The entire weekend of college football was exciting to watch, although, I’m bummed out about OU defensive back Kendal Dolby’s gruesome injury. It was definitely not the welcome to the SEC moment for Oklahoma, especially for the offense. Also, some Group of Five teams continue playing at a high level to compete for the college football playoffs, especially one team that completely embarrassed North Carolina. And Army and Navy are still undefeated. Are we looking at a potential undefeated Army-Navy matchup of the ages before the College Football Playoff??? A military brat can dream. Keep going Midshipmen and Black Knights!!! Here are this week’s Power Rankings and then some.
12) WASHINGTON STATE
I would take a good look at quarterback John Mateer. He’s got toughness, an arm, and moxie. If it’s anything like Gardner Minshew, I think he’s the guy Wazzu needs. They pulled off back-to-back game-winners against Oregon State and formerly undefeated San Jose State to go 4-0.
11) JAMES MADISON
A blocked punt for a scoop and score, a successful onside kick recovery that eventually led to a score, and more turnovers, including a pick 6, They put up 50 plus on UNC by half (highest score in program history) and finished with 70 points at Chapel Hill. The Dukes are doing it once again. This is their third season, but no coach Curt Cignetti, and yet James Madison hasn’t missed a beat. If they continue this path, they’re the Group of Five’s CFP contenders and be careful to those that come across them.
10) ILLINOIS
Illinois pulled off a thriller behind quarterback Luke Altmyer and gang. After the offense scored in overtime, their defense immediately came up clutch to take down Nebraska on the road. They could be a hard out moving forward as long as Altmyer’s running this offense.
9) UTAH
Utah gets their first ever Big 12 win in their debut at Stillwater. Defense bum rushed the Pokes early and kept them at three points for a while. Isaac Wilson did alright, but the main credit goes to Micah Bernard for his 25 carries and 182 rush yards. Life without Cam Rising for a bit doesn’t seem as bad as it used to for Utah.
8) PENN STATE
Penn State easily handled their business against their second MAC opponent with a shutout. Up next is the team in the current Top 12 Power Rankings…Illinois.
7) OLE MISS
Ole Miss also handled their business with little to no issue against Georgia Southern. Competition may be little to no problem unless Kentucky and/or South Carolina sucker punch them.
6) ALABAMA
Alabama was on a bye, but now they’ should be’re ready for a gauntlet matchup with Georgia.
5) MIAMI
Miami was in a tricky situation with USF just like Alabama. But like Bama, Miami eventually ran away by totaling 50 by the end of the game. Next up is their home game against Virginia Tech before traveling to Berkeley in October.
4) TENNESSEE
Tennessee did enough against an offensively inept Oklahoma team. Nico Iamaleava managed the game and netted one touchdown and let running back Dylan Sampson twist and twirl his way for another score for good measure. Tennessee gets to rest this week before traveling to Fayetteville to face the Arkansas Razorbacks…in October.
3) OHIO STATE
The Buckeyes let Marshall gain confidence with two touchdowns before breaking their spirit for the easy win. They travel to Michigan State and shouldn’t have too much issue. Although, this is the Buckeyes first road trip this season.
2) GEORGIA
Georgia was on a bye, but now they’re ready for a much-needed revenge matchup against Alabama.
1) TEXAS
Texas started Arch Manning against UL Monroe while Quinn Ewers was still recovering. Manning played solid in his first start, but don’t get too comfortable with him until next season or unless Quinn Ewers is out for the season. Texas rides on Ewers until he leaves for the NFL.
HONORABLE MENTION
STANFORD
The Cardinal traveled coast to coast to upset Kyle McCord and Syracuse. No one expected them to walk in and take their first ACC win ever, but Stanford believed. Plenty went through quarterback Ashton Daniels, receiver Elic Ayomanor, linebacker David Bailey, and kicker Emmet Kenney, who kicked the game-winning field goal. The young squad should feel good about where their program’s finally going and I’m rooting hard for coach Troy Taylor to take them there.
GIO LOPEZ
If you don’t know who he is, get to know him. He carved App State’s defense with his arm and legs. He netted for 154 passing yards and two touchdowns along with 105 rushing yards for another touchdown. He was mentioned since the bowl game last season and already got South Alabama off to a great start in the Sun Belt. Keep an eye on him.
MADDUX TRUJILLO
He booted a 64-yarder which is the school and national record for longest kick ever. That was a major boost going into halftime as the team knocked off Utah State for their first win this season. He’s a senior, so scout this man the rest of the way even if Temple finishes with just that one win.
COLORADO
The Buffs went toe-to-toe in their Big 12 return against an old rival in Baylor. They were down 31-24 with a few seconds left and all looked bleak in Boulder. However, Shedeur Sanders completed a hail mary, overtime forcing touchdown pass to LaJohntay Wester. Then, they followed up with a game-sealing forced fumble near the endzone to complete the comeback. Colorado proved to be a hard out in some games, but that was insanely entertaining.
MOST DISAPPOINTED
NC STATE
NC State struggled out the gate this season and hasn’t shown they could be ACC or playoff contenders. Clemson gave them and the college football world a reality check and proved that NC State will always be in the middle of the pack in the ACC (no pun intended).
KANSAS STATE
The Wildcats were expected to walk into Provo and take it to the Cougars. BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff, defensive end Tyler Batty, and company had other ideas as host. After Kansas State led 6-0, I turned my back for a moment to watch the Colorado/Baylor thriller only to find out, BYU went up 17-6 before closing out the game 38-9. Three turnovers led to scores and a botched possession on a kick return turned into a kick return touchdown. All of those situations broke Kansas State’s spirit, making their road to the Big 12 championship a bit more difficult.
The Wolf's Cave 
Leave a comment