1. Alabama: A
This team is doing everything we thought it would and more. Jalen Hurts has been very surprising under center for the Crimson Tide. With wins over USC and Ole Miss, Saban has this team rolling and who knows if they can be stopped.
2. Ohio State: A
After losing a ton of talent to the NFL, Urban Meyer has shown he can reload. J.T. Barrett has been unbelievable once again and has the offense clicking. After stomping Oklahoma, they have asserted dominance. They seem to be the team to beat in the Big Ten. Will anyone be able to give them a run?
3. Louisville: A
We said it here before the season. This team is for real. We mentioned them as a sleeper national title contender and we mentioned Jackson as a sleeper Heisman (you could’ve gotten him at about 100-1). The defense is very good under Petrino and the Lamar Jackson has scored more tds himself than 100+ other FBS schools this year.
4. Michigan: B+
Starting out 3-0 doesn’t suck. However, the teams they’ve played do. No one on this schedule is impressive – yet. This team is very good and I’m not here to take that away. However, against a mediocre Colorado team at home last week they did not look great in the first half and took too much time to slowly pull away. As the schedule gets tougher we’ll see where they fall.
5. Clemson: C+
Wins against Auburn, Troy, and SC State are FAR from exciting. However, they haven’t dropped a game yet. The offense looks like it may have gotten on track vs. SC State, but we’re all waiting for the big game against Louisville.
6. Houston: A+
With a strong statement for this team to begin the year, Greg Ward Jr has this offense rolling. Tom Herman has shown to be a phenomenal coach so far this year out coaching Bob Stoops to begin the season. This team managed to survive a TOUGH scare in Cincinnati on Thursday night. After playing very poorly through 3 quarters, they were able to pull away in the fourth for a big W.
7. Stanford: B
A win against USC seemed like it would’ve been a good win. USC seems to be in shambles and is not quite the team we thought to start the year. The verdict is out on the Cardinal.
8. Michigan State: B+
Michigan State got a nice win over Notre Dame after looking average against Furman. Can Sparty give the Buckeyes and Wolverines a run for their money in the Big Ten? Both games are home so they have a very good shot
9. Washington: B
Wins against Rutgers, Idaho, and Portland State don’t impress me, but the way the victories took place does. They are beating bad teams easily and looking good doing it. They have a tough test in two weeks vs Stanford, but a possible trap game against Arizona this weekend. Look for this game to be way closer than the 11 point spread.
10. Texas A&M: A
A&M has two VERY good wins so far this year. Wins against UCLA and Auburn are impressive. However, this team’s schedule doesn’t get any easier. Looks for the Aggies to beat Arkansas this weekend and move to 5-0 against South Carolina before an undefeated showdown with the Volunteers.
11. Wisconsin: B
A big win vs LSU to start the year got them in the conversation. I think this is the 5th best team in the Big Ten and I’m waiting for a slip up soon.
12. Georgia: B-
The Bulldogs are undefeated but DO NOT look very good. Barely squeaking out a win against Nichols State doesn’t help their cause here. We made them a value bet to win the SEC and we are very nervous here. A game against Ole Miss this weekend could provide some fireworks, but I’m staying away.
13. Florida State: C-
Losing to Louisville isn’t bad. Getting embarrassed by Louisville is. I still think this is a very good team with a lot to play for. This -5 line against South Florida STINKS in terms of Vegas numbers, but I honestly think FSU is too good for the Bulls.
14. Tennessee: B
The Vols haven’t looked great yet. That preseason hype MAY have been too much. A huge game against Florida this weekend will spell out the season for this team. A win against a rival could right the ship and put them on an SEC title game path. Lose for the 12th straight time and this season could unwind quickly.
15. Miami: B+
A quick start has this team looking like a contender in the ACC Coastal. The Canes have some work to do but Richt and Kaaya look as good as advertised. They were able to escape a trap game at App State and have two weeks to prepare for Georgia Tech. A tough stretch of four games coming up for these guys with GA Tech, FSU, UNC, and Va Tech. Can they come out 3-1 or at worst 2-2? That will be the key
16. Baylor: F
Football team is playing well. The university’s management is not.
17. Arkansas: D
Prove me wrong Arkansas. Do it. I have never been around a team i disliked more on a year in and year out basis. They are consistently overrated. They have a chance to win a big SEC game this weekend when they take on the Aggies.
18. LSU: B
Ever since making the switch away from Brandon Harris, the offense looks better. Danny Etling is giving Fournette some room to run and he’s taking advantage of it. A huge game in Auburn this weekend could spell the end of a tenure for Malzahn at Auburn or Miles at LSU. I really like LSU to take out Auburn this weekend because Fournette will run all over that defense.
19. Florida: B+
Outscoring opponents 101-14 is never a bad way to start the year. The opponents were atrocious. If Florida can pull out the upset win at Tennessee this weekend, which would be twelve straight, they will be the team to beat in the SEC East. Gun to head, I think Florida wins this game outright.
20. Nebraska: A-
A big win over Oregon makes this a nice start to the season. Can this team take out Iowa in the Big Ten West? However, I’m not buying in. Tommy Armstrong is very overrated. Northwestern +8 looks VERY tempting this weekend.
21. Texas: B-
One word comes to mind when you say Texas Longhorns. Overrated. This team came out with a big week in week one over Notre Dame, but couldn’t get enough to beat a below average Cal Bears team. There is a lot of season left and it starts in the Big 12 with Oklahoma State October 1. I see both these teams interchangeable. A win would be huge for this team.
22. San Diego State: A+
San Diego State is 3-0 and could very well run the table here. Donnel Pumphrey is one of the best backs in the history of SD St athletics. This defense is incredible. If Houston trips up along the way, the Aztecs may be able to make an argument as the 4th seed in the playoff. We shall see if they can blow some teams out and move up these rankings.
23. Ole Miss: C+
This is a very good C+. The Rebels start the season 1-2, but are arguably the best 2 loss team in the nation. They are a 7 point favorites against Georgia in what i expect to be a very close game. Although playoff hopes are slim, Ole Miss needs this win to keep SEC title hopes alive.
24. Utah: A-
Utah looks GREAT. I was counting this team out immediately. A big game against a talented, but under performing, USC team awaits Saturday. If Utah can escape the Trojans, they should be undefeated going into UCLA in a Pac12 South battle.
25. Oklahoma: D+
This is basically a failing grade. I haven’t seen a team under perform more. Oklahoma gets the big boys of Ohio State to come into their house and absolutely blows it. The only thing saving this grade from being an F is that they havent played a Big 12 game. If this team wins out, which is certainly possible, they could still win the Big 12 and play in a New Years Day Bowl.