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
Alabama 31, Mississippi State 6
Alabama was able to run by the Bulldogs in their last true test until their game with Florida in the SEC Title Game (that is of course you count Florida as a test). I guess you can never count out Auburn when it comes to the Iron Bowl but it would be a major upset if they were able to pull off the victory. The Tide will be back in the playoff.
Oklahoma 44, Baylor 34
Down goes another Big 12 undefeated as Oklahoma was able to unseat the Bears in Waco. It appears that both TCU and Baylor will be yet again left out of the playoff. The Big 12’s only hope now lies on either an undefeated Oklahoma State (who would be guaranteed to be in with an unbeaten record) or Oklahoma (who would be fighting with the Irish for that last spot if it were to win out). At this point, I will give the Sooners the slight edge.
Big Games This Week
Michigan State at Ohio State
The preseason is finally over for the Buckeyes as Mark Dantonio and the Spartans come into Ohio Stadium for a chance to knock Ohio State out of the playoff and Big Ten picture. Michigan State has had plenty of injuries this season but maybe none could be as costly as the throwing shoulder of Connor Cook. Without much of a running game, Sparty could be in huge trouble fast if Cook is unable to go. The Spartan defensive line is dangerous though and will stack the line to keep Zeke Elliott in check so J.T. Barrett and the Buckeye receiving corps will have to be on their game. It will be late November in the Horseshoe….be excited.
Saturday, November 21 at 3:30pm on ABC
Baylor at Oklahoma State
The Big 12 round robin continues with the Bears headed to Stillwater to take on the Cowboys. A Baylor win would put all hopes for a Big 12 playoff team in the hands of Oklahoma. I do expect Okie State to win, especially because of their great home field advantage and the fact that Baylor is coming off of a devastating loss. A win here for the Cowboys sets up one of the most anticipated versions of Bedlam in years.
Saturday, November 21 at 7:30pm on FOX
TCU at Oklahoma
The other important Big 12 game this week features TCU and Oklahoma. The Horned Frogs are theoretically eliminated from playoff contention but can ruin the Sooners hopes as they travel to Norman. Oklahoma QB, Baker Mayfield has turned himself into a Heisman candidate and that will continue this weekend. Oklahoma will roll into their Bedlam matchup with Oklahoma State.
Saturday, November 21 at 8pm on ABC
Michigan Update
Michigan was able to escape Bloomington with a win over Indiana in double OT and now only have Penn State standing in their way between them and the Buckeyes. We are almost to Beat Michigan Week.
Heisman Watch
1. Derrick Henry, Alabama
2. Ezekiel Elliott, Ohio State
3. Leonard Fournette, LSU
4. Deshaun Watson, Clemson
5. Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma
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. Alabama
4. Oklahoma State
Just Missed the Cut
5. Notre Dame
6. Iowa
7. Oklahoma
8. Michigan State
9. Florida
10. Baylor
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