My prediction of multiple lousy games this week was correct- the price we paid for an exciting week one. Week two was not, however, a total loss. Here’s what we learned:
Things We Learned In College Week Two
SEC
Nick Saban is not a laid-back person. In case anyone was still under that delusion, this was taken in the final minute of their game against Western Kentucky, with the Tide leading 38-10.
Does LSU’s Brandon Harris get his job back anytime soon? I’m thinking probably not. Danny Etling didn’t exactly set the world on fire (6 of 14 for exactly 100 yards, one touchdown, one interception) but even the possibility successful passing opened things up for the running game.
Speaking of the LSU run game, holding Leonard Fournette out with an ankle injury (he warmed up; my personal opinion is that had this been a conference game he would have played) didn’t hurt them in the slightest. Led by backup Derrius Guice, the Tigers racked up 244 yards and three touchdowns on the ground against Jacksonville State.
Last LSU note: the punt return by Tre’Davious White was one of the more ridiculous things seen in college football, and not just this year.
Kalen Ballage
I woke up this morning to see that Arizona State running back Kalen Ballage scored eight touchdowns. Impressive, to be sure, but I chalked it up to an FCS, or at least non-Power Five opponent. Imagine my surprise when I realized that a) they were playing Texas Tech, and b) Ballage had just 15 touches in the entire game. THAT is insane.
I love a good upset as much as anybody else, but I feel terrible for Oklahoma State today. Not only was that a terrible mistakenly the officials, it seems like a very basic mistake. Not letting a game end on an *offensive* penalty doesn’t even make sense. How did no official on that crew say, hey, wait a minute…
Irish Injury Issues
Notre Dame may have beaten Nevada, but they lost sophomore corner Shaun Crawford to a torn Achilles. Already minus safety Max Redfield, who was dismissed following legal troubles over the summer, the Irish secondary could be in trouble when more competitive games start.
Many did not pay a lot of attention to Louisville to start the season. They are now. Quarterback Lamar Jackson led the Cardinals in a 62-28 romp over Syracuse in which Louisville racked up 845 yards of total offense (not a typo). He also had this absolutely ridiculous play.
Trojan Discipline
Two games, two ejections for USC. Last week it was for the groin stomp of an Alabama player by Jabari Ruffin in a lopsided loss; this week, it was left tackle Chuma Edoga, on the opening drive, for making contact with an official.
Nice to see the Pitt-Penn State rivalry renewed. You can never have too many rivalry games, in any sport.
Battle at Bristol
Putting a football field in the middle of a NASCAR facility really shows you how huge those facilities are. They are MASSIVE.
Between the lack of meaningful games and the fact that I spent most of my Saturday on planes and in airports, this column is on the short side this week. On the bright side, if my travel goes according to plan, I should be home in time for the late afternoon games next weekend. Enjoy your week everybody!
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