We are now three weeks into the college football season. With conference play beginning for most teams this weekend, some of our writers sat down to discuss the biggest story lines of the season so far and preview what is sure to be a wild rest of the year.
What has been the best moment of the season so far?
Cody Goggin: Baker Mayfield planting the flag at the Shoe. This moment defined what college football should be and was outside the norm for modern-day sports etiquette. The level of disrespect and theater in this act is just amazing and is everything college football needs.
Brendan Smith: Chase McGrath hitting the game-winning field goal for USC. As a walk-on, true freshman, he missed the first kick of his career earlier in the game, then hit the game-tying and eventually the game-winning field goals. These kind of stories make college sports great.
Austin Montgomery: Texas A&M pimp cane celebration in the Rose Bowl. Then UCLA 35 point comeback that concluded with Josh Rosen’s face spike touchdown to tie for the greatest comeback in NCAA history.
Daniel Jakes: Purdue looking like a decent team, the West needs a good team BADLY to compete with Wisconsin and Iowa. Hopefully they can compete.
Andrew Grimes: UCLA coming back from 44-10 to win 45-44 vs TAMU. Not only did they come back but they did it in only 17 minutes of gameplay. Not to mention Gus Johnson made the game so much more exciting to watch.
Jacob Allen: Baker Mayfield sticking the flag in the O at midfield. We need more flair and celebration in the college game, and this was an all time classic moment.
Anthony Ventura: The USC-Texas game. I love a good overtime thriller in prime time.
Seth Berland: I think I have to agree with Cody and Jacob on this, Mayfield with the disrespect to OSU planting the flag at the 50 was the best moment and got the best reactions.
Luke Maiers: Iowa’s new tradition where they wave to the new children’s hospital at the end of the first quarter. As if Kinnick Stadium wasn’t electric enough, comforting sick kids and letting them know that we are thinking about them just adds to the atmosphere.
PJ Guippone: UAB establishing themselves as the best team in the nation with a dominant win over Coastal Carolina (actually though they just won me 70 beans and they have the best mascot in the country. It’s a dragon. A FUCKING DRAGON.)
Which team would you say has exceeded expectations the most through the first three weeks? Which team that you thought would be good has been a bust so far?
Cody: I’ve been very impressed with Vanderbilt. Not that I didn’t expect them to win these games, but they have looked a lot more dominant than I expected they would. They’ve established themselves in the national spotlight somewhat, however, they get Bama this week and we know how that goes. On the disappointing side, Missouri has been atrocious. I thought that they would be a decent-to-good team this season and after seeing them play last week, there’s not a great chance of that happening. It’s impossible for a team, no matter how talented, to overcome the ineptitude of a coaching staff.
Brendan: The most surprising team has been Virginia Tech. With a second year head coach and a new starting quarterback, I did not have high expectations for this team. An impressive win against WVU to open the season changed the tune. The biggest bust this season has been Stanford. A loss to USC is understandable, but then the loss to SDSU may have revealed this team’s true colors. Keller Chryst is not a good quarterback.
Austin: Bust is definitely Missouri, I wanted to believe in Cody’s model but they let me down hard. Also ASU sucks pretty bad I didn’t expect them lose to Texas Tech and SDSU. Biggest surprise is definitely Mississippi St. Dan Mullen has proven to be the best coach in the SEC not named Nick Saban, beating acclaimed top-10 teams with subpar talent. Nick Fitzgerald looks like the best QB in the SEC right now, and the Bulldogs are ready to make some noise.
Daniel: Clemson (Surprising): I expected a fall off of production with Watson gone, but that has been the opposite of what has gone on. LSU (Bust): I was hoping for the LSU of old with a stout defense and a ground-and-pound running game (It’s not happening)
Andrew: Oklahoma would be my surprise because after losing Bob Stoops to retirement I thought that would be a blow to the team morale and didn’t think they had it in them to beat Ohio State. Stanford would be my disappointment. I had high hopes for them, like a CFP title hunt. Instead, they start out 1-2 and still have to play Oregon, UCLA, and Washington. Could get ugly.
Jacob: Clemson, Baylor/ LSU. I think Clemson was going to take some massive steps back at QB, but the Defense looks just as impressive, and the Tigers seem to be rolling. That is not either the Baylor Bears or The Tigers of LSU. They look like a mess, after Baylor lost their first two games, and LSU just lost by 30 to an unranked team. Not ideal.
Anthony: Clemson, they dominated both Auburn and Louisville, one of the top teams in the country./ Stanford, Desmond Howard’s preseason national champ is now 1-2 on the year.
Seth: Oklahoma State for the surprise because we knew they’d be good, but their offense is out of this world and the defense is top 35 right now in PPG against; LSU for disappointment because their offense is atrocious and they got smacked in their first SEC game.
Luke: Exceeded – I’ll admit that I thought Clemson would have a big-time hangover from last season, but they haven’t. A lot of the credit should go to Dabo, but how about this young QB. Bryant is for real. Someone voted for Maryland to be in the top 25 in the Coaches Poll before the season. Maybe they were on to something, so the Terps get an honorable mention. Now we are only three games into the season, but Stanford has disappointed a little. Granted, their two losses are to two ranked teams, San Diego State and USC, but I had this team as a CFP candidate before the season started.
PJ: After this week, we will be saying Purdue is exceeding expectations the most. Realistically they already are considering their expectation was probably for less than five wins. Also, Texas is entirely, wholeheartedly not back (again) and that couldn’t really make me happier.
Who would you put in the CFB Playoff if it started today?
Cody: Hate to go chalk, but right now the playoff should be pretty similar to last season. At the top, as always, I have the Alabama Crimson Tide. Following them would be Clemson, coming off a great win last week and Oklahoma, who got a great win at Ohio State in week 2. For the last spot, there are many ways you could go, but I think I’ll go with the Washington Huskies. The Huskies are a complete team and even though they haven’t had a chance to shine yet, they are very good and have a good chance to win the Pac 12.
Brendan: Alabama, Clemson, Penn State and USC. Alabama and Clemson have the best defenses in the country, and for Clemson, Kelly Bryant is looking better as the season progresses. For Penn State, we know what Saquon Barkley is capable of, but I’ve been impressed with Trace McSorley’s development. With USC, their offensive weapons have impressed all season. Ronald Jones III and Stephen Carr may be the best running back duo in the nation.
Daniel: #1 Alabama: Have been the most consistent team. #2 Clemson: Second best defense behind Bama, offense hasn’t lost a step. #3 Oklahoma: Been a dominating force, and has the best player in the country right now. #4 Oklahoma St: Possibly the hottest team in the country, thanks to the best offense in the nation.
Andrew: Alabama, Clemson, Penn State, Oklahoma. Alabama because Alabama. Clemson because they showed the CFB world they are a dynasty by dominating Auburn and Louisville. They have a few tough games left but I think they have more than enough talent to get to the CFP. Penn State because they have two heisman caliber players and have gained so much momentum starting after the embarrassing loss to Michigan. And Oklahoma because they are the hottest team dating back to 2016. They won out after losing to Ohio State in 2016 and got revenge just a few weeks ago. With the talent and confidence they have going against a very weak Big 12 conference (excluding Oklahoma State and TCU) they should get in easily.
Jacob: Alabama, Clemson, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State. Alabama is a given, Clemson clearly looks the part so far, and seeing the Oklahoma schools only happens before their matchup later this year. If the season ended today, these are my best teams right now.
Anthony: Alabama (best team in the country no doubt), Oklahoma (dominated Ohio State on the road, best QB in the country) , Clemson (previously mentioned outstanding wins over Louisville and Auburn), Penn State (best RB in the country leading one of the highest powered offenses in the country).
Seth: Alabama (don’t think that needs an explanation), Clemson (has performed well in a pair of big time games already, defense is solid once again), Oklahoma (manhandled a good OSU team, offense is incredible, Mayfield is playing out of his mind), Penn State (best RB in the country, very good QB, solid defense, not many weaknesses)
Luke: Alabama is the only team year-in and year-out who could make the CFP with two losses. They will be there unless they fall apart. Before the season started, I said Baker Mayfield would win the Heisman and Oklahoma would win the CFP. It’s looking good so far. Penn St. is the most legit team in the B1G and I think they will be playing for a B1G Title again this winter. Barkley carries the Nittany Lions to the Final Four. Who else is surprised Clemson is this good? Dabo is one of the best coaches (yes, I am going to say this) IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL HISTORY. I am so impressed by the Tigers this season.
PJ: I am not sold on Clemson still, but they have proven themselves to be the best team in the country (even though Louisville’s defense is the same as a high school’s and Auburn might never score a touchdown again). Alabama because they are Alabama. Penn State because the Big Ten is the best conference in America and Penn State is the best team in the Big Ten. Oklahoma because Baker Mayfield is the king of the universe.
Rank your top 5 Heisman candidates:
Cody: After being a finalist the past two seasons, I think this is finally Baker Mayfield’s year to shine. He’s the epitome of a great college quarterback and what it means to put a team on your back. Behind him I would have the best running back in the nation, Saquon Barkley. Baker’s cross-state counterpart, Mason Rudolph, the grandson of a Marlboro Man, Sam Darnold, and the reigning Heisman winner, Lamar Jackson round out my top five. Saquon is always doing special things and as long as the Nittany Lions are in the hunt, he has a chance. Rudolph has been great this season, but I believe he will need a win in Bedlam and to win the Big 12 in order to win. Darnold has had some problems with interceptions, but it wouldn’t be college football without a USC QB as a finalist. For the last spot there wasn’t a ton of better options than Lamar Jackson. I know he had a rough game against Clemson, but you can’t leave the reigning Heisman winner off of the watch list.
Brendan: Baker Mayfield number 1, he has been flawless for Oklahoma this season. He has thrown just 19 interceptions in 3 games, while throwing 10 touchdowns. Saquon Barkley number 2. Even without his usual production, Barkley’s numbers have impressed. Last game, even with just 47 rushing yards, Barkley registered 142 receiving yards, with a receiving touchdown. Lamar Jackson number 3. Even after a stinker against Clemson, Jackson still has 1,391 total yards and 11 total touchdowns. Mason Rudolph number 4, after coming off a videogame-like performance against Pitt and an impressive 11:1 TD:INT ratio this season. Lastly, Sam Darnold number 5. Just too many interceptions to have him higher than 5.
Austin: Baker Mayfield is definitely number one contender for the Heisman right now. I wrote how Mayfield was poised for a big season in my article here http://www.studentunionsports.com/austinmontgomery/heisman-predictions-bovada-prop-bets/amontgomery. Mayfield is in the best position to succeed with the best offensive in the country, and playing in the BIG 12. Mayfield is the certainly the favorite to win the Heisman, and if you would have listened to me in August you would have a +800 ticket with Mayfield’s name on it to win the Heisman trophy in New York. You are very welcome! The number one player who can create a threat to Mayfield is Saquon Barkley, who is putting up great numbers despite running behind an average offensive line. Penn St should contend to win the BIG and be potential playoff contender. Sam Darnold, the QB from USC, comes in at number 3. Mason Rudolph is climbing to the top of Heisman boards and comes in at #4. My darkhorse heisman candidate is San Diego St running back Rashaad Penny.
Daniel: #1 Baker Mayfield: Electric playmaker who makes his presence felt, and ultimately is the key that brings life to the Sooners. #2 Mason Rudolph: The gunslinger has earned himself a spot on this list by completely dominating opposing defenses. #3 Saquon Barkley: He is the center of Penn State’s offense, as he creates plays running the ball or catching it. #4 Sam Darnold: Let’s be honest with ourselves, USC isn’t where they are today if it weren’t for Darnold, and that being said, that is the main reason Darnold is where he is on this board.
Andrew: Saquon Barkley is the best offensive player in the country. He’s a human highlight reel as both a running and passing threat and opens up the entire offense for Penn State. Baker Mayfield is the best QB in the country and has been sensational. He is a close second but I have to give the edge to Barkley. Dante Pettis, the most underrated skill player last year in my opinion, is next. While everyone was talking about John Ross, Jake Browning and the Washington offense, Pettis put together a very solid season hauling in over 800 yards receiving and 15 touchdowns. He’s gotten off to a quick start this season so we could see a jump in his stats and some Heisman recognition. Mason Rudolph, a textbook gunslinger. Could’ve gotten drafted but came back to win a title and I respect that. Completing over 70% of his passes right now, averaging 12.1 YPA with a 11 TDs to 1 Int. He might be doing it against bad teams right now but I don’t think his stats will fall all that much. Ogbonnia Okoronkwo because he’s a defensive nightmare in a conference that doesn’t face much defense. He was the man who lead Oklahoma to shutting down the Ohio State offense with 2.5 sacks. He had a great junior year but only now is getting some recognition. He probably won’t win but if I had to choose one defensive player to win, it would be him.
Jacob: Mason Rudolph, Baker Mayfield, Saquon Barkley, Lamar Jackson, Sam Darnold. Mason Rudolph was my preseason pick to win the Heisman. Baker Mayfield looks like he would like some hardware going out, and Lamar Jackson wants to repeat. Saquon Barkley is leading a solid Penn St. team and Sam Darnold is most likely the #1 overall pick. It is still a toss up, but these are my 5 to lead the running all year.
Anthony: Baker Mayfield is the person I think will win the award. He dominated the Ohio State defense as well as everyone else he’s played so far. Mason Rudolph is putting up video game-like numbers despite usually only playing half the game. Lamar Jackson is the reigning champ and is playing just as well this year. Saquon Barkley is the best RB in the country and is electrifying in the Penn state offense., JK Dobbins, who took over the starting spot at RB from a 1,000 yard rusher and is averaging over 140 yards a game so far this year as a true freshman.
PJ- Mason Rudolph. Right now you would have a lot of trouble arguing that one. The man is basically what Uncle Rico says he is. Baker Mayfield is the best quarterback in the country and it isn’t even close. Josh Rosen. Try to tell me you would take any other quarterback to run the two-minute drill. I’m waiting. I’ll keep waiting all year while he carries a D-2 roster to being the number one pick. Royce Freeman. Every Heisman race needs a running back, Freeman has nine touchdowns right now. NINE. No other running back has more than five and he has run Oregon into the top 25. I still want Lamar Jackson and his video game numbers to be in Heisman contention. I want him everywhere. I want him to win everything still. Put him in the Playoff. I want him in the NFL. I just love watching him.
Seth: Baker Mayfield has been playing unbelievably and has done so against very good competition and his team is looking like theyre going to be near the top of the rankings all season, Lamar Jackson is putting up crazy numbers again, and is even likely to pass his numbers from his Heisman-winning campaign last year, Royce Freeman is way too underrated this year (I think people got tired of waiting for his huge breakout year) but his numbers are absolutely bonkers right now, I didn’t even believe them when I first saw them, Mason Rudolph is also putting up some stupidly good numbers and his team is going to keep him in the spotlight of the playoff for most of the season, a win over Mayfield and Oklahoma later in the season would go a long way towards him being the favorite for the heisman
Luke: Baker Mayfield: Dude is a fucking stud. Drops bombs, claims territory on the enemy’s field and is just relentless. He also plays in the Big 12 which is the “no defense league.” Saquon Barkley: I witnessed first hand last season what this man is capable of. He can catch, run and juke harder than the joystick allows you to in Madden. Lamar Jackson: The first time I heard someone compare Jackson to Michael Vick, I laughed. But after a season of watching him play, how do you defend this guy? He is lightning quick and can light you up with his arm. Good luck to other members of the ACC. Mason Rudolph: This dude is so good, he once led Santa’s sleigh one snowy Christmas Eve. He is throwing up video game stats, and it won’t stop either because like Baker Mayfield, he plays in the “no defense league.” Kelly Bryant: Bryant has shown more on the ground than through the air this season, but who cares. This Clemson offense hasn’t skipped a beat after Deshaun Watson left last season. That is so impressive to me. Plus, he already took down Lamar Jackson so that is a big boost.
One bold prediction for the rest of the year:
Cody: TCU will play in the Big 12 Championship Game. I was in on this team at the start of the year and still am. I think the Horned Frogs defense looks great and I may even be predicting a win in Stillwater. They may not be able to beat Oklahoma, but if they can get past this weekend, they may make it to the ‘ship.
Brendan: San Diego State will win out and make a New Year’s Six bowl game. Rashaad Penny is an elite running back, and the defense has been exceptional. In just 3 games, SDSU has forced 7 turnovers, and scored 20 points off those turnovers.
Austin: The University of Miami will be undefeated going into the ACC Title Game. The Hurricanes avoid playing both Clemson and Louisville while getting to play Virginia Tech at home. The Hurricanes have a top-tier front 7 and have great skill position players at running back and wide receiver to help Malik Rosier transition into being competent starting QB. The U will be back.
Daniel: The Big 12 misses the playoff again (!!) as Oklahoma and Oklahoma St fall on the road and both misstep their way to another set of New Year’s Six bowl games.
Andrew: There will be 2 undefeated teams in the CFP (Penn State & Oklahoma). Penn State seems to be the team to beat in the Big 10. They have most of their talent coming back which puts them ahead of other conference foes like Ohio State and Michigan. They will beat them both, repeat as conference champs and make the CFP. As for Oklahoma, they play in the weakest conference. They won’t have to worry about losing til they play Oklahoma State. And much like before, the game will be a shootout but inevitably Oklahoma will win making the CFP at 12-0.
Jacob: USC loses 2 games in conference play. I think USC has been very underwhelming in their wins. They just escaped at home against Texas, and the PAC-12 is not going to be kind to them on the road. Look for potential loses on the road against Luke Falk and Washington State, at Folsom Field in Boulder against the Buffs, and the last game of the season at home against UCLA. I do not see USC going undefeated this year, and these would be the main games that I see as having upset potential.
Anthony: The Big 12 gets 2 teams in the playoffs. Oklahoma State beats Oklahoma on November 4th and goes into Big 12 championship undefeated. Lose to a 1-loss Oklahoma team, and both teams are 12-1 with their only losses to each other, both get in.
Seth: Wisconsin makes the CFP (hey, if I’m going bald, I’m going BOLD). If some of the B1G West can pick it up, their SOS can go up without giving them too many challenges, and they have looked like a very well-rounded team, albeit against bad competition. Challenges? Beat Michigan (and Iowa), win the B1G championship, and I think their SOS can be just good enough to sneak them in.
Luke: Duke wins the ACC Coastal Division. Now I know Northwestern and Baylor are having disappointing seasons, but the Blue Devils have looked good early on. They have a brutal ACC schedule, but if they come away with two wins from UNC, Miami (FL), FSU and Virginia Tech, they could be sitting pretty. Win the games you are supposed to and they will win the Coastal Division.
PJ – Wisconsin wins the Big Ten. Reasons: 1. The Big Ten West is pitiful. 2. The only team from the Big Ten East that Wisconsin plays is Michigan, and Wilton Speight is their quarterback, and he is bad. 3. Everyone in the Big Ten East is going to beat the shit out of each other while Wisconsin goes undefeated. 4. Anything can happen in a championship game.
What all that adds up to is the Badgers in the College Football Playoff.
