The Alabama-Texas A&M game was the centerpiece of a week that was otherwise largely devoid of significant events on the national stage. It was another strong week for the PAC-12, and that conference features a significant game next week in Arizona State at Stanford.
Player of the Week: QB Brett Hundley (UCLA)– The Bruins are making the biggest leap in the Top 25, and Hundley’s 294 passing yards and 61 rushing yards propelled UCLA to the win
Runner Up: The Alabama Offense– Saban’s teams are not known for offense, but they looked awfully good on Saturday.
What we have learned…
1. The Pac-12 could be the best conference in 2013. Oregon destroyed Tennessee, Arizona State beat Wisconsin, and UCLA routed Nebraska to make for a great week for the conference.
2. Alabama can score. The Tide went toe to toe with the potent Aggies with offensive firepower.
3. Character does not matter at LSU. Running back Jeremy Hill, who has been nothing but trouble since prior to joining the Tigers, was featured in the team’s win Saturday.
Feeling good…
QB AJ McCarron (Alabama)– The Crimson Tide quarterback did not look good against Virginia Tech. That changed on Saturday with a stellar performance to lead the Tide to avenge last season’s one loss.
S Vinnie Sunseri (Alabama)– An incredible 73 yard interception returned for a touchdown proved to be the difference maker for the Tide. Not bad for a lowly rated recruit who many considered too small for linebacker and too slow for safety.
QB Blake Bell (Oklahoma)– The Sooners quarterback was flawless in his first start, throwing for 413 yards and 4 touchdowns in Oklahoma’s rout of Tulsa.
HC Kliff Kingsbury (Texas Tech)– A signature victory over TCU and a 3-0 start is a great way for the young coach to begin his career.
UCF– Beating Penn State to get off to a 3-0 start is a great win for the program.
Feeling bad…
HC Butch Jones (Tennessee)– The new Vols head coach had built some momentum around thee program. While Saturday will not halt the momentum, it cannot help that his team was not even remotely competitive with the Oregon Ducks.
QB Tyler Russell (Mississippi State)– Not only did Russell have to watch his team lose its SEC opener from the sideline, his replacement looked really good in his stead. Dak Prescott certainly made his case to be a starter.
HC Mack Brown (Texas)- After getting blown out by Ole Miss, there cannot be any doubt that it is time for the legendary coach to go.
Looking ahead…
Arizona State at Stanford– A matchup of two elite PAC-12 programs could provide the Cardinal with a signature win or potentially end their title hopes.
Auburn at LSU– The contest between the Tigers is typically intense, and both teams enter the game 3-0. Auburn is unlikely to shock the better Tigers, but a surprise win would stun the conference pecking order.
Tennessee at Florida– Always a game worth watching, both teams are licking their wounds.
Boise State at Fresno State– This will have huge ramifications on the MWC race, but I have to believe the Bulldogs are favorites here.
Michigan State at Notre Dame– A win could put the Spartans in the Top 25 conversation. A loss for the Irish would be devastating. It should be a competitive contest.