by With some notable teams in college football either losing or playing in some close games, it’s obvious to this writer that there should not be polls this early in the season. Let’s examine some games that were played this past weekend.
Alabama @ Texas. Alabama was # 1 coming into this game, now they are # 2 in the AP Poll. The Crimson Tide committed 15 penalties in this game, very uncharacteristic for a Nick Saban coached team.
They were able to overcome that against an improving Texas team in a 20-19 win, but if they do this against a quality SEC opponent chances are they may not be so fortunate. Chances are that Alabama will most likely be in the College Football Playoff again but Alabama needs to be more disciplined moving forward.
Marshall @ Notre Dame. Notre Dame was # 8 coming into this game, now they are completely out of the polls. People nationwide, whether you’re a Notre Dame fan or not, wonder how this happened. Simple, Marshall was the better football team. The Thundering Herd out rushed The Fighting Irish 219-130 & intercepted Notre Dame quarterbacks 3 times in a 26-21 victory. Notre Dame needs to find themselves quickly or else they may not make it to a bowl game. The upcoming schedule includes Cal this Saturday as well as ranked teams like BYU, Clemson, & USC later this season.
Appalachian St @ Texas A & M. Back in 2007 Appalachian St made headlines by defeating Michigan. Fifteen years later they come into College Station, TX & pull off another upset. The Aggies dropped from # 6 to # 24 in the AP poll. Texas A & M was outgained 315-186 & allowed 22 first downs while only being able to make 9 first downs themselves in a 17-14 defeat. In a challenging SEC, head coach Jimbo Fisher needs to somehow get this team to play better football or else it could be a long season.
Baylor @ BYU. The Baylor Bears were # 9 in the AP poll but are now # 17 following a 26-20 defeat to BYU in 2 OT. BYU QB Jaren Hall was 23-39 for 261 yards & a TD as well as a 22 yard TD reception on a trick play. In contrast, Baylor QB Shapen was 18-28 for 137 yards & a TD. If Baylor wants to be a factor in Big 12 play they need more from the quarterback position & need to make the big stop on defense.
Kentucky @ Florida. Florida dropped from # 12 to # 18 in the AP poll after a 10 point loss to Kentucky at home as the big plays doomed the Gators in this early season SEC matchup. In the second quarter Dane Key caught a 55 yard TD pass from Will Lewis in the second quarter & Keidron Smith picked off an Anthony Richardson pass & returned it 65 yards for a pick 6. Kentucky is certainly emerging as a power in the SEC.
The bottom line is this: We really don’t know for sure who is good in college football this early in the season. Most likely more upserts will happen over the next 2 weeks. So why not start college football polls starting October 1. This way we have a better idea who will be legitimate contenders for the College Football Playoff. Also later polls would most make for more lively discussions on talk shows & podcasts everywhere.
