The Gridiron Review: Week Four in College Football

The lineup of games in Week 4 drew the ire of fans, and the playoff system is being looked to as the savior for the light scheduling of power programs. Still, LSU and Stanford were some of the programs that improved their stock this week.

 

Player of the Week: The Coming Playoff System– The new playoff system will supposedly help avoid weeks of lackluster action such as Saturday’s lopsided matchups.

Runner Up: RB Jeremy Hill (LSU)– A big back, Hill dominated the first half against Auburn and finished with a career best 183 rushing yards

What we have learned…

1. LSU is a legit title contender– While Auburn is not exactly an elite foe, LSU steamrolled their opponent in the first half.

2. … but they are quite beatable– As good as they looked in the first half, Auburn made it a game at the end, exposing the Tigers’ inconsistency.

3. Stanford is a force to be reckoned with– In the only matchup of ranked foes, the Cardinal cruised to victory over the Sun Devils. Previously, Stanford’s schedule had not allowed the any insight into whether the team was as good as advertised.

Feeling good…

The Baylor Offense– The Baylor offense continues their record-breaking pace, once again putting up 70 points.

HC Urban Meyer (Ohio State)– Meyer’s top quarterback, Braxton Miller, is out, but backup Kenny Guiton is looking stellar in relief.

Notre Dame– A win against Michigan State may not be huge, but it keeps the Fighting Irish in the top 25 and avoids what would have been a very embarrassing loss.

RB Melvin Gordon (Wisconsin)– Gordon is continuing the Badgers’ run of strong performing backs.

Nick Saban’s agent, Jimmy Sexton– If Texas chooses to start a bidding war for Saban’s services, the elite coach could command in excess of $10 million.

Feeling bad…

HC Todd Graham (Arizona State)– Arizona State had a shot to catapult their program into serious title discussion if they could win against Stanford. Instead, Graham’s team got dominated in the first half.

LB Jake Holland (Auburn)– The maligned defender was abused by LSU, and the middle of the Tigers’ defense cost the team a trajectory altering victory.

QB Jeff Driskel (Florida)– Out for the season are not words the Gators’ quarterback wanted to hear.

The NCAA– The revelations of Adrian Foster and his rant against the NCAA only continues the mounting criticism facing the organization.

QB Devin Gardner (Michigan)– Two close calls against lackluster opponents and poor performances from the Wolverines’ signal caller has him virtually out of the Heisman hunt and his team wondering how they will compete against tougher Big 10 squads.

 

Looking ahead…

 

South Carolina at UCF- The Gamecocks should win, but UCF is a solid opponent. This could be bad for the SEC if South Carolina falters.

 

LSU at Georgia- This game could essentially shape up as a semi-final game for a shot at the title. For the winner, taking care of business and beating Alabama should result in a berth in the title game.

 

Oklahoma at Notre Dame- Neither team is “elite,” but both are top 25 caliber.

 

Ole Miss at Alabama- Hugh Freeze has turned around the Rebels’ program, but Alabama is still far ahead. A possible trip up game, but likely a rout favoring the Tide.

 

Wisconsin at Ohio State- Wondering how good the Buckeyes are? So is the rest of the country, and this game should provide some answers.