WEEK 1 REVIEW

Passing Thoughts

Alabama

Everyone in the world knew who Alabama’s starting quarterback should be and finally after the Crimson Tide’s beatdown of Louisville, Nick Saban acknowledged Tua Tagovailoa will start for Alabama. Well not before he was rude to a sideline reporter just doing her job. But nonetheless, we now know Tua will replace Jalen Hurts as Alabama’s starter. Hurts simply can’t pass well enough and despite his 26-2 record as a starter, he doesn’t have the “it” factor that Tua clearly possesses. He just brings a different energy when he’s on the field where you legitimately feel like Alabama can score at any time. This clearly makes the Tide more dangerous. It has been awhile since they have had a quarterback with this kind of big play ability. Couple that, with the still elite defense and it will be a long for the rest of the SEC.

Clemson

Trevor Lawrence will eventually start for Clemson. It may not be next week, or the week after but Trevor Lawrence, the 5 star legendary high school quarterback from Georgia is clearly the better option for Dabo Swinney and the Tigers. Kelly Bryant is a good quarterback, and because of that amazing defense, particularly up front, the Tigers could easily make it back to the  College Football Playoff with him at QB. But, for Clemson to be special, Lawrence needs to be the guy. He’s mobile, and a much better passer than Bryant. Now, we’ll have to see if Dabo is bold enough to trust a true freshman with the keys.

Miami

Malik Rosier is still TERRIBLE! You know what I hate? When it’s the offseason and you read the reports saying “Rosier has really gotten better, he’s more accurate and much smarter than last season”. Then he comes out and does things to confirm that those reports were extremely false. He still can’t hit an open receiver, can’t read a defense to save his life. How do you not see when guys are clearly about to blitz you and be smart enough to check out of the play?? Mark RIcht has always shown a desire to stay loyal to his vets but if he wants to win and keep the hopes of Cane Nation high, then he needs to do the right thing and bench Rosier

Oklahoma

No Baker, No problem. Kyler Murray looked much improved from his Texas A&M days as he placed the ball anywhere he wanted against Lane Kiffin’s FAU team.  Oklahoma may have more offensively talented skill players than any team in the nation. Murray’s ability to run as well as pass accurately is exactly what Oklahoma needed to continue their chase for a championship. Alot of people questioned Lincoln RIley when Bob Stoops retired, myself included. But it’s clear OU knew what they were doing.

Michigan

Like I said in my last blog, this year is a make or break year for Harbaugh in my mind. The honeymoon is over and fans are no longer going to let you get by with mediocre play. Harbaugh and Michigan are 8-8 in their last 16 games. Harbaugh came back to college to win and win now. But the product he puts on the field shows they are still not there and who knows if they ever will get there. Harbaugh still can’t win big games and that was even more evident as they got embarrassed by Notre Dame.

Week 2 Picks

Clemson VS Texas A&M

Texas A&M under 1st year head coach Jimbo Fisher looked good in their opener, really good. But it wasn’t against a team with nearly the talent level of Clemson. Clemson also won their opener as they shuffled quarterbacks. The Aggies are confident and will be playing at home and quarterback Kellen Mond is very talented but he has struggled in his career against big and fast defenses which is exactly what Clemson will be bringing to the table. This is a game where Dabo should find out who his quarterback is and let them play. Clemson also features a strong running game which should be too much for A&M.

Clemson 37

Texas A&M 17

UCLA VS Oklahoma

Chip Kelly got a rude awakening back to college football in week 1 when his Bruins struggled offensively and lost to Cincinnati. It doesn’t get easier as they travel to Norman this week. Kyler Murray will give UCLA fits all game long and I don’t think this game has the potential to be close at all. I was shocked when Kelly gave the starting quarterback position to former Michigan quarterback Wilton Speight. He does not fit Chip’s style at all and it showed in week 1. Maybe it gets better but I doubt it. UCLA ‘s defense also will have plenty of issues trying to cover all of OU’s skill players.

Oklahoma 45

UCLA 17

Georgia VS South Carolina

Georgia will get an early test as they travel to South Carolina for an early SEC East battle. South Carolina. The Gamecocks are an improving team but they are about a year away from actually winning this game. Georgia has the advantage at almost every position group, especially up front. Jake Bentley, South Carolina’s quarterback is really talented but he’s facing a great defense. But when it comes to the best player on the field, that title goes to South Carolina’s Deebo Samuel who is already projected to be a lottery pick in next year’s NFL draft. He is sure to make plays on Saturday but it just won’t be enough.

Georgia 31

South Carolina 20

USC VS Stanford

In a huge rivalry game Saturday, USC brings their true freshman quarterback to Stanford. I don’t see it going to well for him. Stanford plays a very physical style of football on both sides of the ball, and running back Bryce Love will definitely be looking to bounce back from his subpar week 1 performance. While USC is very talented and well coached, they need more playmakers before they get back to the USC of old. Stanford will play mistake free physical football to take a home a win in an important game in the PAC 12.

Stanford 23

USC 17

LINE OF THE WEEK

Arkansas State +36.5 VS Alabama

Call me crazy. Call me a former Arkansas State student. Call me a Red Wolf graduate (class of 2011). BUT none of that has anything/much to do with me picking this game. Arkansas State is talented but they don’t stand a chance in winning this game, Do they have a chance to lose by less than 36.5? Yes. Yes they do. The difference in this game is the Red Wolves truly have nothing to lose. They will come out firing and attack what I feel is a shaky Alabama secondary. They will attach enough to put up some points, but not enough to match what Tua and the Tide will be able to produce. However, with a veteran starter at quarterback and a few talented skill guys around him, I trust in Justice Hansen and the Red Wolves to make me look very smart this week.

We are still in that weird part of the year where we don’t know too much about who’s who and what’s what. Hell, the coaches don’t even know what they have at this point. But this is when it’s exciting from a player’s standpoint. Starting jobs are still open and available in some major programs. With several big time games this week, I look forward to seeing who steps up to claim those spots. No sports slowly reveals themselves like college football and that’s one of the reasons we love it so much.

Also keep an eye on the Western Michigan VS Michigan game because if Michigan struggles or takes an L, all of Ann Arbor will be on his doorstep by midnight!