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5. Clemson
The Tigers were the first foil of Notre Dame’s, “Thank goodness we play a bunch of ACC teams now!” tour. It wasn’t perfect, and ND probably should practice like occasionally, it’s allowed to rain when football is going on … but the Tigers did what they needed to do when they needed to do it (aided by odd situational calls by Brian Kelly) and pretty much the season comes down to them vs. Florida State and then if they win, how to handle the pressure. Good win.
4. Iowa
I didn’t screw this up. Iowa is unbeaten, and they just won at Wisconsin. If you look at the remainder of the schedule … one that doesn’t include Ohio State, Michigan State, Michigan, or Penn State (who the hell do they even play in the East!?!?) … it’s easy to come to the conclusion that at long last, Kirk Ferentz might have a team one win away from a college football playoff, which, depending on how you view it, is either wonderful or horrifying. Iowa @ Northwestern in two weeks for all the marbles. And your sanity.
3. TCU
Granted, apparently Texas is terrible, but after giving up a bazillion points to Texas Tech and needing a tipped pass plus stop on lateral-filled Hail Mary, the Frogs needed some sort of proof they could plug a dripping faucet. They did, with Texas. I’m sure questions still exist about whether or not they can do it away from the friendly confines, but that’s a question for another day.
2. Florida
Ole Miss was everyone’s “SEC flavor of the week” after clubbing Alabama in their joint and skating by Vanderbilt (which can be forgiven since there’s GOT to be a let down after clubbing Alabama in their joint, but if someone else did it, it’d be proof of how they can’t handle success). Anyway, the Gators are a lot better than people think they are, until this week, when people realize they’re as good as Utopian Gator Fan on your nearest message board thinks they are.
1. Alabama
In the game of perception, which is all college football is at its core, the Tide scored a big one in walking into Georgia’s place, taking their groceries, and leaving with their wife. Couple it with an Ole Miss slap down at the hands of Florida, and the Tide are back in all things they desire. Also, Jacob Coker looked like a good quarterback, which is going to be horrifying for everyone else if that keeps up.
