Auburn sneaks into the number 3 spot in week two polls following a 21-16 victory over Washington. Washington’s offense led by senior quarterback Jake Browning, couldn’t shake Auburn’s powerhouse defense. Some wonder if this Auburn team will be the team to face either Georgia or Alabama in the SEC Championship. Number three Auburn will face Alabama State, a matchup that will look more like a scrimmage game for the War Eagles.
Alabama, of course, took care of business against Louisville in the Camping World kickoff game. The Roll Tide rolled over the Cardinals in a 51-14 result. Sophomore quarterback Tua Tagovailoa got the start instead of Senior Jalen Hurts. Tua proved he’s the real deal and might have sealed Jalen Hurts’ fate. The Roll Tide will face Arkansas State on Saturday.
Despite being ranked higher, many thought a victory over Michigan would be considered an upset for the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame now ranked number four in the nation. Despite the criticism and doubt, Notre Dame was able to keep in check Michigan’s quarterback transfer, Shea Patterson. Patterson made headlines this summer transferring to Michigan to play under popular coach Jim Harbaugb, escaping a bowl-less Ole Miss. Harbaugh is under the scope after the loss to their longtime rival and currently in the hot seat coaching now to save his job.
Clemson moved up to the number two spot in the top 25 poll after defeating Furman 48-7. Freshman quarterback Trevor Lawrence led the way for the Tigers throwing for 3 touchdown passes. Lawrence may come out of the shadow that was cast over the position after the loss of former quarterback and now Houston Texans quarterback DeShaun Watson. The Clemson Tigers will face Texas A&M in what will be a big test for the freshman, this will also be a test for A&M Coach Jimbo Fisher and the Aggies. If A&M wants to crack the Top 25, they’ll need to shock the nation in an upset over Clemson.
The biggest disappointment in week one was the Texas Longhorns. Now ranked 18 Maryland Terrapins played an inspired performance following the death of their former teammate Jordan McNair. MacNair died during summer workouts from a heatstroke under team supervision. The Terrapins honored their teammate in a stunning 34-29 victory over the Longhorns. Longhorns quarterback Sam Ehlinger threw two interceptions with just sloppy play throughout the game which was reciprocated by the defense. Shane Buchele may be in line to take over the quarterback job as Texas will face Tulsa this week. Maryland will face Bowling Green this week.
Week one of college football, despite some predicted results, was a fun one proving this year could be a year Alabama will have a challenge on their hands from whoever joins them in the playoffs as they are an almost surefire to be one of the four teams in the playoffs at the end of this season. Who will join them is the question. So far, Clemson, Wisconsin, Auburn, Georgia, Notre Dame, and Ohio State could be in a race for a spot to which all seems to lead to Alabama.