Defenses getting it done
Units for Alabama, Clemson critical to teams’ seasons
Alabama, Clemson get defensive: The top two teams in the College Football Playoff rankings made big statements thanks to suffocating defensive play. Topranked Alabama posted its second straight shutout for the first time since 2012 when it beat No. 16 Mississippi State 24-0, while No. 2 Clemson held No. 17 Boston College to 113 yards in a 27-7 road win. Tagovailoa’s health concerning: Tide Heisman hopeful QB Tua Tagovailoa left Saturday’s win after aggravating a lingering knee injury. Questions about the sophomore’s durability are distressing, especially with upcoming games against Auburn and Georgia. No Book, no big deal for Irish: The margin for error forNotre Dame in the playoff semifinal race is razor thin, so losing starting QB Ian Book this week wasn’t ideal. Backup Brandon Wimbush, however, was impressive during his first start since Sept. 15, leading the team to its best start since 2012 by throwing three TD passes in a rout of struggling Florida State. Patterson getting hot a right time: It was a bit of a rocky start for the transfer, but the Michigan QB has settled down to play outstanding football over the last five games. During the stretch, he’s combined for close to 1,200 yards of total offense and 12 total TDs. He has helped the Wolverines closer to their first Big Ten championship since 2004. Christian Wilkins, left, tackles Boston College QB Anthony Brown during Clemson’s win Saturday night. Georgia showing good form: Georgia locked up a return trip to the SEC title game and a date with Alabama last week, but that hasn’t slowed down the Bulldogs. They’ve won three consecutive games and are playing some of their best football. Sooners defense still liability: When discussing Oklahoma’s playoff hopes, one must address the elephant in the room — the Sooners’ porous defense. Despite changing defensive coordinators a month ago, Oklahoma has allowed 93 points, 1,113 yards and a 7.0 yards per play average in wins over Texas Tech and Oklahoma State. Money isn’t everything: Louisville (2-8) is mired in its worst season in more than two decades. AD Vince Tyra had seen enough, firing coach Bobby Petrino on Sunday despite reportedly having to still pay a $14 million buyout. Petrino becomes the fourth coaching casualty this season. Gardner worthy of Heisman talk: Washington State has climbed into the playoff discussion thanks to the hot play of QB Gardner Minshew, who despite leading the nation in attempts (523), completions (364), passing yards (3,852) and total yards (3,938), isn’t garnering much attention for the game’s top prize. Eyes turn to UCF: UCF fans wonder what the Knights need to do to garner some respect, arguing the program is overlooked despite having the nation’s longest win streak at 22 games. That changes this week as ESPN brings its popular “College GameDay” to Orlando. UAB coach deserves honor: UAB went from the verge of extinction in 2015 to winning the Conference USA West division title. None of it would have been possible without Bill Clark, who stuck with the program and deserves coach of the year honors.