With a big win over Texas, LSU enters our four-team projected College Football Playoff after two weeks.
Week 2 in college football usually features the top teams in the country playing against cupcakes, with a big game or two sprinkled in. Alabama and Georgia, two of the top-ranked teams in the country, squared off against New Mexico State and Murray State, respectively.
Clemson had a tough test against Texas A&M, who nearly upset them last year in College Station. We also got to see a top 10 matchup between LSU and Texas.
Those big games, combined with the fact only four teams make the playoff, creates an ultra-thin margin for error. Lose a key game, and you’re fighting to come from behind to make the playoff all season long, hoping that other teams will slip up.
After two weeks of action, what four teams would make the College Football Playoff?
1. Clemson Tigers
As stated above, the Tigers had a big test this week, which will be their biggest test of the year. The No. 12 Texas A&M Aggies came to Death Valley, hoping to avenge last year’s close loss at home. This time was very different.
The Aggies jumped out to an early 3-0 lead after one quarter, but from there until the final seconds, it was all Clemson. Trevor Lawrence had a bounce-back week, completing 24-of-35 passing for 268 yards and a touchdown. He also ran in for another score.
The defense didn’t look like they lost three first round picks today. They held Aggies quarterback Kellen Mond, who threw for 430 yards last year, to just 50 yards at the half. Mond made it look more respectable during garbage time, but the game was already out of hand. The defense also allowed under two yards per carry and allowed the Aggies’ only touchdown with seconds to go in the game. They won 24-10.
Clemson will travel to Syracuse next Saturday night. Many believed this would be their second-toughest test, but the Orange lost to Maryland 63-20. It shouldn’t be a tough game.
2. Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama faced New Mexico State this week, and this one got out of hand real quick. Wide receiver Henry Ruggs III ran 75 yards for a score on the first play from scrimmage. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was efficient once again, completing 16 of 24 for 227 yards and three touchdowns, all three of which went to Jerry Jeudy, who went over 100 yards receiving once again.
Najee Harris rushed 12 times for 68 yards and a score, looking good leading the rushing attack. Tua also ran for a score.
The Alabama defense sacked the quarterback three times and finished with seven tackles for loss. Sophomore cornerback Patrick Surtain also came up with an interception.
Tua once again didn’t finish the game for the Crimson Tide and expect that to continue until Alabama plays Texas A&M in October. Next week, the Crimson Tide head to South Carolina, where they should dominate again.
3. LSU Tigers
A big jump here into the College Football Playoff top four for the LSU Tigers, but it is well deserved. They probably have the best win of the season, traveling to Austin, Texas and beating the No. 9 ranked Longhorns 45-38.
The new-look LSU offense continued their dominance, this time against a great opponent. Quarterback Joe Burrow looked excellent, completing 31 of 39 passes for 471 yards and four touchdowns to just one interception. Burrow was amazing on intermediate and deep throws, showing great touch and accuracy.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire had a good day running the football, rushing 15 times for 87 yards and a score. Three receivers had over 100 yards receiving, led by Justin Jefferson, with nine catches for 163 yards and three scores.
The defense made a couple of key stops near the goal line in the first quarter, once due to a Texas drop and another by winning in the trenches all four downs. The defense did just enough in the second half to secure a one-possession victory.
This is a new look LSU team, with the passing offense to contend with the best that college football has to offer. They get Northwestern State at home next week.
4. Oklahoma Sooners
After a six-touchdown performance for Oklahoma last week, quarterback Jalen Hurts continued his strong Heisman bid, throwing for 259 yards and three touchdowns while completing 14 of 18 passes. He also ran for 47 yards in the game. Head coach Lincoln Riley has Hurts playing at the top of his game.
The rushing attack went over 300 yards, with junior Rhamondre Stevenson leading the way eclipsing 100 yards and a score on the afternoon. Junior Trey Sermon also added a score. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb caught six passes for 144 yards and a score, finally breaking out in the 2019 season. The team as a whole eclipsed 700 yards and won running away against South Dakota, 70-14.
The Sooners have one more non-conference game before Big 12 play, as they head to UCLA next week. That game should be a walk in the park for Riley, Hurts, and company.