Penn State lost to Ohio State 33-24. It was an odd game. I feel like it could have easily ended up with a Nittany Lion win, but at the same time it could have just as easily resulted in a blowout for the Buckeyes. Six trips to the redzone and OSU only managed one touchdown, four field goals, and one turnover on downs. Imagine if they actually scored two more TDs instead of FGs. At the same time, Penn State had opportunities and did not manage to capitalize. Basically a typical Penn State/Ohio State game. Although, once Ohio State rattled off some points, it reminded me of the 2012 game where McGloin was intercepted by Shazier, who returned it for a TD, then OSU scored two more times at the end of the quarter and you knew it was over. But, Penn State managed to regroup after the Olave TD and Cage fumble recovery TD and put up some points to go into halftime and then came out ready to play in the third quarter.
This will be one of those years where we always ask ourselves what would have happened had Sean Clifford not gotten hurt at Iowa? The bad thing is that the elite teams have a backup QB who can take over and at least perform at moderately similar level. Oh well, no need to dwell on it, lets look at the rankings.
- Georgia (8-0)–it was close for a bit, but then the Bulldogs completely took over and dominated yet again.
- Cincinnati (8-0)–a slow start against Tulane, but they turned it on in the second half (I would drop them for having trouble with the Green Wave, but Oklahoma almost lost to them in week one).
- Alabama (7-1)–bye week
- Ohio State (7-1)–put up some points on one of the best defenses.
- Oklahoma (9-0)–they gave Texas Tech a beatdown, they can stay put.
- Michigan State (8-0)–they picked up a big win against Michigan.
- Oregon (7-1)–crushed Colorado 52-29.
- Michigan (7-1)–hard to drop them too far after a close loss to Michigan State. The nice thing is that the Big Ten East will work itself out (maybe).
- Notre Dame (7-1)–they beat North Carolina in a bit of a shootout.
- Wake Forest (8-0)–another strong offensive performance has me taking notice of the Demon Deacons.
- Oklahoma State (7-1)–unlike the Sooners, the Cowboys had zero trouble with the Jayhawks.
- Baylor (7-1)–they beat Texas (who hasn’t at this point?).
- Texas A&M (6-2)–bye week
- Auburn (6-2)–beat Ole Miss fairly easily.
- Ole Miss (6-2)–I have respect for the SEC West
- Iowa (6-2)–smacked around by Wisconsin. I have zero respect for the Big Ten West.
- BYU (6-2)–did not see them putting 66 on Virginia (who was an honorable mention for me last week).
- Kentucky (6-2)–two losses in a row.
- Coastal Carolina (7-1)–a weak win against Troy, but they move up a little bit since everyone else lost.
- Minnesota (6-2)–they have been on a roll since that crappy loss to Bowling Green.
- NC State (6-2)–not an impressive win over Louisville.
- Pitt (6-2)–ugh, they lost to Miami, who I praised for being a much better team than their record last week, so I guess I need to acknowledge that fact.
- UTSA (8-0)–bye week
- Houston (7-1)–knocked off SMU on a crazy ending.
- Louisiana-Lafayette (7-1)–they dominated Texas State. Their only loss was in week one to Texas.
Honorable Mention: SMU (7-1), San Diego State (7-1), Liberty (7-2), Fresno State (7-2), Appalachian State (6-2), Penn State (5-3), Mississippi State (5-3), Wisconsin (5-3)
I would imagine that the three loss teams listed in my honorable mention would most likely beat 23-25, but it is hard to reward a three loss team, especially if they lose three in a row. Sorry Penn State, you need a win to get back into my rankings.
The big game next week is LSU heading to Alabama. Yeah, the Tigers are 4-4, but rivalry games are always fun and there is always a chance for a huge upset. Texas A&M and Auburn square off in a showdown of two loss teams who are playing very well right now. Ole Miss faces Liberty, which could be a huge win for the Flames. This is one of those weeks where the MAC plays games Tuesday and Wednesday (not going to lie, I dig a Wednesday night game). Might as well check out Northern Illinois and Kent State.
