Picks for the College Football Playoff; Week 7
Despite an underwhelming performance from half of my top four last weekend, there won’t be quite as much change as one would think. Georgia stunk in the second half versus Alabama and couldn’t muster much on offense after a solid first half. Notre Dame only managed 12 points in a low-scoring win over a disappointing Louisville team. However, these two results don’t really change how I view these teams
The Big Ten begins this weekend, which means I will be including Ohio State in these rankings. After seeing those two performances noted above, I think it’s pretty clear that the Buckeyes are a top-four team. I’ll dive into that more in their section. Keep an eye on Penn State too. Despite losing RB Journey Brown indefinitely due to medical issues, the Nittany Lions have a loaded roster and experience at QB with Sean Clifford.
With that said, let’s get into the rankings.
No. 1: Clemson Tigers (5-0) (LW: 73-7 W vs Georgia Tech)
It’s just laughable what Trevor Lawrence and the Tigers did to Georgia Tech on Saturday. Lawrence reached the 400-yard mark for the first time in his Clemson career as he rolled to five first-half touchdown throws. The Tigers more than tripled the Yellow Jackets’ yardage and first downs. It looked like what we would think an NFL team would do to a college team if they played. Clemson might be as close to that as we get. I’m going to say this every week, but there’s a gap between Clemson and the rest of the country right now, and it’s only getting wider.
No. 2: Alabama Crimson Tide (4-0) (LW: 41-24 W vs Georgia)
Kirby Smart and Georgia blew a second-half lead to lose to Nick Saban and Alabama and lost. Sound familiar? Yes? That’s what I thought. Alabama just has a gear offensively that Georgia couldn't match. When big plays were needed in the second half, Mac Jones delivered and Stetson Bennett couldn’t. This Crimson Tide receiving core (Jaylen Waddle, DeVonta Smith, John Metchie III) didn’t even blink at arguably the nation’s toughest defense and made big catch after big catch. Najee Harris ran well (152 yards and a touchdown). Not only is Mac Jones (417 yards, 13.0 y/a, 4 TD) vying for the Heisman Trophy, he’s making a great case to shoot up draft boards too. The Crimson Tide are locked into this No. 2 spot barring a slip-up or a great showing by our No. 3 team....
No. 3: Ohio State Buckeyes (0-0) (LW: N/A)
I’m excited to watch Justin Fields as he enters his junior year in the college ranks. He returns two experienced RBs in the backfield, a great OL, and a surplus of WR talent. It’s going to be the defense that defines how great this team can be. It’s tough losing the No. 2 and No. 3 overall picks (Chase Young and Jeff Okudah), but Ohio State is one of the few that can replace that kind of talent. The Buckeyes are heavily favored to run the table and win the Big Ten. If they finish the year undefeated with a conference title, there’s no doubt they should be included in the final four.
No. 4: Georgia Bulldogs (3-1) (LW: 41-24 L vs Alabama)
Do you know who Georgia could’ve used on Saturday? Justin Fields. Instead, Stetson Bennett struggled against his stiffest challenge all year. Bennett completed less than half his passes, and couldn't muster a single point in the second half. Talent-wise, I still think Georgia deserves this spot. That November 7 duel with Florida should decide the SEC East, and if the Bulldogs pull that off, they’ll get another crack at Alabama in the SEC title game, and we’re going to need to see Bennett (or whoever is playing QB) and the Georgia offense to show up in the second half.
Next Few:
Notre Dame
Penn State
Oklahoma State
Writer
-By: TJ Mathewson