Week Two of the college football season is in the books, and it was a pretty interesting one. We witnessed some upsets, FCS teams putting up a good fight against ranked opponents, and we saw teams up and down the SEC struggle a bit. Yes, it is still early and plenty of time to work the kinks out, but it was a bit worrisome nonetheless. I’m looking at you Arkansas and Auburn.
With two weeks down and several more to go, lets see who is safely inside the Final Four and who is on the playoff bubble.
Top Four:
- Ohio State
After beating up on Virginia Tech in Week One, the Buckeyes did nothing to hurt themselves by choking out the Rainbow Warriors of Hawaii and pitching a shutout. They are the best team in the country and I can say that with confidence.
- Alabama
The Crimson Tide also took care of business against Middle Tennessee State, but am I the only one who more than a bit concerned about Jake Coker when conference play hits? Replacing Amari Cooper is obviously going to take some time and in the meantime I suggest Lane Kiffin hands it off to Derrick Henry 30 times a game so that you don’t put the fate of the offense in Coker’s hands. I have said before, and I will say it again, he will cost Alabama a game at some point this season. Ole Miss comes into town on Saturday.
- TCU
TCU looked like the TCU I was expecting to see in Week One this past weekend. They dropped 70 points on Stephen F. Austin without breaking much of a sweat. Better than what the team that resides in Auburn, Alabama can say about their matchup against Jacksonville State.
- Michigan State
New face in the Final Four this week! The Spartans make the cut this week after they got their revenge on Oregon up in East Lansing. They are far from a lock to stay here with Ohio State on the schedule, but a Top 10 win counts for something and that is better than what I can say for Baylor right now.
Missed The Cut:
- Baylor
Baylor’s wins so far this year consist of SMU and Lamar. SMU gave them problems for a half before they pulled away, and Seth Russell tossed three picks against Lamar over the weekend. Despite putting up a basketball number in both, I am worried on how they will respond against stiffer competition. Sorry Bears, you have to show me first before I can believe.
- USC
I have a good feeling about the Trojans of Southern California. This team is talented and they are showing that the once probation stricken program is ready to rise and compete for a national title again.
- UCLA
Don’t get too comfortable Trojan fans. UCLA has them a young stud at quarterback in Josh Rosen that can absolutely sling the pill around. The Battle For LA will be must see TV this year.
- Notre Dame
The Irish survived an upset bid from Virginia on the road, but at what cost? Malik Zaire is gone for the year now with an ankle injury and he is another body added to the list of injuries. Sorry Irish fans, but I think you will trend down going forward.
- Oregon
Yes, the Ducks lost on the road against a tough Michigan State team. Last year the Ducks lost early on in the season against Arizona and rallied all the way to the national title game. Can they do it again this year?