After opening weekend, college football week two is usually reserved for cupcake games or strange out-of-conference matchups. We got both this weekend, along with some great games—and some not so great games. Anyway, I think we learned a lot this weekend. Such as:
– Look, I know I’m the only sports and pop culture writer on the Internet touting how good a program Tulane has become. And I’ll go ahead and address the Ole Miss-Tulane game right out of the box. If Michael Pratt plays, Tulane finishes ahead of Ole Miss in the SEC West. Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda, I know. And Tulane got too conservative down the stretch. But I take issue with Ole Miss essentially getting a free time out and killing Tulane’s momentum as they were going into score—and getting no penalty for it. Hate the game, not the player, I know. But would’ve liked what was shaping up to be a great game finish as one, too.
– Let’s address the elephant in the room. And on the field. Texas just took over against Alabama in that fourth quarter. It was a tough game to have second in the season when you have your quarterback situation worked out, let alone when you’re not quite certain who’s the best fit. I don’t think Alabama’s season is over just yet, but one area of concern is how much they got beat up front on both sides of the ball in the limited sample size I saw. If the line continues to be an issue, there could be a lot of games that end up closer than they should be this season. Texas, on the other hand, excised some demons in Tuscaloosa last Saturday. The question is, are they that good, or did they peak? Time will tell, but they already look more ready for the SEC than their Sooner State counterpart.
– Auburn and California looked like two Thursday night drunks fighting over a karaoke mic. Sloppy, uncoordinated, and not landing half their attempts. The Tigers have to figure out their quarterback situation before starting SEC play before the Freeze Warning turns into a Tropical Depression. That said, you can’t tell me starting at 9:30 Central time wasn’t somewhat of an advantage for Cal. I’ve seen it suggested more than once, but it would be kind of funny if Auburn returned the favor and kicked off at 8:30 a.m. Central next year when the Bears come to the Plains.
– Apparently everyone went to a wrestling match and a football game broke out in Neyland, as Austin Peay tried to lay the literal smackdown on Tennessee. The Vols found a way to win, but the Governors found a way to leave a mark, with some questionable plays and favorable calls in the game. We’ll chalk it up to Tennessee looking ahead to Florida, but I know two things: 1.) Most VFLs never want to see a game like this again, and 2.) Austin Peay just played its last game against Tennessee. You don’t get paid as much as they did, be rude to your host, and get to come back.
– THE U raised up and gave its fans hope for the first time since before the FIU Brawl. Hard Rock isn’t the Orange Bowl, but the Hurricanes used the home field advantage to take a big when over Texas A&M, 48-33. It’s a sign that the ‘Canes are headed in the right direction under head coach Mario Christobal, and could be players in the ACC this year. I’ve said it before, college football is better when programs like USC, Tennessee, and Miami are good and maybe just maybe, the Hurricanes are turning toward that. A&M on the other hand, seems to be headed in the opposite direction. Is Jimbo Fisher on the hot seat? Potentially. The boosters at A&M expect National Championships, and while it’s still possible this season in theory, it’s looks more unlikely given the gauntlet that is their schedule. If they lose three or more games, do they make a move at head coach? And to who? Time will tell.
Those are the highlights for me. Not as many games, but twice as many words. What about you? What did you think? Let us know in the comments section!
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