Week one of the college football season is the books, and as you know it is never too early to speculate on who made the best first impression and put themselves in a spot to be considered for the college football playoff.
While some top teams impressed in their season opener there were also some teams who disappointed and struggled right out of the gate. It’s a long season and a long path to January that will certainly have plenty of twists and turns, but here is what my Final Four looks like after Week One.
- Ohio State
The Buckeyes were down several playmakers, they hit some adversity just before halftime in Blacksburg, but in the second half they reminded everyone in the college football world that they are the defending national champions. This team put up 42 points on an off night and they put more bullets in the chamber next Saturday as guys like Jalin Marshall and Joey Bosa come back from suspension. They are talented and DEEP. Schedule sets up nicely as well.
- Alabama
Despite having three different quarterbacks take snaps against Wisconsin, the Crimson Tide rolled to a double digit win over a ranked opponent. They are going to need to settle on a quarterback at some point, because I don’t envision the quarterback by committee thing working out for them in the long term. They are stout on defense, and that’s going to keep them in every game they play this year, but we all know about the murder’s row the SEC schedule can be. Can the Tide make it through unscathed?
- Baylor
The Bears certainly have some things to work out defensively, but they SPEED for days on offensively. Seth Russell isn’t in Bryce Petty’s shadow any longer, and that offense is going to put up points on every team they play based on to their talent at the skill positions. They may have to score a ton on some of the better teams on the schedule, but they definitely have the ability to outscore anyone they play.
- TCU
Gary Patterson’s bunch looked a little rusty on the road against Minnesota on Thursday night, but they were still able to come away with the victory. I expected the TCU offenses to put up a basketball number in their season opener, but just because they didn’t doesn’t mean folks should panic just yet. They still have one of the best quarterbacks in the country in Trevone Boykin leading their offense, and like Baylor they have the potential to put up a ton of points. I think once they knock the rust off they will be just fine.
Missed The Cut:
- USC
This is my pick to take home the Pac-12 this year. With Arizona State and Arizona looking shaky, and cross town rival UCLA starting a true freshmen at QB, they have a chance to be the best team in the Pac-12 South and I think whoever comes out of the South will when the conference this year.
- Auburn
The Tigers managed to hang on to a win against Louisville in Atlanta, but Jeremy Johnson tossed three picks in the process. I was very anxious to see how he performed in his first game as the full time starter, and he has me worried a bit, but I will wait and see how he bounces back. I will say that the Auburn defense does look and improved, but Will Muschamp will have to earn every cent of that salary when conference play starts to make a push for the playoff.
- Michigan State
The Spartans are in the discussion for now, but getting into a dog fight with Western Michigan to open the season won’t do you any favors early on. They are a veteran team with a good quarterback in Connor Cook under center, but will they be good enough to knock off Ohio State?
- Oregon
The Quack Attack didn’t skip a beat with Vernon Adams taking over for Marcus Mariota. The Ducks offense will always be potent, but giving up 42 points to Eastern Washington is very concerning. Yes, they are good FCS team, but it is still concerning when you think about the offenses they will face in the Pac-12.
As everyone knows, these rankings will be very fluid over the course of the entire season. They will change from week to week and I’m sure things will get interesting as we get down the home stretch. Everyone can rejoice at the fact that COLLEGE FOOTBALL IS BACK!!!