Thoughts On: The Week 8 Top Four
By Rich Lynch
Thoughts On: Week 8 Top Four
1. Alabama Crimson Tide(7-0)
Alabama smoked Arkansas, another mediocre SEC team, 52-0. The Crimson Tide got defensive back Ha Ha Clinton Dix back this week, which solidifies a defense that has bounced back strong since 42 points against Texas A&M.
In its other six games the Tide have allowed at total of 26 points, which is absolutely ridiculous in the era of spread offenses.
The Tide have two games that may give them trouble: a home game against LSU and the Iron Bowl on the road against Auburn. Look for the Auburn game to be an epic match up of Top 5 teams, if Auburn continues on its current course.
2. Oregon Ducks(7-0)
Oregon is averaging 58 points per game this season. They dispatched Washington State on Saturday night 62-38. The true part of the Oregon schedule is still remaining though with UCLA, Stanford, Utah and Oregon State in the Civil War remaining.
If the Ducks are undefeated at the end of the season, then they certainly deserve a spot in the national championship game.
3. Florida State Seminoles(7-0)
I have never seen more pregame hype than ABC showed before Florida State took the field against Clemson in Death Valley Saturday night. Absurd. Clemson barely beat a resurrected Boston College last week.
The Eagles apparently softened up the Tigers for the Seminoles, which ABSOLUTELY DISMANTLED Clemson 51-14. Florida State did have two weeks to prepare for a soft Clemson defense and took advantage of it.
One concern for Seminole Nation is the loss of junior running back James Wilder Jr. to a concussion. The ‘Noles will need Wilder against Miami in two weeks and require his services in late November against in-state rival Florida Gators.
4. Stanford Cardinal(6-1)
Stanford beat an overhyped UCLA in Palo Alto. Jim Mora got out-coached by David Shaw, who is as impressive a head-coach as there is in college football.
Stanford has a tough game on the road against Oregon State next week and then an uber-matchup against Oregon in Palo Alto in two weeks. If Stanford avoids the Beaver-trap and then beats Oregon, it will be ranked No. 3 in the country and in a position to go to the national title game.
Outside Looking In
5)Missouri Tigers
6)Auburn Tigers