Bulldogs relying on dominant defense
Georgia will only go as far as its defense allows. Top-ranked Georgia features the best defense in the country and it showed against Florida with the Bulldogs forcing three turnovers including a pick six. But the offense remains a point of concern after quarterback Stetson Bennett IV tossed two interceptions. With such a stingy defense, UGA may not need much offense.
The heat is back on Jim Harbaugh. It didn’t take long after Michigan’s loss to Michigan State for the critics to begin calling for Harbaugh’s job. The Wolverines surrendered a 16-point lead in the second half as Harbaugh dropped to 3-9 against rivals Ohio State and Michigan State. The loss dropped Michigan out of contention for the College Football Playoff and most likely ended its chance at a Big Ten title.
Win could be a loss for Michigan State. Michigan State fans were thrilled with their win against Michigan but that euphoria could turn to concern as a strong showing by the Spartans could entice schools like LSU and Southern California to make a serious run at Michigan State coach Mel Tucker. Tucker’s experience in the SEC at Alabama and Georgia and his recent run of success makes him a top candidate among desperate athletic directors.
KennethWalkerIIImakeshiscasefortheHeisman Trophy.
If you didn’t know about Kenneth Walker III before Saturday, you surely do by now after the Michigan State tailback ran for 197 yards and five touchdowns in the Spartans’ 37-33 win over Michigan. Walker is one of three running backs with 1,100 rushing yards and he leads the nation in rushing yards per game with 149.2.
Wake Forest remains the ACC’s best hope for the playoff.
Wake Forest is one of six undefeated teams remaining in the Football Bowl Subdivision after the Demon Deacons improved to 8-0 with a blowout of Duke. The Demon Deacons are the clear favorites to win the ACC Atlantic now, and with their first top 10 ranking, it’s easy to see how Wake could maneuver itself into the playoff.
Auburn’s path to an SEC West title remains clear.
With everyone focusing on Alabama, Ole Miss and Texas A&M, Auburn has quietly put itself in the driver’s seat for a divisional title. The Tigers won back-to-back games against ranked foes in Arkansas and Ole Miss, and with showdowns against Alabama and Texas A&M looming, a trip to Atlanta and the SEC Championship remains a possibility.
Youth movement has sparked the Hurricanes.
Two weeks ago, Miami’s hopes were fading into obscurity with Manny Diaz facing an uncertain future as the Hurricanes coach, but breakout performances by freshman quarterback Tyler Van Dyke in wins against NC State and Pittsburgh have suddenly thrust this team back into contention in the ACC Coastal and salvaged what seemed an unsalvageable season.
Wisconsin and Minnesota are back in the Big Ten title race.
Welcome back! After early devastating losses, Wisconsin and Minnesota have run off four straight wins apiece to push themselves back into contention in the Big Ten West. Iowa, which briefly courted with a No. 2 ranking before losses to Purdue and Wisconsin, has dropped out of sight, leaving the Badgers-Gophers season finale Nov. 27 in Minneapolisa as a possible decider.
Texas can’t close the deal. It’s been a challenging first year for Texas coach Steve Sarkisian, who has watched his Longhorns show glimpses of greatness while also suffering horrifying fourth-quarter collapses against Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Baylor. Texas saw another double-digit lead vanish in the second half against Baylor, handing Texas its first three-game losing streak since 2016.