Making sense of Texas-USC classic
It’s easy, given the inherent subjectivity in college football — and frankly, its importance to the process; a selection committee determines the field for the College Football Playoff, y’all — for perception to swing wildly, especially early in the season. Thus, the various ways to assess Southern California’s 27-24, doubleovertime escape of Texas.
Were the Trojans overrated after that impressive win against Stanford a week earlier? Was Texas better than everyone thought after a miserable loss to Maryland a week before that?
Most likely, the answer is: Both. Tom Herman’s rebuilding project at Texas has some life, even after a second loss in the first three games, because of a defense that showed sharp teeth against a dangerous offense. Heisman Trophy candidate Sam Darnold was uncomfortable for most of the night. The Trojans weren’t able to run. A first-quarter goal-line stand was a pretty nice illustration of Texas’ performance.
Meanwhile, Longhorns freshman quarterback Sam Ehlinger made clutch plays that almost resulted in a landmark victory.
“After we lick our wounds and realize how close we came, I think we’re going to be able to build on this immensely,” Herman said — and he might just be right.
And the Trojans? They won and remained on track for the Playoff.
“When the lights were their brightest, they executed,” USC coach Clay Helton told the Los Angeles Times.
And Darnold added: “We gave it all we had; they gave it all they had.”
And both teams take something away. Despite that horrid season opener, the Longhorns look like a bunch that could, if not contend, at least cause problems to Big 12 contenders. That’s pretty much in line with the more optimistic projections for Year 1 under Herman. If that defensive performance can be replicated, Texas vs. Oklahoma — and Oklahoma State and TCU — could be a whole lot of fun.
BEDLAM FOR IT ALL? AND THEN RINSE, REPEAT
Oklahoma owns the most impres- sive victory of the young season. Oklahoma State owns the most impressive offense. The combination is why it’s altogether possible the annual Bedlam matchup, moved this year from the end of the regular season to Nov. 4, could be just the first of two meetings. Or even three?
There is plenty of season to be played. But let’s fast-forward both teams to November, give Oklahoma a road win over its rival in Stillwater — and then give Oklahoma State a win in the Big 12 championship rematch.
If both teams were 12-1 and, say, Ohio State was the Big Ten cham- pion? Oklahoma’s head-to-head win at Ohio State might loom large.
It’s crazy to think about, considering the steady state of angst that has permeated the Big 12 for the last couple of years, this concept: At least for now, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that the league that perennially worries about missing the Playoff could put two teams into the bracket.
HAIL STATE
When the media predictions came out in July, no one was surprised to see Mississippi State and Mississippi picked to finish sixth and seventh in the Southeastern Conference West Division.
But after a 37-7 demolition of then-No. 11 LSU, it’s apparent Mississippi State is better than most anyone expected. In junior quarterback Nick Fitzgerald, the Bulldogs have the kind of dangerous dual-threat quarterback whom coach Dan Mullen regularly recruits, develops or both. He accounted for four scores. And under new coordinator Todd Grantham, the defense bottled up the LSU offense.
Let’s not overreact. The ceiling in the SEC West is fixed, somewhere below Alabama. But could Mississippi State be the SEC’s next-best team? Up next, a date Saturday at No. 12 Georgia, which might also be vying for that tag.
FINALLY, A DEFENSE
In the first three games under new coach Willie Taggart, Oregon’s offense has been as potent as ever. The Ducks have scored at least 42 points in each game. What was different Saturday — and this might be very important if it’s a trend and not just a moment — was the defensive performance.
In a 49-13 victory at Wyoming, the Ducks rendered NFL draft prospect Josh Allen and the Cowboys very mortal. Allen finished 9for-24 for 64 yards. He fumbled once and was intercepted twice. Wyoming’s 183 total yards were the fewest yards Oregon had surrendered since allowing Football Championship Subdivision opponent Tennessee Tech 177 in 2012.
THE FOOTBALL FOUR
Each week, we’ll pick the Playoff bracket as if the season was over. Through three weeks, we have statements, eye tests and more.
Clemson — The Tigers defense, possibly the nation’s best, might be enough to carry them all the way. But hey, that Kelly Bryant is a pretty nice quarterback, too.
Alabama — As the rest of the SEC falters, the Crimson Tide just roll. SEC play begins next weekend, and it’s getting harder to find a legitimate obstacle.
Oklahoma — Oklahoma started slow but blew out Tulane. The Sooners’ biggest issue the next couple of weeks, against Baylor and Iowa State, might be complacency. Oklahoma State — Is this the nation’s best offense? Mason Rudolph throwing deep downfield to all those talented receivers … is just fun stuff.
THREE TO WATCH TCU at Oklahoma State (3:30
p.m. ET Saturday, ESPN): Can the Horned Frogs slow down the Cowboys offense? The Big 12 opener is a matchup of ranked opponents. Mississippi State at Georgia (7 p.m. Saturday, ESPN): After demolishing LSU, Mississippi State travels to Athens. Winner gets temporary custody of the SEC’s No. 2-behind-’Bama tag. Penn State at Iowa (7:30 p.m. Saturday, ABC): The Nittany Lions open Big Ten play with their first road game of the season.