) – Melvin Gordon: 250+ yards and 5 TDs on 13 carries…what a freak! He is the next Jamaal Charles. The team goes as he goes.

24 (25). East Carolina (3-1) – After a third straight victory over North Carolina and dropping 700+ yards and 70 points, we have potentially the scariest non-AQ team in the nation.

23 (NR). BYU (4-0) – It is difficult to really judge this team who dominates first halves and then falters in the second halves, but they are a potent offense and near unbeatable at home.

22 (18). Kansas State (2-1) – They did everything possible to lose to Auburn on Thursday night. They were the better team on that day, and maybe overall, but they need to shut the door. K-State is on the cusp of greatness far too often to never really get over the top.

21 (23). Oklahoma State (2-1) – IDLE.

20 (22). Arizona (4-0) – They were aided by a miracle 36 point 4^th quarter and hail mary to take down upset-minded and improved Cal. They are potentially the most explosive and prolific offense in the nation not called Baylor or Oregon.

19 (17). Stanford (2-1) – IDLE.

18 (16). USC (2-1) – IDLE.

17 (8). LSU (3-1) – They were physically dominated for about 55 minutes against Mississippi State before mounting a near comeback in the final moments. This team just isn’t as great defensively as they need to be to take that division.

16 (14). Mississippi (3-0) – IDLE.

15 (15). Arizona State (3-0) – IDLE.

14 (10). Georgia (2-1) – They may have dismantled a team in record fashion, but they get a net loss on the weekend when South Carolina struggled to beat the worst Power 5 team in the nation.

13 (19). Nebraska (4-0) – The offense is humming and the defense showed some attitude in the renewed rivalry game against Miami. The Big Ten’s chances might very well rest on the shoulders of Nebraska and Ameer Abdullah.

12 (7). Auburn (3-0) – They basically lost on the road, but they survive and advance, I guess. The conference games are what will define this team, just like last year after they nearly got beat by WSU and then nearly ran the table.

11 (13). Michigan State (3-1) – The Big Ten had a big weekend, and Michigan State is continuing to prove that they may be the best team in the conference. Losing in Eugene should not take them out of playoff contention.

10 (21). Mississippi State (4-0) – The Bulldogs finally get a big time win when it still matters! This team is always on the verge of competing, and after a huge road win in Death Valley, they are right in the thick of the race.

9 (9). UCLA (3-0) – IDLE.

8 (12). Penn State (4-0) – No one else really buys into this team as much as I do, but whenever I see them, I am fully impressed. Hackenberg could carry this team all the way to the B1G Title Game.

7 (11). Alabama (4-0) – The defense is not what we have come accustomed to, but Lane Kiffen has really ignited that offense. They could outscore almost the entire conference.

6 (5). Florida State (3-0) – The ‘Noles got extremely lucky to survive without Jameis Winston at home, but they did it in overtime. The defense is still really good, and the running game was able to show its power. They aren’t good enough to go unbeaten, though.

5 (6). Oklahoma (4-0) – Winning in Morgantown should not be underestimated. This team is as strong of a Sooner team as there has been since 2008.

4 (3). Baylor (3-0) – IDLE.

3 (2). Notre Dame (3-0) – IDLE.

2 (1). Oregon (4-0) – The offensive line was exposed in Pullman, one of the toughest places for teams to travel to. They will get it together and look back at this game as a learning experience.

1 (4). Texas A&M (4-0) – Kenny Hill has taken this team to places that Johnny Football never did. The offense simply cannot be stopped, it appears. I like them to take the SEC.

Top 5 Games for Next Weekend

5. Tennessee at Georgia (#14), 9:00AM ESPN – Tennessee is a decent team, despite what we saw from them against Oklahoma a couple weeks ago. Georgia can be beaten again if they bottle up Gurley. This could be start of a bit of a lull in the Bulldog schedule after a tough stretch to start. PREDICTION: Georgia 28-24

4. Florida State (#6) at NC State, 12:30PM ABC/ESPN2 – This may not seem like a great game, but the last time that the Seminoles traveled to Raleigh they were upended and received their only loss of the year. Can it happen again to a newly cocky and seemingly vulnerable team against a team that hasn’t lost yet? PREDICTION: Florida State 31-24

3. Stanford (#19) at Washington, 1:15PM – This will probably wind up on one of the Pac-12 Network channels. Every time these teams get together, something crazy happens. For the fans in the west, this has got to be one of the top games of the weekend. PREDICTION: Stanford 35-31

2. Arkansas vs Texas A&M (#1) (in Dallas), 12:30PM CBS – Arkansas has improved since their opening loss to Auburn, and they get the best team in the nation on a neutral field. This could be a trap game for the Aggies before they get into the meat of their conference schedule. PREDICTION: Texas A&M 48-38

1. UCLA (#9) at Arizona State (#15), THU 7:00PM FS1 – Arizona State is the most underappreciated team in the country, and UCLA still is the most talented. This is one of those weird Thursday night matchups where we get an amazing game that isn’t even on ESPN. Ridiculous. PREDICTION: Arizona State 24-23

Heisman Trophy Watch

5. Kenny Hill, QB, Texas A&M – I am beginning to think that anyone can put up numbers in that offense, but it has rarely looked as easy and exciting as it does with Hill calling the plays.

4. Bryce Petty, QB, Baylor – He might put up historic numbers this year, and if the team is able to run the table, then he might be an easy winner in the end.

3. Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia – He barely played against Troy, but he still has a couple insane games to carry his candidacy to the top.

2. Ameer Abdullah, RB, Nebraska – He is the entire team, and he has had a few Heisman-type moments already. If the Huskers continue to win, then he needs to be invited.

1. Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon – He had a very methodical and productive game despite getting sacked 7 times at WSU. He will be the frontrunner until they lose.

College Football Playoff Projections

Chik-fil-A Peach Bowl: Arizona State over East Carolina

Cotton Bowl: Alabama over Nebraska

Fiesta Bowl: Oklahoma over BYU

Orange Bowl: Florida State over Michigan State

College Football Playoff Semifinal #1 (Rose Bowl): Baylor over Texas A&M

CFB Playoff Semifinal #2 (Sugar Bowl): Notre Dame over Oregon

National Championship Game: Notre Dame over Baylor

What did you think of this weekend? Rankings? Heisman predictions? Let me know below!

Week 1 College Football Recap: Rankings, Heisman, Playoff Projections

Watching week one of the college football season is at times exhilarating and a bit predictable. Some FCS teams always give the Power 5 conference teams a game, but the bigger schools almost always pull out the wins. There are always a couple marquee matchups, and there is always a player or two that leap into the public conscious with one insane debut outing. Sadly, preseason rankings still matter in determining rankings after week one, but hey, if we noticed anything in the past five days, it is that no team is going undefeated. Nobody is that good. Check out my breakdown of the week and a look forward to the best matchups for week two!

Top 25 Poll

Others receiving votes: Arizona, Arizona State, BYU, Clemson, Louisville, Marshall, North Carolina

Dropped from the rankings: Washington (13), South Carolina (15), Texas Tech (20), Clemson (21), Missouri (22), Marshall (24)

25 (NR). Oklahoma State (0-1) – They really surprised a lot of people with their effort against the defending champions. With the confidence they built in week one, they could be a challenger in a wide open Big 12.

24 (NR). Pittsburgh (1-0) – I don’t think anyone really knows anything about the Panthers, but the 62-0 whipping they put on perennial FCS power Delaware was shocking.

23 (NR). Michigan (1-0) – They ended Appalachian State early and looked impressive doing it behind improved QB Devin Gardner.

 

22 (19). Kansas State (1-0) – The Wildcats are going to quietly produce for several weeks before anyone really notices that they exist and are playing amazing football, just like every year.

21 (NR). Mississippi (1-0) – The Rebels pulled away from a slightly overmatched Boise State team. They are still going to need to solve some consistency issues if they really want to be anything but a spoiler in that conference.

20 (25). Mississippi State (1-0) – They pitched a shutout in week one against an in-state rival. That is about as much as you can ask for, no matter the opponent. They are the sleeper in the SEC.

19 (NR). Nebraska (1-0) – They racked up 780+ yards in their opener. The offense was a machine and should send shockwaves throughout the conference. The defense is still looking for answers, though.

18 (9). Ohio State (1-0) – You do not get too much taller of a task than playing a triple option team in week one without your starting QB. They managed well enough and showed definite growth by the second half.

17 (23). Texas (1-0) – The Longhorns looked impressive against one of the elite non-AQ teams in North Texas. If they can continue to roll offensively, then they could be a real contender in the Big 12.

16 (6). Oklahoma (1-0) – They had a shaky opener, but it is just week one. This team will get it together soon, setting up a mightily intriguing matchup with Baylor in early November between two likely unbeatens.

15 (16). Wisconsin (0-1) – They had maybe the three most impressive quarters of football over the weekend. They looked like a title contender, but then they ran out of gas late. They might be the frontrunner in the Big Ten.

14 (2). Alabama (1-0) – It is hard to really criticize them for a 10 point neutral site win, but if the offense struggled that much against a Dana Holgorsen defense, then they have some issues.

13 (1). UCLA (1-0) – The Bruins did what they had to do to win, but they really struggled offensively. They need to put Myles Jack back on offense, at least occasionally. He adds that dimension that will cool the pass rush.

12 (NR). Penn State (1-0) – They had the gutsiest win of the weekend with their 6:00AM kick in Dublin against reigning Fiesta Bowl champion UCF. They had a two minute drill situation and actually hit a clutch kick. Watch out for this team, even if they are still bowl ineligible.

11 (11). LSU (1-0) – They had one of the toughest games in week one, and they got lucky to get out of there with a win. They started to look like a contender in the fourth quarter, but they are going to need to solve some issues if they are going to challenge in that division.

10 (18). USC (1-0) – The Trojans had a brilliant debut under new coach Steve Sarkisian amidst a host of off-field distractions. They might finally be back.

9 (5). Auburn (1-0) – I thought that they had a week one trap game, but they wore out Arkansas in the second half and proved that they are still a national title contender.

8 (8). Michigan State (1-0) – The Spartans smacked around the opposition, this time not struggling early in the year on offense. They are going to be a title contender if they can consistently score in conference.

7 (4). Oregon (1-0) – We really do not know exactly what to think of the team just yet, but when the starters were in there, they looked as good as they have any of the last five years.

6 (10). Stanford (1-0) – They physically destroyed UC Davis, which they should have. This program reloads as well as any.

5 (17). Texas A&M (1-0) – Their game against South Carolina opened eyes the same way Baylor-TCU did in RGIII’s Heisman year. It was a breathtaking first effort from a relatively unknown player (Kenny Hill) and a game that launched a team into the top ranks immediately.

4 (2). Florida State (1-0) – I knew that facing Oklahoma State would be no cakewalk. Everyone had them in a laugher, but the Cowboys are great at preparing for these types of matchups. The Noles will be fine, but they certainly can’t take anyone lightly, even in a horrible ACC.

3 (11). Notre Dame (1-0) – The Irish had a mightily impressive 2014 debut with QB Everett Golson back in the lineup. They stomped all over a very capable Rice team, producing one of their finest offensive outputs under Brian Kelly.

2 (14). Baylor (1-0) – The Bears got off to another scorching start, this time actually showing signs of a competent defense, shutting down in-state rival and usually offensive juggernaut SMU. Baylor could be looking at another magical season.

1 (7). Georgia (1-0) – There was not a team that had a more impressive win than the Bulldogs. Todd Gurley is healthy and going to dominate most defenses he plays against. Clemson was not a stellar defense or anything, but this team, as I suspected, is going to be a force.

Top 5 Games for Next Weekend

5. East Carolina at South Carolina, 4:00PM ESPNU – You know it is a weak weekend when one of the most intriguing games is simply seeing how a team is going to respond after getting blown out. East Carolina is a veteran and winning squad. Can South Carolina avoid a disastrous 0-2 start? PREDICTION: South Carolina 38-24

4. BYU at Texas (#17), 4:30PM FS1 – Last year, the Cougars racked up 550 rushing yards in a stomping of the Longhorns. Texas gets their chance at revenge against a very solid BYU team. PREDICTION: Texas 27-24

3. Michigan (#23) at Notre Dame (#3), 4:30PM NBC – This is always one of the marquee games of its given week. Both teams looked excellent offensively in week one. How will their final annual game go? PREDICTION: Notre Dame 31-23

2. USC (#10) at Stanford (#6), 12:30PM ABC – This has got to be one of the most intriguing games of the young season. The matchups between Stanford and Sark were always compelling, and USC and Stanford have really taken part in some instant classics and upsets in the past few years. PREDICTION: USC 31-17

1. Michigan State (#8) at Oregon (#7), 3:30PM FOX – This was one of the matchups that has been circled since January. It is the most important non-conference game of the season, and we get it in week two. I cannot wait. PREDICTION: Oregon 27-21

Heisman Trophy Watch

5. Christian Hackenberg, QB, Penn State – He may have had a couple turnovers, but if this team is going to continue winning, then it will be squarely on his right shoulder. He has the talent to really put up some serious numbers, particularly in a defensively deficient conference.

4. Bryce Petty, QB, Baylor – Petty was in the running a year ago as well. It seems as if he needs to have an undefeated season to really have a shot at winning, but his numbers might speak for themselves in his senior season.

3. Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia – Gurley is already being touted as the Heisman frontrunner, but this is fairly reminiscent of Marcus Lattimore a couple years ago. Everyone knows he is the best, but running backs don’t win the award anymore unless there aren’t great QBs. This year, there clearly are.

2. Kenny Hill, QB, Texas A&M – Kevin Sumlin’s offense is insane. Any quarterback could come in and put up absurd numbers. If he can keep pulling upsets and passing for half-a-thousand yards through the SEC schedule, then look for another Heisman winner to come out of College Station.

1. Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon – Another year, another case for Mariota’s Heisman. He had his way with the opposition in week one. If he remains healthy, then he is going to be right there at the top of the race all year.

College Football Playoff Projections

Chik-fil-A Peach Bowl: Auburn over Marshall

Cotton Bowl: Oregon over Oklahoma

Fiesta Bowl: USC over Michigan State

Orange Bowl: Florida State over Alabama

 

College Football Playoff Semifinal #1 (Rose Bowl): Georgia over Baylor

CFB Playoff Semifinal #2 (Sugar Bowl): UCLA over Notre Dame

National Championship Game: UCLA over Georgia

I am not completely abandoning my preseason prediction just yet. Georgia proved me right, UCLA greatly underwhelmed on the road. I still think those are the two most complete teams in the nation in the two best conferences. Baylor and Notre Dame appear good enough to go unbeaten, which would be the only way either makes the playoff.

There you have it! What did you think of week one? Who are your early Heisman contenders? Which team was most impressive to you? Let me know below!