12) TULANE

The Green Wave protected their home against Northwestern with ease. Tulane’s defense stifled Northwestern quarterback Preston Stone and forced four interceptions. BYU transfer quarterback Jake Retzlaff torched Northwestern’s defense for 113 rushing yards and a touchdown along with 152 passing yards for another touchdown. The Green Wave may have a say as the best Group of Five team sometime soon.

11) TEXAS TECH

Texas Tech clobbered Arkansas Pine Bluff with ease. The run game had a wide range of backs getting touches with only one getting a touch for a 64-yard touchdown. If they have a collective answer at running back, then this should be interesting this season. Tech probably cruises through the next two games before traveling to Salt Lake City for a very tough matchup with Utah.

10) NOTRE DAME

Notre Dame proved to have a good defense despite changes, but their offense still needs some work. The receivers are ok and at least they have a running game to fall back on with Jeremiyah Love as their top guy. However, CJ Carr still needs work but will continue to improve as the season goes on. The offensive line, which was the strength of Notre Dame, was exposed a bit due to offseason injuries. That might be in question until some new guys gel together. Their season schedule isn’t easy.

9) FLORIDA STATE

The Seminoles looked completely different than the 2-10 team. So much was on Mike Norvell coming in, but he might breathe a sigh of relief. Boston College quarterback transfer Tommy Castellanos was the dude owning Alabama with his words and his production. He accounted for 230 of Florida State’s 382 total yards. Those were numbers he produced at BC, and this was something missing since Jordan Travis accounted for most of the offense consistently. Is Florida State back? Guess we’ll find out soon.

8) ILLINOIS

Illinois did their job by beating the breaks off of Western Illinois. New guys like receiver Hank Beatty and running back Aidan Laughery ran the show as full-time starters. Next week, they have their hands full with quarterback Darian Mensah and the edge rushers of Duke.

7) MIAMI

Georgia might regret losing Carson Beck. It’s all a matter of time until we see how their quarterback plays out. For now, let’s talk Miami. Miami’s defense was the bright spot and could be the reason Miami gets over the hump. The offense toughened up against a good Notre Dame defense and even their freshmen receiver Malachi Toney played well in his first start. Also, if CJ Daniels didn’t make that impressive one-handed TD grab, it was potentially an interception.

6) OREGON

Oregon handled their business against FCS National Champion runner-up Montana State. Dante Moore was solid as the full-time starter netting for three passing touchdowns. Running back Noah Whittington finally looks like the leading running back after having a good day too. Oregon will carry that momentum as they host Oklahoma State next week.

5) CLEMSON

Clemson looked like the better team in the first half. Unfortunately, that went into a 180 in the second half. There are questions at the running back position, and I’m still unsure if they have one. Cade Klubnik was unable to come up in clutch time, but he was without his go-to receiver Antonio Williams after a hamstring injury. It’s unfortunate, but Clemson should bounce back. However, their ACC schedule may grow tougher thanks to Florida State’s win over Alabama.

4) TEXAS

Defense played as well as they did to give this team a winning chance on the road. Unfortunately, miscues by the offense cost them the opportunity. Arch still has some growing to do, and they hope he grows up by the time they hit SEC competition. It wasn’t all him as others around him struggled too. They have replacements along the offensive line and a few receivers and tight ends are getting first starts too. Arch played one of the toughest defenses in the nation, so that should boost his confidence moving forward.

3) LSU

At the beginning, it didn’t feel like LSU was the better team. It was shaky on offense and not much was happening. In the second half, they flipped the switch and were the better team down the stretch. Defense won the day from start to finish and the Weeks brothers and Harold Perkins made sure they ended their 5-game opener skids. They pressured Cade Klubnik and Clemson’s offense didn’t get a breath of opportunity for a fourth quarter comeback drive. LSU and Brian Kelly might finally have a chance, but they still have a long road ahead.

2) OHIO STATE

Ohio State’s defense stood tall and kept Texas’s offense on their heels. They made Arch struggle, and a lot must be thanked by their new defensive coordinator Matt Patricia for strumming up complicated defensive plays. The offense is reloading, but they should be on par with what their expectations are this season. Quarterback Julian Sayin played solid against a tough Texas defense. Jeremiah Smith had early struggles against Texas, but let’s call that an anomaly. We expect a big game out of him next week.

1) PENN STATE

Penn State destroyed my alma mater Nevada, which is fine because they scored a touchdown and a two-point conversion. There’s hope for my Pack to make a bowl game this season. Anyways, Penn State was physical on offense, and their defense was as strong as last season with hopes of leading this unit to the postseason again. The run game was surprisingly subpar despite scoring three touchdowns with experienced players but let’s hope that’s an anomaly.

HONORABLE MENTION

USF

I’m aware that Boise State was on the road with no Ashton Jeanty, but that’s no excuse for a team favored by two touchdowns with an experienced group and an experienced quarterback. USF handled their business after a slow start. They walloped Boise and forced three fumbles to take control of the game. Don’t get too excited about the Bulls just yet. They have the next two games against their in-state Power 4 opponents (Florida and Miami). Just celebrate the victory, Bulls!

TARLETON STATE

A small FCS Texas school gets the best of Army from start to finish. They were right with them. Even being down two scores, they never wavered. They fought hard, fought back, and won at the end. The defense impacted this game so well with turnovers and stops and their quarterback Victor Gabalis had plenty of toughness and moxie that added to their confidence. The Texans forced overtime and won against an Army squad that won an Academy best 12 games last season.

JACKSON ARNOLD

Arnold needed a fresh start elsewhere after a shaky last season with Oklahoma. I don’t blame him. I blame the staff for mishandling his situation after an ugly start in SEC play before returning to upset Alabama. He lands in Auburn and the team seemed hopeful for his redemption. Well, he redeemed himself in many ways after a slow start. What Auburn did that Oklahoma failed to do was be patient and unlock his athletic ability. Arnold did damage with his feet for 137 yards and scored two touchdowns. Him and running backs Damari Alston and Jeremiah Cobb accounted for 300 total rushing yards and 4 touchdowns. If that’s the recipe for success, I think Auburn’s four additional national titles meant something after all…maybe.