The Ole College Try

Welcome to the return of the almost weekly perspective of college football. For those that don't remember, I write this column as if every player is a Heisman Trophy candidate. Why? Because it is ridiculously ludicrous that the networks, including the World Wide Leader, nay, especially the World Wide Leader, emphasize the Heisman Trophy race all season.  Consider this my sarcastic homage to stupid reporting.

Heisman Watch

Quarterback Edition

Favorite - Dak Prescott -After leading Mississippi State to the number 1 ranking in the country after consecutive defeats of Texas A and M and Auburn, Prescott is in the driver's seat for the award - and not just among quarterbacks.

Rising - Bryce Petty - Baylor -Leader of the most exciting offense in college football, and the Bears and undefeated.

Falling - Kenny Hill - Texas A and M - Was putting up some great statistics in replacing Johnny Manziel, but consecutive losses to Mississippi State and Ole Miss (even with 401 yards in the latter), hurt his chances.

WTF - Jameis Winston - Florida State - Another issue?!  Seriously?!

Running Back Edition

Favorite - Melvin Gordon - Wisconsin - Only if Gurley is suspended for more than one game.  Gordon is second in rushing in the FBS with 1046 yards, but he is not Todd Gurley.

Rising - Nick Chubb - Georgia - OK, so this might be a little facetious, but Chubb stepped in for Gurley and gained 143 on 38 carries.  Definitely putting in work.

Falling - Todd Gurley - Georgia - Do we know how much longer he will be suspended?  That is going to determine how far Gurley falls.

Sleeper - Tevin Coleman - Indiana - Leads the FBS in rushing with 1060 yards (8.8 average) and 11 touchdowns.  He is the primary reason that Indiana is a surprising 3-3.

Wide Receiver Edition

Favorite - Amari Cooper - Alabama - He had his first subpar game against a surprisingly stout Arkansas defense (2 catches for 22 yards), but he is still far-and-away the best receiver in college.

Kevin White - West Virginia - Second in receptions (by 1 catch) and first in yards in the FBS, and is about the only person who could challenge Amari Cooper for the Biletnikoff Award.

Sleeper - None.  Most of the quality receivers have already established themselves.

Defensive Edition

3.  Ramik Wilson - LB - Georgia - He is starting to play exactly like everyone thought he was going to this year.  Solidifying himself as a solid first round draft pick.

2.  Hau'oli Kikaha - LB - Washington - He now has 10 sacks, to lead the nation by a full 15% over the second highest sack total.

1.  Gerod Holliman - S - Louisville - Still stuck on 7 interceptions, meaning this week was the only game without one, but he is the stalwart on the NCAA's number 1 defense.

Player to Watch

Nick Chubb - RB - Georgia - Mostly so that I could have two consecutive weeks of "Nicks" as the players to watch, but also because he filled in so admirably for Todd Gurley.  Ok, that is stupid, so the real player to watch is ...

Leonard Fournette - RB - LSU - The number 1 ranked high school player last year is really coming into his own, having gained 140 yards on 27 carries with 2 TDs against Florida.

My New Favorite Player

Colby Delahoussaye - K- LSU - It takes talent, skill and cojones to kick a 50 yard field goal as time expires to win the game on the road in the SEC.

Players of the Week

5.  Everett Golson - QB - Notre Dame - Had a nice game for some momentum before the big showdown with Florida State by throwing for 300 yards and and 3 TDs, while adding 71 yards on the ground in a game in which Notre Dame needed every one of its scores to beat North Carolina 50-43.

4.  Nick Chubb - RB - Georgia - See above.

3.  Bryce Petty - QB - Baylor - Petty passed for 510 yards and 6 TDs as he led the Bears to 24 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to be previously undefeated TCU.

2.  Dak Prescott - QB - Mississippi State - The Heisman front runner helped the now number ranked Bulldogs defeat the Auburn Tigers by passing for 246 yards and 1 TD, and running for 121 yards and 2 TDs.

1. Terrence Plummer - LB - UCF - Nobody had as good a week on the gridiron as Plummer did in the Golden Knights defeat of Brigham Young.  Plummer finished the game with 128 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery.  Very reminiscent of the game Khalil Mack had last year against Ohio State that thrust him into the national spotlight.

Goat of the Week (Player Edition)

Tevin Westbrook - TE - Florida - Westbrook dropped an easy, uncovered 1 yard TD pass that would have resulted in the Gators going ahead of LSU by a touchdown with about 1:53 remaining.

Goat of the Week (Coach Edition)

Will Muschamp - Florida - Somehow, not so nimble quarterback Jeff Driskel had 21 rushing attempts, while the first four tailbacks on the roster had a total of 10 carries.

Predicted Playoffs/Championship Match Ups

Florida State (1) v. Michigan State (4)/ Baylor (2) v. (3) Alabama
Michigan State (4) v. Alabama (3)

I foresee the two Mississppi teams losing, perhaps with State beating Ole Miss and Alabama beating State, sneaking Alabama back into the fray.  Baylor stays undefeated, but they are not good enough to win their opening match.  I do not think Florida State is a top 4 team right now, but their schedule gets them into the playoffs undefeated.

Final Unbeatens

1. Mississippi State
2.  Mississippi
3.  Florida State
4. Notre Dame
5.  Baylor
5.  Notre Dame
6.  Marshall

Rant(s) of the Week

Todd Gurley - I do not know if you did something you should not have in taking money for your autograph, but I can tell you that it looks like he was set up.  An autograph broker, according to SBNation, has tried to sell the videotape that he has allegedly of Gurley signing autographs to news outlets, and the broker is the one that paid Gurley - or so he alleges.  I understand that if a player takes money to sign autographs that player is in violation of the NCAA rules, but to have been set up is even worse.  We can debate the inanity of the rule another time, but why is it always the sleaziest people hawking autographs that come out of these stories.  The reputable dealers - and the players and schools know who they are - never seem to be involved in these shenanigans.  FREE TODD GURLEY!

Under Performance of the Week

Missouri - With the opportunity to really stay in the battle for the SEC East, the Tigers are lambasted by Georgia 34-0, in a game that was not even that close.

Last Week's Trivia Answer

With his 28th career sack, Clemson defensive end Vic Beasley tied the school record that he now shares with Gaines Adams and Michael Dean Perry.  Adams was drafted in the first round of the NFL draft and Perry was drafted in the second - which bodes well for Beasley.

Trivia Question of the Week

Mississippi State has risen to the number 1 ranking in college football.  What was the original name of the institution?

Match up(s) to Watch

Texas A and M v. Alabama and Stanford v. Arizona State are both interesting games to watch this weekend, but neither of them make my top 4.  Those would be:

4.  Kentucky v. LSU - Kentucky is one missed delay of game penalty away from being 6-0 and 3-0 in conference.  As it is, Kentucky still controls its destiny in the SEC and LSU looked less than stellar against a lesser than stellarer Florida last week.  Mark Stoops has some athletes that can play.  Probably a school that could really contend in 2016.

3. Oklahoma State v. TCU - The Cowboys' only loss was to Florida State in game 1 of the season, while TCU's bookends that loss by falling last week to Baylor.  This game will shakeup the Big 12 for sure.

2. Baylor v. West Virginia - Last week Baylor was in this post because they played in a  Top 10 undefeated matchup against TCU.  This week the Bears are featured because this game has an over/under of 80.  This game is expected to be high-flying, and remember Baylor won 61-58 last week!

1. Notre Dame v. Florida State - No because it features two Top 5 ranked teams, or because GameDay is in Tallahassee, but primarily because the team that wins this game should - I say should - finish undefeated.

The Ole College Try

Welcome to the return of the almost weekly perspective of college football. For those that don't remember, I write this column as if every player is a Heisman Trophy candidate. Why? Because it is ridiculously ludicrous that the networks, including the World Wide Leader, nay, especially the World Wide Leader, emphasize the Heisman Trophy race all season.  Consider this my sarcastic homage to stupid reporting.

Heisman Watch

Quarterback Edition

Favorite - Dak Prescott - So long as Mississippi State keeps winning, Prescott is the odds on winner should the Heisman go to a quarterback (which as of now is not likely).

Rising - Connor Holliday - Washington State - He has thrown for 3,052 yards - tops in the FCS (second place has 2,165), and in a year in which the running backs are dominating, Holliday's statistics make him a worthwhile Heisman candidate.

Falling - Marcus Mariota - Oregon - Still a phenomenal player having a great season, but the loss at home to Arizona knocks him out of the favorite's seat, especially in a year with running backs like those below.

Running Back Edition

Favorite - Todd Gurley -Georgia - He is 6th in the FBS in rushing yards with 773 and 8 touchdowns, but no player in the NCAA is more important to his team than Gurley.  For those that are watching the game, he is easily the best player in college.

Melvin Gordon - Wisconsin - Right now he will be second in the Heisman race if I had a vote.  Third in the FBS with 871 yards (only 7 behind first place), and he is a difference maker on offense.  Might have jumped Hurley this week if the Badgers didn't lose to Northwestern.

Ameer Abdullah - Nebraska - Leads the FBS in rushing yards with 878, but has not risen further than 3rd as he only gained 45 yards against a tough Michigan State defense in the Cornhuskers loss this weekend.

Sleeper - None - the top three are the top three.  Period.

Wide Receiver Edition

Favorite - Amari Cooper - Alabama - Second in the FBS in yards and receptions, and even though Alabama fell to Ole Miss this week, he still caught 9 passes for 91 yards.

Kevin White - West Virginia - Fourth in receptions and first in yards in the FBS, and is about the only person who could challenge Amari Cooper for the Biletnikoff Award.

Sleeper - None.  Most of the quality receivers have already established themselves.

Defensive Edition

3.  Hau'oli Kikaha - LB - Washington - The senior linebacker has 7 sacks on the season and is really making a name for himself in an offense-laden conference.

2.  Vic Beasley - DE - Clemson - He is finally starting to live up to his pre-season hype, and his sack strip and fumble recovery-return for a touchdown of Jacoby Brissett is the type of play that makes everyone take notice.  His last two or three games have been outstanding.

1.  Gerod Holliman - S - Louisville - The sophomore had another interception this week, giving him 7 for the season, in only 5 games!  He has had at least one interception in every game that he has played.

Player to Watch

Nick Marshall - QB - Auburn - Suddenly it is the Auburn Tigers who look in control of the SEC West, which should assure them a run into the playoffs.  Of course, this division is so tough the winner could escape with two losses, and none of the toughest teams in the country make the final playoffs.

My New Favorite Player

JoJo Kemp - RB - Kentucky - He rushed for 131 yards and 3 touchdowns on only 17 carries as the Kentucky Wildcats defeated the South Carolina Gamecocks.  Despite the fact that the SEC East is hugely down this year, Mark Stoops is quietly building up a very good and athletic team in Lexington.

Players of the Week

This section will be more week specific as the season goes forward, but for the first week, it is hard to differentiate the players of the week from the players of the season, as the season has only lasted 1 week.

5.  Melvin Gordon - RB - Wisconsin - He was at it again gaining 259 yards against Northwestern.  Would likely be ranked higher if the Badgers were not upset.

4.  Dax Prescott - QB - Mississippi State - So instrumental in the Bulldogs victory over the Aggies this week.  He finished 20-26 for 268 yards and 2 Touchdowns passing, and 77 yards and 3 Touchdowns rushing.

3.  Todd Gurley -RB - Georgia - He ran all over Vanderbilt gaining 163 yards and scoring 2 touchdowns in a 44-17 victory.  His numbers would have been much higher if not for the fact that this game was over early.

2.  Connor Holliday - QB - Washington State - He was 49-70 for 734 and 6 touchdowns.  This was not a game for mere stat padding, however, as the Cougars needed every single one of those yards as they defeated Cal 60-59.

1. Mike Bercovici - QB - Arizona State - Although not as gaudy as Holliday's numbers, Becovici's 27-45 for 510 yards and 5 Touchdowns is more impressive given that the Sun Devils defeated the USC in Los Angeles.

Goat of the Week (Player Edition)

Treon Harris - QB - Florida - Leads the Gators on two scoring drives to win 10-0 by day, gets himself into a situation where a sexual assault is being investigated with him as the suspect, leading to his suspension pending the investigation by night.  I don't know if he did anything criminal, or even wrong, but has he not been paying attention the past year?!

Goat of the Week (Coach Edition)

Brady Hoke - Michigan - Because they are awful, he gets the pick again this week.

Predicted Playoffs/Championship Match Ups

Auburn (1) v. (4)Baylor/Michigan State (3) v. (2)Florida State
Auburn (1) v. Florida State (2)
I hate predicting rematches, but we could be on the route.  I know that Ole Miss and Mississippi State are ranked higher than other teams right now, but they play each other and Auburn, not to mention other tough games.  I have said it since Michigan State lost to Oregon opening weekend, that they are going to end up in the playoff.  Notre Dame is the wildcard, and I am not sold on them yet.  I probably should have them in Baylor's spot right now, but might as well take some chances.

Final Unbeatens

We have 10 unbeaten teams remaining, which means that we lost 7 this past weekend alone.  Here is where I rank them (in terms of how I think the team is, not how long they will remain unbeaten).

1.  Auburn
2.  Florida State
3.  Mississippi State
4.  Mississippi
5.  TCU
6.  Baylor
7.  Notre Dame
8.  Arizona
9.  Georgia Tech
10.  Marshall

Rant(s) of the Week

How on earth do we have game-ending and game-winning plays where the snap occurs after the play clock hits zero?  For the second time this season, the Florida Gators take the lead on a field goal in which the play clock is clearly 0 at the time the ball is snapped.  Now, admittedly, the snap occurs very quickly after the clock hits zero during normal speed, but in replay it is obvious.

The official word from the NCAA is that the back judge watches the play clock, and then when it hits 0, he looks to the play.  If the ball is then in motion, no penalty.  Why not just have a buzzer or some apparatus in the hand of the back judge that vibrates the instant the clock hits 0, so that the back judge only has to concentrate on the snap of the ball, and he can supplement the buzzer by paying attention to the clock when necessary?

Kentucky and Tennessee each lost games because of this - although Florida would have had another opportunity, just from 54+ yards (plus an addition (6:20) this week to beat Tennessee.

Under Performance of the Week

Wisconsin - There is no way that the Badgers should have lost to Northwestern.  Melvin Gordon had a great game, but the rest of the offense was nonexistent, as the team had 138 passing yards total for the game.

Last Week's Trivia Answer

The two colleges that each have three players start at quarterback this year in the NFL are:

North Carolina State:  Mike Glennon, Phillip Rivers and Russell Wilson (as both NC State and Wisconsin claim him); and

Michigan State:  Kirk Cousins, Brian Hoyer and Drew Stanton

Trivia Question of the Week

Clemson defensive end Vic Beasley, with his sack/strip/fumble recovery/touchdown this week has tied the Clemson career sack record with 28 sacks.  With whom is he tied?

Match up(s) to Watch

Honorable Mention - West Virginia v. Texas Tech - Not because this is that important of a game, but because 145 points could conceivably be scored in this game!

4.  Oregon v. UCLA - Two teams that in just one week went from playoff contenders to hoping to enter the Pac-12 Conference championship game. Both are offensive-minded, so a lot of points could be scored in this game.  Which team rebounds the best?

3. Ole Miss v. Texas A and M - The second straight huge game for both of these teams against division rivals.  The Aggies cannot afford their second conference loss, meanwhile the Rebels can continue their fantastic start to the season.

2. TCU v. Baylor - One of two top 10 match ups of unbeaten teams.   TCU is a lot better than anybody really knows, and Baylor can score against anyone.

1. Auburn v. Mississippi State - The second straight big game at home for the Bulldogs.  No doubt exists that this is the Game of the Week.

The Ole College Try

Welcome to the weekly installment of the almost weekly perspective of college football.  As a refresher, I write this column as if every player is a Heisman Trophy candidate. Why? Because it is ridiculously ludicrous that the networks, including the World Wide Leader, nay, especially the World Wide Leader, emphasize the Heisman Trophy race this early in the season. After all, who knew who Johnny Manziel was at this time last year.  Consider this my sarcastic homage to stupid reporting.

Heisman Watch

Quarterback Edition

Favorite - Johnny Manziel - Texas A & M; - He will probably stay in this list for a long, long time; barring a Dennis Dixon.  Only 244 yards passing against SMU, but he did have over 100 yards rushing and 3 more touchdowns.

Teddy Bridgewater - Louisville - Against nobody, he still had 4 touchdown passes.  I think he only played four plays against FIU.

A.J. McCarron - Alabama - A solid game against Colorado State.  Let's remember that nobody really played anyone this week..

Rising - Brett Hundley - UCLA - A solid season with 848 yards and 8 touchdowns, but more importantly, he seems to be settling in.  The second half comeback against Nebraska was fantastic, and this week He was 23-35 for 280 and 3 TDs.  He does need to watch his interceptions though.

Dark Horse - Blake Bell - Oklahoma - The Sooners were idle, so Bell did nothing to hurt his dark horse status.  Plus it gives me the opportunity to post another picture of Lake Bell.

Falling - Devin Gardner - Michigan - From a player who looked exciting against Notre Dame, to a quarterback that has struggled against Akron and UConn on consecutive weeks; including a (not-so) stunning 13-25 for 111 yards and 2 TDs.

Running Back Edition

No change this week in the major runners - why?  Nobody played anybody this week.  The top 3, are simply the top 3 and that is it.  More discussion in those rising/sleepers.

Favorite - Todd Gurley - Georgia

De'Anthony Thomas - Oregon

Lache Seastrunk - Baylor

Rising - Melvin Gordon - Wisconsin - The sophomore leads the NCAA with 624 rushing yards.  This is made more astounding by the fact that Wisconsin has had 5 other instances this season of running backs gaining over 100 yards per game.

Sleeper - David Fluellen - Toledo - Fourth in the country in rushing yards with 497 yards, but that number seems suppressed because he opened the season against a very stout and stingy Florida Gators defense.  As Gordon's numbers will lessen as he enters the Big 10 schedule, Fluellen's is likely to rise as he enters his conference season.

Wide Receiver Edition

Brandin Cooks - Oregon State - Leads the NCAA in receptions with 43 (next best is 33), yards with 639 (next highest is 575), and receiving touchdowns with 7.

Paul Richardson - Colorado - 21 catches for 417 yards, and this despite missing a game due to the flooding.

Jordan Matthews - Vanderbilt - He has 32 catches for 471 yards, and is by far the only offensive weapon that the Commodores have.

Rising - Mike Evans - Texas A & M; - He is averaging over 26 yards per catch (largely thanks to the 95 yard TD play against Alabama, and his strength is making him a go-to receiver in tough situations.

Falling - Quarterback play is killing his chances.  Although he is still a likely top 10 draft pick, and has a respectable 23 receptions, he only has 293 yards and 1 Touchdown on the year.

Defensive Edition

3.  Keith Smith - LB - San Jose State - Is averaging an astounding 17 tackles per game.  I don't care what team you play for, and what teams you play - that is a ton!

2.  Martin Ifedi - DL - Memphis - Has 5 1/2 sacks and 9 total tackles for loss (averaging 3 a game).  That is the type of production anyone would take for their team.

1.  Dominique Easley - DT - Florida - I have been waiting to see when to put him in this list, and today is definitely the day.  Florida's defense just stymies its opponents, and it starts in the middle with Easley.  He is a converted end, so he has the speed and quickness to go along with his strength.  Watch the Toledo game film where he is lined up askew to the center because Toledo was in shotgun formation (when a lineman cannot directly engage the center), and when Toledo runs a receiver under center to accept the snap (no longer shotgun so a lineman can directly engage the center) and Easley just throws the center into the receiver, causing a fumble at the snap.  Great athletic ability and the smarts to know the rules.  (Just prior to publishing, Florida has announced the Easley will have season-ending surgery to repair a torn ACL.  This is a HUGE loss to the Gators)!

Player to Watch

Sean Mannion - QB - Oregon State - Another 367 yards and 3 TDs with no interceptions, giving him an NCAA leading 1604 yards passing and 15 total TDs passing, with only 1 interception.  If Mannion can lead Oregon State to an upset of either Oregon or Stanford, he will start to get some Heisman hype.

My New Favorite Player Besides Baker Mayfield - the Walk On Freshman

Tyler Murphy - QB - Florida - I am not going to post another cheap picture of Lake Bell, but this selection is not because of his talent.  It is so I can post this ...

Players of the Week

I am excusing myself for not picking any of the players from the major schools that ran up huge numbers against absolute cupcakes.

5.  Chandler Jones - WR - San Jose State - 7 catches for 193 yards and 3 TDs in a valiant effort against Minnesota.

4.  Antonio Andrews - RB - Western Kentucky - Rushed for 213 yards and 5 TDs against Morgan State, in a route.

3.  Derek Carr - QB - Fresno State - 460 yards passing for 4 TDs and no interceptions in a 41-40 defeat of Brigham Young to stay undefeated on the season.

2.  Melvin Gordon - RB - Wisconsin - 147 yards and 3 TDs for the Badgers against Purdue.

1. Jeremy Hill - RB - LSU - 183 yards and 3 TDs rushing against Auburn, handing the Auburn version of the Tigers its first loss of the season.

Goat of the Week (Player Edition)

Each and every player that was somehow injured in any of the cupcake games.

Goat of the Week (Coach Edition) (Actually - this week its the Administrators)

Each and every Assistant Athletic Director involved in the scheduling of these scams of football games, and every Athletic Director who approved this slate.

Predicted BCS Championship Game Match Up

Alabama v. Oregon - Alabama passed the first of its 3 tests, and Oregon is cruising along.  LSU and Stanford seem to be the next two big hurdles for the two teams that otherwise seem on a collision course.  I wrote this last week, and it remains true this week.  However, Alabama does not look unbeatable, and the Clemson - Florida State match-up could become incredibly huge should the Tide or the Ducks falter.

Rant(s) of the Week

Easy - there is no way that this many ridiculous games are all scheduled for the same week.  I understand that if you play in a tough conference, and if you play 1 difficult and 1 moderate out-of-conference game that you deserve two easier games, but for crying out loud teams - spread those games out.  They all do not have to come in Week 3.

Interesting Fact of the Week (Even if only to me)

Jarvis Landry of LSU has a 6 game TD streak, and has scored a TD in 8 of his last 9 games.

Under Performance of the Week

Michigan - Yes, they defeated Connecticut on a late field goal, a winless Connecticut by the way.  This comes on the heels of a narrow 28-24 victory over now 1-3 Akron, whose only win was against FCS team James Madison.  There is not a chance that - at this point - Michigan should be receiving any Top 25 votes, regardless of their records.

Last Week's Trivia Answer

The last college to win 3 consecutive championships was Minnesota from 1934-1936.

Trivia Question of the Week

Earlier we saw that Jarvis Landry of LSU has a 6 game TD reception streak.  Who holds the NCAA FBS record for most consecutive games with a touchdown reception, and how many games was the streak?

Match up(s) to Watch

5.  UCF v. South Carolina - UCF is undefeated, and it is time to see if they are for real.  Their running back, Storm Johnson, was a big-time recruit coming out of high school, and has amassed 305 yards rushing and 6 TDs already this year.  Can he do it against an SEC defense.

4.  Wisconsin v. Ohio State - The Big 10 is really weak this year, so Wisconsin might be the second best team in the conference, and might be the best opportunity to beat Ohio State.  Ohio State has just named Miller and Guiton as "Co-Starters", which could undermine the team's chemistry against the Badgers.

3. Mississippi v. Alabama - With Mississippi's last two recruiting classes, this match-up should be awesome next year.  Given that Alabama has rarely dominated teams this year, I am interested to see how they do against Mississippi, but more importantly interested to see how the youngsters like Nkemdiche do against a more established Alabama offense.

2.  Arizona v. Washington - Arizona will be a great test for the Huskies, who are quickly looking to assert themselves into the Pac-10 North title conversation.  Is it possible that the Pac-10 North - with Oregon, Stanford and Washington (and even Oregon State) - are better than the SEC West?

1.  LSU v. Georgia - The best game of the year, and LSU needs a win bad.  Why?  Because they got the worst of the cross-over matches, having to play Georgia and Florida as their two SEC East games.  Having already beaten South Carolina, Georgia can absorb a loss better than LSU can, who still has Alabama, Florida and Texas A & M remaining.