After Week 6, the contenders are separating themselves from the pretenders as the College Football Playoff picture is clearing up.
We have reached the halfway point in the college football regular season. At this point, teams are knee-deep in conference play, and it is about the time where we see pretenders fold and contenders stand strong. That is precisely what we saw today.
Two teams from last week that were just on the outside looking in took tumbles today against conference opponents. LSU faced a tough test going into Gainesville to take on the Gators, and they couldn’t get it done late in the game, losing 27-19. The Oklahoma Sooners also have a blemish on their record after falling in an epic Red River Showdown, losing 48-45 on a last-second field goal.
With those two teams taking a back seat this week, did the top four change at all from just a week ago? Let’s take a look.
1. Alabama Crimson Tide
This is a tough analysis to write every week because eventually, the greatness of the Crimson Tide is well known and analyzed down to every play. Yet, football enthusiasts should be amazed by the run that Alabama is currently on. Alabama traveled to Fayetteville to play Arkansas on Saturday, and yet another blowout ensued.
Alabama scored so fast in this game that the broadcast actually missed it. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa found tight end Irv Smith Jr. for a 76-yard touchdown on the first offensive play of the game, and the route was on.
Tagovailoa continued his strong Heisman campaign with another ridiculous day. He completed just 10 of 13 passing but threw for 334 yards and four touchdowns. He continues to shatter records for passing efficiency in his true sophomore season. Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy had another phenomenal game, catching four passes for 135 yards and two scores. Smith Jr. caught two passes for 123 yards and a touchdown, the one described above.
The running game also thrived, and it was led by a familiar face. Damien Harris finally had his breakout game in 2018, carrying the ball 15 times for 111 yards and two touchdowns. Najee Harris carried the ball seven times for 63 yards as well.
The defense did give up some points in this game, but it was another strong game for the first-teamers, especially for Quinnen Williams and Isaiah Buggs up front. The two each had tackles for loss and combined on a sack. Safety Deionte Thompson continues to amaze and watch his draft stock rise.
With all this success, Nick Saban didn’t like the play of the team as a unit today. They are still growing, and get Missouri at home next week.
2. Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia is having another very good season when you look at the win/loss record, but the team hasn’t really put together an elite performance. Maybe that is based on their level of competition so far, but the unit hasn’t seemed as explosive on both sides of the ball. They are continuing to play solid football against the Vanderbilt Commodores this week.
Currently, the Bulldogs are holding a 38-6 lead through three-quarters of play. The offense came out firing early, as quarterback Jake Fromm connected with Terry Godwin on a deep ball for a score. Godwin shook off a defender in order to score on the play, and he looks good coming back for the Bulldogs. Fromm has surpassed 275 yards passing on the day and currently has three touchdown passes.
The running game hasn’t had a huge day, but both Elijah Holyfield and Deandre Swift have over 50 yards rushing on the day. Holyfield turned one of his runs into six points after turning the corner and showing burst going down the sideline. Swift has a touchdown catch and has nearly put up 50 receiving yards as well. Both Terry Godwin and Riley Ridley have turned in solid days, and Ridley made a heck of a touchdown catch with two guys on him early in the game.
The defense has played a solid game overall, but not a spectacular one. Vanderbilt is approaching 300 yards of offense on the day, but the Georgia defense isn’t breaking when it counts. They haven’t forced any turnovers to this point, but have tightened up on third downs and have only given up six points.
This team will need to raise their play against better opponents, and next week will be a test, as they travel to Baton Rouge next week to play LSU, who is fresh off a loss and will come out hungry.
3. Ohio State Buckeyes
Many wondered if the Buckeyes would come out sleeping a little bit after an emotional win in Happy Valley last weekend. They did come out a little sluggish on offense and defense. The offense turned it over twice on their first four possessions with a Mike Weber fumble and a Dwayne Haskins interception. The defense gave up 17 points and Ohio State found themselves trailing 17-14 in the middle of the second quarter.
However, after a weather delay, the Buckeyes came out firing. Dwayne Haskins threw a couple touchdowns and the defense forced a turnover to build a 28-20 halftime lead. The game got out of hand from there, as Ohio State outscored Indiana 21-6 in the second half to pull away for the win, 49-26.
Dwayne Haskins continues to build a strong resume for the Heisman voters. Except for his two picks, Haskins looked great. He threw for six touchdowns and 445 yards on the day, showing great accuracy and touch to all levels of the field. His top target, Parris Campbell, caught nine balls for 142 yards and two scores.
The defense shored up big after the rusty start in the first half. Tuf Borland had two sacks and forced a fumble on the day. Dre’Mont Jones and Chase Young both turned in strong performances once again, getting tons of pressure in the backfield and making it difficult for Indiana quarterback Peyton Ramsey.
The Buckeyes get Minnesota at home next weekend.
4. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish faced another big test this way as they traveled to Blacksburg to face the Virginia Tech Hokies. Notre Dame started fast and built a 17-9 lead in the first half thanks to a strong opening drive that was capped by a Dexter Williams one-yard touchdown run. They also scored on defense, as Julian Love picked up a fumble and returned it for a score.
Virginia Tech cut it to one at the half, but Notre Dame opened things up in the third quarter. They scored a touchdown on three of their first four drives to start the second half. One of those scores was a 95-yard touchdown run by Dexter Williams. Williams tacked on another 31-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter as Notre Dame rolled to a win.
The offense continues to look much more balanced with quarterback Ian Book under center. He completed 25 of 35 passing for 271 yards and two touchdowns. It’s possible that the junior quarterback would be in the Heisman race had he started from week one.
Running back Dexter Williams continues to improve and perform well in the big game. He scored three touchdowns and had 178 yards on 17 carries. Miles Boykin had another big game for the Irish at receiver, catching eight passes for 117 yards and two touchdowns.
The defense came up big in the second half, only giving up seven points. Julian Love stole the show, nabbing a pick and scoring a defensive touchdown. This Notre Dame team looks every bit a contender at this point, but they still have a couple tough games remaining on their schedule. They host Pittsburgh next week.
Just Missed: Clemson, West Virginia