Big-time performances from Florida State’s Jameis Winston, Oregon’s Marcus Mariota, and Clemson’s Tajh Boyd shook up the Heisman race, as Ohio State and Stanford survived while Florida State thrived in top-25 match-ups.
Player of the Week: QB Jameis Winston (Florida State)- The freshman and his team looked phenomenal in their rout of Maryland.
Runner Up: WR Ty Montgomery (Stanford)– The Stanford receiver had a receiving touchdown and was electric in the return game including an opening touchdown off kickoff. His 290 all-purpose yards made the difference for the Cardinals.
What we have learned…
1. This may be one of the more competitive title races in a while. Seven teams (Oregon, Alabama, Florida State, Ohio State, Clemson, Stanford, and Louisville) have the look of title contenders while teams like UCLA, Baylor, and Miami are not too far behind.
2. Quarterbacks have a BIG lead in the Heisman. The Heisman usually gives quarterbacks an edge but Mariota, Boyd, Winston, and Manziel have separated themselves from the pack. Running back Lache Seastrunk of Baylor has the best chance to win the trophy from another position.
3. Jadeveon Clowney is 100% focused on the NFL. It has been a poor start for the South Carolina end, but his last second decision to pull out from their game against Kentucky due to a minor injury sends a signal that he could care less about the Gamecocks.
Feeling good…
HC Mark Richt (Georgia)– Richt’s injury plagued team still managed to find a way to win against Tennessee.
QB Aaron Murray (Georgia)– Although he has never received the hype he deserves, Murray broke the SEC record for passing yards.
DE Carl Lawson (Auburn)– When I interviewed Carl Lawson after naming him the Breitbart Sports #1 high school prospect, I knew he could be special. He was brilliant in the Tigers’ victory, collecting 6 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, and 2 sacks while his top competition, Robert Nkemdiche made little impact.
The Baylor Offense– After dropping 73 points on West Virginia, the Bears are averaging 70.5 points per game.
HC Urban Meyer (Ohio State)– The Buckeyes’ coach defeated the toughest team on his schedule (Northwestern) while remaining undefeated in his tenure with Ohio State.
Feeling bad…
HC Mark Richt (Georgia)– On the other hand, the Bulldogs have suffered so many injuries, it will be very difficult to get through the tough SEC schedule.
HC Steve Spurrier (South Carolina)– It has to be tough to coach a mega talented athlete who does not even want to be playing for your team.
Mississippi schools– Ole Miss and Mississippi State have found very good coaches and had very good recruiting classes for their programs. However, they are still struggling to find their way in the SEC West.
Maryland– The Terrapins were demolished by Florida State. While they had the look of a top 25 team going into the game, they certainly have fallen drastically after a humbling defeat.
HC Gary Patterson (TCU)– The Horned Frogs went into the season as a Big 12 contender. After five games, they stand 2-3. Patterson, who has always been a hot name in coaching searches, needs to right this ship quickly.
Looking ahead…
Rutgers at Louisville– In a schedule devoid of real challenges, the Cardinals’ matchup against Rutgers may be among the season’s most likely trip ups.
Missouri at Georgia– The Tigers are 5-0 and the Bulldogs are limping along after a rash of injuries. Could this be an upset that could shake up the SEC East.
Oklahoma v. Texas– Mack Brown’s fate at Texas may be closely tied to the outcome of the contest against the Sooners.
Florida at LSU– This should be favor LSU, but Florida has the talent to make this a contest.
Northwestern at Wisconsin– The Wildcats came up short against Ohio State, but they can make a statement with a win against the Badgers.
Oregon at Washington– Wondering if the Huskies are a challenge for the mighty Ducks? Just ask Stanford. The Cardinal were fortunate to make it out of that game undefeated.
Michigan at Penn State– The Wolverines have played poorly in 2013, but Christian Hackenburg and the Nittany Lions should provide a real test.
Texas A&M at Ole Miss– The Aggies are a superior team, but the Rebels have the talent to win and shake up the SEC West.
Follow Cole Muzio on Twitter @ColeMuzio for more college football insights.
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