NOT SO FAST
’Bama, Clemson look unstoppable, but OSU is just about to get started
ALABAMA sent a message to the rest of the SEC Saturday night by treating Georgia’s then-second-ranked defense like a sparring partner. Clemson has basically laughed at its four ACC opponents, defeating them by an average of 32.2 points per game.
The two traditional powers already look like locks for the College Football Playoff — and they may not even be the best team in the country. It sure isn’t a two-horse race between these two despite their dominance through the season’s first six weeks.
Ohio State, the most talented team in the country on paper, has yet to step on the field. That changes Saturday when Nebraska comes to Columbus, possibly punishment from the Big
Ten schedule-makers for publicly criticizing the league’s initial decision to cancel the fall season.
Yes, the Buck eyes haven’t played a game yet. So there is some mystery to what they will be. Meanwhile, Alabama and its seemingly unstoppable offense looks like it is two touchdowns better than the rest of the SEC. Clemson and Heisman Trophy front-runner Trevor Lawrence might be three scores better than anyone else in the ACC, and that includes one-year conference member Notre Dame.
But don’t forget how much Ohio State returns, that projected first-round picks Shaun Wade and Wyatt Davis opted into the season after initially declaring for the NFL draft. Don’t forget the Buckeyes likely beat Clemson in the College Football Playoff if Justin Fields isn’t playing on one healthy ankle and a questionable targeting call doesn’t lead to Wade’s ejection. Don’t forget how capable Ryan Day looked in his first year as a head coach, and how much room there should be for him to grow after his offense averaged 46.9 points and 529.9 yards per game.
Ohio State was my pick to start the season at No. 1. After a few weeks, I moved the Buckeyes down because they had yet to play a game.
But it would be premature to anoint Clemson and Alabama at this point. Alabama’s defense looks pedestrian, allowing 28.8 points per game. Clemson’s offense lost top receivers Tee Higgins and Justyn Ross, and four starting offensive linemen. The Buckeyes do have holes to fill, losing defensive stars Jeff Okudah and Chase Young, and starting running back J.K. Dobbins.
But Wade (cornerback) and Davis (offensive guard) coming back was huge — they are Associated Press preseason first-team All-Americans — and receiver Chris Olave has star potential on the outside. Zach Harrison may follow in a long line of elite defensive linemen at Ohio State. Fields was sensational in his first full year as the starter, producing 51 touchdowns, and there is no reason to believe he will take a step back.
This team is loaded. It is deeper, more experienced and more talented across the board than Alabama and Clemson. Starting Saturday, the other national title favorite gets its chance to prove it.
Quick! Look over there!
The SEC should gladly welcome the Big Ten and Pac-12’s return if it means less attention on its mediocre teams. Because right now, after Alabama, the powerhouse conference has a lot of issues. Defenses have been abysmal. There is no clear No. 2 after the Crimson Tide. Unless Georgia can win out, and that includes an unlikely victory over Alabama in the SEC Championship game, it’s hard to envision the league sending a second team to the playoff. Everyone but Nick Saban’s team already has at least one defeat, and only three others — Florida, Texas A&M and Georgia — have one loss.
Fool’s gold
Don’t do it. Do not hype up ClemsonNotre Dame on Nov. 7 in South Bend. It doesn’t matter that the Irish are ranked third in the nation or that they are undefeated. Trust your eyes. This isn’t a title contender. It barely beat one-win Louisville at home after struggling with Florida State. Notre Dame will likely enter the showdown undefeated but that shouldn’t matter. Do not believe in Notre Dame. It has done nothing to suggest it belongs.