College football’s biggest contenders held firm for the most part in Week 2, but this Saturday features several crucial matchups.
This Week’s Voters: Geoff Magliocchetti
#1. Alabama (2-0)
Last Week: W 57-7 vs. Arkansas State
Top Performer: RB Najee Harris (13 carries, 135 yards, 1 TD)
This Week: Saturday @ Ole Miss (7:00 p.m. ET, ESPN)
If any team has come close to having the Crimson Tide’s number in recent seasons, it might be the Rebels, who have won two of the previous four meetings between the squads, though Alabama took home a 66-3 final in Tuscaloosa last season.
#2. Clemson (2-0)
Last Week: W 28-26 @ #24 Texas A&M
Top Performer: QB Kelly Bryant (12-17, 205 yards, 15 carries, 54 yards, 2 total TDs)
This Week: Saturday vs. Georgia Southern (12:00 p.m. ET, ESPNU)
Surviving a big test on the road, the Tigers’ quarterback situation remains in flux, as touted freshman Trevor Lawrence (5-for-9, 93 yards, 1 TD) continues to impress, but Bryant’s experience helped provide the difference in the close win.
#3. Oklahoma (2-0)
Last Week: W 49-21 vs. UCLA
Top Performer: QB Kyler Murray (19-33, 306 yards, 10 carries, 69 yards, 5 total TDs)
This Week: Saturday @ Iowa State (12:00 p.m. ET, ABC)
After some early struggles against the Bruins, the Sooners’ high-octane offense recovered to the tune of 485 yards, but suffered a brutal loss in the form of running back Rodney Anderson, who is done for the season with a knee injury.
#4. Georgia (2-0)
Last Week: W 41-17 @ South Carolina
Top Performer: WR Mecole Hardman (6 receptions, 103 yards, 1 TD)
This Week: Saturday vs. Middle Tennessee (12:00 p.m. ET, ESPNEWS)
The Bulldogs survived a big test in Columbia, a 21-0 third-quarter advantage dispelling any notions of an upset.
#5. Ohio State (2-0)
Last Week: W 52-3 vs. Rutgers
Top Performer: QB Dwayne Haskins (20-23, 233 yards, 4 TDs)
This Week: Saturday vs. #11 TCU (@Arlington, TX) (8:00 p.m. ET, ABC)
Two easy wins over subpar big conference competition are out of the way, but the final game of the Urban Meyer suspension will be a neutral-site showdown against a potent TCU offense.
