The college football rankings no team wants to be a part of. The Bottom 5 after Week adds a trio of Big 12 teams and Florida State who still stink terribly.
Things were supposed to be different this season. An offseason shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic crisis has a lot to do with how sloppy play is early, but some of the performances this season were flat out bad.
The Texas State Bobcats gave a masterclass on how to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory by missing two game-winning kicks after returning a punt to tie the game in regulation. Kansas was being Kansas after teasing fans with some spectacular offensive games last season.
Kansas State and Iowa State proved just how volatile the middle of the Big 12 could be every season by losing to Sun Belt teams. There were other poor performances this weekend; Syracuse was awful against North Carolina scoring only six points and Texas Tech barely beat Houston Baptist –yes, they have a football team — surrendering 35 points. These five were by far the worst.
The Bottom 5 welcomes a trio of Big 12 teams but the worst outing of the week comes from the ACC where Mike Norvell’s Florida State debut already has fans calling for his termination
5. Texas State Bobcats (0-2)
The Bobcats are still in building mode in year two of the Jake Spavital experience in San Marcos. Whatever defense they had in their first game against The SMU Mustangs stayed in the dorms against Texas-San Antonio. The Bobcats gave up 51 points and almost 400 yards of offense.
They did, however, score 48 points. The Bobcats had an opportunity to win in regulation after Jeremiah Haydel returned a pun 91-yards to tie the game at 41. Kicker Alan Orona missed the extra point. Orona had a second chance to win the game in overtime and missed again. Orona proved once again you must be sound in the kicking game.
4. Kansas Jayhawks (0-1)
This season is year two of offensive coordinator Brent Dearmon. This offense put up 48 points against Boston College and Texas last season. The Jayhawks reminded us of something against Coastal Carolina this weekend; they are still Kansas.
The 38-23 final score made this game look closer than it was. The Jayhawks were down 28-3 at halftime and had to rally to make it a game. Two interceptions and a lost fumble proved that Kansas is still Kansas.
3. Kansas State Wildcats (0-1)
Since legendary coach Bill Snyder came to “The Little Apple,” the Wildcats have been known for three things; physical defense, a great run game, and using the JUCO system. Second-year head coach Chris Klieman has his fair share of JUCOs, but the defense and run game were absent against the Arkansas State Red Wolves.
Kansas State rushed for a paltry 91 yards and surrendered 469 yards of offense, losing their home opener. Not only was the run game and defense non-existent, but the Wildcats were also penalized eight times for 85 yards. Not exactly the performance you want in your only non-conference game this season.
2. Iowa State Cyclones (0-1)
The Brooklyn Dodgers had a saying, “Wait until next year.” It seems as if Iowa State fans have said that about head coach Matt Campbell‘s break out Big 12 season. After their lackluster performance against the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns, Cyclone nation might have to say, “wait until next year” again.
The Cajuns proved the importance of knowing there are three phases to football scoring 14 points on special teams. The veteran Cyclone offense was limited to 297 yards of total offense. Junior quarterback Brock Purdy
1. Florida State Seminoles (0-1)
Different season, the same thing with the Seminoles. The offense played with no continuity and no fire. The offensive line was marginal at best. Georgia Tech was going to be a tough out, but ( with a Chris Carter voice-over) come on, man. The run-game was non-existent, and the passing game was inefficient.
This critique is about the offense. The offense did the defense no favors gaining just 298 yards of offense and turning the ball over three times. Florida State was solid defensively, though they had little answer for freshman Jeff Sims. Their first game of the season was a microcosm of their issues last season—fast start, solid defense but unable to finish. The Seminoles are too talented to look this sloppy on offense.
Hello new boss, same as the old boss?
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