Unbelievable Review: Difficult Story Creates Powerful And Painful Drama

Merritt Wever and Toni Collette in Unbelievable

During one of the episodes in Netflix’s Unbelievable, Detective Karen Duvall (Merritt Wever), lashes out at a team member due to her frustration over a recent rape case. When describing how rape triggers more than a physical emotion, Duvall said, “This is not something people get over. This is something they carry with them forever like a bullet in the spine.”

Sexual assault is a tough subject matter to discuss, but what about witnessing a sexual assault and watching how the justice system failed an innocent victim? That notion is on full display in Unbelievable, which premiered on September 13. The pilot introduces Marie Adler (Kaitlyn Dever), an 18-year old Washington resident who in 2008, reports that she has been raped and assaulted by a man at her apartment. While reporting the crime to Detective Parker (Eric Lange) and Detective Pruitt (Bill Fagerbakke), the audience gets to see quick, spine-tingling flashbacks of the rape.

However, Marie’s calm demeanor and small inconsistencies in her stories lead both the police and her former foster mothers to question the validity of the assault. As Marie relives the horrific trauma through constant questioning and badgering from the police, her crippling anxiety wins out as she’s coerced to admitting the rape was a lie she had made up. This causes the police to charge Marie with filing a false report and they drop the case entirely.

Netflix’s Unbelievable Trailer

Tragically, Unbelievable is inspired by the ProPublica and The Marshall Project’s report, “An Unbelievable Story of Rape,” which chronicles the 2008-2011 Washington and Colorado serial rape cases. The Unbelievable pilot focuses on Marie’s story entirely as she tackles this awful situation practically alone. Marie has been in the foster-care system since she was 3 and struggles to trust those in power. Can you blame her? Dever’s performance is raw, emotional, and gut-wrenching. Dever is a star in the making after a tremendous year of performances in this series, which will lead to an Emmy nomination in 2020, as well as the film, Booksmart.

The pilot episode left me with tears in my eyes and I worried that seven more episodes of this would take a toll on my psyche. However, the series shifted to a parallel timeline in Colorado 2011, where we meet Detective Grace Rasmussen (Toni Collette) and the aforementioned Detective Duvall. Rasmussen and Duvall are from neighboring towns but are brought together after both detectives find similarities in their respective rape cases. When Duvall interviews one of her rape victims, Amber (Danielle Macdonald), it’s clear from the details of the attack that Amber’s assaulter is most likely the same criminal who attacked Marie.

The brash veteran persona of Rasmussen and the meek, religious persona of Duvall mesh perfectly to create a much-needed break from the horrors of Marie’s tragedy. The chemistry between Collette and Wever is magnetic. Collette and Wever are both Emmy winners that have been admired for years so having two stars at the top of their games only adds to the greatness of Unbelievable.

Essentially, Unbelievable becomes two shows-in-one. One portion of the episode is an upsetting and horror-filled view into Marie’s conflict. The other portion is a buddy cop drama that follows the entertaining duo of Rasmussen and Duvall as they attempt to catch their serial rapist. I found myself dreading Marie’s timeline as the pit in my stomach increased every time Marie struggled to get the help she so desperately needed. On the other hand, I internally cheered whenever Rasmussen and Duvall gained a step closer to catching the criminal. Thanks to Collette and Wever, the buddy cop scenes are so fun that for a few minutes, your spirits increase and feel hopeful that justice will finally prevail, which makes Marie’s saga that much more uncomfortable and heart-breaking.

When the two stories finally intersect towards the end, it’s impossible to not immediately think about how the police botched their initial assessment in Marie’s case. If Marie received the same care and dedication towards her case that Rasmussen and Duvall showed towards their victims, then maybe they would have caught Marie’s attacker and given her the justice she deserved.

Sexual assault is a difficult topic to portray onscreen. Instead of just focusing on the assault itself, Netflix’s Unbelievable successfully crafted a harrowing look into how sexual assault not only affects the victim but everyone around it. Collette, Wever, and most notably, Dever, all give superb performances that treat this subject matter with respect and professionalism. It may be tough to watch, but Unbelievable is an eye-opening experience and a masterclass in storytelling.

What are your thoughts on Unbelievable? Leave your thoughts in the comments below or tweet us, @unafraidshow.

Pac-12 Football Seasons: 2019 Oregon Ducks Week 4

Montana vs Oregon 2019 Football

Upon first glance, there was nothing spectacular about Oregon’s 35-3 win over the Montana Grizzlies in college football’s week 3. College football AP Top 25 poll voters recognized such, dropping the Ducks one spot in the latest rankings. Yet the Ducks did what they were expected to do to a team much their inferior. They opened with touchdowns on two of their first three drives and stifled Montana’s offense throughout. For the 2019 Oregon Ducks, Week 4 begins with reflection and the looming gauntlet of Pac-12 play.

Be sure to come back every Tuesday for a new edition of Pac-12 Football Seasons: 2019 Oregon Ducks

Looking Back on Montana

If you look only at the final stats from Oregon’s matchup with Nevada in Autzen Stadium on September 14, 2019, the Ducks looked impressive. Senior quarterback Justin Herbert completed 30-of-42 passes for 316 yards and 5 touchdowns, an effort that made him the first Oregon quarterback to have back-to-back games with 5 TDs through the air. Running back Travis Dye, meanwhile, finished the game with 17 carries for 101 yards and the rest of the backs helped Oregon to a final stat line of 38 carries for 247 yards. Not a bad showing, right?

Yet stats can be deceptive. They paint just a small picture of the overall game, and in the case of Montana vs. Oregon 2019, that is made clear.

Opening the game with touchdowns on two of their first three drives, the 49,098 who made the trek to watch the Ducks under Autzen Stadium’s lights though they may be in for a repeat of Oregon’s 77-6 lashing of Nevada. And with Oregon favored by 37, it wasn’t wrong for them to think such.

But after scoring twice in the opening quarter, the Ducks managed just seven more in the first half. It was a case of Oregon stopping itself more than getting stopped by the Grizzlies.

On their first drive of the second quarter, Oregon methodically marched down the field to the Montana 44 before a critical offensive pass interference moved the ball back. They would be forced to punt, as Herbert missed Johnny Johnson III on a 3rd-and-9.

After a quick 3-and-out by the Montana offense, Oregon’s offense was back on the field. Allowing Travis Dye to chip away on the first set of downs, the Ducks looked to the air. Missing Johnson III on his first throw, Herbert connected with receiver Daewood Davis for 9 yards to give the Ducks an easy 3rd-and-1. Running back Darrian Felix, however, was stuffed. Rather than punt the ball away, Oregon went for it on 4th-and-1 and failed to convert, Herbert missing tight end Ryan Bay.

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Two drives, zero points, and one turnover-on-downs. This wasn’t the Oregon Ducks many expected to see.

Fortunately, Oregon recovered. In a statement drive at the end of the half, Oregon flashed its potential. With less than a minute, Herbert led the Ducks on a 67-yard touchdown drive that took just 44 seconds and saw the Heisman contender complete three-of-four pass attempts. None were more impressive than his connection with Johnson III for a touchdown, however, as Herbert escaped a sack, rolled to the right and fired a dart that Johnson III hauled in while sliding towards the ground. It was an impressive play by the quarterback and receiver and gave the Oregon faithful an injection of energy.

Forwarding the momentum of their final drive in the first half, Oregon opened the third quarter of play with an interception and a touchdown drive that saw the running game finally find some holes. Still, this wasn’t the explosive Oregon team many thought they would be. Oregon’s backs managed small chunks of yards, not the big bursts of years past.

With their rushing attack failing to hit the holes opened by the offensive line, Oregon looked to the air to extend its lead.

After another turnover-on-downs on their second drive of the second half, Herbert started the fourth with an 8 play, 85 yard touchdown drive where he completed six-of-seven passes and capped it with a 10 yard strike to Jaylon Redd. It was another example of just how potent the Ducks can be when firing on all cylinders.

Unfortunately, Oregon was inconsistent throughout their game against the Grizzlies. Maybe it was a case of the Ducks holding back before their Pac-12 North matchup against Stanford in week 4. They don’t want to show all their cards just yet, right?

Whatever the case, when the final whistle blew and Oregon emerged victorious, fans were left puzzled. On the one hand, a win is a win. The offense flashed potential and Herbert had an impressive stat line. He did, however, play in all drives but one. For a game where many expected the backups to play a significant role, this was concerning.

What wasn’t concerning, however, was Oregon’s defense. For the second week, the Ducks held their opponent without a touchdown. Defensive coordinator Andy Avalos has built a fierce unit and Oregon’s defense may be as exciting to watch as their offense. When’s the last time you could say that?

2019 Oregon Ducks Week 4 – Pac-12 Play Begins

With Montana dispatched the Oregon football program enters college football week 4 knowing the rest of their games are all about the Pac-12. Their first test? Stanford.

For whatever reason Stanford has been a thorn in Oregon’s side throughout the past decade. Much of this is due to the rise of the Cardinal in college football. Jim Harbaugh and David Shaw built a successful template that had not been exposed until this year. In fact, since 2010 Stanford has downed the Ducks five times, including the last three matchups. They are still a physical team who will pound the ball on the ground and look to neutralize Oregon by keeping the ball out of their hands.

Fortunately, Stanford 2019 is not the Stanford of years past. They are missing their big left tackle, their secondary is porous and quarterback K.J. Costello hasn’t looked the outstanding QB he’s supposed to be.

Still, this is Stanford and Oregon would be wise not to think this game won’t be tough. After two easy non-conference games against mediocre opponents, the Ducks will need to be prepared for a dog fight on Saturday. If Oregon goes into this game too confident, it is one of those that is ripe for an upset. But with how the last few meetings went between these two Pac-12 heavyweights, don’t think the Ducks won’t be prepared.

Best Offensive Performances from Pac-12 Football Week 3

College football players undrafted Hunter Bryant Washington Hawaii

Pac-12 Football Highlights of Week 3

Pac-12 Conference states

Last week, Kedon Slovis, K.D. Nixon, Marcel Dancy and Jacob Breeland rounded out the best Pac-12 football offensive performances. This week, we have new and fresh faces.

Best Quarterback Performance

Anthony Gordon – Washington State

For Cougar fans, Anthony Gordon finally makes this list. And rightfully so. Against New Mexico State and Northern Colorado, it made sense to keep some skepticism. Gordon and the Cougars weren’t truly tested in either of those outings. But, in Week 3, against a competitive Houston football team, Anthony and the Pac-12 football Cougs maintained their excellence.

In three straight weeks, Anthony Gordon passed for at least 420 yards and 3 touchdowns. He is a perfect fit for the Mike Leach Air Raid offense. Gordon already has:

  • 96 completions on 122 attempts
  • 1,324 passing yards
  • 12 touchdowns
  • 2 interceptions

Counting stats are great. But, leading a team, down 7-14 at half, to beat Houston 31-24 shows incredible poise. In the win, he spread the ball around to nine different receivers and completed 75-percent of his passes. Four different receivers caught passes of 30-plus yards. His arm-strength, pocket-awareness and overall quarterback abilities were on full display. 

With performances like this each week, Gordon is making a case to be drafted in the 2020 NFL Draft.

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Best Running Back Performance

Zack Moss – Utah

Other than Eno Benjamin, there is no running back better than Zack Moss in Pac-12 football. Against Idaho State, Moss recorded his 13th 100-yard game, rushing for 106 yards on just 10 carries. With a touchdown, he passed Eddie Johnson for Utah’s No.2 spot in Ute rushing touchdowns. If Moss scores five more rushing touchdowns this season, he breaks Del Rodgers’ Utah career record. For Utah, Moss is a steady contributor of power and big plays.

Consider his first touch of the game. Moss took the handoff, spun away from a tackle and ran for 38 yards. It’s unreal how efficient and effect he’s been thus far. Pac-12 football fans haven’t even seen him unlocked yet because utah keeps running away with games. Moss does more with 10 carries than other backs do with 20. 

Best Wide Receiver Performance

Laviska Shenault Jr. – Colorado

To anyone that watched Pac-12 football’s Colorado take on Air Force, one thing was clear: Laviska Shenault Jr. could not be stopped.

After a slow start against Colorado State and Nebraska, Shenault exploded in Week 3. He showed speed, power and reliability. Shenault was dynamic as a receiver and even as a runner.

On 11 touches, he amassed nearly 150 yards from scrimmage and 2 touchdowns. He was the difference-maker for Colorado again and again. It’s a pity that Colorado couldn’t extend their win-streak. But, Shenault did show why he belongs with the best playmakers in Pac-12 football.

Best Tight End Performance

Hunter Bryant – Washington

Through three weeks of college football, Hunter Bryant is PFF’s top-graded tight end. And not just in Pac-12 football programs. In the country! His athleticism and receiving abilities are exceptional. Against Hawaii, Bryant broke free for the opening touchdown. His 47-yard catch and run epitomizes his offensive ability.

Against Hawaii, Byrant was the Huskies leading receiver. 

  • 6 Targets
  • 5 Receptions
  • 115 Yards
  • 1 Touchdown

It was an excellent game for Hunter Bryant and a performance we’ll likely see again.

Pac-12 Power Rankings Week 4: Great Wins and Bad Losses

Pac-12 Power Rankings Week 4

Welcome to the Pac-12 Power Rankings Week 4. The conference had a completely mixed bag of results but overall it was a win. The conference ended up with six teams in the AP top 25, but four are between 19 and 24. That means that as conference play starts, the losers will fall from the rankings. Stanford and USC losing on national tv to BYU and UCF was a blow. Both teams are national brands and influence the Pac-12’s perception even if neither is a top team in 2019. The conference has a chance to quiet all the outside noise about money and tv deals, and the Pac-12 network by winning the rest of their non-conference games. Oregon, Utah, and USC seem to be the only teams with a real shot at the playoff left.

  • Last week I said I would include Hawaii in the Pac-12 Power Rankings if they beat Washington. They did not, so I won’t. It’s a good thing too because that would have been embarrassing.

For Reference Check out the Pac-12 Power Rankings from Week 3

Pac-12 Power Rankings Week 4:

Teams are ranked by the correct criteria: quality wins, schedule played, and dominance. Only games played matter. No consideration is given for future games. The Pac-12 Power Rankings will available on Unafraid Show every Monday morning. Make sure you send your comments and grievances to immad@unafraidshow.com.

12. Oregon State Beavers (1-2)

Last Week: 45-7 (W) Cal Poly

The Beavers got a win. It was against an FCS team, but OSU will at least one game this season. They have only won one conference game in the last two seasons. The goal for Jonathan Smith’s team should be to stay competitive in every game and try to steal a game or two.

11. UCLA Bruins (0-3)

Last Week: 14-41 (L) Oklahoma

The loss against Oklahoma was expected. However, I did believe that UCLA would score more than their standard 14 points. The Sooners defense is nowhere near the top defense UCLA will face this season (Utah, Cal). Chip Kelly’s offense went back to more read-option and run-pass options against the Sooners. Typically, RPOs help young and athletic quarterbacks to read the defense with more defined throwing reads. Needless to say, it did not translate into more points. The Bruins quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson is having a rough season and we may see him headed to the bench soon.

And then there is the Bruins defense… Just listen to the podcast to hear more detail on Chip Kelly and UCLA.

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10. Stanford Cardinal (1-2)

Last Week: 27-45 (L) at UCF

This was a bad bad loss by Stanford. The game was not nearly as competitive as the score suggests. I like UCF a lot and they are a top-tier college football team. But, Stanford was not even competitive in the game. Their pass defense was abused, and their team looks slow. This could be the first season that David Shaw truly struggles as Stanford head coach. When you look at the Cardinal from last year and this year, something is broken. Stanford has tumbled a long way down the Pac-12 Power Rankings Week 4.

9. Arizona Wildcats (2-1)

Last Week: 28-14 (W) Texas Tech

Who is this Arizona team? Clearly, they are a bi-polar football team. Their Swiss cheese defense looked like a good defense. They forced two turnovers and consistently got off the field on 3rd down. Khalil Tate was back to his 2017 form. He rushed for 129 yards and a TD but didn’t pass the ball so well. Can their defense put two good performances in a row?

8. Colorado Buffaloes (2-1)

Last Week: 30-23/OT (L) vs Air Force

Don’t play the service academies. They will ruin your day. Air Force ruined Colorado’s chances of starting the season 3-0. Mel Tucker has his squad playing decent ball but could not get off the field on defense and couldn’t dominate the line of scrimmage. The good news is that the Buffaloes are more competitive than they were at the end of last season. Colorado is on their to a bowl game.

7. USC Trojans (2-1)

Last Week: 30-23 (L) vs BYU

This was just a bad loss for USC. All the goodwill that Clay Helton bought with the destruction of Stanford was lost. The Trojans fans are starting to whisper about Urban Meyer as their next coach already. It is hard to believe a team with this much talent gets beat at the line of scrimmage and in the secondary so often. I still believe in Kedon Slovis despite the interceptions. It seemed that the offense was different than the Stanford game. It appears they tried to protect the freshman in his first road start instead of letting him throw the ball downfield.

6. Arizona State Sun Devils (3-0)

Last Week: 10-7 (W) vs Michigan State

Improbable victory in East Lansing against Michigan State. ASU only had 216 total yards compared to Michigan State’s 404. The Sun Devil’s offensive line is having a hard time cleating running lanes for Eno Benjamin and pass protecting. The positive is that ASU’s defense stout, but there is no doubt that Pac-12 teams (even Cal) will manage more than one touchdown per game. At the end of the day, a win is a win, especially when it’s a quality one.

5. Washington State Cougars (3-0)

Last Week: 35-28 (W) vs Houston

Finally a decent opponent for the Cougars. Their offense had been so outrageously effective in the first two games that I believe it was shocking for players to run into first-half adversity. Anthony Gordon rallied the team and they were extremely effective in the second half. He finished with 440 yards with three touchdown passes. They will need to sure up their defense a bit.

4. Washington Huskies (2-1)

Last Week: 52-20 (W) vs Hawaii

The Huskies saved the conference from being Hawaii’s whipping boy. From the opening kickoff, UW opened up a can of whoop-ass. It seems very clear that the Cal loss was a wakeup game for Washington. I expect Chris Pedersen’s team to be dangerous and focus for the rest of the season. The Pac-12 North is going to be a dog fight.

3. Cal Golden Bears (3-0)

Last Week: 23-17 (W) at North Texas

Cal jumped out to a quick 20-0 lead in the first quarter but could only manage a field goal after that. The reason this team is 3-0 and a real threat in the Pac-12 this season is they rarely turn the ball over now. Last season, they fumbled and threw interceptions which put the game out of reach for their meager offense.

Their lack of dominance has moved them back one spot in the Pac-12 Power Rankings Week 4.

2. Utah Utes (3-0)

Last Week: 31-0 (W) vs Idaho State

The Utes pitched a shutout, as they should have. It was an extremely efficient performance by the Utah offense. Zack Moss only carried the ball 10 times, and they spread the ball around. 15 different skill position players had carries or receptions. There seems to be growth in passing efficiency since week one, which should bode well for their next nine conference games. Utah is making a strong case to move up to the #1 spot of the Pac-12 Power Rankings.

1. Oregon Ducks (2-1)

Last Week: 35-3 (W) Montana

My only concern about the Ducks is their ability to run the football. Through three games we have only seen one or two runs over 20 yards. If all three games were against Auburn that would be understandable. But, for a team with the best offensive line in college football, that sounds strange to me. If the Ducks want to have a shot at the CFB Playoffs they will need to have explosive runs.

Oregon’s defense and passing game look great.

Check back every Monday for the Pac-12 Power Rankings.

Pac-12 Football Week 3 offers up a mixed-bag of results

Arizona State Michigan State 2019

Don’t look now but the Pac-12 has six — yes six! — teams in the latest AP Poll and USA Today Coaches Poll. Utah (10 AP, 11 Coaches), Oregon (16 AP, 17 Coaches), Washington State (19 AP, 19 Coaches), Washington (22 AP, 21 Coaches), Cal (23 AP, 23 Coaches) and Arizona State (24 AP, 24 Coaches) all find themselves in the college football polls after their Pac-12 football week 3 results.

With the addition of California and Arizona State into the week 4 AP Top 25 college football poll, the conference’s six teams are the most it has had in the poll since Week 13 of 2016. This bodes well for the Pac-12 Conference’s perception as it enters the bulk of conference play. What doesn’t bode well, however, are the mounting out-of-conference losses.

The Bad From Pac-12 Football Week 3

The Pac-12 went 8-4 in college football week 3. With no conference games played this week (there were two in week 2), the conference did benefit from eight non-conference wins to just four non-conference losses. And while a couple of the wins were nice, most came against inferior opponents in expected fashion. The losses, however, weren’t so great.

UCLA, Stanford, Colorado, and USC all dropped non-conference tilts in week 3. Of these losses, only one can really be considered acceptable.

Addressing this ‘acceptable’ loss, nobody expected the UCLA Bruins to put up a fight against Oklahoma. The Sooners be in the College Football Playoff picture throughout the year and are one of college football’s most imposing teams. The Bruins, meanwhile, are not.

After an offseason in which Chip Kelly cleaned house, the Bruins are now playing like it. Their offense is miserable, defense inept and all signs point to a massive rebuild in the years to come. Adding salt to the wound of an already embarrassing loss was the terrible attendance despite tickets being given away to the game.

The Rose Bowl deserves better. The Pac-12 deserves better.

Colorado, Stanford and USC don’t have excuses like the Bruins. They’re not going through complete rebuilds, even though the Buffaloes did bring in new head coach Mel Tucker during the offseason.

USC and true freshman quarterback Kedon Slovis looked brilliant at times but lost during most others. The talent is there to compete with the best, but consistency is becoming an issue with the Trojans. Losing to BYU was tough for the Trojans and the Pac-12.

Stanford’s loss to UCF wasn’t as bad. The return of quarterback K.J. Costello did not go well and UCF freshman quarterback Dillon Gabriel looked like a stud against Stanford’s porous secondary. Still, for what Stanford could have been — and still could be (a scary thought for the Pac-12) — in 2019, a blowout loss to UCF is difficult to swallow.

Then there was Colorado. After a big win against Nebraska at home, whispers began about the Buffaloes being back. The Air Force Falcons and their triple-option ignored those, disposing of an inconsistent Colorado team in OT. It was a result that once again sparked the debate of why the Pac-12 struggles so much with what should an inferior Mountain West.

The Good From Pac-12 Football Week 3

What did go well in Pac-12 football week 3 was the continued rebound of Arizona, the emergence of Arizona State, and the conference’s headliners holding ground.

Since a shocking week zero loss to Hawaii, Arizona has rattled off two wins. Quarterback Khalil Tate looked the Heisman candidate many want him to be and the defense actually held a decent offense in check. With a bye week followed by games against UCLA and Colorado, the Wildcats could regroup in fine fashion in the coming weeks.

The other team from The Grand Canyon State, the Arizona State Sun Devils, had a more impressive showing. Having held their first two opponents to seven points each, the Sun Devils continued that trend against the Michigan State Spartans in Pac-12 football week 3. While their offense may need work, that defense is good.

The remaining Pac-12 teams came away with expected wins. Utah managed a shutout against Idaho State, Oregon’s defense was equally impressive in their 35-3 win over Montana and Washington trounced Hawai’i. California, meanwhile, sneaked into the polls with a so-so performance against North Texas and Oregon State finally won a game.

All-in-all it wasn’t Pac-12 football week 3 wasn’t so bad for the conference. But it wasn’t so great either. Tough non-conference losses were softened by emerging contenders who now have a lot to prove in conference play. There’s a lot of football left to play and the results from Pac-12 week 3 are setting up a wild ride.

College Football Top 10 Power Rankings Week 4 As it Should Be

in the College Football Top 10 Power Rankings Week 4

The Rules: No Bias, No Bull College Football Rankings

Week 3 in college football provided a lot more information about teams in the College Football Top 10 Power Rankings Week 4 As it Should Be. However, without any top 25 games, the top teams naturally cruised to easy victories. It was chalk, chalk, and more chalk. I do not project forward with the rankings of a team’s schedule, but as a fan, I can be damn excited.

There is no more unbiased ranking out there than Unafraid Show’s College Football Top 10 Rankings Week 4. I get criticized from time to time by people who only want to see the college football world through the lens of the AP Poll. These rankings are not going to look like the AP Poll. Open your eyes to see a different view of evaluating the top 10. Most polls including the College Football Playoff Committee give college blueblood teams a massive “benefit of the doubt.” I don’t believe in that. Teams are ranked by the correct criteria: quality wins, schedule played, and dominance. After the preseason rankings, only games played matter. No consideration is given for future games.

I re-rank the top 10 every Sunday from scratch. The previous week’s rankings do not factor into the next week. So, the rankings will change, sometimes drastically every week because we will have new information. So make sure to come back every Sunday.

For reference, you can check College Football Top 10 Power Rankings Week 3.

College Football Top 10 Rankings Week 4:

Next Up: Oregon, Utah, UCF, Florida

10. Michigan Wolverines (2-0)

Last Week: IDLE

There are few times that coaches catch more heat after a win than Jim Harbaugh did after beating ARMY. Michigan needed to have an open week more than any other team in the country. The Wolverines need all the time they can to practice and clean up all the unforced errors. This week they travel to Wisconsin. A win would hold the critics at bay for a while, but a loss would bring “overrated” chants.

9. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (2-0)

Last Week: 66-14 (W) vs New Mexico

Just like every other team who plays non-competitive games, there is not a lot to be learned. Ian Books’ numbers were spectacular though. He had over 400 yards of total offense and 6 total touchdowns. Surprisingly, the Fighting Irish did not run the ball well against New Mexico. Maybe they were just working on things in the passing game for Georgia?

Check out our Pac-12 Football Podcast, Pac-12 Apostles:

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8. Texas Longhorns (2-1)

Last Week: 48-13 (W) vs Rice

Texas put the screws to Rice, as they were supposed to. A lot of times when college football teams lose heartbreaking games, they let that carry over to the next week. Tom Herman made sure his team put the LSU loss behind them and came out firing on all cylinders. Sam Ehlinger completed 23 of his 27 pass attempts. If he can keep that kind of efficiency, they will make a run at the top of the College Football Top 10 Power Rankings Week 4.

7. Georgia Bulldogs (3-0)

Last Week: 55-0 (W) vs Arkansas State

I must applaud UGA and their fans for the “pink out” in honor of Arkansas State’s head coaches late wife. That was a great gesture and put life over football.

I cannot wait till next week against Notre Dame to see what this team is made out of. Their first three weeks have been a breeze, but they have been extremely dominant. The Bulldogs wide receiving core will need to step up in a major way. It is always good to see talented football teams play quality football games. Us fans deserve them. My mind says that Georgia is treating the regular season as a formality. They want Bama. Hopefully, they don’t overlook anyone in the process.

6. Auburn (3-0)

Last Week: 55-16 (W) vs Kent State

The Bo Nix hype has turned into 3-0 despite the play not being to the level Auburn will need to compete for the SEC crown. Next week they get a real test as they head to Texas A&M. Gus Malzahn has bet on himself calling plays this year and it has worked out so far. I am less confident about this team than I was after the Oregon win, but they still have the 2nd best win of any top 10 team. They did show a high level of dominance this week.

5. Ohio State Buckeyes (3-0)

Last Week: 51-10 (W) vs Indiana

They tried to hype up this matchup against Indiana, but it wasn’t even close. Ohio State had guys running wide open for Fields to throw to. And when they wanted to run it, JK Dobbins couldn’t be stopped. I’m not sure how we are supposed to find the four best teams when so many are elite. I’m interested to see how Justin Fields responds in a close game or when his team is down. We may not see that opportunity until the CFB Playoff.

4. Oklahoma Sooners (3-0)

Last Week: 48-14 (W) vs UCLA

Jalen Hurts and the Sooners cut through UCLA like a hot knife through butter. It was a light day of work for Hurts. He “only” accounted for 439 yards of total offense and 4 touchdowns. Lincoln Riley’s offense makes me want to ask for an internship at Oklahoma so I can learn it. Their defense does look better than last season. But it’s like an improvement from a 5-out-of-10 to a 6.5. There is still a lot of improvements that need to be made. But, their offense is so amazing that it may not matter.

3. Alabama Crimson Tide (3-0)

Last Week: 47-23 (W) at South Carolina

Finally a real opponent for Alabama. South Carolina put up a real fight for a half and was not scared of the Crimson Tide. Nick Saban is always pissed about something. So he can’t be happy about the times South Carolina just marched the ball down the field easily. Bama also is having difficulty running the football. I can’t remember the last time they were held to under 100 yards rushing in an SEC game. The passing game is working remarkably. Tua threw for 444 yards and 5 touchdowns. Dominance was there against a real opponent.

I am happy that we finally get so see Bama play a real opponent. I’m still afraid that their lack of consistent competition will cause them to get knocked off in the SEC championship.

2. LSU (3-0)

Last Week: 65-14 (W) vs Northwestern State

I am still in shock by what I am seeing by the LSU offense. In consecutive weeks Joe Burrow has thrown for 470 and 370 yards. They are a real live offense in 2019. For the first time in a long time, I believe LSU may be better than Alabama. Their November matchup will be an epic showdown. It should be a shootout because neither defense looks untouchable.

1. Clemson Tigers (3-0)

Last Week: 41-6 (W) at Syracuse

In three games against Georgia Tech, Texas A&M and Syracuse, Clemson has only given up a combined 30 points. I refuse to call teams unbeatable, but this team is on the verge of making me change my policy. They are destroying everybody and Trevor Lawrence is not even playing his best football. Syracuse picked him off twice and he was just not as sharp as last season. The Tigers wide receivers and running backs are capable of scoring every time they touch the football.

It is clear why the Tigers are #1.

Check back next Sunday morning for the College Football Top 10 Power Rankings Week 4.

Five Burning Questions For El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie

Yeah, bitch! Those two words made famous by Jesse Pinkman perfectly describes the feelings of countless Breaking Bad fans knowing that on October 11, El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie premieres on Netflix.

When we last saw Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul), he was working like a slave for Todd (Jesse Plemons) and Todd’s Uncle, Jack (Michael Bowen), as the duo attempted to build a drug empire. However, in the season finale of Breaking Bad, Walter White (Bryan Cranston) infiltrated the hideout, killed all of Jack’s gang, and allowed Jesse to escape in Todd’s El Camino.

El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie is set to take place after Jesse’s escape. The official synopsis states, “After escaping Jack and his gang, Jesse Pinkman goes on the run from the police and tries to escape his own inner turmoil.” As of now, the only characters officially scheduled to appear in the film are Jesse and Skinny Pete (Charles Baker).

Our heads, including mine, are about to explode. I have so many thoughts on El Camino, but I was able to narrow those down to five burning questions.

Is Walter White dead or alive?

Without a doubt, this is the number one question on the minds of every fan. Is Walter White dead or alive? This thought has been driving me crazy for over six years. At first, I believed Walt was dead because his death would be a fitting end to the series. However, as Bryan Cranston said in an interview in 2014, “I never saw bags zip up.” Screw you and your ambiguous ways, Cranston! Maybe Cranston knew in 2014 that creator Vince Gilligan wanted to make a film in a few years and asked Cranston to give mysterious answers to agonize fans. Well, it worked. Even if he’s dead, it’s hard to imagine a movie without Walt in some capacity. Whether it be through flashbacks or present-day scenes, Walt should make an appearance in some capacity.

Will Saul make an appearance?

One of the most memorable characters in Breaking Bad was the entertaining and corrupt lawyer, Saul Goodman (Bob Odenkirk). Saul was so entertaining that he got his own show, Better Call Saul, which happens to be one of the best television shows on right now. When we last saw Saul in Breaking Bad, he was moving to Nebraska to start a new life. Will Saul somehow cross paths with Jesse in the film? I’m leaning towards no because Better Call Saul is still on the air. That show has not wrapped so Saul’s story is still being told. If Saul ever crosses paths with Jesse again, it should be in Better Call Saul, not El Camino.

What is Skinny Pete’s role?

Besides Jesse, the only other character confirmed for El Camino is Skinny Pete. When we last saw him, Skinny Pete helped Walt force Gretchen (Jessica Hecht) and Elliot (Adam Godley) to accept Walt’s money and give it to Walt Jr. and Holly. In the teaser for El Camino, Skinny Pete is questioned by the authorities about the whereabouts of Jesse. Skinny Pete does not comply, which leads me to believe that he met up with Jesse before speaking with the cops. Will Skinny play an integral supporting role? Regardless, Skinny Pete needs to have Badger (Matt L. Jones) by his side.

Will Jesse go back to cooking meth?

When it came to building a meth empire, Jesse was just as important as Walt. Jesse knew the exact specifications needed to make the perfect meth. Before his relationship with Walt went sour, Jesse made a lot of money. I’m assuming that after speeding away in the El Camino, Jesse has no money and will need some in order to survive. Perhaps he goes to Skinny Pete for money. However, there’s always the possibility he cooks up a batch of meth to make some quick cash. It’s the Breaking Bad universe. Anything is possible.

Will Walt Jr. get to eat breakfast?

If Walt Jr. (RJ Mitte) makes an appearance and he’s not eating breakfast, we riot.

Breaking Bad is a rare series that concludes perfectly. Why risk ruining that with a movie? The same mindset was applied to Better Call Saul. Why create a spinoff to a perfect show? As we’ve seen, Better Call Saul is fantastic. If there’s anyone who deserves our trust, it’s Vince Gilligan. The man hasn’t missed once when it comes to the developing the Breaking Bad universe. There’s no doubt in my mind that El Camino will be amazing.

Until then, yeah bitch!

Are you excited for El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie? Leave your thoughts in the comments below or tweet us @unafraidshow.

Week 3 Predictions and Preview, Player IV Fluids for Hydration, UCLA Free Tickets

Pac-12 Apostles Podcast: Week 3 Predictions/Preview, Player IV Fluids, UCLA Free Tickets

On this episode of the Pac-12 Apostles, George Wrighster and Ralph Amsden break down and dissect all the games Pac-12 football week 3. All twelve Pac-12 teams are in action this weekend. The Apostles believe this could be the most important weekend of the Pac-12 season because all the games are non-conference matchups. The results of these games against Michigan State, Houston, Texas Tech, BYU, and Oklahoma will ultimately be used to judge the strength of the Pac-12 come bowl time.

Player hydration has been a major topic this season. Coaches are talking about giving their players IV fluids before the games. Ralph has concerns about it but George sheds some light on how common they really are.

The Apostles address UCLA’s significant attendance problem. Only about 35,000 people showed up to the 100,00+ seat Rose Bowl to see the Bruins play San Diego State. They have even resorted to giving away 4 tickets to this week’s game against #5 Oklahoma. This is similar to a couple of seasons ago when Michigan gave away free tickets to fans who brought a Coke can.

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Visit Unafraid Show daily to read unapologetic articles about the conference and the teams you love.

The Pac-12 Apostles is a podcast for fans who love the Pac-12 conference. George Wrighster and Ralph Amsden are committed to the honest and fair conversation about the Pac-12 conference. They talk about the good, bad, and the ugly about the Pac-12. Join them in becoming a Pac-12 Apostle by subscribing and sharing the podcast.

Send your thoughts, comments, and :30 ranks to immad@unafraidshow.com. The best comments and rants will be included in the show.

Best Performances by Pac-12 Players in the NFL: Week 1

Gardner-Minshew-Jacksonville-Kansas-City

Unafraidshow’s Best Pac-12 NFL Players

With Week 1 of the NFL season officially done, it’s time to examine which Pac-12 alumni stood out. Each week, the Unafraid Show will review the stats, games and plays to determine the best Pac-12 NFL players. Without further adieu, here are the best Pac-12 NFL Players Week 1.

The Best Pac-12 NFL Players Week 1 List, Team by Team

Arizona

Will Parks – Denver Broncos

For Arizona alumni, Will Parks stood out the most. The strong safety played 29 defensive snaps, 17 special teams snaps and recorded 2 tackles. Additionally, he earned a 69.2 PFF grade. While not incredible, he is on a short list of Arizona alumni to make it in the NFL.

Arizona State

Terrell Suggs – Arizona Cardinals

No one knows how, but Terrell Suggs still has it. The 36 (soon to be 37) year-old was a big reason for the Cardinals comeback. Even though his Pac-12 days are long behind him, Suggs continues to dominate the NFL. On a defense that has few playmakers, Suggs lifted the team. He recorded 5 tackles, 2 sacks and a forced fumble. The Ravens all-time sack leader had a great debut for the Arizona Cardinals. 

Cal

DeSean Jackson – Philadelphia Eagles

DeSean Jackson was born to play in Philly. Returning to his former team, Jackson torched the opposing defense. On 9 targets, he recorded 8 receptions for 154 yards and 2 touchdowns. He couldn’t be caught. His 19.3 yards per reception may seem impressive, but what’s more impressive is Jackson’s 2 50-plus yard touchdowns. He now has 31 touchdowns of 50-plus yards in his NFL career. The Pac-12, NFL rocket from Cal is too fast to handle.

Colorado

Ahkello Witherspoon – San Francisco 49ers

Facing the Buccaneers, Ahkello Witherspoon and the 49ers held Jameis Winston to just 194 yards, including 3 interceptions. Witherspoon was a major part of this defensive shutdown. When targeting players covered by Witherspoon, Winston had a 4.9 passer rating. On those 6 targets, Witherspoon allowed just 2 receptions, while recording 4 tackles, 3 passes defended, and 1 interception for a touchdown. It was a near-perfect game for Witherspoon.

Oregon

Patrick Chung – New England Patriots

On Sunday night, the Pittsburgh Steelers could not move the ball. New England’s held them to just 3 points and completely stifled Ben Roethlisberger and company. Against Pittsburgh, Patrick Chung racked up 6 tackles, broke-up one pass and earned an 82.1 PFF grade. For those watching, his speed and instincts were the key to his excellence. Chung consistently closed down Pittsburgh players and didn’t allow yards after the catch. He’s been one of the best Pac-12 NFL Players for years and remains such in 2019.

Oregon State

Isaac Seumalo – Philadelphia Eagles

At last, Isaac Seumalo claimed his position on the Eagles offensive line. Against the Washington Redskins, he played all 75 offensive snaps. During Week 1, Seumalo allowed zero sacks and was not penalized. He consistently made plays and helped push Philadelphia’s offense into successful positions. It was a strong game for him and he cemented his role on the league’s best and deepest offensive line.

Stanford

Christian McCaffrey – Carolina Panthers

It is impossible to leave Christian McCaffrey off of this list. He lit up the Los Angeles Rams defense:

  • 19 carries for 128 yards and 2 touchdowns
  • 10 receptions for 81 yards
  • 48 yards after the catch

His production accounted for 61-percent of Carolina’s net offense. McCaffrey is a special talent and his versatility is astonishing. It’s why he plays every offensive snap and is difficult to stop. If McCaffrey continues to do this, his name will be retired from this Pac-12 NFL Players list.

UCLA

Eric Kendricks – Minnesota Vikings

Eric Kendricks and the Minnesota Vikings were a force. They held the Atlanta Falcons to just 12 points. In that game, Kendricks was a regular contributor to their defensive wins. He had 6 solo tackles, 1 quarterback hit and defended 2 passes. Kendricks is a great linebacker and makes name known to the opposing offense.

USC

Rasheem Green – Seattle Seahawks

Somehow, there is a bright star on the Seattle Seahawks defense. After a solid preseason and an excellent Week 1, Rasheem Green should earn consistent reps. Even though he only made one big play in the game, it was the most important play for the Seahawks. His strip-sack of Andy Dalton stopped the Cincinnati Bengals from reaching field goal range. He sealed Seattle’s win.

Utah

Josh Gordon – New England Patriots

https://twitter.com/Patriots/status/1170887769637314560

Please let Josh Gordon stay mentally strong. Lovers of the Pac-12, NFL and the New England Patriots need his talent and raw athleticism. Few players are as naturally gifted as Gordon. He makes difficult catches seem effortless and he bounces off defenders. In 2019, the Patriots needed a Rob Gronkowski replacement. Josh Gordon is that man. His size, power, speed and receiving ability will terrorize defenses. The way he played against the Steelers was definitely worthy of him being one of the top Pac-12 NFL Players Week 1.

Washington

Cory Littleton – Los Angeles Rams

https://twitter.com/PFF/status/1171525511350112262

Per PFF, Cory Littleton was their highest graded player in Week 1. Littleton made a show for Pac-12, NFL and sports fans alike. He certainly earned that title with his versatility and instincts. Littleton was everywhere and racked up 14 tackle against the Carolina Panthers. Of those, 4 were defensive stops. Additionally, he made big play after big play. Littleton defended 2 passes, forced and recovered a fumble against D.J. Moore and intercepted Cam Newton in the fourth quarter. He played out of his mind.

Washington State

Gardner Minshew – Jacksonville Jaguars

After losing Nick Foles to a broken clavicle, the Jacksonville Jaguars turned to rookie Gardner Minshew. And he didn’t disappoint. Playing three quarters, he completed 22 of 25 passes for 275 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception. No, he didn’t lead the Jaguars to a win. Not even Nick Foles could do that against the high-powered Kansas City Chiefs. However, he played exceptionally well and displayed the marks of an NFL quarterback. Hopefully Minshew continues to earn starts and long-term dedication from the Jaguars. He could become a regular addition on this Pac-12 NFL list.

Pac-12 NFL Players Need to Perform Well

As many already know, the Pac-12 lacks praise and respect. Much of this is due to it’s commissioner, Larry Scott. Nonetheless, if the Pac-12 can account for a larger percentage of NFL talent, it will earn that respect. So, even though these players aren’t on collegiate programs anymore, it is important to root for their success.

Pac-12 Football Seasons: 2019 Oregon Ducks Football Week 3

Nevada’s demolishing at the hands of the Oregon Ducks last Saturday will be forever known as the Arroyo flex. Coming off a season-opening loss where Arroyo was criticized for conservative play calls, the Ducks unleashed their frustration on a motivated Wolfpack team. Now, as college football hits its stride and the 2019 Oregon Ducks football team enters week 3, Oregon is primed to have a special season. And with a calming breath in the Montana Grizzlies before the Pac-12 storm, now is the Ducks’ chance to focus and prepare.

The Arroyo — and Avalos — Flex

The 2019 Nevada vs. Oregon football matchup was one of contrast.

Nevada had just dispatched Purdue. They rode a surge of early season momentum into Autzen Stadium and had confidence aplenty. With an offense that could put up points and a defensive front seven who could present Oregon problems, some had this game marked as an upset special.

The Ducks, meanwhile, were coming off a tough week one loss to Auburn. They needed to get their offense firing on its proper cylinders and show the college football world they would not go silently into the night.

What happened was everything the 2019 Oregon Ducks football program needed.

Taking some time to get rolling against Nevada in their 2019 home opener, once Oregon got rolling they did not stop.

First scoring on a 66-yard touchdown pass by quarterback Justin Herbert to tight end Jacob Breeland with 3:56 to go in the first, the Ducks went on to outscore the Wolfpack 28-3 the rest of the half, and would not stop there.

Allowing Herbert to remain in the game for the opening drive of the second half, the Ducks put another 42 on the board in impressive fashion. 11 different players scored, redshirt freshman quarterback Tyler Shough made an impressive debut, and the 2019 Oregon Ducks looked like the team they’re expected to be.

More impressive than the offense, however, was Oregon’s defense. Holding Nevada to just 6 points — all in the first half — the Andy Avalos led defense put consistent pressure on Nevada’s offense and forced four turnovers. It was an effort that will go down as one of Oregon’s best in recent years.

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Nitpicking the Negatives for the 2019 Oregon Ducks Football team in week 3

Not much went wrong against Nevada. Oregon excelled and the score reflected such. There were, however, some issues of concern.

Oregon did not get off to the start it wanted. After an impressive start to the Auburn game, the Ducks opened the Nevada game with two non-scoring drives. This was concerning, especially for Marcus Arroyo. Against a team like Nevada the Ducks should have put points on the board fast. They should have had long drives that proved they were the better team. Starting the game with drives of 25 yards and 18 yards did not accomplish that. If Oregon is to be the team it’s supposed to be, they’ll have to be more consistent.

Sticking with the offense, Oregon’s running game didn’t really get on track against the Wolfpack. While the quarterbacks picked the Nevada secondary apart, Oregon’s once potent rushing attack was held in relative check. After a so-so performance against the Auburn Tigers, the 2019 Oregon Ducks football team still needs to solidify their running game entering week 3. And with the likes of Stanford and Cal looming, they’ll need to do so fast.

A Game Filled with Positives

What Oregon did to Nevada was outstanding. At least if you’re not a Wolfpack fan. The Ducks did what they needed to do to get back on the map. However they also showed the Pac-12 and college football that they may have one of their best defenses in recent memory. Yes, there is still a lot of football to play, but what the Ducks have done of defense in the first two weeks is not something to ignore. Oregon’s secondary is better-than-advertised and after some shaky play against Auburn, the defensive line looks impressive.

Furthermore, Oregon’s offense showed what it is capable of. It spread the ball to a long list of playmakers and got young talent fresh looks at college football. The wide receiver corps looks to be in great hands despite being depleted and Justin Herbert is a complete quarterback.

This shouldn’t all be news. Oregon was expected to be special this year, and a 77-6 win over Nevada helped prove why. Though they may have one loss to their name, it is a quality loss and one that won’t define their season. There’s plenty of football to play, and Oregon showed it is ready for a special season.

Moreover, they recaptured that special attitude and atmosphere the program had been searching for in the past few years. Autzen Stadium rocked, the fans were into the game and the players were having a blast on the sidelines. No moment was greater than when senior linebacker Troy Dye danced around the field while the sounds of “Shout” filled the air.

Moving Forward with 2019 Oregon Ducks Football Week 3

Montana has no chance against Oregon, it’s as simple as that. Coaches and players will want to give their respects but let’s not kid: Oregon should destroy the Grizzlies. Now, crazier things have happened in college football. Bigger upsets have happened and there is always the slim chance Montana could down the Ducks.

Montana has a good quarterback in UNLV transfer Dalton Sneed, and receivers Jerry Louie-McGee, Samori Toure and Samuel Akem are equally impressive. They spread the ball out and are somewhat of a FCS version of Washington State. For teams with shaky secondaries the Grizzlies present a problem. This is not the case with Oregon.

Though two games is a small sample size, Oregon’s secondary may be the defense’s forte. As such the Ducks matchup well against Montana’s offensive strengths and will have no problem putting up points against a smaller FCS-level defense. The keys for the 2019 Oregon Ducks football team in week 3 will be cleaning up minor errors, finding more reliable play from their running backs and staying healthy.

While it is never a good thing to look ahead, Oregon has two tough tests immediately following Montana. First they’ll travel to Stanford before a date with Pac-12 sleeper California. Look for the Ducks to make quick work of Montana and focus on the Pac-12 play ahead.