Welcome back to my weekly column, A Look Around the Country. I’m highlighting notable games from the previous week, the week ahead and of course, the Heisman and Playoff race. Special features include an in-depth look at the Ohio State and a Michigan update, mainly for folks to bask in their misfortunes. Feel free to comment with your opinions, I hope you enjoy!
Notable Games Last Week
Clemson 23, Florida State 13
The Tigers solidified their Number One ranking against the Seminoles with a 10 point win at Memorial Stadium. Florida State stayed close for most of the game but could not close. Moving forward, Clemson has a cake walk into the ACC Title Game where they will most likely play North Carolina who is no slouch. With a win there, they are in.
Oklahoma State 49, TCU 29
The Pokies made a huge statement in Stillwater after demolishing TCU, who was a preseason playoff favorite. They completely shut down Trevone Boykin who had been putting up crazy numbers against everyone they played so far. Okie State closes the season against Baylor and Oklahoma and if they win those, I’d say they’re in the Playoff.
Nebraska 39, Michigan State 38
Another week, another crazy ending. The Huskers were able to pull off the impossible (I say impossible because that touchdown shouldn’t have counted) and upset Michigan State. Mike Riley was finally able to get a big win in Lincoln which should help as they close the season. Michigan State is now out of playoff contention barring craziness.
Alabama 30, LSU 16
The Tide made a huge statement as they shutdown Leonard Fournette and the rest of the Tigers on Saturday in Tuscaloosa. Alabama is quickly looking like one of the top teams in the country and now control their own destiny in the playoff picture.
Big Games This Week
Ohio State at Illinois
J.T. Barrett will be back in action as the Buckeyes head to Champaign for the right to the Illibuck Trophy. Illinois has traditionally been a pesky out for Ohio State so they will have to stay focused and not overlook this weekend especially considering what is looming on the schedule. This will be the last tune-up for Urban Meyer’s squad before heading into the stretch run.
Saturday, November 14 at Noon on ABC
Alabama at Mississippi State
Coming off a big win over LSU, Alabama will travel to Starkville to take on the Bulldogs. These are usually the types of games that Alabama loses so we will see if Nick Saban is able to get the Tide a win. I expect a great game as Dak Prescott has been playing lights out lately and seems to be peaking at the right time. Don’t be surprised if Dan Mullen pulls off the upset.
Saturday, November 14 at 3:30 on CBS
Oklahoma at Baylor
The second week of the Big 12 round-robin will kick off as Baylor will finally get an opportunity to show that they are for real. The Sooners may be peaking at the right time and if they can somehow win out they might find themselves in the playoff. The same goes for Baylor as they will have to win out in a grueling schedule to have a chance to be in the playoff.
Saturday, November 14 at 8pm on ABC
Michigan Update
The Wolverines destroyed Rutgers and now only have 2 games (Indiana and Penn State) between them and the Buckeyes. Harbaugh has done a masterful job with this team and I am sure they are already watching film on Ohio State. It is going to be an atmosphere for the ages in Ann Arbor in 3 weeks.
Heisman Watch
1. Derrick Henry, Alabama
2. Ezekiel Elliott, Ohio State
3. Leonard Fournette, LSU
4. Deshaun Watson, Clemson
My Playoff if the Season Ended Today
*Editor’s Note: This will be a volatile poll every week based on performance in the past week and resume to date, very similar to the Playoff Committee.
1. Ohio State
2. Clemson
3. Baylor
4. Alabama
Just Missed the Cut
5. Oklahoma State
6. Notre Dame
7. Iowa
8. Stanford
9. Oklahoma
10. LSU
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