It was an exciting day of college football, but many of the top teams held serve. Who would be the College Football Playoff’s top four teams after Week 2?
If there is a downside to the College Football Playoff, it is the increased focus on the top four, and the decreased attention paid to the FBS as a whole. Saturday was an example of why that can be frustrating.
There were several instant classics on Saturday, but at the top four, business was handled.
It’s important to specify that this is a projection. Considering the polls rarely punish Power Five teams for playing lower level competition, teams rarely drop after a win. LSU had the best quality win of the young season, but will the polls drop any of the winners previously in the top four? It’s unlikely.
1. Clemson (def. Texas A&M 24-10)
Of the top four teams from a week ago, Clemson was the only one to play legitimate competition on Saturday. Against Texas A&M, the Tiger defense frustrated Kellen Mond all day and held him to a QBR of 23.8
For the Tigers, it was a solid day from Trevor Lawrence, but not an outstanding one. On the day, he was 24-of-35 for 268 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Travis Etienne wasn’t as explosive as in week one, but Lyn-J Dixon had a nice day. He carried the ball 11 times for 79 yards and a touchdown.
What’s next for Clemson?
The Tigers will make their first road trip of the season, as they’ll travel to the Carrier Dome to play Syracuse. The Orange will be looking to bounce back after a 63-20 route at the hands of Maryland.
In game three, it will be interesting to see whether or not Lawrence regains the Heisman caliber form that hasn’t displayed itself since January.