Week 2 is now in the books for the college football 2017 season, and it was an interesting one indeed. Four games were cancelled due to Hurricane Irma, and no conference was effected more than the AAC, with the East division seeing three teams cancel games, which may have a major effect on the conference race as we head down the line. Memphis was also cancelled, which could effect their standing in the West, and these games are not being made up. Overall, it's now time to hand out my grades for the week. Who passed, who failed, and who comes up with an incomplete?
American Athletic Conference
PASS: Tulsa, SMU, Houston
Tulsa: Golden Hurricane rolled up 62 points and 658 total yards in win over ULL.
SMU: Courtland Sutton caught 8 passes for 163 yards, 4 TDs in win over North Texas.
Houston: Cougars defense holds up big in second half, UH gets road win at Arizona.
INCOMPLETE: Tulane
Tulane: Green Wave showing signs of major improvement, but come up short in 23-21 loss to Navy.
FAIL: Cincinnati, East Carolina, Temple, Navy
Cincinnati: Bearcats manage just 14 points on offense, averaging just 20 per game on the season.
East Carolina: Montgomery is a short timer after Pirates are blown out yet again.
Temple: Barely squeaked out a win over FCS member Villanova.
Navy: Double digit favorites over Tulane, but escape with a 2 point win.
DNP: Memphis, UCF, USF, U Conn
All teames that DNP this week were cancelled due to Hurricane Irma.
Atlantic Coast Conference
PASS: Clemson, Louisville, Duke, Wake Forest
Clemson: It wasn't pretty, and I'm still not sure if they are for real, but beating Auburn was huge.
Louisville: Cards let UNC hang around a long time, and I feel a collapse coming on.
Duke: Blue Devils impressive in first major test, pounding Northwestern at home.
Wake Forest: Clawson may finally have this team running like a machine after pounding BC.
INCOMPLETE: Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, NC State
Virginia Tech: The defense is still stellar, but the offense took a step back against Delaware.
Georgia Tech: Jackets were bad in 1st half against Jacksonville State, need a complete game.
NC State: The Wolfpack still looks iffy after escaping Marshall, allowed Herd to hang for 3 quarters.
FAIL: Pittsburgh, North Carolina, Boston College, Virginia, Syracuse
Pittsburgh: Panthers showed us who they were last week, and are averaging under 20 PPG.
North Carolina: Overrated Larry Fedora strikes again, Heels now 0-2.
Boston College: Eagles offense is a mess, and Addazio is squarely to blame for the loss.
Virginia: When you get totally outclassed by Indiana, you have issues.
DNP: Florida State, Miami
Both teams cancelled due to Hurricane Irma.
Big 12 Conference
PASS: Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, Kansas State, TCU, West Virginia, Texas
Oklahoma State: Went into Mobile on a Friday night, and take care of business.
Oklahoma: Massive road win over Ohio State vaults Sooners into my CFP top 4.
Kansas State: Wildcats need to play someone, but have handled cupcakes with ease.
TCU: Pulled away late in road win over Arkansas, could be a sleeper now.
West Virginia: Big rebound win for 'Neers, should be back on track now.
Texas: It didn't prove that Horns have title winning grit, but shutting out San Jose St. was solid.
INCOMPLETE: Iowa State
Iowa State: Cyclones are showing major steps forward, but they have to win some close games.
FAIL: Kansas, Baylor
Kansas: Jayhawks are still a dumpster fire after getting blown out by Central Michigan.
Baylor: Losses are to Liberty and UTSA. Let that stew for a bit.
DNP: Texas Tech
Big 10 Conference
PASS: Purdue, Penn State, Maryland, Iowa, Indiana, Michigan State, Illinois, Minnesota
Purdue: Bounced back from inspiring loss last week to pound Ohio. Boilers are getting better.
Penn State: Another dominant performance from the Nittany Lions. Could be my B10 favorite.
Maryland: Terps crushed FCS Towson, now have scored 114 points in 2 weeks.
Iowa: Offense showed up this week, but defense stepped back a bit, but still a great win.
Indiana: Went on the road and rolled up on Virginia. Much better complete effort this week.
Michigan State: Sparty had none of the issues that USC had against Western Michigan last week.
Illinois: A rare pass for the Illini, who managed to shut down WKU offense this week.
Minnesota: Gophers were happy to show Vegas how dumb they were for favoring Oregon State.
INCOMPLETE: Michigan, Wisconsin
Michigan: Despite a 22 point win over Cincy, Wolverines are still showing flaws on offense.
Wisconsin: Probably took it easy on FAU, but it was a less than inspiring win for me.
FAIL: Ohio State, Northwestern, Rutgers, Nebraska
Ohio State: Buckeyes got off to another slow start, but this time failed to catch up, got crushed.
Northwestern: Wildcats are another slow starter, and this time the engine stalled completely vs. Duke.
Rutgers: Losing to Eastern Michigan is not how you show improvement.
Nebraska: Tanner Lee is still a turnover machine, no depth at RB, and an awful defense.
Conference USA
PASS: FIU, Middle Tennessee, Southern Miss, UTSA, Rice
FIU: It wasn't pretty, but I give the Owls credit for moving the game to get away from Irma.
Middle Tennessee: Raiders got a gut check win, rallying at Syracuse. It was much needed.
Southern Miss: Took care of business solidly against FCS Southern.
UTSA: Frank Wilson got a quality win over Baylor on the road, even if Baylor sucks badly.
Rice: Owls get the win in the CUSA West Toilet Bowl over UTEP. Bailiff lives another day.
INCOMPLETE: Old Dominion, Marshall
Old Dominion: Monarchs are a weak 2-0, as the offense has not yet fully arrived.
Marshall: Hung around with NC State, but needed a play and never got one late.
FAIL: FAU, Charlotte, UAB, North Texas, Louisiana Tech, Western Kentucky, UTEP
FAU: Owls are a mess, and it showed again this week, but kudos for playing and getting out of town.
Charlotte: I am still not sure why this team is playing FBS football.
UAB: Things got real for Blazers, who gave up 51 to Ball State.
North Texas: no answers for Courtland Sutton this week, and defense is leaky.
Louisiana Tech: Bulldogs are a mess out of the gate, and need some answers.
Western Kentucky: This is not the same team or offense from years past, and that is troubling.
UTEP: Sean Kugler may be nearing the end in El Paso, as Miners get roughed up by Rice.
Mid-American Conference
PASS: Ball State, Eastern Michigan, Northern Illinois, Central Michigan, Akron, Toledo
Ball State: Cardinals got a much needed big performance against UAB.
Eastern Michigan: Eagles go on the road and show America just how bad Rutgers still is.
Northern Illinois: Huskies rebound from bad home loss with win over FCS Eastern Illinois.
Central Michigan: Last week no an abberation, Chippewas crush Kansas on the road.
Akron: Zips showing teams like Bowling Green how you handle an FCS foe in 52-3 win.
Toledo: Rockets still in flight, give Nevada no afternoon delight.
INCOMPLETE: Buffalo, Miami (Ohio)
Buffalo: Bulls are close to being good, but they are not there yet after blowing a late lead to Army.
Miami (Ohio): A win comes vs. Austin Peay, but it was not anything to write home about.
FAIL: Ohio, Kent State, Western Michigan, Bowling Green
Bobcats are knocked around by improving Purdue team, and are showing offensive flaws.
Kent State: Almost became Howard's latest FBS victim.
Western Michigan: none of the energy the Broncos had vs. USC this week against Sparty.
Bowling Green: Losing to FCS member South Dakota is as bad as it gets for Falcons in 0-2 start.
Mountain West Conference
PASS: Utah State, Colorado State, UNLV, San Diego State
Utah State: Aggies needed a huge pick up win this week, and got one over Idaho State.
Colorado State: Not always the perfect win, but still a solid one over Abilene Christian.
UNLV: As bad as last week was, this week was just as good. Rebels needed this win over Idaho.
San Diego State: Aztecs never should have been a dog at Arizona State, get big road win.
INCOMPLETE: Wyoming
Wyoming: Something is wrong with the offense, as they score just 3 TDs against Gardner-Webb.
FAIL: Fresno State, Boise State, San Jose State, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico
Fresno State: Bulldogs get the predictable pounding vs. Alabama, Washington is next.
Boise State: Broncos blow 3 TD lead because they cannot kill the clock. Shameful.
San Jose State: Spartans sent a Pop Warner team to Austin in 56-0 loss to Texas.
Hawaii: Secondary, defense have no answers, make life very easy on Josh Rosen, UCLA.
Nevada: No fast start followed by a collapse late, they just jumped to the collapse.
New Mexico: Lobos lose to New Mexico St. for second straight season.
DNP: Air Force
PAC-12 Conference
PASS: USC, Washington, Washington State, Colorado, Oregon, UCLA, Utah
USC: The Trojans shut down any doubters with a classic performance on offense in Stanford win.
Washington: Huskies go old school and show us how you beat FCS teams in 63-7 win.
Washington State: Cougs never gave up and win in 3OT against Boise State, who had 21 point lead.
Colorado: Buffs roll early over Texas State before stepping off of the pedal late.
Oregon: Ducks build up 42-14 lead at half vs. Huskers, then hold on for dear life.
UCLA: No comeback miracle needed this week as Rosen returns to form.
Utah: Holy War is won, and Utes showed a major gutsy performance in that win.
INCOMPLETE: California
Cal: Bears need to do some soul searching after allowing Weber State several shots at an upset.
LOSS: Stanford, Oregon State, Arizona, Arizona State
Stanford: Cardinal offense was solid again, but the defense imploded in uncharacteristic ways.
Oregon State: Beavers are just terrible, and are one of four worst teams in Power 5 football.
Arizona: Wildcats cannot take the kill shot against Houston, and fall at home.
Arizona State: Sun Devils are plummeting, and the locals are lighting the torches.
Southeastern Conference
PASS: Alabama, LSU, Georgia, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, South Carolina, Mississippi State
Alabama: Tide does what they have to against Fresno State in easy win.
LSU: Tigers cruise against FCS Chattanooga. Not much else to say here.
Georgia: One handed miracle catch is all Georgia needs to beat Notre Dame on the road.
Tennessee: Vols show some life and cruise against FCS team.
Vanderbilt: Not much needed for Commodores to crush Alabama A&M.
South Carolina: Gamecock offense is still on track, and the defense joined the party this week.
Mississippi State: Bulldogs are strong out of the gate, and knock La. Tech all over the field.
INCOMPLETE: Ole Miss, Kentucky,
Ole Miss: Rebels win in sloppy manner over UT-Martin, and defense may be in trouble.
Kentucky: Wildcats trailed at the half vs. FCS member E. Kentucky, and that is troubling.
FAIL: Auburn, Arkansas, Missouri, Texas A&M
Obviously, Stidham is not the answer at QB either, as he didn't manage 100 yards passing in loss.
Arkansas: Razorbacks folded in 4th quarter, allowed TCU to pull away from close game.
Missouri: Offense failed to show this week, and defense has allowed 74 points thus far.
Texas A&M: Aggies barely get by FCS Nicholls State, and the fire Sumlin chants grow louder.
DNP: Florida
Game cancelled due to Hurricane Irma.
Sun Belt Conference
PASS: Appalachian State, Troy, New Mexico State
Appalachian State: Mountaineers roll in bounce back win over Savannah State.
Troy: Trojans get a decent win over in-state old rival in Alabama State.
New Mexico State: Aggies beat UNM for second straight season, and are a respectable 1-1.
INCOMPLETE: None
FAIL: South Alabama, Texas State, Louiaiana-Lafayette, Georgia Southern, Idaho
South Alabama: The Jags are off to an awful start after getting hammered at home by OK. State.
Texas State: Bobcats are not getting better, and may be getting worse after loss at Colorado.
UL-Lafayette: Defense was a mere suggestion in loss this week. Cajuns look to be a mess.
Georgia Southern: Loss to New Hampshire has the "Fire Summers" chants going strong.
Idaho: Vandals inexplicably fold vs. UNLV at home.
DNP: UL-Monroe, Arkansas State, Georgia State, Coastal Carolina
Both ULM, Ark. State cancelled due to Hurricane Irma.
Independents
PASS: None
INCOMPLETE: Army
Army: Cadets stumble their way through a win over winless Buffalo after losing last season.
FAIL: Notre Dame, U Mass, BYU
Notre Dame: Irish had Georgia on the ropes, and let them get away with a win. Kelly implodes.
U Mass: Minutemen need a 1st class ticket back to FCS. Program does not belong.
BYU: Cougars offense has scored just 34 points in 3 games, and it is getting ugly in 1-2 start.
NATIONAL CONTENDERS
Clemson: Despite what they lost, the Tigers are showing that they are up for sticking around again.
Oklahoma State: They need to play someone, but the Cowboys look strong early.
Oklahoma: After win over Ohio State, Sooners need to be looked at seriously.
Penn State: Lions are rolling early, and after Ohio State stumbles, Penn State looks like Big 10 leader.
Washington: Huskies have not been tested yet, but are playing like they want back in CFP.
USC: Trojans got back on track and impressively handle Stanford.
Alabama: Tide is rolling again, even if offense is not perfect.
LSU: If the defense keeps playing like this, it's hard to see how they don't make a run.
NATIONAL PRETENDERS
USF: Bulls were a NY6 darling in pre-season, but they haven't shown me a thing so far.
Memphis: Tigers were a NY6 contender of USF was not, but have been flat in one win.
Louisville: Defense has not been great, and I feel a collapse coming on.
Florida State: Devalued once Francois went down.
Kansas State: Wins have been against very weak competition, which is Snyder trademark.
Ohio State: Barrett is off at QB, and the offense is struggling. Loss to Sooners is bad.
Michigan: Completely unimpressive on offense, and that will not win Big 10.
Wisconsin: I am not ready to fully buy into the Badgers just yet, as they have not been tested.
Notre Dame: Irish are not back yet.
Oregon: The Ducks defense nearly collapsed entirely yesterday, and is still a major issue.
Georgia: Bulldogs have not had a complete game yet, and that could hurt in SEC play.
South Carolina: Dark horse darling still has more to do to get my faith.
No comments:
Post a Comment