Takeaways From Week 8
October 20, 2019
Road to the Heisman
October 22, 2019
Think you know college sports? Brag House gives players a FREE chance to test their sports knowledge to win cash and prizes! To get ready for each week, our in-house expert Shea Freeman analyzes each AP Top 25 team and what to expect for the weekend ahead. Make sure to subscribe for Brag House launch details and get on the right side of the week… or be on the outside looking in!
AP Top 25 - Week 9 (Oct. 22-29)
1. Alabama Crimson Tide (7-0)
Alabama continues their reign at the top of the list, however last Saturday’s win against Tennessee came with a cost. When Heisman candidate QB Tua Tagovailoa exited the game with an ankle injury, Tide fans held their breath the rest of the way. Coach Nick Saban told the media that Tua had a successful procedure on a high ankle sprain, however there is no timetable for his return. Alabama takes on Arkansas this weekend, and while backup QB Mac Jones has weapons around him to lead his team to victory, going forward it will be really interesting to see what this team looks like without their star signal caller.
Next Up: vs. Arkansas (2-5), 7:00 ET
2. LSU Tigers (7-0)
The Tigers have been one of the best offensive teams in the country, averaging 50 points a game and 540 yards of total offense. QB Joe Burrow has now ascended to Heisman favorite with another spectacular game against Mississippi State, throwing for 347 yards and four scores. This team puts up points, regardless of what defensive schemes are thrown at them, but they are entering a very tough two week stretch that starts with #9 Auburn and ends with #1 Alabama. If Burrow continues what he’s doing on offense against a very good Auburn team, LSU will almost certainly jump Alabama for the top spot entering their matchup on Nov. 9th.
Next Up: vs. #9 Auburn (6-1), 3:30 ET
3. Ohio State Buckeyes (7-0) (4)
After thrashing Northwestern 52-3 on Friday night, the voters rightfully bumped them up a spot in the rankings. QB Justin Fields has been sensational all year, adding four TD’s and making several big plays to keep drives alive. The defense has been shutting down opponents all year long, holding teams to 8 points a game and under 100 rushing yards a game. That last stat is key this weekend as they take on their toughest competition thus far, #13 Wisconsin, who’s coming off an upset loss on the road against Illinois. If the Buckeyes are as good on both sides of the ball as we think they are, then this weekend will be the perfect time to prove that.
Next Up: vs. #13 Wisconsin (6-1), Noon ET
4. Clemson Tigers (7-0)
Clemson takes a step back in the top 25 not because they lost, but because despite beating Louisville 45-10 the Tigers have felt underwhelming all season. We know what this team is capable of, as they won a national championship with virtually the same team a year ago. However, QB Trevor Lawrence (14 TD/8 INT) hasn’t been the unanimous Heisman selection that he was projected to be and the team tends to get off to slow starts in the early part of games. That being said, their defense is still immensely talented and capable of making plays. No one is challenging them in the ACC, and that might hurt them down the road, but at least they will be well rested when the playoffs come around.
Next Up: vs Boston College (4-3), 7:30 ET
5. Oklahoma Sooners (7-0)
QB Jalen Hurts was basically perfect this past weekend in a 52-14 blowout of West Virginia (16-17 for 390 total yards and 5 total TDs). The Sooners are putting up a 50 points per game on a whopping 600 yards of total offense, but their defense has been steadily improving all year, quietly holding teams to just under 20 points a game. With a big win against Texas already in the books, it’s hard to imagine another Big 12 Team besting them this year, although they still have to host #14 Baylor a few weeks from now. In the meantime, Hurts and his offense look to keep things going this week at Kansas State.
Next Up: at Kansas State (4-2), Noon ET
6. Penn State Nittany Lions (7-0)
Penn State got off to a hot start this past weekend against #19 Michigan — up 21-0 in the second quarter — however an inefficient 2nd half saw the Wolverines make it a one score game late in the fourth quarter. The Nittany Lions managed to hold on long enough to win 28-21, however the lack of offensive production in the 2nd half should be a little concerning. It was arguably their toughest opponent of the season, but their defense managed to come up big when needed, as they have all year long. This week they’ll travel to Michigan State, and the 4-3 Spartans have a decent defense. Penn State will need to play more like they did in the first half of last weeks game and not the second if they want to continue to 8-0. ‘
Next Up: at Michigan State (4-3), 3:30 ET
7. Florida Gators (7-0)
It was a wet and muddy affair as the Gators fought off a pesky South Carolina team to keep their SEC Title hopes alive. QB Kyle Trask had a big fourth quarter and the defense made some big plays to put the game away, however it’s the latter that should be the most concerting for this Florida team. Due to injuries in their defensive front, they haven’t been able to rush the QB as effectively as in previous games and with a huge game against rival #10 Georgia in two weeks, the Gators will need as much manpower on defense to stop the Bulldogs offense. Luckily, they have a week to get ready for a game that is sure to be a deciding factor for who gets to play represent the SEC East in the title game.
Next Up: Bye
8. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (5-1)
The Irish didn’t move up or down this week, and that’s a shame. With Wisconsin going down last week, Brian Kelly’s team could’ve jumped a spot but the bye week prevented them from improving on that. Nevertheless, his team will look to keep adding to their resume as they travel to Ann Arbor to face the struggling #19 Michigan Wolverines. QB Ian Book will have to manage a top 15 ranked offense against a solid Michigan defense if the Irish want to impress the CFB Playoff committee. A win would almost certainly help them jump up a spot.
Next Up: at #19 Michigan (5-2), 7:30 ET
9. Auburn Tigers (6-1)
They bye weeks continue to help teams coming off a loss, as the #9 Tigers destroyed Arkansas last week 51-10. Despite only putting up 13 points in their loss against Florida, Auburn has looked really good all season long and this week’s matchup against #2 LSU could change their season around all together. A win would jump them back into the conversation for the SEC Championship, as well as a possible playoff berth. This team has proven it can win big games (they beat #11 Oregon earlier this year) and they will need to prove it once again this Saturday in Death Valley.
Next Up: at #2 LSU (7-0), 3:30 ET
10. Georgia Bulldogs (6-1)
The Bulldogs 21-0 win over Kentucky wasn’t enough to jump them higher than their current spot, largely because the teams that moved up ahead of them played more impressive games. Once projected to be a Heisman candidate, QB Jake Fromm only threw for 35 yards as his team was held scoreless in the first half. Georgia has a huge offensive line and can run the ball effectively behind RB D’Andre Swift (179 yards/2 TDs last week), however Fromm isn’t making the most of his opportunities when the pass opens up. They have a week to get things clicking again before facing off against #7 Florida next weekend.
Next Up: Bye
11. Oregon Ducks (6-1)
The Ducks have suddenly found themselves as a dark horse candidate for the CFB Playoff, thanks to a big 35-31 win against then #25 Washington this past weekend. The 31 points is the most Oregon has allowed all season — for comparison, they allowed only 25 total points in their last 5 games — however QB Justin Herbert reminded folks why he’s a possible number one overall pick in next year’s NFL Draft, throwing for 280 yards and 4 TDs. Herbert should continue his streak of consecutive games with a pass TD (37) this weekend against a Washington State team that loves to throw the ball, but has struggled mightily on defense.
Next Up: vs. Washington State (4-3), 10:30 ET
12. Utah Utes (6-1)
Oregon isn’t the only Pac-12 team that’s making its way back up the top 25. Utah is also back in the mix for the conference title after an impressive 21-3 win against #23 Arizona State this past weekend behind the RB Zack Moss (100 yards/2 TDs) and a defense that has been allowing only 11 points per game this year. While there is still ground to make up in the conference — that one loss on the record happens to be against division leading USC Trojans — the Utes are getting it done on both sides of the ball and travel to Berkeley to take on a Cal team that is average just as many points as it lets up (19.7 to 18.9).
Next Up: vs. Cal (4-3), 10:00 ET
13. Wisconsin Badgers (6-1)
Wisconsin found itself on the opposite side of the win column this week as they fell to Illinois 24-23, on a last second FG to stun the Badgers and the rest of the country. Even in a game where RB Jonathon Taylor became only the 3rd player to rush for 5,000 yards by his junior year, the Badgers couldn’t really get anything going on offense and made plenty of mental errors against a team that should’ve had no chance at winning. It’s not going to get any easier for Wisconsin as they travel to Columbus to take on a surging Ohio State team that is loaded on both sides of the ball.
Next Up: at #3 Ohio State (7-0), Noon ET
14. Baylor Bears (7-0)
Baylor had another tough conference test this past weekend against star RB Chuba Hubbard and Oklahoma State, but the Bears were able to ride the back of their own RB JaMychal Hasty (146 yards/2 TDs) to a 45-27 win. They are undefeated and currently tied with Oklahoma for the top spot in the Big 12, however they have yet to play a ranked opponent and were still vulnerable against the run (Hubbard had 173 yards and 2 TDs). They still have to play the Sooners, as well as #15 Texas, but they can rest easy knowing they will remain a top 15 team for at least another week, as they have the weekend off to prepare for West Virginia on Halloween.
Next Up: Bye
15. Texas Longhorns (5-2)
What a hell of a game this past week in Austin! Texas came into this game as 20+ point favorites against a subpar Kansas team yet they had to kick a game winning field goal to escape a wild game, 50-48. The Longhorns offense continued their ascent thanks to QB Sam Ehrlinger (400 yards, 4 TDs) and WR Devon Duvernay (8 catches for 110 yards and 2 TDs), but their defense gave up 570 yards to the Jayhawks. They are still in the thick of the Big 12 race, but they need to improve on the defensive side of the ball if they want to give themselves another shot at Oklahoma.
Next Up: at TCU (3-3), 3:30 ET
16. SMU Mustangs (7-0)
The Mustangs had some concerns facing a Temple defense that just took down fellow AAC competitor Memphis the week before, however those concerns were quelled once the offense started ramping up to the tune of a 45-21 win. QB Shane Buechele threw for over 450 yards and six scores, three of which were caught by WR Reggie Roberson (250 yards receiving). This is a very good team with a very potent offense, and they have a chance to run the table this season. Will it be enough to make the playoff committee give them a look? Maybe not, but if I were a top 25 team I wouldn’t want to see them on my schedule anytime soon.
Next Up: at Houston (3-4), Thurs. 7:30 PM ET
17. Minnesota Golden Gophers (7-0)
As per usual with teams facing Rutgers, Minnesota easily took care of business in a 42-7 win against the Scarlet Knights. Admittedly, Rutgers is not very good but the Golden Gophers have been all year and are off to their best start in nearly 60 years thanks to a 36 point per game average. It’s been a good ride for Minnesota lately, however things are going to get a lot harder now as they get into the thick of their schedule. Up next is a Maryland team that can run the ball effectively, followed by games against top 25 teams Penn State, Iowa and Wisconsin. If only they could play Rutgers every week.
Next Up: vs. Maryland (3-4), 3:30 ET
18. Cincinnati Bearcats (6-1)
Cincinnati lost RB Michael Warren II in a close 24-13 win against Tulsa, but back up RB Gerrid Doaks stepped up majorly with his three total touchdowns. It’s been that kind of season for the Bearcats, who continue to play stout defense and have a different member of the offense take control of any given game. They have a favorable schedule going forward, making it all but a given that they will face #16 SMU in the AAC Championship later this year. They have a week to enjoy their top 20 rankings, as they have a bye this weekend, but they’ll be back on their grind next week against Eastern Carolina.
Next Up: Bye
19. Michigan Wolverines (5-2)
Jim Harbaugh’s has a rough go of it lately, as his team once again lost a primetime game to a top 10 opponent. That being said, the Wolverines did pick up the pace in the second half against #6 Penn State, coming within a touchdown late in the game. It wasn’t enough as they fell 28-21 but at least they had some fight left in them. They’re going to need some of that fight to carry over against a tough Fighting Irish squad that is coming off a bye week and trying to build a playoff resume. Lots of questions surround this team going forward, including how much longer their coach will be on the sidelines.
Next Up: vs. #8 Notre Dame (5-1), 7:30 ET
20. Iowa Hawkeyes (5-2)
Iowa snapped their skid with a 26-20 win at home vs Purdue, but the Hawkeyes offense did little to squash concerns about their offense. After coming off two hard fought games where they score 15 total points, Iowa’s offense looked rusty coming out of the gate against the Boilermakers defense that is pretty generous to opposing teams. They settled for early field goals, and while they did find the endzone twice, they have looked inconsistent and boring on the offensive side of the ball. Luckily, they have a very good defense that is keeping them in games and should continue that trend against a 1-5 Northwestern squad. Hopefully this is the game where the offense finally gets it together.
Next Up: at Northwestern (1-5), Noon ET
21. Appalachian State Mountaineers (6-0)
It’s been a fun ride for coach Elijah Drinkwitz’s Appalachian State squad. A week after their lowest scoring game of the year, the Mountaineers blew the doors off UL Monroe 52-7 and put up 572 yards of total offense. QB Zac Thomas (4 total TD’s) and Darrynton Evans (136 yards/1 TD) leading the way for this team that averages 42 points per game. Aside from a 34-31 win atNorth Carolina, they haven’t really played a tough team on their schedule and a 1-6 Southern Alabama team should be a cakewalk. However, they do have a matchup against South Carolina on November 9. A convincing win there could give them a (very small) case for a New Year’s Day bowl game. EIther way, if you’re a App State fan, enjoy the ride.
Next Up: at Southern Alabama (1-6), Noon ET
22. Boise State Broncos (6-1)
The Broncos undefeated season — and their long shot playoff run — came to an Saturday as Boise State couldn’t hold off BYU in a 28-25 upset on the road. After holding down the offense in a productive game the week before, backup QB Chase Cord came up a little short this time around, proving just how valuable injured QB Hank Bachmeier really was to the team. The Broncos are hoping their upcoming week off will give him enough time to heal before they host San Jose St next weekend. They can still play for a New Year’s Eve bowl, but they’re going to have to be very convincing in the process.
Next Up: Bye
23. Iowa State Cyclones (5-2)
Since dropping out of the top 25 after a loss to in-state rival Iowa, Iowa State has put together a string of nice wins to get them back into the polls and back intl the discussion for the Big 12. QB Bryce Purdy has been steady all season and leads an attack that is scoring just over 40 points per game in the month of October. They’re defense could use some work, especially this weekend when they face an Oklahoma State team that has arguably the best running back in the country in Chuba Hubbard. That loss to Baylor might hurt their chance at making the Big 12 Championship, and they’re offense will need to keep putting up big numbers if they want to stay in the hunt.
Next Up: vs. Oklahoma State (4-3), 3:30 ET
24. Arizona State Sun Devils (5-2)
Arizona State has been a surprise team coming into last weeks matchup against #12 team but turned into a pumpkin after getting waxed 21-3. QB Jayden Daniels had a led a pretty productive offense but he was the opposite of that on Saturday, mustering only 25 yards passing in what was a rough day all around for the Sun Devils. Coach Herm Edwards knows his team and freshman QB still aren’t quite ready for primetime just yet, but he will get them back on track this weekend against an underwhelming UCLA squad.
Next Up: at UCLA (2-5), 7:30 ET
25. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (5-2)
A week after getting bounced from the Top 25 after a 62-59 thriller against Louisville, the Demon Deacons are back in the polls once again this season after a close 22-20 win against Florida State. QB Shane Hartman, making his first start of the year, and WR Sage Surrat (170 yards) got Wake Forest in great field position for K Nick Sciba’s career high five made field goals. It was a big win for the team, who are one game behind Clemson in the ACC Atlantic and play the Tigers is few weeks. They have an off weekend coming up, but they’ll look to improve on their previous two efforts and give the ACC the shake up it so desperately needs.
Next Up: Bye
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December 9, 2019