Thank goodness college football is back! It signifies that we can enjoy the best fall offers and watch teams toss the pigskin around. However, we can't go through the season without having some winners and losers. Who got off to a hot start and who fell flat on their faces?
Winner: Kenneth Walker III: The Spartans running back had a mammoth day against Northwestern, carrying the ball 23 times for 264 yards and four touchdowns. That includes a 75-yard touchdown run, propelling Michigan State to an easy 38-21 victory.
Winner: Georgia: Georgia's defense made a statement against a traditional offensive powerhouse, Clemson. The Bulldogs made D.J. Uiagalelei uncomfortable all game, getting seven sacks and stalling him and the offense as a whole. They even got a pick-six from Christopher Smith, proving to be the game-winning score! Take it away, Rack 'Em Willie.
Winner: Ren Hefley: 10 touchdown passes in a game for the Presbyterian star?! DAMN!
Losers: North Carolina: With all the hype surrounding Sam Howell and the Tar Heels, they fell flat against Virginia Tech. North Carolina's quarterback went 17-for-32, throwing three picks in a losing effort. Granted, the Hokies played amazing defense, generating pressure at will. However, this was supposed to be one of the best Tar Heel football teams in school history. Stumbling out the gate doesn't help matter for the Heels, nor does it help the ACC.
Loser(s): Ohio State and Oregon: Yes, both schools won their opening games against Minnesota and Fresno State, respectively. But there's no excuse for both schools to let their opponents hang around. Both schools combined to win their games by 21 points, putting together underwhelming performances. One of these two will prove to be faulty in next week's matchup, showing themselves to be playoff pretenders.
Loser: Nebraska: Losing 30-22 to Illinois raised some concerns about Scott Frost's team. What is going on with Cornhusker football as a whole? Who should be held accountable for their failures? It seems Frost is on the hot seat and these questions aren't going away any time soon.
Other Winners: Tyler Badie, Nick Starkel, UCLA
Other Losers: Tulsa, UNLV, Washington's offense
My Playoff Four:
Alabama
Georgia
Ohio State
Oklahoma
