For this week's blog I have invited a guest to come and make a few comments regarding this season. He's an ACC, and more specifically, a Seminoles fan, but respects all aspects of the game. He's my grandson-in-law and I look forward to seeing what he thinks. I'll also give my predictions at the end. I was close with Mississippi St vs. Missouri! Take it away Erick!
It is an honor to be the guest blogger this week! The season so far has been a rollercoaster! There is no true dominant team as all of the top teams have strengths and weaknesses. This could be a year similar to 2007. I will share my thoughts on the first College Football Playoff Rankings specifically Top 7, their body of work up to now and their strengths and weaknesses.
Clemson at number one gets no argument from me as I had them as my number one. The Tigers have played and defeated a strong opponent in Notre Dame and have dominated every other game. They have a very stout defense especially up front with stud Shaq Lawson leading the way. However, the lack of a consistent running game will be a concern against top competition.
LSU at number 2 is a toss up. The Bayou Bengals are very deserving of the spot but I am not convinced they are the number two team. The main reason is the quarterback play. Brandon Harris is serviceable but a top quarterback he is not. He could do a great job the rest of the way which will be vital for the Tigers' playoff hopes but he will need to be more than a game manager for them to win the title. Playing the best front seven in the country this weekend will be the most rigorous test he has faced. He will either help them win or know what it was like to be Grayson Lambert against the Bama D.
Ohio State at three is good. I still believe that the Buckeyes have highest upside of all teams and if they choose to, can be the most complete team in the country. They remind me of my Seminoles of last year. Exceptionally talented but sort of coasting along.
The only argument I have is Bama at 4. I am a purist and I would never put a one loss team ahead of a Power 5 undefeated. I believe Michigan State and Baylor are more deserving and you can make a case for Notre Dame. Bama's best win is against a fledgling Georgia Team that was not as good as advertised. Michigan State is undefeated and have a more impressive win over Michigan. Baylor has played a cupcake schedule but they have annihilated all foes. Notre Dame has a better loss than Bama. Losing a close game on the road to number one Clemson. Bama lost at home to number 18 Ole Miss. Bama can certainly win out with a great defense and a great running game but their championship hopes lie in the right arm of Jacob Coker (former FSU backup. You're welcome Saban!). Those are my two cents. All will work itself out on the football field. That is why we play the games. Happy watching!
Week 11 Predictions
Mississippi St at Missouri ----- 31-10 ----- MISS
Vanderbilt at Florida ----- 21-17----- FL
Arkansas at Ole Miss ----- 31-21----- OMISS
Auburn at Texas A&M ----- 21-17----- AU
LSU at Alabama ----- 17-10 ----- LSU
Kentucky at Georgia ----- 17-10 ----- UK
South Carolina at Tennessee ----- 21-10----- TENN
