#11. Washington (0-1)
- Last Week: L vs. #5 Auburn 21-16 (@ Atlanta)
- Top Performer: WR Aaron Fuller (7 receptions, 135 yards)
- This Week: Saturday vs. North Dakota (5:00 p.m. ET, PAC-12 Networks)
A loss to the Tigers on neutral ground isn’t ideal, but nothing to be ashamed of, with positives from the defeat including a career-high in yardage from the junior Fuller and a pressure that can shut down high-octane defenses across the west coast.
#12. Virginia Tech (1-0)
- Last Week: W @ Florida State 24-3
- Top Performer: CB Caleb Farley (2 tackles, 1 sack, 2 INTs)
- This Week: Saturday vs. William & Mary (2:00 p.m. ET, ACC Network)
The Hokies’ Labor Day dominance of the Seminoles, forcing them into five turnovers and no touchdowns, combined with Miami’s no-show at JerryWorld, could put the ACC Coastal division back into their hands early on.
#13. Penn State (1-0)
- Last Week: W vs. Appalachian State 45-38 (OT)
- Top Performer: QB Trace McSorley (20-35, 229 yards, 12 carries, 53 yards, 3 total TDs)
- This Week: Saturday @ Pittsburgh (8:00 p.m. ET, ABC)
The Nitanny Lions get no style points for going to overtime with the Mountaineers, who came close to an upset on the anniversary of their Michigan victory, but may have found an adequate running back to lead them into the post-Saquon Barkley era, as junior Miles Sanders put up 111 total yards and two scores to help prevent disaster.
#14. TCU (1-0)
- Last Week: W vs. Southern 55-7
- Top Performer: QB Shawn Robinson (17-24, 185 yards, 2 carries, 45 yards, 5 total TDs)
- This Week: Friday @ SMU (8:00 p.m. ET, ESPN2)
With a stellar offensive showing against the FCS Tigers, one can only imagine what the Horned Frogs can do against Southern Methodist, which was torched for 529 yards and 34 first downs in a loss to North Texas.
#15. Michigan State (1-0)
- Last Week: W vs. Utah State 38-31
- Top Performer: LB Joe Bachie (11 tackles, 1 INT)
- This Week: Saturday @ Arizona State (10:45 p.m. ET, ESPN)
Another styleless win for a Big Ten contender, with the Spartans needing a last minute drive to hold off the pesky Aggies, but familiar faces, like senior running back LJ Scott (141 total yards), stopped a home letdown.
