Week 11 did not disappoint, with some incredible games features national contenders. LSU stole the headlines with their win over Alabama, with Minnesota also getting publicity for their upset win over Penn State. Let’s look at the main talking points from a fascinating week of college football.

1) LSU Seal Historic Win Over Alabama

Alabama have been the top dog of college football for a decade now, but this past weekend LSU toppled Bama in Bryant-Denny stadium. It was the Tigers first win over Alabama since 2011, and has massive play-off implications.

LSU overpowered Alabama 46-41, with quarterback Joe Burrow silencing the last of his doubters with a incredible performance against a Bama defense loaded with NFL talent. 393 yards and 3 TD’s along with 64 rushing yards was enough to punish Alabama, who made some uncharacteristic errors in this one. LSU still has to face Ole Miss and Texas A&M, but their path to a national title is in their hands.

2) LSU Solidified as Number One

The first College Football Play-off rankings made some headlines last week, as they anointed Ohio State number one over LSU. After their win against a third ranked Alabama on the road, there will be no doubt LSU returns to number one this week.

Ohio State look very good this year, but LSU now has four wins against top ten teams, something no other play-off team can match for strength of schedule. For Alabama a play-off berth is still within reach, but it needs other contenders to lose down the stretch.

3) Minnesota Spring Upset on Penn State

Despite the massive hype surrounding the LSU – Alabama game, Minnesota still managed to steal some headlines with their massive upset win. The undefeated Golden Gophers took down the fourth ranked Penn State 31-26, a win that has vaulted them to national attention.

Head coach P.J Fleck signed a seven-year contract extension worth $33.25 million, to ward off potential interest from bigger schools like Florida State. Minnesota have now jumped to seventh in the latest AP Poll, and if they remain unbeaten this year could find themselves in the hunt for a national title.

4) P.J Fleck on National Radar After Win

One of the hottest names in college coaching right now is P.J Fleck, who only enhanced his reputation with a upset win over Penn State. The Minnesota head coach is now 9-0 this year, and his team are ranked in the top ten for the first time since 1962.

Fleck recently signed a long-term extension at Minnesota, after being touted for the vacant Florida State job. With other top line programs like Tennessee and USC struggling, it’s clear Fleck will have coaching offers in the years to come. Him and his team have captured the nations attention this year.

5) Baylor Survives TCU 

Baylor survived it’s first major test of the season, overcoming TCU 29-23 in triple overtime. Baylor have made a comeback this year, at 9-0 and ranked 12th in the nation. This wasn’t a vintage Baylor performance, but they survived a tough road game with a win.

TCU did a good job stopping the high powered Baylor offense, limiting them to less then 300 total yards. The win keeps Baylor in the Big Ten title hunt, but first they must overcome two very tough games ahead.

6) Tough Schedule for Baylor

Baylor sits at 9-0 atop the Big 12 standings, but their perfect season ends on a much tougher note. They did well to overcome TCU, but now face Oklahoma and Texas in the next two weeks.

The game against Oklahoma should be a high scoring affair, but despite a good offense they can’t match the weapons Oklahoma has. Texas will also be a tough test, despite their 6-3 record. Considering in their last two games Baylor have struggled against 4-5 TCU and 3-6 West Virginia, the next two weeks will show how talented this team really is.

7) Weekend Roundup

This past weekend was arguably the biggest of the season, with plenty more games that had interesting storylines. Oklahoma were a failed two-point conversion away from falling to Iowa State, a loss that would have ruined their faint hopes of a play-off berth.

13th ranked Wisconsin overcame 18th ranked Iowa 24-22. They relied on running back Jonathan Taylor, who gashed the usually stout Iowa defense for 250 yards on 31 carries. Taylor is the focal point of this Wisconsin offense, and they needed every one of those yards to beat Iowa.

8) Chase Young Latest

Heading into last weekend’s games the chatter was surrounding Ohio State player Chase Young. The stud defensive end was suspended this past weekend, pending a NCAA investigation into a loan he acquired from a family friend in 2018.

He says the loan was to buy a plane ticket for his girlfriend to watch him play in the Rose Bowl, and that he paid the loan back swiftly after. Ohio State pummeled Maryland 73-14 without him, but they’ll need him in the play-off run, as he absence could drag on much later in the season.

9) AP Top 25 Poll

The week 12 AP Top 25 poll has been released, with no surprise that LSU is on top. Ohio State is second, with Clemson and Alabama rounding out the top four play-off places. Georgia and Oregon are close behind in fifth and sixth, with Minnesota the biggest riser to seventh. Utah, Penn State and Oklahoma round out the top ten.

Florida, Baylor and Auburn come next, with Michigan staying in 14th. Wisconsin swaps places with Notre Dame to round out the top 15. Texas jumps back into the top 25 in 22nd at 6-3, with Iowa slipping to 23rd. Indiana and Oklahoma State are the other newcomers in 24th and 25th respectively.

10) Arkansas Fires Chad Morris

Sadly another football coach was fired this past weekend, with Arkansas dismissing Chad Morris, less than two years after hiring him. His record was a lowly 4-18, and went winless in 14 SEC games. Since taking over in December 2017, they have been the bottom feeder of the SEC and have made no sign of obvious progress under Morris.

Tight ends coach and special teams coordinator Barry Lunney Jr will serve as interim head coach until the end of the season. Early names being linked with the job include Memphis head coach Mike Norvell, Bill Clark at UAB and Eli Drinkwitz at Appalachian State.

That wraps up my review of week 11 of college football, a massive thank you to everyone who read this blog I really appreciate it. If you have any thoughts either comment below or find me on Twitter @JWjournalism.

This weekend has been eagerly anticipated since the early weeks of the season, and that’s for one reason. Second ranked LSU travels to Tuscaloosa to face third ranked Alabama, for the most important game of the college football season. Their is also a battle of two unbeaten sides, and a state rivalry game too. Let’s look at the main talking points heading into a massive weekend of college football.

1) LSU – Alabama Preview

LSU heads to Alabama hoping to shock the world, in a true clash of the titans. Both are ranked in the top four, with the winner almost certainly jumping to number one. LSU are the surprise package with Joe Burrow, who is having a career year. Over 2,800 yards with 30 TD’s to four interceptions in eight games explains why he is shooting up NFL Draft boards.

Alabama star QB Tua Tagovailoa returns after undergoing ankle surgery, which is the only concern for Bama. LSU have lost starting linebacker Michael Divinity for personal reasons. Watching the Alabama receiver trio battle a loaded LSU secondary will the matchup to watch.

2) LSU Starting Linebacker Leaves Team

LSU announced on Monday that starting linebacker Michael Divinity has left the team for personal reasons. Both sides haven’t ruled out his return later this season, but he is still a big loss for the Tigers.

In five games this season he leads the team with three sacks and also recorded four tackles for loss. It’s unclear if he absence is because of injury or discipline problems. Head coach Ed Orgeron has said backup’s Andre Anthony and Ray Thornton will step up in his absence. This is a big loss for LSU, especially on the eve of their biggest game in years.

3) Penn State – Minnesota Preview

This is an intriguing matchup of two unbeaten teams, with fourth ranked Penn State travelling to Minnesota. The 17th ranked Gophers have surprised many with their 8-0 start, but this is by far their toughest test.

Penn State have had the headlines stolen by LSU and Alabama, but have quietly enjoyed a very good season. Both are complete teams, especially on defense with both units ranked in the top 15.  Despite home field advantage, Penn State should have enough to overcome a very good Minnesota team.

4) Battle of the Unbeaten Teams 

On any other weekend this would be the marquee game, but it stands in the shadows of the LSU – Alabama matchup. Both teams are very good, especially on defense. Penn State sophomore Sean Clifford has emerged, with over 1,900 yards along with 20 TD’s to three interceptions all year. He is helped by receiver KJ Hamler, who is 13th in the nation with eight touchdowns in as many games.

Minnesota has some offensive studs too, with running back Rodney Smith leading the way. He is on pace for a 1,500 yard season. The Gophers also have receiver duo Rashod Bateman and Tyler Johnson, both with over 600 yards already.

5) Baylor – TCU Preview

This Texas rivalry has a lot on the line for both teams. Undefeated 12th ranked Baylor has a short road journey to TCU, for a game with all the hallmarks of being an upset. TCU has fallen off this season, currently with a 4-4 record. Baylor is 8-0, however their only marquee wins have come against Iowa State at home and on the road to Kansas State.

Baylor is marginally better on offense, currently averaging 480 yards of offense compared to TCU’s 441 yards. On defense it’s TCU that is marginally better however. In a hostile atmosphere Baylor will have to be at their best to avoid an upset here.

6) Toughest Game yet for Unbeaten Baylor

Baylor are having a great season at 8-0 and ranked inside the top 15, but some question their strength of schedule in the Big 12. Baylor’s top wins are Iowa State and Kansas State, and in their previous game sneaked past a 3-5 West Virginia team.

This TCU matchup is the first of a nightmare three-game stretch in which they play TCU on the road and face both Oklahoma and Texas at home. TCU is only 4-4 but they can easily cause an upset and derail Baylor’s season with a win here. A lot rests on this game for Baylor.

7) Iowa – Wisconsin Preview

The big games keep on coming this weekend, with another intriguing matchup between two ranked teams. 18th ranked Iowa travel to face 13th ranked Wisconsin, similarly matched with 6-2 records.

Wisconsin is looking to rebound after two tough losses, and with home field advantage they should feel confident. Iowa has recovered from their two losses, and this game will likely decide the Big Ten West.  Iowa has seemed a little flat this year, with a top six defense making up for their 81st ranked offense. Expect this to be a low-scoring defensive slug fest.

8) Jonathan Taylor Looking to Rebound

The Ohio State defense smothered Jonathan Taylor in their last game, holding the star running back to 52 yards on 20 carries. These are rough stats for a player who will be a first round NFL Draft pick in 2020 if he declares.

The junior running back is a household name in college football thanks to his immense production, currently at 5,180 yards in less than three years. The fact he has 1,009 yards in eight games in what is being called a down year shows just how effective he’s been. The Iowa defense is a top unit, but he should get more action then he did against the Buckeyes.

9) Other Games to Watch

In such a loaded week of college football, these games will go under the radar but will be worth watching. Ninth ranked Oklahoma welcome Iowa State, for a game the Cyclones have made a trap game in recent years. Oklahoma are rebounding from a tough loss, and Matt Campbell has made a habit of upset wins against ranked opponents.

Other games to watch include 16th ranked Kansas State travelling to face a good Texas Longhorns team, and 19th ranked Wake Forest travelling to face a good Virginia Tech team.

10) Chase Young Suspended for Potential NCAA Violation

Stud Ohio State defensive end Chase Young is suspended for this weekend’s game against Maryland, as the school investigates a potential NCAA violation. It appears the issue is a loan he received from a family friend last year. This could end his college football career, as he may miss the rest of this season and is likely to declare for the 2020 NFL Draft.

Young has been the best defensive player in college football this year, and leads the nation with 13.5 sacks. He also have five forced fumbles, and has been key to a Ohio State defensive unit that ranks second in the nation.

That wraps up my preview of a loaded weekend of college football action, if you have any thoughts about it let me know down below or find me on Twitter @JWjournalism. Finally, a massive thank you to everyone who read this blog I really appreciate it!

 

This past weekend saw yet more action from the college football world, with some big wins for top ten programs, a lopsided rivalry game and a Saturday night shootout. Entering November the end is in sight for the contenders, yet there is still plenty of potential banana skins should they struggle. Let’s take a look at the main talking points from this past weekend.

1) Georgia Topples Florida 

The self-titled “World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party” was won by Georgia for the second year running, overcoming a resilient Florida side 24-17. The scoreline suggests it was a close game, but Georgia always looked fairly comfortable.

Both teams defense’s stood out, with the key to victory being Jake Fromm and the Georgia offense. D’Andre Swift had another good game, and his running opened up the rest of the offense. The game was not without it’s controversial moments, but Georgia passed this huge test against a good Florida team.

2) Georgia Win Massive for Their Season

Beating Florida was a must for Georgia, who have recovered well since losing to South Carolina two weeks ago. This win solidifies them atop the SEC East, and was vital to remain in play-off contention.

Georgia rose to sixth in the AP Top 25 after this win, but they face a tough end to the season. They travel to 12th ranked Auburn and host a good Texas A&M team. To get into the play-off places they must win out and hope those above them slip up.

3) Oregon Blows Out USC

Oregon put USC to the sword on Saturday, routing the storied program 56-14. Quarterback Justin Herbert threw three touchdown passes to receiver Juwan Johnson, also showing they aren’t done with their play-off ambitions.

The Trojans have been inconsistent all season, and they laid an egg in this one. True freshman Kedon Slovis threw three picks, and were dominated as the scoreline suggests. Oregon are going to win the Pac-12 North, with USC now almost certainly out of contention for the Pac-12 South at 5-4.

4) Tough Times Ahead for USC

The USC Trojans are one of the legacy programs of college football. They have won eleven national titles and have produced the most NFL Draft picks of any school. 2019 has not been kind to USC however, as they appear to be heading towards a crisis.

Earlier this year Athletic Director and former storied player Lynn Swann resigned, and now it appears likely head coach Clay Helton will be fired at the end of the season too. At 5-4 they won’t win the Pac-12 South, and their 2020 recruiting class is currently ranked 66th, and 10th in the Pac-12. The future doesn’t look bright for USC.

5) Memphis Wins Barn Burner

The entertaining game of the weekend was undoubtedly this AAC Saturday night matchup, with Memphis outlasting SMU 54-48. Both Quarterbacks combined for over 800 passing yards, as both defenses got torched.

Memphis came out on top, in a game they had the better of. All the talk heading into it was about SMU and their unbeaten record, well now Memphis has risen above them to 19th in the AP Top 25 polls.  Both teams have tough games ahead, with Memphis facing Cincinnati and SMU facing Navy as they fight for the AAC West.

6) SMU Upset Dreams in Tatters

SMU were the talk of the college football world last weekend, with a top 15 AP ranking and an unbeaten 8-0 record. With the national spotlight on them, they came up short in a tough matchup in Memphis. If they would of remained unbeaten all season people would of been speculating on a potential top ten ranking and prominent bowl game.

All of this is now over, as with one loss they have fallen dramatically. They have now dropped eight places to 23rd in the AP poll, and have surrendered control of their division to Memphis. With a tough game against Navy two weeks away, they need to regroup fast.

7) Miami Rolls Over FSU

Both sides needed a win here to save their season, but only team played like they knew this. Miami dominated Florida State 27-10 in Tallahassee, however the scoreline doesn’t reflect how dominant Miami was. Quarterback Jarren Williams had his best game, passing for 313 yards and two touchdowns.

The Miami defense strangled FSU, containing star Running Back Cam Akers to 66 yards and sacking QB Alex Hornibrook nine times. The Hurricanes have been poor this season, but Florida State looked beyond help in this game. Both teams needs a lot of help to regain their former glory, but Miami was a class above in this game.

8) Florida State Fire Willie Taggart

The repercussions were swift after this game, with Florida State announcing on Sunday they had fired head coach Willie Taggart. He was only halfway through his second season, but with a 9-12 overall record he was swiftly fired. The university alumni donated the $18 million dollar buyout of his contract,showing their contempt for him.

This job is not as prestigious as it was five years ago, with some of the names being linked with job reflecting this. The school is being linked with mid-range college head coaches, something the fans won’t support. The school has a long road to recovery for sure.

9) Weekend Roundup

With the top three all on bye weeks, the focus shifted to those lower down the top ten. Ninth ranked Utah overcame a very tough trip to Washington 33-28, which extends their commanding Pac-12 South lead. 11th ranked Auburn made tough work of beating Ole Miss, with the 20-14 win in doubt right up to the final seconds.

16th ranked Notre Dame also struggled, only just overcoming Virginia Tech 21-20. 14th Michigan routed Maryland 38-7 to continue their upward trajectory, and 22nd Kansas State ran over rival Kansas 38-10.

10) AP Top 25

The top five remain unchanged this week, as only fourth and fifth ranked Clemson and Penn State played. Georgia rise to sixth after their win against Florida, with Utah and Oklahoma moving up as the Gators drop to tenth. Baylor sneaks up to 11th at 8-0, as Auburn head the rest of the two loss teams in 12th.

Memphis is the big riser this week, going from 24th to 19th after their primetime win. Kansas State jumps past Boise State for 20th. The only new entry this week is Navy in 25th, with Appalachian State falling from 20th as their unbeaten season went in a 24-21 loss to Georgia Southern.

That wraps up my recap from week ten of college football, if you have any comments on this piece comment below or find me on Twitter @JWjournalism. Finally, a massive thank you to everyone who read this article I really appreciate it!

 

 

 

 

Another weekend of college football is upon us, with another exciting slate of games that will keep fans glued to the TV on Saturday. This week see’s a top ten matchup with play-off implications, a historic rivalry game and some upset of the week games that will have a massive conference impact. Let’s look ahead to week ten of college football.

1) Georgia – Florida Matchup

The annual matchup of Georgia and Florida is especially important this year. Eighth ranked Georgia roll into Florida to face the sixth ranked Gators. Both are one-loss teams, and the winner of this game will likely win the SEC East.

Georgia need big performances from Quarterback Jake Fromm and Running Back D’Andre Swift, facing a hostile crowd and a top 25 defense in Florida. Kyle Trask has played lights out since taking over, but will need support with the seventh ranked Georgia defense hunting him. This game should be a low scoring affair.

2) Both Teams Need Win to Save Their Season

This matchup is the most competitive it’s been in years, as both sides need this win to remain in contention for the National Championship. Florida have played well all season, with their only loss coming against a very good LSU team.

Georgia’s loss to unranked South Carolina is much less impressive, but they have phenomenal talent, starting with Running Back D’Andre Swift. Both sides always churn out NFL talent, and plenty will be on display. Florida has an easier schedule going forward, but with one loss already both sides badly need this win.

3) Oregon – USC Preview

Saturday night see’s one of the premier games of the week, with this massive Pac-12 showdown. Seventh ranked Oregon travel to the Coliseum to face an unpredictable USC team. This game has massive conference implications, with both currently leading their division.

Oregon is the fancied pick, and should overcome USC. This USC team however is very hard to gauge, with a 5-3 record, yet they toppled ninth ranked Utah in week four. Freshman Kedon Slovis has played well, and will need a big game from senior receiver Michael Pittman Jr if they have any chance of winning.

4) Massive Pac-12 Weekend

The Pac-12 struggles for national recognition because of the vagaries of time zone changes within America. Often pushed to late Saturday night, this week the Pac-12 should take center stage with two massive games.

Oregon is the only hope of a Pac-12 team making the play-off, and their game against a storied USC program is a massive potential banana skin for them. Before this game ninth ranked Utah faces a very good Washington side, as the Utes fight for their division.

5) Utah – Washington Preview 

As I mentioned above, this Utah – Washington game is another massive Pac-12 matchup. Utah are a very good team who have climbed back from their loss to USC, with the ninth ranking and co-lead of the Pac-12 South.

Washington are much like USC, namely unpredictable. They sit at 5-3, yet just last week took a top ten Oregon team very close in a 35-31 loss. Quarterback Jacob Eason is much hyped and will likely be a first round draft pick. If Washington can play at their best, they can cause a massive upset here.

6) Quarterbacks Key to This Game

I know this sounds like an obvious title, what with it being the most important position, but a lot rests on these two signal callers. Jacob Eason has more national recognition, and has all of the physical tools to be a future NFL starter.

Although pundits expected more from Washington this year Eason has played well in his first year playing since transferring from Georgia. Utah senior QB Tyler Huntley has performed solidly all year, with only one interception in eight games. He faces a very good Washington secondary this week, so that number may change.

7) SMU – Memphis Getting National Attention

After both have enjoyed brilliant seasons, the national attention is focused on this SMU – Memphis game. The College Gameday crew are showing up in Memphis, for this massive AAC contest.

SMU are back in the top 15 for the first time since the 1980s after an 8-0 start, thanks to lights out play from an SMU offense that’s tenth in the nation, averaging over 500 yards a game. Memphis are 24th ranked, and also have a very good offense, currently 23rd with 470 yards a game. Both have good skill position players, and this should be a fun shootout for sure.

8) Miami – Florida State Rivalry Game

For decades these sides have despised each other, with this latest installment coming from Tallahassee. Both sides have struggled this season, with both former powerhouses sat at 4-4 and close to missing out on bowl eligibility.

This game will not be pretty, with both offenses lacing production this season. Florida State does have the more talented skill position players, but faces a top 15 ranked Miami defense that has been forced to play hard all year to mask the offensive struggles. Anything can and usually does happen in this rivalry game that is way too close to call.

9) Miami – Florida State at Lowest Point in Years

This matchup used to decide national title berths, in the heyday of the 80s, 90s and early 2000s. Both however have fallen off in recent years, reaching it’s lowest point in a while this year.

Both are currently 4-4 and are scrambling to even make a bowl game this season. Manny Diaz has struggled in his first year as he rebuilds Miami, with Willie Taggart fighting to save his job at Florida State in only his second season. Both look years away from returning to the top, with massive rebuilding work needed at both schools.

10) Baylor Survives West Virginia

The opening game of the weekend on Thursday night saw 12th ranked Baylor survive a close 17-14 win over a struggling West Virginia team. Baylor now improves to 8-0, but received a scare on Halloween as they came a blocked Field Goal away from going to overtime.

This wasn’t a vintage Baylor performance, but they got the win, the mark of a strong team. They could jump into the top ten, but now enter a horrible stretch as they face TCU, Oklahoma and Texas. Their unbeaten run will end but they still have a chance of making the Big 12 Championship game.

That wraps up my preview for week ten of college football, with plenty of intrigue and exciting games to keep fans happy. If you have any thoughts on these games leave a comment below or find me on Twitter @JWjournalism. Finally, a massive thank you to everyone who read this article I really appreciate it!