Football is two weeks in, but there is still a long way to go. Each week more is learned about each team, even though not everything can be known. Putting the pieces together on college football each season is part of why fans love it. With that being said, here are five things learned from week 2.
1. It’s been confirmed: Georgia reloads
Georgia had talent galore last season and a lot of that talent is now in the NFL. They were able to make the College Football Playoff Championship Game last season and after the way they have played the first two weeks of the season, they have the potential to make it again.
While the Bulldogs have been near the top of most recruiting rankings the past few years, that doesn’t always work out. They had plenty of great classes under Mark Richt and were never able to live up to their potential. Kirby Smart has made it look like Georgia will keep things rolling for a long time. This Saturday Georgia went into Columbia, South Carolina and beat a top 25 team easily, 41-17.
This result doesn’t guarantee anything, but Georgia fans certainly have to feel good after two weeks.
2. All streaks are meant to come to an end
Nobody beats Kentucky 32 times in a row. After losing to Florida 31 straight times, dating all the way back to 1986, Kentucky was finally able to beat the Gators. The result marked one of the biggest wins in college football this season (being that it is just two weeks into the season) and that this Kentucky team can do better than 7-5.
The Wildcats didn’t just win the game, but were the more physical team. They rushed for 303 yards as a team with 280 being provided by running back Benny Snell (175) and quarterback Terry Wilson (105). The defense allowed just two touchdowns to the Gators, who clearly have some work to do on that side of the ball.
With this streak broken, how many wins can Kentucky get to this season? They still have Mississippi State, South Carolina, Texas A&M and Georgia on the schedule.
3. Herm Edwards is already doing better than expected
There weren’t too many people who liked the hire of Herm Edwards for Arizona State. The former NFL head coach had spent years as an analyst at ESPN and he didn’t have a good NFL head coaching record. That didn’t stop Edwards though, as he led his Sun Devils to a big victory over Michigan State this weekend.
It was a hot one in the desert, but Arizona State’s defense came to play. They held Michigan State to 63 yards rushing and allowed just 13 points. The Sun Devils did allow 314 passing yards, but Edwards will live with that given the end result. Quarterback Manny Wilkins threw for 380 yards and a touchdown to keep the offense moving.
There are some tests ahead, but Edwards aced his first big test.
4. Texas A&M is good, Clemson is better
In a thrilling game in College Station, Clemson was able to hold on to secure a win 28-26. There were some questionable calls, but at the end of the day, Clemson got the win in a hostile environment.
This game helped show that Texas A&M isn’t too far from competing at a championship level that Jimbo Fisher desires. He helped transform quarterback Kellen Mond into a completely different player this season, as he now looks more confident making throws. The defense, led by defensive tackle Daylin Mack, made things tough for Clemson. The Aggies are already way ahead of schedule on their program rebuild with Fisher at the helm.
Clemson was able to escape with a win, as their talent, especially on the defensive line, really stepped up. They had several tackles for loss and defensive end Clelin Ferrell added two sacks. This was not their best game overall as a team, but they have some time to figure things out before their next big game.
5. Stanford is dangerous
Coming into this season there were some doubts about Stanford. Their offense was one-dimensional last year and they needed to find consistent quarterback play. The Cardinal also lost a lot from its defense, but they are still winning football games and seem to have things figured out.
Through the first two games, the offense has actually been more effective through the air. Quarterback K.J. Costello has 515 passing yards, while running back Bryce Love was bottled up in the first game before rushing for 136 yards and a touchdown against USC.
The defense has also been superb so far. They have allowed 13 total points and have been good at forcing turnovers. This weekend against the Trojans, Stanford only allowed three points and made heralded freshman J.T. Daniels first big start rough.
Yes, they have a long way to go, including games against Notre Dame and Washington, but Stanford seems to have figured out problems from last season to this one.
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