#1 Alabama Is The Clear Cut Number 1 Team In The Nation:
Despite losing five defensive All-Americans, (linebackers Dont'a Hightower and Courtney Upshaw, cornerbacks Dre Kirkpatrick and DeQuan Menzie, and safety Mark Barron) four of which were selected in the top 35 of the NFL draft, the Alabama defense is once again revamped and reloaded with their outstanding talent and speed. Led by their strong linebackers Nico Johnson and C.J. Mosley, the Crimson Tide are replacing Penn St. as linebacker U, as their base 3-4 defensive scheme allows their linebackers to roam around the field and make big plays. The Tide's secondary has also looked much better than expected in their first four games. Dee Milliner has played very well for the defending National Champions, as the defensive back is providing a shutdown corner for the Crimson Tide. In four games this season, Alabama has allowed a total of 21 points and they have forced at least 3 turnovers in three of their four victories. The Tide's most impressive defensive performance was their mauling of Michigan in the opening week of the season, as they made Denard Robinson look like a shell of himself and held him to 27 rushing yards, his second lowest rushing total since he took over the starting job as a sophomore in 2010.
Although Nick Saban's defense is getting a lot of love, and deservingly so, the Tide's offense, much like last year, is steadily pacing the team's play. Despite the loss of Heisman Trophy finalist Trent Richardson, the Tide have had no trouble running the ball with their terrific offensive line and their running back tandem of powerful Eddie Lacy and freshman speedster T.J. Yeldon. Alabama's running back duo has been a great compliment to the consistent play of quarterback AJ McCarron, who has yet to throw an interception in four contests.
Although Alabama still have their big matchup with SEC west rival #3 LSU in Baton Rouge in early November, the Tide have a really good chance to become the first outright back-to-back National Champion since Nebraska pulled off the feat in the mid 1990's.
#2 Oregon and #9 West Virginia Have The Two Most Explosive Offenses In The Country:
Despite losing their starting quarterback Darron Thomas and their all-time leading rusher LaMichael James, Oregon's offense may be better than it was last season. Marcus Mariota, who has replaced Thomas behind center, is one of the fastest quarterbacks in the country and is a perfect fit for Chip Kelly's spread offense. Not only can the illusive Mariota use his feet whenever he gets into trouble, but the true freshman is also a better pure passer than Thomas. In the backfield, Kenjon Barner, who is the Ducks every down back, is as good as any running back in the country. The senior showed his workhorse ability in the Ducks 42-25 win over Fresno St., as he ran for 201 yards and 3 touchdowns on 34 carries. While Barner does a lot of the heavy lifting, De'Anthony Thomas is the Ducks home run hitter, as the electrifying playmaker is a threat to take it to the house anytime he touches the ball. Thomas is averaging more than 11 yards per run, which is the best in the country, and nearly 13 yards per catch, and has taken 7 of his 38 offensive touches (nearly 20 percent) for touchdowns. If Thomas gets into open space, watch out, because the "Black Mamba" can make anybody miss with his unbelievable quickness and speed.
While Oregon's offense is predicated on the run, Dana Holgersen and his West Virginia Mountaineers rack up huge chunks of yards through the air. Led by early season Heisman Trophy front-runner Geno Smith, the Big 12 newcomers have a great chance of winning the conference title in their first year in the league. Smith, who leads the nation in completion percentage and touchdowns, and is second in the country in quarterback rating, has looked very poised in the pocket for the Mountaineers, and has been astoundingly accurate. Smith has a bevy of receivers on the outside of the field and Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey are arguably the best wide receiver tandem in the country along with USC's Robert Woods and Marqise Lee. As we saw in the Orange Bowl last year, Tavon Austin can make a play out of anything, and his quickness makes him a very difficult down the field receiving threat to cover. Although it remains to be seen if West Virginia's defense will be able to hold up against high-powered Big 12 attacks, the team's offense will certainly put up a lot of points.
#10 Notre Dame, #11 Florida, #12 Texas, and #14 Ohio St. Are Returning To Prominence:
While programs like Oregon, Oklahoma St., Michigan St., and Boise St. have stated their place amongst the top college football institutions over the past couple of years, longtime football powerhouses like Notre Dame, Florida, Texas, and Ohio St. have really struggled to regain their position amongst the top teams in the country. However, the Irish, Gators, Longhorns, and Buckeyes have all started out the 2012 season without a loss.
Despite having an inexperienced secondary due to the season-ending injuries to cornerback Lo Wood and safeties Austin Collinsworth and Jamoris Slaughter, the key to Notre Dame's 4-0 start has been the solid play of their defensive unit. Notre Dame rank 4th in the country in points against at 9 per game, as the Irish held Michigan St. and Michigan to a total of 9 points, while forcing a combined 7 turnovers in the 2 games. Linebacker Manti Te'o has been so impressive and impactful in the early season for the Irish that his name has even been thrown into the Heisman Trophy ring. Despite the deaths of his girlfriend and grandmother, Te'o, who chose to return to Notre Dame for his senior season, decided to play in the games against Michigan St. and Michigan, and had a combined 20 tackles and 2 interceptions in the victories. Whether it is stopping the run or dropping back into pass coverage, Manti Te'o makes plays all over the field. As crazy as it sounds, Notre Dame is back in the top 10 for the first time in 6 years since 2006.
After a mediocre 7-6 (3-5) first year in Gainesville, Will Muschamp has led the Florida Gators to their first 3-0 start in conference play since they won their first National Championship with Urban Meyer in 2006. A big reason behind the Gators success has been the consistent quarterback play of sophomore starter Jeff Driskel. Although Florida came into their first game without a clear cut number 1 QB, Driskel has taken over the job with his stellar play through the Gators first 4 games. Driskel hasn't made a lot of mistakes, as he has only thrown 1 interception, and he has been very poised and accurate in the pocket, as his completion percentage of 69.6 is the highest for any quarterback in the SEC. Along with his accuracy, Driskel can extend plays and drives with his ability to run for first downs and big yardage. Florida finally have a solid offense to go along with their very dependable defense. However, the road ahead is a very difficult one for the Gators, as they still have to play #3 LSU, #6 South Carolina, #5 Georgia, and #4 Florida St.
Although it has not been publicized as much as some of the other college football struggles, the Texas Longhorns have failed to return to the top of the Big 12 since they reached the National Championship Game in 2009. With a 13-12 record over the last two seasons, the Longhorns 3-0 start is very encouraging, even if their victories have been over Wyoming, New Mexico, and Ole Miss. David Ash has taken full control of the starting quarterback role and the Longhorns offense has looked devastating. Ash, who has the unique skill set of a big arm and the ability to use his legs and run, is complimented by the two-headed running attack of Malcolm Brown and Joe Bergeron, while High School Player of the Year Johnathan Gray will steadily get more carries as the season progresses. Although five of Texas's nine conference games could be against ranked teams, the Longhorns can definitely contend for a Big 12 title.
After Braxton Miller threw for 207 yards and ran for another 161 against Miami (OH), sliced apart UCF for 141 yards on the ground and 3 touchdowns, and hit Devin Smith on a 72 yard pass with 3 minutes left to knock off Cal, Ohio St. head coach Urban Meyer said, "Braxton has more talent [then Tim Tebow]. Tim is probably more of a grinder." While too many people wouldn't go that far (except for maybe Tebow hater Merril Hoge), Miller has shown that he is the perfect quarterback for Urban Meyer's spread system. Braxton is one of the fastest, if not the fastest quarterback in the country, and his speed is such a threat when he is running the option or scrambling around the pocket. Although Ohio St. will not be able to play in the postseason this year due to the NCAA violations that took place under Jim Tressel, the Buckeyes are likely the best team in the Big 10.
The Big Ten Is Off To Another Rough Start:
Ever since Ohio St. was crushed by Florida and LSU in consecutive BCS National Championship Games in 2006 and 2007, the Big Ten has struggled to reclaim its place as the best college football conference along with the always dominate SEC. Last year the Big Ten finished the season with just 3 teams ranked inside the top 20 and their overall conference bowl record was a disappointing 4-6.
The Big Ten is off to another slow start this year, as the league has just 1 win over a ranked opponent (Michigan State's victory over Boise St.) and Ohio St. is the only team from the conference ranked inside the top 20 of the AP poll. In non-conference play, Michigan St. and Michigan both lost to Notre Dame, while UCLA, likely the 5th best team in the Pac-12, knocked off one of the Big Ten favorites, Nebraska. Wisconsin, which has represented the Big Ten in the Rose Bowl the past two years, lost to Oregon St., probably the 4th best team in the Pac-12, and has not looked good in any of its victories. The Badgers have been unable to dominate teams on the ground like they have done in the past, and Maryland transfer Danny O'Brien and freshman Joel Stave have both struggled behind center. Nothing against Minnesota and Northwestern, but when they are the only bowl eligible teams (Ohio St. is not bowl eligible) still undefeated in your conference after 4 weeks, there is a problem.
Although Nick Saban's defense is getting a lot of love, and deservingly so, the Tide's offense, much like last year, is steadily pacing the team's play. Despite the loss of Heisman Trophy finalist Trent Richardson, the Tide have had no trouble running the ball with their terrific offensive line and their running back tandem of powerful Eddie Lacy and freshman speedster T.J. Yeldon. Alabama's running back duo has been a great compliment to the consistent play of quarterback AJ McCarron, who has yet to throw an interception in four contests.
Although Alabama still have their big matchup with SEC west rival #3 LSU in Baton Rouge in early November, the Tide have a really good chance to become the first outright back-to-back National Champion since Nebraska pulled off the feat in the mid 1990's.
#2 Oregon and #9 West Virginia Have The Two Most Explosive Offenses In The Country:
Despite losing their starting quarterback Darron Thomas and their all-time leading rusher LaMichael James, Oregon's offense may be better than it was last season. Marcus Mariota, who has replaced Thomas behind center, is one of the fastest quarterbacks in the country and is a perfect fit for Chip Kelly's spread offense. Not only can the illusive Mariota use his feet whenever he gets into trouble, but the true freshman is also a better pure passer than Thomas. In the backfield, Kenjon Barner, who is the Ducks every down back, is as good as any running back in the country. The senior showed his workhorse ability in the Ducks 42-25 win over Fresno St., as he ran for 201 yards and 3 touchdowns on 34 carries. While Barner does a lot of the heavy lifting, De'Anthony Thomas is the Ducks home run hitter, as the electrifying playmaker is a threat to take it to the house anytime he touches the ball. Thomas is averaging more than 11 yards per run, which is the best in the country, and nearly 13 yards per catch, and has taken 7 of his 38 offensive touches (nearly 20 percent) for touchdowns. If Thomas gets into open space, watch out, because the "Black Mamba" can make anybody miss with his unbelievable quickness and speed.
While Oregon's offense is predicated on the run, Dana Holgersen and his West Virginia Mountaineers rack up huge chunks of yards through the air. Led by early season Heisman Trophy front-runner Geno Smith, the Big 12 newcomers have a great chance of winning the conference title in their first year in the league. Smith, who leads the nation in completion percentage and touchdowns, and is second in the country in quarterback rating, has looked very poised in the pocket for the Mountaineers, and has been astoundingly accurate. Smith has a bevy of receivers on the outside of the field and Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey are arguably the best wide receiver tandem in the country along with USC's Robert Woods and Marqise Lee. As we saw in the Orange Bowl last year, Tavon Austin can make a play out of anything, and his quickness makes him a very difficult down the field receiving threat to cover. Although it remains to be seen if West Virginia's defense will be able to hold up against high-powered Big 12 attacks, the team's offense will certainly put up a lot of points.
#10 Notre Dame, #11 Florida, #12 Texas, and #14 Ohio St. Are Returning To Prominence:
While programs like Oregon, Oklahoma St., Michigan St., and Boise St. have stated their place amongst the top college football institutions over the past couple of years, longtime football powerhouses like Notre Dame, Florida, Texas, and Ohio St. have really struggled to regain their position amongst the top teams in the country. However, the Irish, Gators, Longhorns, and Buckeyes have all started out the 2012 season without a loss.
Despite having an inexperienced secondary due to the season-ending injuries to cornerback Lo Wood and safeties Austin Collinsworth and Jamoris Slaughter, the key to Notre Dame's 4-0 start has been the solid play of their defensive unit. Notre Dame rank 4th in the country in points against at 9 per game, as the Irish held Michigan St. and Michigan to a total of 9 points, while forcing a combined 7 turnovers in the 2 games. Linebacker Manti Te'o has been so impressive and impactful in the early season for the Irish that his name has even been thrown into the Heisman Trophy ring. Despite the deaths of his girlfriend and grandmother, Te'o, who chose to return to Notre Dame for his senior season, decided to play in the games against Michigan St. and Michigan, and had a combined 20 tackles and 2 interceptions in the victories. Whether it is stopping the run or dropping back into pass coverage, Manti Te'o makes plays all over the field. As crazy as it sounds, Notre Dame is back in the top 10 for the first time in 6 years since 2006.
After a mediocre 7-6 (3-5) first year in Gainesville, Will Muschamp has led the Florida Gators to their first 3-0 start in conference play since they won their first National Championship with Urban Meyer in 2006. A big reason behind the Gators success has been the consistent quarterback play of sophomore starter Jeff Driskel. Although Florida came into their first game without a clear cut number 1 QB, Driskel has taken over the job with his stellar play through the Gators first 4 games. Driskel hasn't made a lot of mistakes, as he has only thrown 1 interception, and he has been very poised and accurate in the pocket, as his completion percentage of 69.6 is the highest for any quarterback in the SEC. Along with his accuracy, Driskel can extend plays and drives with his ability to run for first downs and big yardage. Florida finally have a solid offense to go along with their very dependable defense. However, the road ahead is a very difficult one for the Gators, as they still have to play #3 LSU, #6 South Carolina, #5 Georgia, and #4 Florida St.
Although it has not been publicized as much as some of the other college football struggles, the Texas Longhorns have failed to return to the top of the Big 12 since they reached the National Championship Game in 2009. With a 13-12 record over the last two seasons, the Longhorns 3-0 start is very encouraging, even if their victories have been over Wyoming, New Mexico, and Ole Miss. David Ash has taken full control of the starting quarterback role and the Longhorns offense has looked devastating. Ash, who has the unique skill set of a big arm and the ability to use his legs and run, is complimented by the two-headed running attack of Malcolm Brown and Joe Bergeron, while High School Player of the Year Johnathan Gray will steadily get more carries as the season progresses. Although five of Texas's nine conference games could be against ranked teams, the Longhorns can definitely contend for a Big 12 title.
After Braxton Miller threw for 207 yards and ran for another 161 against Miami (OH), sliced apart UCF for 141 yards on the ground and 3 touchdowns, and hit Devin Smith on a 72 yard pass with 3 minutes left to knock off Cal, Ohio St. head coach Urban Meyer said, "Braxton has more talent [then Tim Tebow]. Tim is probably more of a grinder." While too many people wouldn't go that far (except for maybe Tebow hater Merril Hoge), Miller has shown that he is the perfect quarterback for Urban Meyer's spread system. Braxton is one of the fastest, if not the fastest quarterback in the country, and his speed is such a threat when he is running the option or scrambling around the pocket. Although Ohio St. will not be able to play in the postseason this year due to the NCAA violations that took place under Jim Tressel, the Buckeyes are likely the best team in the Big 10.
The Big Ten Is Off To Another Rough Start:
Ever since Ohio St. was crushed by Florida and LSU in consecutive BCS National Championship Games in 2006 and 2007, the Big Ten has struggled to reclaim its place as the best college football conference along with the always dominate SEC. Last year the Big Ten finished the season with just 3 teams ranked inside the top 20 and their overall conference bowl record was a disappointing 4-6.
The Big Ten is off to another slow start this year, as the league has just 1 win over a ranked opponent (Michigan State's victory over Boise St.) and Ohio St. is the only team from the conference ranked inside the top 20 of the AP poll. In non-conference play, Michigan St. and Michigan both lost to Notre Dame, while UCLA, likely the 5th best team in the Pac-12, knocked off one of the Big Ten favorites, Nebraska. Wisconsin, which has represented the Big Ten in the Rose Bowl the past two years, lost to Oregon St., probably the 4th best team in the Pac-12, and has not looked good in any of its victories. The Badgers have been unable to dominate teams on the ground like they have done in the past, and Maryland transfer Danny O'Brien and freshman Joel Stave have both struggled behind center. Nothing against Minnesota and Northwestern, but when they are the only bowl eligible teams (Ohio St. is not bowl eligible) still undefeated in your conference after 4 weeks, there is a problem.
