College Football Top 10 Power Rankings Week 9 As it Should Be

Justin Fields Ohio State

In back to back weeks we have a major upset that affects the College Football Top 10 Power Rankings Week 9 As it Should Be team. Wisconsin fell to Illinois a week after Georgia got stunned by South Carolina. UGA fell to #10 in the AP poll despite losing at home to a team with a 2-3 record. But, watch how far Wisconsin falls down the polls after losing on the road. This is the entire reason the CFB rankings As It Should Be was created. Rankings should be fair and unbiased, but that’s not the world we live in when preseason polls ultimately affect the final rankings.

The way this season is shaping up, everyone may be on board with an 8 team playoff. There will be so many 1 loss teams who will be deserving of a chance to play for a championship. Wouldn’t it just make more sense to have the five Power 5 champions and highest-ranked Group of 5 team to get automatic bids? There would still be two spots left for at-large bids. You would always get the best and most deserving teams in the tournament. That might actually cause teams to schedule better non-conference games because they would know they could still get in the CFB Playoffs with 1-2 losses. Fans would then get better games.

The Rules: No Bias, No Bull College Football Rankings

There is no more unbiased ranking out there than Unafraid Show’s College Football Top 10 Rankings Week 6. 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 8.

College Football Top 10 Rankings Week 9:

Next Up: Auburn, Georgia, SMU, Baylor, Wisconsin

Before you even ask: Auburn led Oregon for :09 of that game and Bo Nix has been awful passing the ball against any team with a pulse. Georgia has to play their way back in the mix after losing to 2-3 South Carolina at home.

college football rankings

10. Utah (6-1)

Last Week: Arizona State

Utah has really good players, but they also have grown men playing. Behind BYU, they may have the oldest average age in college football. I have tried to doubt this team offensively but Zack Moss and Tyler Huntley just keep getting it done. The best thing Utah has going is their defense. They are physical, stout, and stingy. Through seven games they are barely giving up over 10 points per game in a conference known for scoring points.

9. Notre Dame (5-1)

Last Week: IDLE

A week off won’t hurt the Fighting Irish. Their body of work is solid so far. But they will need to be dominant to finish the season to have any chance at the CFB top 4 with one loss. Notre Dame doesn’t face another team that will be ranked for the rest of the season (maybe Virginia Tech).

8. Florida Gators (6-1)

Last Week: 38-27 (W) at South Carolina

florida gators football

If this team is nothing, they are resilient. The Florida Gators fight till the end. They are a 4th quarter team. They seem to make plays on defense and offense when it matters the most. Kyle Trask has been the best thing to happen to this team offensively. He is not the runner that we are used to seeing on Dan Mullen led teams, but he is a good passer.

This team seems to have the inside track to the SEC East right now. But a November 2nd date with Georgia will be the deciding factor.

7. Oregon Ducks (6-1)

Last Week: 35-31 (W) vs at Washington

The Ducks marched into Husky Stadium to play their biggest rival Washington and walked out with a win. Washington threw everything except the kitchen sink at the Ducks and they responded in a major way. The biggest concern for Oregon at this point is injuries. They have to keep their key players healthy if they want to finish the season 12-1 and have a legit shot at the CFB Playoff.

This is not the same Oregon team that got conservative and lost to Auburn in the second half of week one. Their defense has been one of the best in the country and they have hit their stride offensively.

6. Penn State (7-0)

Last Week: 28-21 (W) vs Michigan

college football top 10 rankings

I have mixed feelings about their win against Michigan. They jumped out early 21-0 early in the 1st half, but couldn’t put the Wolverines away. Their offense was largely ineffective after that. Their defense allowed multiple big plays as well. But at the end of the day, a win is a win. Michigan is not a great football team, but they are a good football team. A quality win for the Nittany Lions. It was very tight decision between PSU at #6 and #4 ahead of Bama and Clemson because of their schedules.

The winner of the Big Ten is 100% getting in the CFB Playoff if they are undefeated. Penn State is more than halfway home and has earned their way into the #6 spot of College Football Rankings Week 9.

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

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5. Clemson Tigers (7-0)

Last Week: 45-10 (W) at Louisville

The Tigers’ defense is so good, and they might be even better than last year. Good thing because Trevor Lawrence is having a real sophomore slump. He now leads the ACC in interceptions thrown. But he finished the game with a solid stat line, 20-29 233 yards, and 3TD, 2ints. This team is still dominating everyone so how can you dock them too many points. Florida and Georgia have offensive struggles too, but nobody seems to discount them for that. Weird right… SEC bias?

The only thing separating Alabama and Clemson right now is that Clemson struggled against UNC. Neither team has played anybody worth talking about.

4. Alabama Crimson Tide (6-0)

Last Week: vs 35-13 (W) at Texas A&M

Alabama has not played one team that is currently ranked in the top 25. The fact they have been #1 in the AP poll makes ZERO sense.

Alabama is vulnerable this year. This is not the same team we are accustomed to seeing. They aren’t running the ball dominantly and their defense is young and inexperienced. Tua Tagoviloa is the engine that makes this team go. His leadership, accuracy getting the ball to their talented WRs is what makes this 2019 team special. He left the Tennessee game in the second half and everything changed.

If he has to miss any time Bama could be in trouble. They should be able to get past Arkansas next week, but LSU on November 9th won’t go well.

3. Oklahoma Sooners (7-0)

Last Week: 52-14 (W) vs West Virginia

The numbers for Jalen Hurts are just getting silly at this point. He added another nearly 394 yards of total offense and 5 touchdowns. He now has 25 total touchdowns through seven games. It is hard to believe that Oklahoma’s offense is better than it was last year with Kyler Murray at QB, but they are.To make Oklahoma even more absurd, their defense is finally decent. They aren’t good yet, but are MUCH improved from the Swiss cheese defense last year.

2. LSU (7-0)

Last Week: 36-13 (W) at Miss State

College Football Rankings Week 9

LSU is destroying everyone in their way. Joe Burrow looks like not only an NFL quarterback, but he may be a franchise QB. I cannot wait to see this team play over the next three weeks against Auburn and Alabama. If they can win those two games, the path is clear to the College Football Playoff.

The only question is can their defense keep up when they get into a shootout.

1. Ohio State Buckeyes (7-0)

Last Week: 52-3 (W) at Northwestern

Ohio State chewed Northwestern up and spit them out. This team looks incredible. Their offense and defense have cut through any resistance like a hot knife through butter. Justin Fields clearly made the right move by leaving Georgia. He looks better than Jake Fromm, and his team does too.

The Buckeyes will breeze to the CFB Playoff top four if they beat Penn State on November 23rd.

Check back next Sunday morning for the College Football Top 10 Power Rankings Week 9.

College Football Top 10 Power Rankings Week 8 As it Should Be

College Football Rankings Week 8

The Rules: No Bias, No Bull College Football Rankings

Week 7 provided us with our first major upset of a College Football Top 10 Power Rankings Week 8 As it Should Be team. I welcome more weekends like this. Chalk is boring. This is why I love college football. Every team is susceptible to be upset on any given Saturday. Georgia got stunned by a South Carolina team with a 2-3 record at home. They had been an en vogue pick to make the CFB Playoff. But, that ship has sailed unless they run the table and win the SEC.

The way this season is shaping up, everyone may be on board with an 8 team playoff. There will be so many 1 loss teams and Boise State who will be deserving of a chance to play for a championship. Wouldn’t it just make more sense to have the five Power 5 champions and highest-ranked Group of 5 team to get automatic bids? There would still be two spots left for at-large bids. You would always get the best and most deserving teams in the tournament. That might actually cause teams to schedule better non-conference games because they would know they could still get in the CFB Playoffs with 1-2 losses. Fans would then get better games.

The Rules: No Bias, No BS, No Agenda

There is no more unbiased ranking out there than Unafraid Show’s College Football Top 10 Rankings Week 6. 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 7.

College Football Top 10 Rankings Week 8:

Next Up: Utah, Auburn, Georgia, Texas

10. Notre Dame (5-1)

Last Week: 30-27 (W) vs USC

Why is Georgia ranked behind Notre Dame even though they beat them a few weeks ago? That’s the way the cookie crumbs when you lose to a team with a losing record at home. Notre Dame has knocked down a ranked Virginia and talented USC team since. The Fighting Irish are much faster and athletic than years past. I don’t believe they are a national championship-caliber team, but they are one of the better teams in college football.

9. Penn State (6-0)

Last Week: 17-12 (W) at Iowa

Penn State has been flying under the radar all season. It is time for them to step into the light. They haven’t earned the #9 spot with their schedule so far. But, their dominance has been impressive and the ‘next up” teams all have major blemishes. The Iowa game was not their best offensive output, but their defense was firm. This team doesn’t have the big names like Saquon Barkley and Trace McSorley, but they are destroying everyone in their path.

Big props to Penn State for dealing with the disrespectful letter sent to Jonathan Sutherland about his dreadlocks and tattoos.

8. Florida Gators (5-1)

Last Week: 28-42 (L) at LSU

I have gone from believing Florida was overrated with Franks at QB, to know this is a quality football team with Trask under center. As good as their defense is, they gave up too many big plays to Auburn and LSU. Dan Mullens has officially transformed the Florida Gators program. They are no longer in the SEC cellar. In fact, with Georgia’s loss to South Carolina, I now believe Florida is the best team in the SEC East.

7. Oregon Ducks (5-1)

Last Week: 45-3 (W) vs Colorado

Another week of football, another week the Oregon defense has held their opponent under 8 points. The Ducks turned a corner after the conservative play that cost them the Auburn game. This defense has only given up 52 points through 6 games. Oh, and they have a legit offense led by Justin Herbert. He has thrown a TD pass in 34 straight games. If the Ducks run the table through the Pac-12, they may sneak in the CFB Playoff top 4.

6. Wisconsin Badgers (6-0)

Last Week: vs 38-0 (W) vs Michigan State

Six games, four shutouts. That is an impressive stat, but only one of them was against a Power 5 opponent. The Badgers score high marks for dominance and they have one quality win against Michigan. The one thing holding them back is their schedule. Their non-conference schedule looks more like Alabama’s. Kent State, South Florida, and Central Michigan won’t impress anyone.

This Wisconsin team is different from the teams of the past. Jonathan Taylor is the bell cow, but the offense is not one dimensional. The rubber meets the road in two weeks when they head to Columbus to play O-H-I-O State.

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

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5. Oklahoma Sooners (6-0)

Last Week: 34-27 (W) vs Texas

Jalen Hurts Oklahoma College Football rankings

The Red River Rivalry did not disappoint. Oklahoma got a quality win, but the step up in competition did bother the Sooners. Jalen Hurts was not quite as sharp and had two early turnovers in the RedZone that could have blown the game open.

Everyone has questioned the Sooners defense for the last 2-3 years. Against Texas, they showed moments of being extremely stout against the run. I believe Oklahoma will eventually win the Big XII, but it will not be without 1-2 nail-bitter games.

4. Alabama Crimson Tide (6-0)

Last Week: vs 47-28 (W) at Texas A&M

This was a fairly comfortable win for the Crimson Tide. However, there are some red flags emerging with this defense. They gave up 28 points to Texas A&M who Clemson held to 10 and Auburn held to 20. Alabama’s offense is so good that they can make up for any deficiency created by playing so many freshmen on defense. This could come back to bite them in the ass down the stretch in the SEC.

I am still extremely frustrated that Bama is so good and so talented but we have to watch them play four games they could roll their helmets out and win.

3. Clemson Tigers (6-0)

Last Week: 45-14 (W) vs Florida State

This game was 21-0 before Florida State knew what hit them. Clemson heard all the noise after their 1-pt win against North Carolina. They clearly wanted to send a message to the college football world that they are still the big dog on the block. Trevor Lawrence still hasn’t looked as good as last season. He threw for three touchdowns against FSU but had a terrible interception as well. If he does get his play together, Clemson may cruise to back-to-back championships.

2. LSU (6-0)

Last Week: 42-28 (W) vs Florida

LSU had their hands full with Florida but took care of business. It is still remarkable to see how explosive and fast-paced the Tigers’ offense is. Joe Burrow is efficient, accurate, and his swagger is on max. They are averaging nearly 50 points per game, and even the best defenses in the country would be hard-pressed against LSU’s offense. On top of a fantastic offense, they boast a fast and physical defense.

The Tigers’ defense has given up 38 points to Texas, Vanderbilt, and 28 points to Florida. That’s not good and potential liability.

College Football Top 10

1. Ohio State Buckeyes (6-0)

Last Week: IDLE

Nothing happened this week that could knock Ohio State from the #1 spot. No team is playing better in all three phases of the game. Their offense, defense, and special teams has been unstoppable. I can’t wait to see how this team responds against Penn State, Wisconsin, and Michigan.

Check back next Sunday morning for the College Football Top 10 Power Rankings Week 8.

College Football Top 10 Power Rankings Week 7 As it Should Be

ollege Football Top 10 Rankings Week 7

The Rules: No Bias, No Bull College Football Rankings

Week 6 in college football provided a necessary shakeup in the College Football Top 10 Power Rankings Week 7 As it Should Be. So many times reigning national champions and College Football Playoff teams get automatically put in the top spots the next season. However, every season is different, so last season’s results should have no bearing on this season. The idea that these teams can only fall in the rankings if they lose is flawed. We are supposed to be getting the best teams in the playoff for this season alone. Ohio State, Wisconsin, and Florida cannot be ignored for their body of work while we fawn over LSU, Alabama, Georgia, and Clemson.

At this point in the season, there are eight teams that can make a legitimate argument for inclusion in the College Football Playoff.

The Rules: No Bias, No BS, No Agenda

There is no more unbiased ranking out there than Unafraid Show’s College Football Top 10 Rankings Week 6. 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 6.

College Football Top 10 Rankings Week 7:

Next Up: Penn State, Notre Dame,

10. Texas Longhorns (4-1)

Last Week: at 42-31 (W) West Virginia

I do not question the Longhorns offense and their ability to put up points. They have done it against everyone including LSU. I am very much concerned about this defense. They have given up 30 or more points in three of their five games. The rubber will meet the road on Saturday against Oklahoma.

9. Oregon Ducks (4-1)

Last Week: 17-7 (W) Cal

College Football Rankings

The Oregon Ducks have a real defense. This is not a drill. Oregon just gave up their first touchdown since week one of the season. The Ducks are the only team from the Pac-12 with any hope to make the CFB Playoff. Justin Herbert continued his consecutive games with a touchdown pass streak (33). Oregon’s running game ws operating on a high level. I do need to see the Ducks score more points.

8. Florida Gators (5-0)

Last Week: 24-13 Auburn

I have been very outspoken about what I think the ceiling is for this Florida Gators team. But they have earned their right in the College Football Top 10 Rankings Week 7 as it should be. They are a flawed team, but they play hard and have a fast, talented, and well-coached defense. The offense turns the ball over too much, they commit too many penalties, with a shaky offensive line. At the end of the day, winning matters, and quality wins count double. So, the Gators belong here.

7. Wisconsin Badgers (5-0)

Last Week: vs 48-0 (W) vs Kent State

College Football Top 10 Rankings Week 7

It is time to give Wisconsin the respect they deserve. Their defense and running game are special, to say the least. Junior running back Jonathan Taylor is cementing his spot on the Wisconsin football Mt. Rushmore. He added another 186 yards and 4 touchdowns on only 19 carries. The Big Ten better buckle those chinstraps tight because the Badgers at coming in fast, and physical.

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

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6. Oklahoma Sooners (5-0)

Last Week: vs Kansas

Jalen Hurts took it light on Kansas. He only accounted for four total touchdowns and under 300 yards of total offense. This Oklahoma offense still looks incredible and unstoppable. Is there anything college football fans want more than to see Jalen Hurts and Oklahoma play in the College Football Playoff? That would be the greatest possible storyline in the 2019-20 season.

5. Alabama Crimson Tide (5-0)

Last Week: IDLE

Alabama’s schedule has been a cakewalk. I am just unsure how this team gets battle-tested to handle the stress of playing top competition. This same problem came back to bite them in the ass against Georgia in the SEC championship, and against Clemson in the national championship.

I am still extremely frustrated that Bama is so good and so talented but we have to watch them play four games they could roll their helmets out and win.

4. Clemson Tigers (5-0)

Last Week: IDLE

Clemson has not looked as dominant as they did last year. However, that is often typical of national championship teams. The goal this season is, continue to improve and finish undefeated to get into the tournament. The only reason the Tigers are ranked higher than Alabama is because of the schedule played. Through 5 games, they have played and beat four Power 5 teams.

3. LSU (5-0)

Last Week: vs 42-6 (W) Utah State

I thought LSU might have a little trouble easy with Utah State and pull away late. But, these are not your father’s Tigers. This offense is explosive and efficient. Joe Burrow threw for another 5 touchdowns. We will see what LSU’s offense is really about next week against Florida’s tough defense.

2. Georgia Bulldogs (5-0)

Last Week: 43-14 (W) at Tennessee

Georgia took whatever they wanted and did whatever they wanted against Tennessee. The Vols have been a doormat for the SEC and UGA rubbed all sorts of mud and dirt on them. Fromm was nearly perfect throwing the football and the running game averaged nearly 6 yards per carry. Dominance on max. That Notre Dame win keeps looking better and better each week.

1. Ohio State Buckeyes (6-0)

Last Week: 34-10 (W) vs Michigan State

Ohio State’s dominance has been unmatched this season. Their defense has only given up a grand total of 52 points in six games. Justin Fields cam back down to earth from his stratospheric numbers, but it didn’t matter against Michigan State. The Buckeyes rushed for 323 yards. Based upon what the teams have done from this season alone, I cannot keep OSU out of the #1 spot.

Check back next Sunday morning for the College Football Top 10 Power Rankings Week 7.

College Football Top 10 Power Rankings Week 6 As it Should Be

The Rules: No Bias, No Bull College Football Rankings

I cannot remember a time where there were so many elite teams in college football. You could make a case for seven teams to be #1 right now. Week 5 in college football provided no separation between the teams in the College Football Top 10 Power Rankings Week 6 As it Should Be. Every single AP top 25 team won except the loser of the two top 25 games and Cal, who lost their quarterback. I was hoping for chaos, and all I got was chalk.

There is no more unbiased ranking out there than Unafraid Show’s College Football Top 10 Rankings Week 6. 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 5.

College Football Top 10 Rankings Week 6:

Next Up: Penn State, Florida, Notre Dame, Washington

10. Oregon Ducks (3-1)

Last Week: IDLE

Oregon still has hopes of making the CFB Playoff. They will need to finish the season 12-1 with a Pac-12 championship.

9. Wisconsin Badgers (4-0)

Last Week: 24-15 (W) Northwestern

A win is a win, but eww. Wisconsin got NO style points for this win. To make it even worse, the game was boring. I am not sold on the Badgers as a top 10 team yet because Michigan may have been overrated. They will have a chance to set the record straight on October 26th against Ohio State.

8. Texas Longhorns (3-1)

Last Week: IDLE

Any weekend you don’t lose is a good weekend. Next week the Longhorns get a tuneup against Kansas before playing the Oklahoma Sooners. It’s time for Texas to cowboy up and prove they are really back.

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

Listen on any Podcast Platform: Anchor // Spotify // Apple Podcasts // PocketCasts // Google Play // Stitcher // RadioPublic

7. Ohio State Buckeyes (5-0)

Last Week: 48-7 (W) Nebraska

Ohio State looks phenomenal. It is really six in one hand and half a dozen in the other between the top seven. It looks as if Ryan Day is doing what Lincoln Riley is doing at Oklahoma. He is taking over for a legendary coach, but elevating the program. At this point, I don’t see anyone in the Big Ten competing with them, even Wisconsin. But Penn State is creeping in the shadows and moving in silence.

6. Oklahoma Sooners (4-0)

Last Week: 55-16 (W) Texas Tech

Lincoln Riley’s squad has punched a hole in every one of their opponents in 2019. It seems that this third iteration of one year quarterback at Oklahoma is the best. Jalen Hurts is already exceeding the outrageous stats that Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray put up. I’m ready for the Red River Shootout.

5. Alabama Crimson Tide (5-0)

Last Week: 59-31 (W) at Ole Miss

Tua Tagovioloa is breaking records and cementing his place amongst the all-time college football greats. Ole Miss was nothing more than a speedbump in the way of Alabama being 5-0.

I am still extremely frustrated that Bama is so good and so talented but we have to watch them play four games they could roll their helmets out and win.

4. Georgia Bulldogs (4-0)

Last Week: IDLE

I cannot believe there are people that still have Alabama ranked ahead of Georgia. Those people site the past and history, but it’s 2019. In 2019, Georgia has looked great and beat Notre Dame while Bama has zero quality wins. We will find out who is better later, but for now, UGA has earned a better ranking.

3. LSU (4-0)

Last Week: IDLE

Aside from the Texas game, the schedule has been extremely light for LSU. But, everything I have seen from Joe Burrow makes me a believer. This should be an epic showdown in the SEC West this season.

2. Auburn (5-0)

Last Week: 56-23 (W) Miss St

Auburn has done nothing but get better each week. Their true freshman QB Bo Nix had his best game of the season. He passed for 335 yards, 2 touchdowns and added 56 rushing yards and a touchdown. The Tigers have already defeated Oregon and Texas A&M. Who has two better wins… Nobody.

1. Clemson Tigers (5-0)

Last Week: 21-20 (W) at North Carolina

Clemson escapes North Carolina… Is this their Syracuse game from last year or is this an indication the Tigers can be beaten?

UNC is much improved but this was an UGLY win. Trevor Lawrence has not looked as NFL ready as we thought last season. I believe Clemson is just having a national championship hangover and will rebound big from this scare. However, they cannot be ranked based on potential. Had UGA or LSU played and put a great performance together, they may have fallen from the #1 spot.

Check back next Sunday morning for the College Football Top 10 Power Rankings Week 6.

College Football Top 10 Power Rankings Week 5 As it Should Be

The Rules: No Bias, No Bull College Football Rankings

What a great weekend of college football. It started with Utah losing to USC and continued on through the dog fight between Georgia and Notre Dame. Michigan was exposed as fools gold and UCF saw their playoff hopes fly out the window. Saturday could have been a perfect slate of games had Clemson and Alabama played competitive teams. Week 4 in college football provided a lot more information about teams in the College Football Top 10 Power Rankings Week 5 As it Should Be.

There is no more unbiased ranking out there than Unafraid Show’s College Football Top 10 Rankings Week 5. 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 4.

College Football Top 10 Rankings Week 5:

Next Up: Florida, Notre Dame, Cal, Penn State

10. Oregon Ducks (3-1)

Last Week: 21-6 at Stanford (W)

After their week one loss to Auburn, the Ducks have bounced back in a major way. Their defense has not allowed a touchdown in three straight games. Justin Herbert also NCAA leading extended his touchdown streak. If you are looking for a team that may crash the College Football Playoff, its the Ducks.

9. Texas Longhorns (3-1)

Last Week: 36-30 (W) vs Oklahoma State

Another complete performance by Texas. They took OSUs best shot and responded came out with a solid conference victory. The concern with Texas is that they have given up 45 and 30 points in their two Power 5 games. Sam Ehlinger is poised and is in full command of his team. He will need to be in top form all season because Big-12 play will not be a cakewalk like the ACC for Clemson.

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

Listen on any Podcast Platform: Anchor // Spotify // Apple Podcasts // PocketCasts // Google Play // Stitcher // RadioPublic

8. Wisconsin Badgers (4-0)

Last Week: 35-14 (W) vs Michigan

The Badgers dominated Michigan in every way possible and UCF lost, so it’s only natural that Wisconsin jumps into the top 10. Jonathan Taylor only played half the game and still rushed for 203 yards and two touchdowns. This is clearly not the same Wisconsin team that started the season ranked #4 last year but finished unranked. Their ability to pass the ball efficiently to complement their rushing attack makes them dangerous.

7. Ohio State Buckeyes (4-0)

Last Week: 76-5 (W) vs Miami (OH)

Ohio State got a glorified week off before Miami (OH) this week. The Buckeyes are in the same position as Alabama. They haven’t played any real competition, but they have obliterated every team in their way. Justin Fields and JK Dobbins look unstoppable. We will see if they can dominate next week against Nebraska.

Sidenote: We can just make OSU 5-0 now because it’s clear they won’t be losing to Michigan.

6. Auburn (4-0)

Last Week: 28-20 (W) vs Texas A&M

Auburn got a quality win against a Texas A&M, but it was not pretty. Bo Nix still has not has a good passing day, and their offense finished with less than 300 total yards. I’m not sure how much longer they can win games without putting together good offensive performances. Their defense appears as good as advertised. I had to move Auburn ahead of Ohio State because they have two quality wins.

5. Oklahoma Sooners (3-0)

Last Week: IDLE

Oklahoma finished non-conference play with maximum level dominance. The only question about this team is their defense. How much have they improved since last season?

4. Alabama Crimson Tide (4-0)

Last Week: 49-7 (W) at Southern Miss

Nick Saban cried about the heat and the 11 am start time for their game against Southern Miss. There was also a big deal made about Alabama starting 5 freshman due to injuries. In the end, it didn’t matter. The Crimson Tide are too powerful to be even slowed down by their competition. If there is any concern for this team it is their ability to run the football. Bama has been able to run the ball at will for the better part of a decade, but this year has not been quite as dominant.

I am still extremely frustrated that Bama is so good and so talented but we have to watch them play four non-conference

3. Georgia Bulldogs (3-0)

Last Week: 23-17 (W) vs Notre Dame

Georgia makes a huge leap in the top 10. They have been dominant all season, and now they have a quality win. Their key to beating Notre Dame was their ability to stop the run. The Bulldogs controlled the second half and were able to hold on for a win against a good football team. They say if you want to beat UGA, make Fromm throw the ball more than 30 times. Teams will be keying on the run game so he will have to win one or two games with more than 30 pass attempts to win the SEC.

2. LSU (4-0)

Last Week: 66-38 (W) vs Vanderbilt

My mind is completely blown watching LSU’s passing offense. If Les Miles had an offense this competent we would be talking about him instead of Nick Saban as king of the SEC. The Tigers scored 66 points with Joe Burrow throwing for 398 yards and 6 touchdowns. Ed Orgeron is proving that he deserved this job and can compete with Alabama this season.

1. Clemson Tigers (4-0)

Last Week: 41-6 (W) at Charlotte

Clemson already has wins over two Power 5 teams and has displayed dominance only paralleled by Alabama. They got a gimmie against Charlotte and showed out offensively and defensively. Their schedule has no teams left that are currently ranked or have a chance to be ranked. Unlike other teams who have bad schedules because their non-conference games are bad, it’s Clemson’s conference schedule that is poor. If they lose any games, you will see them miss the playoff.

With all that said, It is clear why the Tigers are #1.

Check back next Sunday morning for the College Football Top 10 Power Rankings Week 5.

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:

Listen on any Podcast Platform: Anchor // Spotify // Apple Podcasts // PocketCasts // Google Play // Stitcher // RadioPublic

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.

College Football Top 10 Power Rankings Week 3 As it Should Be

College Football Top 10 Power Rankings Week 3 As it Should Be

The Rules: No Bias, No Bull

There is no more unbiased ranking out there than Unafraid Show’s College Football Top 10 Rankings Week 3. 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.

Week 2 provided a lot more information about teams in the College Football Top 10 Power Rankings Week 3 As it Should Be. However, highly regarded teams like Alabama, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Georgia have yet to face any stiff competition.

For reference you can check College Football Top 10 Power Rankings Week 2

College Football Top 10 Rankings Week 2:

Next Up: Oregon, Michigan, Utah, Florida

10. Michigan Wolverines (2-0)

Last Week: 24-21 OT (W) vs ARMY

Michigan is the Florida of the Big Ten. They should be a top team but have looked sloppy, undisciplined. The only reason the Wolverines are 2-0 is that they played Middle Tennessee State and Army. If Michigan plays like that versus any Big Ten opponents they will get absolutely run out of the building. I’m not sure whether to blame Shea Patterson or Jim Harbaugh for the offensive struggles. Either way, they better get it fixed fast because a game at Wisconsin is next up.

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

9. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Last Week: OPEN

Those who watched Notre Dame and Louisville past the 1st quarter got a good feel for how much fun their matchup with Georgia will be. The Fighting Irish defense is talented and disciplined. Ian Book looked about the same as he did last year. His best asset is his running ability, but he can make most of the throws and correct reads to make ND a top tier team.

8. Texas Longhorns (1-1)

Last Week: 38-45 (L) vs LSU

Texas had a shootout against LSU. The Longhorns offense was fantastic. I would have thought 38 points and 500 yards of offense with no turnovers would be enough to beat LSU. It was very clear in the game that we were watching two of 2019’s college football heavyweights. I am left with questions about a defense that gave up 45 points. Big 12 defenses often get a wrap for being swiss cheese with great offenses. But, maybe LSU’s offense is Big 12 worthy.

7. Georgia Bulldogs (2-0)

Last Week: 63-17 (W) vs Murray State

Why is Georgia at #7 despite being one of the most talented teams in the country? They haven’t played anybody. Their dominance gets high points but their schedule and lack of quality wins get them very few points. Next week won’t help much either. However, it’s not where you start, it’s where you finish. The Bulldogs will have plenty of opportunities to land in the coveted #1 spot of the College Football Top 10 Power Rankings.

6. Auburn (2-0)

Last Week: 24-6 (W) vs Tulane

Now that we have more information Auburn is ranked a lot closer to where they should be. Their schedule and quality win last week had them at #4. But, this was not the offensive performance the Tigers wanted to follow up their win against Oregon with. Bo Nix didn’t have a good day passing the ball, but they won. They have a glorified bye week against Kent State next week, but it should provide a confidence boost before they play Texas A&M the following week.

5. Ohio State Buckeyes (2-0)

Last Week: 42-0 (W) vs Cincinnatti

Cincinnati won 11 games last year so this was not a cupcake game for Ohio State. However, they steamrolled from the beginning to the end. The defense didn’t allow a single point. The Buckeyes are a scary team and look better than the team last year that finished the season one for the four best teams despite not making the playoffs. It is clear why they are rising in the College Football Top 10 Week 3 as it should be.

4. Oklahoma Sooners (1-0)

Last Week: 70-14 (W) vs South Dakota

Another week, another 700 yards of offense for Oklahoma. If the Sooners ever get a real defense, they will be unstoppable. Imagine how good life is for Lincon Riley that he gets Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and now Jalen Hurts at quarterback over the last three years. The team is fun to watch. They will probably continue to break scoreboards and offensive records all season.

3. Alabama Crimson Tide (2-0)

Last Week: 62-10 (W) vs New Mexico State

I am so frustrated by the Crimson Tide. They are so talented at every single position that I want to see them play quality competition. I feel like that as a college football fan I am being robbed of seeing greatness. I can’t imagine Alabama fans enjoyed watching their team play against one of the worst FBS teams in the country. Bama’s schedule is terrible and they have no quality wins, but damn are they dominant. I’m afraid that their lack of consistent competition will cause them to get knocked off in the SEC championship.

2. LSU (2-0)

Last Week: 45-38 (W) vs Texas

LSU went from unranked in week two to #2 of the College Football Top 10 Power Rankings Week 3. I am completely shocked. The Tigers look completely different offensively than we have seen in the last 20 years. They iced the game against Texas through the air instead of on the ground. Joe Burrow threw for 471 yards and four touchdowns. My only concern is the 530 yards and 38 points they gave up, but Texas is one of the better offenses in the nation. The game against Alabama will be competitive this year.

1. Clemson Tigers (2-0)

Last Week: 24-10 (W) vs Texas A&M

Clemson checked all three boxes this week. They got a quality win, their schedule so far is good, and they were absolutely dominant. The defense was like a boa constrictor wrapped around Texas A&M. Their squeeze just kept getting tighter and tighter with every quarter. Trevor Lawrence aka “Touchdown Jesus” played under control and led his team to a dominant victory. Barring an injury to Lawrence it looks like the Tigers are a shoo-in for the College Football Playoff top 4.

College Football Top 10 Power Rankings Week 2 As it Should Be

College Football Top 10 Power Rankings Week 2 Ap Poll

Making the College Football Top 10 Power Rankings Week 2 As it Should Be was a little more difficult than usual this week. It seemed the theme for Week 1 in college football was “eating cupcakes”. The majority of the teams from the preseason top 10 had non-competitive games. There were only a handful of good matchups. So, we weren’t able to gain a ton of information on the College Football Top 10. However, we did learn that the future is bright at Auburn with Bo Nix at quarterback. Oregon is a team that may be able to creep back into the conversation. Florida State has no chance of making the top 10 in 2019. The transfer portal has benefited college football. Jalen Hurts is must-see tv, and it would have been a crime for him to be stuck in Alabama behind Tua. Justin Fields and Jacob Eason would still be at UGA. Ohio State and Washington would not be nearly as good.

I could not be any more excited to see the matchups in week 2.

The Rules: No Bias, No Bull

There is no more unbiased ranking out there than Unafraid Show’s College Football Top 10 Rankings Week 2. 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.

There are two Power 5 games in the books, but neither one affected my college football preseason top 10.

College Football Top 10 Rankings Week 2:

10. Washington Huskies (1-0)

Last Week: 47-14 (W) vs Eastern Washington

After one game Huskies fans are excited about the possibilities with Jacob Eason at QB. Chris Pedersen’s defense looks good despite losing their top four players to the NFL draft. They have a cupcake “SEC- like” non-conference schedule. So moving up the College Football Top 10 won’t be easy until conference play unless they show extreme dominance. The Pac-12 north will be a dog fight for the Huskies.

9. Michigan Wolverines (1-0)

Last Week: 40-21 (W) vs Middle Tenn State

Michigan just trampled MTSU. If there is something to be learned from this game it is that Jim Harbaugh seems to willing to open up the offense more. I’m praying that predictable running plays on most first downs will be a thing of the past. If Shea Patterson is allowed to push the ball downfield more often Michigan will actually have a shot to beat Ohio State.

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

8. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Last Week: 35-17 (W) at Louisville

Those who watched Notre Dame and Louisville past the 1st quarter got a good feel for how much fun their matchup with Georgia will be. The Fighting Irish defense is talented and disciplined. Ian Book looked about the same as he did last year. His best asset is his running ability, but he can make most of the throws and correct reads to make ND a top tier team.

7. Texas Longhorns (1-0)

Last Week: 45-14 (W) vs LA Tech

Another game in the long list of tune-up games for the top teams. Sam Ehlinger was polished and poised. The Longhorns look like the team I picked to crash the College Football Playoff. Tom Herman has done a wonderful job. The only things that stand in the way of Texas and the top 4 is Oklahoma and LSU. And LSU is the easier of those opponents.

6. Georgia Bulldogs (1-0)

Last Week: 30-6 (W) vs Vanderbilt

If you read the top 10 last week, you know I had Texas ranked ahead of Georgia. I still believe they are better. However, Texas played LA Tech while Georgia played a conference game (even though Vandy is not a notable opponent). Schedules and wins will always trump cakewalks. Jake Fromm did look really good but we will get a real feel for this team against Notre Dame.

5. Ohio State Buckeyes (1-0)

Last Week: 45-21 (W) vs FAU

It was hard for me to gather an accurate assessment for the Buckeyes. Justin Fields had a field day in what looked like a glorified scrimmage. His receivers were often open by 10+ yards and he was never under duress or had to fit balls in small windows. However, they were extremely dominant and no one else played anybody either. So, they stay in the top 5 of the College Football Top 10 as it should be.

4. Auburn (1-0)

Last Week: 27-21 (W) vs Oregon

Competition and schedules matter. This ranking feels a little high. But at this point, Auburn has played the toughest schedule in the nation and they won. It wasn’t pretty at times but Oregon is a team I expect to finish highly ranked. The hype surrounding Auburn’s defensive line is warranted. Bo Nix is going to be a top tier quarterback. He’s a program changing player. Auburn will be a real threat for the SEC championship for the next three years.

3. Oklahoma Sooners (1-0)

Last Week: 49-31 (W) vs Houston

JALEN HURTS was phenomenal. He had great games at Alabama, but nothing like this. He threw for 3 TDs and rushed for another three in the same game. Lincoln Riley is an offensive juggernaut. It is scary what he can to with athletic big arm quarterbacks. The bad news is that Oklahoma’s defense doesn’t look any better than it did last season. It is still porous. The Sooners dominated the game but against a top tier offense, it will be a shootout.

2. Alabama Crimson Tide (1-0)

Last Week: 42-3 (W) vs Duke

Alabama just leaned on Duke until the dam broke. Once it broke it seemed like the Tua led offense could have scored 70. Maybe Saban didn’t want the game to get too far out of hand so people don’t keep about their embarrassing non-conference schedule. Truthfully they don’t deserve to be in the top 5 until they win some SEC games. However, they are so freaking dominant that you can’t keep them out. I feel bad for their fans that for the last two seasons. After this season they will have had to watch 8 games out of 24 games be non-competitive. I believe that is why Bama got their doors blown off by Clemson last year in the national championship. They were not battle-tested. Same problem this season, but can Nick Saban overcome that?

1. Clemson Tigers (1-0)

Last Week: 52-14 (W) vs Georgia Tech

Clemson is so good at pretty much every position. Trevor Lawrence had a terrible game and they still won by 38. He finished with 168 yards, 1 touchdown and a pair of interceptions. Dabo Swinney needs to get in Lawrence’s ear because he was pressing way too much. He will need to be better next week because Texas A&M comes to town and 205 yards from Travis Etienne alone may not be enough. It will be hard to find a scenario where an undefeated or 1-loss Clemson doesn’t make the College Football Playoff or is not atop the College Football Power Rankings.

Trevor Lawrence Should be Able to Receive his Worth While at Clemson

Trevor Lawerence

On Monday, Clemson decisively defeated Alabama for the College Football National Championship. The Tigers overcame the Crimson Tide 44-16. Not only did Clemson defeat the almighty “Bama,” Clemson sent a strong message defeating them by 28 points. Leading Clemson to victory was true freshman quarterback Trevor Lawerence. Lawerence undisputedly emerged as the star of the game. He threw three touchdown passes and amassed 347 passing yards. Accordingly, Lawerence’s performance was truly unprecedented. He defeated the most powerful team in college football who boasted a Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback.

After the game, sports fans and commentators began criticizing the fact that Lawerence is ineligible for the upcoming NFL draft. Critics argued that it is unfair that players do not have the option to enter the draft when they see fit. Similarly, they argue that is not fair that elite athletes are told when they may go professional and make money off of their athletic abilities.

Division 1 college football is a billion dollar industry. However, the athletes who propel that industry receive essentially no compensation above a cost-of-attendance scholarship. However, the coaches make millions of dollars each year. Perhaps, the real issue is not when Lawerence or other similarly situated players should be eligible for the NFL draft. Perhaps the real issue is why playing professionally is the only option such players have to make money for their athletic abilities?

Why is Trevor Lawerence Ineligible for the NFL Draft?

Lawerence is ineligible for the draft because the NFL’s rules say a player is not draft eligible until he is three years removed from his high school graduating class. Proponents of the rules argue that they are in place to protect future NFL prospects from prematurely entering the league before they are physically ready. However, opponents believe that it is unfair that Lawrence and other NFL prospects do not have the option to start their professional careers whenever they see fit. Accordingly, fans and critics argue that Lawerence and other NFL prospects should have the ability to chose when to start their NFL careers.

Perhaps elite athletes should have the ability to freely decide when to turn pro. However, this issue is not the real injustice. The real injustice is the fact that elite NFL prospects cannot make money off their athletic abilities while in college. This is especially true given the fact that the coaches make millions off of the labor of the athletes.

Coaches Make Millions Off of the Labor of Elite Talent, While the Talent has to Wait for a  Professional Career That May Never Manifest.

Take the two coaches who were in the championship game for instance. Those two coaches were Clemson’s Dabo Swinney and Alabama’s Nick Saban. Saban’s base salary was $7.5 million. He made an additional $400,000 for appearing in the CFP semifinal game. Even though the Crimson Tide lost, Saban still cleared an additional $600,000 just for appearing in the championship game. Swinney’s base salary for the season was $6 million.  He received an additional $200,000 for his CFP semifinal appearance.  Since Clemson won the championship, Swinney will receive an additional $250,000.

Meanwhile, the labor force (the football players) that makes these incredible salary numbers possible receives a very small amount in comparison. A scholarship for a college education is invaluable. However, when compared to coaches salaries, television deals, and other sponsorships, does it really seem fair that athletes are limited to their scholarship?

The Focus Should be on Lawernce’s Inability to Profit off his Athleticism in College Instead of on his Inability to go to the NFL

It is not fair for athletes to have wait to reach the NFL to be adequately compensated for their athleticism. What if a player suffers a career ending injury before he is eligible for the NFL? Such a player would never have the opportunity to be adequately compensated for his athletic ability.  It is for this reason that the conversation should be focused on college athletes rights to receive adequate compensation in college.

Yes, an injured player may have a degree.  It is also true that the degree could yield high earnings for the player in the future. However, the injured player would still have missed the opportunity to be adequately compensated for his athleticism in college.  Meanwhile, his coach made millions in games that the injured player’s labor largely contributed to.

There is a lot of money in Division 1 college football.  This is evident from the coaches salaries.  More of that money should be funneled down to the labor force who makes it all possible.  It would be nice if Lawerence had the ability to opt for the NFL. However, it would be better if he could receive more for the fruits of his labor while in college. At the very least, Lawerence and other similarly situated athletes should be allowed to profit off of their own name, image, and likeness.  Therefore, the conversation should be about Lawerence’s ability to receive his worth while in college instead of his ability to go to the NFL.

Alabama vs. Clemson: How Each Team Can Win The National Championship

Alabama Clemson

Alabama vs. Clemson, Part IV. Sign me up. For the third time in the last four years, the final two teams standing are Alabama and Clemson. That should come as a surprise to no one because these two teams happen to have the two best coaches in Division I football, Nick Saban and Dabo Swinney. Both Alabama and Clemson come into the National Championship undefeated and motivated to add to their recent history of success. Both teams can win tonight and here’s how it can happen.

Alabama Can Win If…

Tua is Tua

  •  Tua Tagovailoa is the best quarterback that Nick Saban has ever coached at Alabama. The numbers speak for themselves. 3,671 yards and 41 touchdowns would have been good enough for the Heisman Trophy had it not been for Kyler Murray. That being said, Tua exacted his revenge on Murray as the lefty threw for 318 yards and 4 TDs to defeat Oklahoma in the semifinals of the College Football Playoff. What Tua can do on a football field is special. He can make every throw, keep plays alive with his legs, and change the course of the game at any moment. If Tua is his usual self, it will be a long day for the Clemson Tigers.

Quinnen Williams Plays Like A Superstar

  • Clemson may have the depth at defensive line, but they don’t have Quinnen Williams. The Alabama defensive lineman has had a meteoric rise this past season as he became the best defensive lineman in the country. Williams accumulated 67 tackles, 8 sacks, and 18 tackles for loss. Williams is the best player on the field at all times and is currently projected to be taken in the top 3 of this year’s NFL Draft according to NBC Sports. If Williams wreaks havoc on the interior line, it will be a long night for Clemson.

Good Luck Stopping Alabama’s Pass Catchers

  • The best phrase to describe the Alabama receiving corp is “Pick your poison.” Seriously, this unit is a five-headed monster. It all starts with Jerry Jeudy, who was a first-team All-American and the Biletnikoff Award winner, which is awarded to the nation’s top receiver. After Jeudy, a quartet of talent awaits as Henry Ruggs III, Jaylen Waddle, Irv Smith Jr., and Devonta Smith all have over 6 touchdown catches each. You cannot stop this group. You can only hope to contain it.

Nick Saban Shows Why He’s the Greatest Coach Of All-Time

  • For my money, Nick Saban is the greatest coach of all-time. Although he’s tied with Bear Bryant for national championships with 6, Saban has won titles with two schools, which is why I give him the edge over Bryant. There’s a reason why Alabama is 55-3 since 2015 and are making their fourth straight appearance in the National Championship game. Saban and the Tide make little to no mistakes throughout the game. No one adjusts better at halftime than Saban. Look at last year as Saban inserted Tua in at quarterback over Jalen Hurts. Most coaches play checkers. Saban plays chess. If Saban throws his headset again, Clemson should give up on the spot.

Clemson Can Win If…

Trevor Lawrence Thrives Under Pressure

Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence has drawn many comparisons to his idol, Peyton Manning. However, Lawrence has been described as “Peyton Manning, but a better runner.” That’s a lethal combination, and it very well is the winning formula for defeating Alabama. The true freshman took over as the starter for Kelly Bryant in September and hasn’t looked back since. Lawrence has thrown for 2,933 yards and 27 TDs to only 4 INTs. Without a doubt, Alabama will be the toughest defense that Lawrence has faced all season. If the freshman can limit the turnovers and convert on third downs, then Clemson keeps Tua off the field, which may be the difference in the end.

Clemson Defense Proves They’re The Better Unit

When asking the casual fan about the team with the better defense, one might assume that it’s Alabama because of their recent history of dominance. However, that’s not true this season. The Clemson Tigers defense is statistically better than the Alabama defense. Clemson is ranked 2nd in the country in total defense while Alabama ranks 13th. Alabama might have the best defensive player on the field in Quinnen Williams, but Clemson has the better defensive line. Even without Dexter Lawerence, Clemson still boasts two consensus All-Americans in Clelin Ferrell and Christian Wilkins. Add Austin Bryant and Albert Huggins into the mix, and the Tigers defensive line can disrupt Tua and the Alabama offense all night.

Trevor Lawrence via Getty Images

Travis Etienne Finds Success On The Ground

Alabama has depth in the backfield, but the best running back on the field wears orange and white. His name is Travis Etienne. The Clemson sophomore rushed for a jaw-dropping 1572 yards and 22 TDs this season. That’s 700 more yards than the leading Alabama running back. Plus, Clemson has three running backs that average over 7 yards per carry while Alabama has none. If Etienne find success on the ground, then it will open up the offense and put less pressure on Trevor Lawrence

The Clemson Coaching Staff Orchestrates The Game Of Their Lives

Nick Saban is in a league of his own, which is why it’s going to take a team effort from the Clemson coaching staff to defeat Goliath. There is a reason why Brett Venables is one of the highest paid assistants in college football. Venables is the best defensive coordinator in Division I, and he’s worth every penny. Venables’ defense ranked second in total defense and provided the anchor for this undefeated team. However, it all starts at the top for the Tigers. Their success is credited to their energetic and passionate head coach who is the only man to ever defeat Nick Saban in the National Championship. That coach is Dabo Swinney. Swinney has turned Clemson from an average team to a national powerhouse during his tenure. If there’s one coach who could disrupt the Alabama dynasty, it’s Dabo.

Alabama vs. Clemson. Tua vs. Trevor. Saban vs. Dabo. This is the heavyweight fight that college football fans deserve.

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