by Wayne Root
Tuesday, Nov 07, 2023Michigan vs Penn St, Ole Miss vs Georgia and Oregon vs USC highlight this weekend games.
1. Michigan (9-0)
We shall finally see if Michigan is worthy off the number 1 position as they have a meeting with Penn St this Saturday on the road. Meanwhile, for the ninth time in nine games, Michigan beat up a weaker opponent as it handled Purdue, 41-13, on Saturday. The Wolverines have won every game this season by at least 24 points, partially due to the fact that they still haven’t faced a top-25 team in PFF’s power rankings. On the off the gridiron news, disciplinary action is likely coming for Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh following the NCAA's investigation into sign-stealing and yesterday's resignation from staffer Connor Stalions.
2. Georgia (9-0)
Georgia survived a scare from No. 12 Missouri on Saturday, escaping with a 30-21 victory. Carson Beck threw a pair of touchdown passes, Georgia scored 14 points in a decisive third quarter and the Bulldogs' championship-level defense came up with two crucial fourth-quarter interceptions to prove the difference against the upset-minded Tigers. Carson Beck continued to show why he’s one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the country. His 90.0 passing grade this season ranks sixth among all signal-callers in the country. Making that even more impressive is the fact that his top target, Brock Bowers, has missed the past two games due to an ankle injury. While the Tigers were the best team the Bulldogs have played all season, Georgia hosts a top-10 team in Ole Miss this Saturday.
3. Washington (9-0)
Dillon Johnson gashed USC for 256 yards rushing and four touchdowns as the Huskies stayed unbeaten in their quest to the reach the College Football Playoff. Michael Penix added two touchdown passes to his impressive total on the season, but it was Johnson's big plays on the ground that kept the Trojans at bay. Both teams surpassed 500 yards of total offense, but it was the Huskies who came up with two late stops when they needed them the most. The Washington-USC over/under was the highest among all games this weekend at 75.5, and the over still hit by nearly 20 points. In a game that produced 1,087 yards of total offense, Washington outlasted defensless USC 52-42. Michael Penix Jr. outdueled reigning Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams in the shootout and staked his claim as one of the top contenders for this year’s award. The sixth-year senior tossed two big-time throws without any turnover-worthy plays in the victory and his 91.4 passing grade on the season is third among all signal-callers in the country. He’ll face a much stingier defense this Saturdayin Utah.
4. Ohio St (9-0)
Rutgers had Ohio State on the ropes this past weekend, as the Scarlet Knights trailed by just five in the fourth quarter. Ohio State avoided a monumental upset with 28 points in the second half, erasing a halftime deficit in a big way to stay unbeaten. Jordan Hancock's 93-yard interception return for a touchdown in the third quarter was the backbreaker for the Scarlet Knights, who had a chance to move ahead by two possessions inside the red zone. Marvin Harrison Jr. tacked on two trips to the end zone in the fourth quarter to give him 10 on the season. That was enough for the Buckeyes to slam the door shut on a potential upset and escape with a 35-16 victory. The bad news for the Buckeyes is at their quarterback position. While C.J. Stroud dominates in his rookie campaign for the Houston Texans, his replacement in Columbus has been solid but unspectacular. Kyle McCord has as many turnover-worthy plays (12) as big-time throws this year, and his 74.6 grade ranks just 66th among FBS quarterbacks.
5. Florida State (9-0)
The Seminoles played one of their most complete defensive performances of the season in a road win over the Panthers and Jordan Travis threw for 360 yards en route to a 9-0 start. FSU clinched a spot in the ACC Championship Game with the win and will likely play Louisville the first weekend of December to determine a spot in the playoff for the Seminoles. Mike Norvell and his team aren't getting ahead of themselves, however. Despite being without his top two receivers, Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson, Jordan Travis still threw for 360 yards with a pair of big-time throws in a 24-7 win over Pittsburgh. While other top playoff contenders have difficult stretches to close out the season, the Seminoles are simply in the mode of “Don’t screw it up”. Florida State doesn’t play a ranked team until at least the ACC Championship Game, as it must face Miami (FL), North Alabama and Florida to close the season.
6. Alabama (8-1)
In what ended up being an epic duel between dual-threat quarterbacks, Jalen Milroe and Alabama emerged victorious over then-No. 14 LSU, 42-28. The redshirt sophomore ran for 155 yards and four touchdowns against the Tigers, earning an 84.5 grade in the process. Milroe’s development this season has been extraordinary. Since being benched in Week 3, his 90.2 grade is fifth among all quarterbacks in the country. Fueled by Milroe's marvelous outing and a defense that only allowed seven points in the second half, Alabama moved closer to clinching another SEC West title under Nick Saban with a momentum-building win over the Tigers. Alabama scored the game's final 21 points after LSU moved ahead, 28-21, in the third quarter. Alabama was able to overcome a huge performance from LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels to avenge last season's loss to the Tigers.
7. Oregon (8-1)
Bo Nix threw four touchdown passes and ran for two other scores during Oregon's blitzing of the Bears. Oregon hasn't lost since the setback to Washington last month. This week's showdown at USC is pivotal for the Ducks, who are trying to stay at the top of the Pac-12 race with Washington in hopes of a redo of sorts in December's league title game. Speaking of quarterbacks with incredible growth, that’s precisely what Oregon has in Bo Nix. The fifth-year senior endured a tumultuous three years at Auburn to begin his career but has blossomed into one of the nation’s best signal-callers after moving to Eugene. Nix’s 91.6 passing grade this season paces all quarterbacks in college football, as does his 85.1% adjusted completion rate. If Nix and the Ducks continue their success the rest of the season, a Heisman could be featured in his trophy case.
8. Texas (8-1)
Texas squandered a 20-point lead in the second half, but kept pace at the top of the Big 12 title hunt with a 33-30 overtime win over Kansas State. The Longhorns dodged the potential game-tying field goal late in the fourth quarter after Chris Tennant whiffed on a 27-yard attempt, but he made up for it with one second left after nailing a 45-yarder to force overtime. The Longhorns were previously in total control behind strong performances on the ground from Jonathon Brooks and Cedric Baxter. Even though the Longhorns blew a massive lead, it was still an impressive win considering starting quarterback Quinn Ewers was once again out due to a shoulder injury. While Maalik Murphy has won two games in his stead, his performance has left plenty to be desired. The redshirt freshman has just a 52.4 passing grade this season with four big-time throws and six turnover-worthy plays. If Ewers is unable to go against TCU, it might be wise for head coach Steve Sarkisian to give Arch Manning a shot. The true freshman was the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2023 class and is the next in line to the Manning quarterback dynasty. However, Manning might bolt to the transfer portal.
9. Penn St (8-1)
After a sluggish two weeks that included a loss to Ohio State and a close win over Indiana, Penn State rebounded in a big way with a 51-15 victory over Maryland on Saturday. Penn State shook off the cobwebs quickly from last week's near-whiff against Indiana and disposed of the Terrapins without issue on the road behind four touchdown passes from Drew Allar. Kaytron Allen rushed for 91 yards and had a plunge into the end zone as the Nittany Lions improved to 8-1 and remained one game back of Big Ten East co-leaders Michigan and Ohio State coming down the stretch.
Drew Allar finished with a career-high 91.3 grade on the day as the sophomore tossed a pair of big-time throws with no turnover-worthy plays. The Nittany Lions will need him and the rest of the team to find similar success this weekend as they take on undefeated Michigan in the Wolverines’ first true test of the season.
10. Ole Miss (8-1)
We almost moved the Rebels up in the poll. Depending on the outcome this Saturday, movement is definitely coming for Ole Miss whether they move forward or a team that disappears in the bottom 25. Ole Miss has quietly put together a very impressive resume thus far, beating current top-25 teams like LSU and Tulane while only losing to Alabama on the road. The Rebels’ stars were stars during a tight win over Texas A&M, one finalized after the Aggies’ potential game-tying field goal fell short of the crossbar in the final seconds. Jaxson Dart finished 24 of 33 for 387 yards and two touchdowns while Quinshon Judkins piled up 102 yards and three scores on the ground. Ole Miss was one game back of Alabama in the SEC West entering the day and battles unbeaten Georgia this weekend. Jaxson Dart is having a similarly underrated year, as his 91.0 grade is sixth among all quarterbacks in the country. Both he and the Rebels have a chance to make some serious noise this weekend against the defending back-to-back champs in Georgia.
We shall finally see if Michigan is worthy off the number 1 position as they have a meeting with Penn St this Saturday on the road. Meanwhile, for the ninth time in nine games, Michigan beat up a weaker opponent as it handled Purdue, 41-13, on Saturday. The Wolverines have won every game this season by at least 24 points, partially due to the fact that they still haven’t faced a top-25 team in PFF’s power rankings. On the off the gridiron news, disciplinary action is likely coming for Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh following the NCAA's investigation into sign-stealing and yesterday's resignation from staffer Connor Stalions.
2. Georgia (9-0)
Georgia survived a scare from No. 12 Missouri on Saturday, escaping with a 30-21 victory. Carson Beck threw a pair of touchdown passes, Georgia scored 14 points in a decisive third quarter and the Bulldogs' championship-level defense came up with two crucial fourth-quarter interceptions to prove the difference against the upset-minded Tigers. Carson Beck continued to show why he’s one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the country. His 90.0 passing grade this season ranks sixth among all signal-callers in the country. Making that even more impressive is the fact that his top target, Brock Bowers, has missed the past two games due to an ankle injury. While the Tigers were the best team the Bulldogs have played all season, Georgia hosts a top-10 team in Ole Miss this Saturday.
3. Washington (9-0)
Dillon Johnson gashed USC for 256 yards rushing and four touchdowns as the Huskies stayed unbeaten in their quest to the reach the College Football Playoff. Michael Penix added two touchdown passes to his impressive total on the season, but it was Johnson's big plays on the ground that kept the Trojans at bay. Both teams surpassed 500 yards of total offense, but it was the Huskies who came up with two late stops when they needed them the most. The Washington-USC over/under was the highest among all games this weekend at 75.5, and the over still hit by nearly 20 points. In a game that produced 1,087 yards of total offense, Washington outlasted defensless USC 52-42. Michael Penix Jr. outdueled reigning Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams in the shootout and staked his claim as one of the top contenders for this year’s award. The sixth-year senior tossed two big-time throws without any turnover-worthy plays in the victory and his 91.4 passing grade on the season is third among all signal-callers in the country. He’ll face a much stingier defense this Saturdayin Utah.
4. Ohio St (9-0)
Rutgers had Ohio State on the ropes this past weekend, as the Scarlet Knights trailed by just five in the fourth quarter. Ohio State avoided a monumental upset with 28 points in the second half, erasing a halftime deficit in a big way to stay unbeaten. Jordan Hancock's 93-yard interception return for a touchdown in the third quarter was the backbreaker for the Scarlet Knights, who had a chance to move ahead by two possessions inside the red zone. Marvin Harrison Jr. tacked on two trips to the end zone in the fourth quarter to give him 10 on the season. That was enough for the Buckeyes to slam the door shut on a potential upset and escape with a 35-16 victory. The bad news for the Buckeyes is at their quarterback position. While C.J. Stroud dominates in his rookie campaign for the Houston Texans, his replacement in Columbus has been solid but unspectacular. Kyle McCord has as many turnover-worthy plays (12) as big-time throws this year, and his 74.6 grade ranks just 66th among FBS quarterbacks.
5. Florida State (9-0)
The Seminoles played one of their most complete defensive performances of the season in a road win over the Panthers and Jordan Travis threw for 360 yards en route to a 9-0 start. FSU clinched a spot in the ACC Championship Game with the win and will likely play Louisville the first weekend of December to determine a spot in the playoff for the Seminoles. Mike Norvell and his team aren't getting ahead of themselves, however. Despite being without his top two receivers, Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson, Jordan Travis still threw for 360 yards with a pair of big-time throws in a 24-7 win over Pittsburgh. While other top playoff contenders have difficult stretches to close out the season, the Seminoles are simply in the mode of “Don’t screw it up”. Florida State doesn’t play a ranked team until at least the ACC Championship Game, as it must face Miami (FL), North Alabama and Florida to close the season.
6. Alabama (8-1)
In what ended up being an epic duel between dual-threat quarterbacks, Jalen Milroe and Alabama emerged victorious over then-No. 14 LSU, 42-28. The redshirt sophomore ran for 155 yards and four touchdowns against the Tigers, earning an 84.5 grade in the process. Milroe’s development this season has been extraordinary. Since being benched in Week 3, his 90.2 grade is fifth among all quarterbacks in the country. Fueled by Milroe's marvelous outing and a defense that only allowed seven points in the second half, Alabama moved closer to clinching another SEC West title under Nick Saban with a momentum-building win over the Tigers. Alabama scored the game's final 21 points after LSU moved ahead, 28-21, in the third quarter. Alabama was able to overcome a huge performance from LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels to avenge last season's loss to the Tigers.
7. Oregon (8-1)
Bo Nix threw four touchdown passes and ran for two other scores during Oregon's blitzing of the Bears. Oregon hasn't lost since the setback to Washington last month. This week's showdown at USC is pivotal for the Ducks, who are trying to stay at the top of the Pac-12 race with Washington in hopes of a redo of sorts in December's league title game. Speaking of quarterbacks with incredible growth, that’s precisely what Oregon has in Bo Nix. The fifth-year senior endured a tumultuous three years at Auburn to begin his career but has blossomed into one of the nation’s best signal-callers after moving to Eugene. Nix’s 91.6 passing grade this season paces all quarterbacks in college football, as does his 85.1% adjusted completion rate. If Nix and the Ducks continue their success the rest of the season, a Heisman could be featured in his trophy case.
8. Texas (8-1)
Texas squandered a 20-point lead in the second half, but kept pace at the top of the Big 12 title hunt with a 33-30 overtime win over Kansas State. The Longhorns dodged the potential game-tying field goal late in the fourth quarter after Chris Tennant whiffed on a 27-yard attempt, but he made up for it with one second left after nailing a 45-yarder to force overtime. The Longhorns were previously in total control behind strong performances on the ground from Jonathon Brooks and Cedric Baxter. Even though the Longhorns blew a massive lead, it was still an impressive win considering starting quarterback Quinn Ewers was once again out due to a shoulder injury. While Maalik Murphy has won two games in his stead, his performance has left plenty to be desired. The redshirt freshman has just a 52.4 passing grade this season with four big-time throws and six turnover-worthy plays. If Ewers is unable to go against TCU, it might be wise for head coach Steve Sarkisian to give Arch Manning a shot. The true freshman was the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2023 class and is the next in line to the Manning quarterback dynasty. However, Manning might bolt to the transfer portal.
9. Penn St (8-1)
After a sluggish two weeks that included a loss to Ohio State and a close win over Indiana, Penn State rebounded in a big way with a 51-15 victory over Maryland on Saturday. Penn State shook off the cobwebs quickly from last week's near-whiff against Indiana and disposed of the Terrapins without issue on the road behind four touchdown passes from Drew Allar. Kaytron Allen rushed for 91 yards and had a plunge into the end zone as the Nittany Lions improved to 8-1 and remained one game back of Big Ten East co-leaders Michigan and Ohio State coming down the stretch.
Drew Allar finished with a career-high 91.3 grade on the day as the sophomore tossed a pair of big-time throws with no turnover-worthy plays. The Nittany Lions will need him and the rest of the team to find similar success this weekend as they take on undefeated Michigan in the Wolverines’ first true test of the season.
10. Ole Miss (8-1)
We almost moved the Rebels up in the poll. Depending on the outcome this Saturday, movement is definitely coming for Ole Miss whether they move forward or a team that disappears in the bottom 25. Ole Miss has quietly put together a very impressive resume thus far, beating current top-25 teams like LSU and Tulane while only losing to Alabama on the road. The Rebels’ stars were stars during a tight win over Texas A&M, one finalized after the Aggies’ potential game-tying field goal fell short of the crossbar in the final seconds. Jaxson Dart finished 24 of 33 for 387 yards and two touchdowns while Quinshon Judkins piled up 102 yards and three scores on the ground. Ole Miss was one game back of Alabama in the SEC West entering the day and battles unbeaten Georgia this weekend. Jaxson Dart is having a similarly underrated year, as his 91.0 grade is sixth among all quarterbacks in the country. Both he and the Rebels have a chance to make some serious noise this weekend against the defending back-to-back champs in Georgia.
