Several statement wins for top college teams
On the first separation Saturday of the season, No. 3 Clemson, No. 5 Oklahoma and No. 6 Southern California asserted themselves, and one thing was settled: Lamar Jackson, still awesome.
On the first separation Saturday of the season, No. 3 Clemson, No. 5 Oklahoma and No. 6 Southern California asserted themselves, and one thing was settled: Lamar Jackson, still awesome.
Four games pitting ranked teams, including a top-five matchup in Columbus, Ohio, shook up the early season rankings and mad a few long-term playoff statements. But before those main events under the lights, the first Heisman Trophy statement of the season was made by the guy who already has one.
The Top thoughts, takedowns and takeaways from week two of the college football season:
1. Sure, Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield was great in taking down No. 2 Ohio State at the Horsehoe, but the defensive effort might have been even more significant. The perception — and reality of late — of a lack of defense in the Big 12 is a potential stumbling block to the playoff. The Sooners helped push back against that narrative, which helps the whole conference.
2. The Ohio State offense was supposed to be different with new coordinator Kevin Wilson. It’s not. What changes next? The quarterback?
3. Clemson’s defensive front might be the most dominant single unit in college football this season, similar to the way Alabama’s was the last couple of season. The Tigers had 11 sacks against Auburn .
4. USC broke a threegame losing streak to Stanford in a rivalry that has typified the Trojans struggle to get back to elite status since the end of the Pete Carrollera. Too often the Cardinal have been the tougher team. This time, Sam Darnold and USC took a punch and responded with a flurry.
5. They called the Dawgs in Notre Dame Stadium and Georgia’s defense responded . The 15th-ranked Bulldogs are the one team in the SEC East with a chance to be a threat to the best of the West.
6. It would have been a nice mental-health win for the Fighting Irish and their fans, a way to put 4-8 in the rearview mirror. Instead it was another close loss, just like so many in 2016.
7. This felt different though for the Fighting Irish. They won’t see another defense like Georgia’s until Miami in November. If Notre Dame’s defense can do what it did against Georgia consistently, the Irish and coach Brian Kelly should be OK.
8. Quarterback controversy at Texas? Freshman Sam Ehlinger sure looked good as the Longhorns rolled San Jose State with Shane Buechele nursing a sore shoulder.
9. Some folks thought Jackson would have tough time making another run at the Heisman because it would be so difficult for the Louisville quarterback to match or even top his incredible numbers from 2016. Through two games, Jackson is averaging 505 total yards and has accounted for eight touchdowns.
10. On Saturday against North Carolina, Jackson ran for three scores and threw three touchdown passes . The Cardinals still don’t protect Jackson as well as they need to and that’ll be a problem next week at home against Clemson. But Jackson’s brilliance is undeniable. No one who cast a Heisman vote for him last year should feel any buyer’s remorse.
11. North Carolina linebacker Andre Smith was wrong . There was no stopping Jackson by the Tar Heels . Louisville’s 706 yards were the most by an North Carolina opponent at Kenan Stadium.
12. Pitt tried to play keep-away from No. 4 Penn State and limit opportunities for Saquon Barkley and the Nittany Lions’ explosive offense. Barkley showed he doesn’t need a lot of touches to do a lot of damage: 18 for 133 yards and two touchdowns. Offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead does a great job of getting Barkley fortuitous matches in the passing game.
14. The Penn State and Pitt staffs do not care for each other. So Penn State coach James Franklin couldn’t help but take a dig at the Panthers after getting revenge for last year’s loss at Pitt.
15. Oregon did not score in the second half — and beat Nebraska 42-35 . The Ducks’ defense is better but still not good. That offense, though, with Justin Herbert and Royce Freeman, will likely cause some problems in the Pac12.
16. Freeman is out to remind folks that he was fairly mentioned in the same category with running backs Leonard Fournette and Dalvin Cook before injuries hit last year.
17. Who had Iowa-Iowa State as the game of the day?