September college football is all about wetting the palette. The first month of the season gives us some real insight of what to expect vs. the blind preseason rankings based on how a team looks on paper. With that, here's who has impressed as the calendar flips to October.
Alabama. The defending national champs with the defending Heisman trophy winner continue to look like the elite program in the country. Playing in the SEC guarantees you'll face a team capable of beating you week to week. Six SEC schools are ranked as we head into the first weekend of October. (Alabama #1, Florida #7, Auburn #10, LSU #12, Arkansas #15, and South Carolina #20) 'Bama's already survived a major test on the road against Arkansas. The return of running back Mark Ingram, and the return of his back to back Heisman campaign, after two weeks with a knee injury has to scare the bejesus out of teams left on Alabama's schedule. The Tide may not cruise to the national title game, but it's going to take a major effort to knock off Nick Saban's squad. (By the way, how is the balding Saban continuing to grow hair? Just for Men? Plugs? Can someone ask, it's killing me!!)
Ohio State. The Buckeyes have played in more BCS games than any team and look like they could be in the title game for the 4th time under Jim Tressel. Quarterback Terrell Pryor is lighting up teams as a dual threat. The Bucks have crushed the weak competition on their schedule and convincingly beat Miami in their early season showdown. No one in the Big Ten should stay on the field with this team, unless Michigan continues to grow with quarterback Denard Robinson. 'Tress the vest has his team playing as tight as his favorite piece of clothing apparel.
Oregon. Even with the deflection of quarterback Jeremiah Moseli the Ducks are tearing it up. By laying the worst defeat in Neyland Stadium history on Tennessee in week two, Oregon let everyone know this team is just as talented as last year's squad that went to the Rose Bowl. Saturday night's game vs. Stanford will determine PAC-10 supremacy.
Also after a month of football we can give some determination to legitimate Heisman favorites. If the balloting were done today here's who would be invited to New York and how they would finish. (We will monitor this list week to week.)
1. Terrelle Pryor-Ohio State
2. Andrew Luck-Stanford
3. Mark Ingram-Alabama
Pryor's numbers are video game worthy. 6 touchdowns alone against Eastern Michigan. (I know Eastern Michigan's bad, but do you know how hard it is to get to the paint SIX TIMES?!?!) This kid has grown into a quarterback and a leader. He will always be expected to do great things with his legs because of his athleticism, but his awareness in the pocket and willingness to make plays with his arm is why he's my pick to win the Heisman as of today.
Andrew Luck's the quintessential Stanford quarterback. Smart, minimizes mistakes, great intangibles, and he has the Cardinal in the mix for the national title. (You know Stanford's the smart school right?) Luck's tossed 11 touchdowns vs. 2 picks and with a win over Oregon this weekend, Luck could position himself to make a run at the top spot.
Mark Ingram's performance after returning from knee surgery has quelled the talk about who's the best running back in Tide's backfield. Trent Richardson is great and may prove to be a better pro one day, but Ingram has put up back to back 150 yard performances since returning to the lineup. One of which was against a highly ranked Arkansas defense. Scary thing is he says he's not quite back to 100% yet. Yikes! With Alabama's remaining schedule Ingram has time to make his case to become this generation's Archie Griffin. (Look him up kids.)
After a month of getting football back in our collective systems, October adds some zest to an already flavorful season.
Follow me at http://twitter.com/Sports_Grill Or drop an email to sportsgrillmaster@yahoo.com
No comments:
Post a Comment