Congratulations to the Yellow Jackets for keeping the UCF game on their revised schedule– and for providing the Knights a bigger target to shoot at by upsetting Florida State last week.
UCFs three losses last season were the only three video games in which the Knights lost the turnover battle. They were on a plus-three turnover margin Saturday against Georgia Tech, with freshman protective lineman Josh Celiscar producing a forced fumble, a recovered fumble and an interception in his first college video game. (Note: no one is ranked without not only playing at least one video game, but playing at least one video game versus an FBS challenger. The Tar Heels had a game versus Charlotte canceled Saturday due to 49ers COVID problems, leaving them with three weeks between video games.
We went an entire year without a UCF unbeaten nationwide champ squabble. Everybody ready to resume?
The Knights got the argument began absolutely in Atlanta Saturday, blitzing Georgia Tech 49-21 in their season opener. This was exactly the kind of victory a non-Power 5 program needs and which will remain in rare supply in 2020, with a lot of non-conference games canceled. Congratulations to the Yellow Jackets for keeping the UCF game on their revised schedule– and for giving the Knights a bigger target to contend by distressing Florida State recently.
As soon as again insert itself into the College Football Playoff discussion, hence UCF is positioned to. In 2017 the Knights went unloved and unbeaten by the CFP, moving athletic director Danny White to state his 14-0 group nationwide champions and put it on the facade of the groups arena. In 2018 UCF once again went unbeaten in the routine season however then lost to LSU in the Fiesta Bowl, short-circuiting a 2nd straight unilateral title statement. Last season, the very first without star quarterback McKenzie Milton, was a relative backslide to 10-3.
Now, after piling up 660 lawns of offense with sophomore quarterback Dillon Gabriel looking razor sharp, we are in the beginning stages of UCF vs. the Establishment, Round Three. There are a few wrinkles that might make this years argument a little various.
Things first: UCF got a running start on most of the Establishment. The Southeastern Conference doesnt play until next week, and the Big Ten does not play until next month, and for now the Pac-12 isnt playing at all. Then there is the Big 12, staggering out to a brutal start.
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So the opportunity may never be better, not simply for the Knights however a few of their American Athletic Conference brethren. Cincinnati (1-0) loosened up by blasting FCS Austin Peay, 55-20. Memphis is 1-0 however having problem playing extra video games due to COVID-19 problems. Houston still hasnt played due to challengers COVID-19 issues. All three of them are on UCFs regular-season schedule: at Memphis Oct. 17; at Houston on Halloween; Cincinnati in Orlando Nov. 21.
UCFs three losses last season were the only 3 games in which the Knights lost the turnover battle. They were on a plus-three turnover margin Saturday versus Georgia Tech, with freshman defensive lineman Josh Celiscar producing a forced fumble, a recuperated fumble and an interception in his first college video game. They could be unsurpassable in 2020– and arguing once again that they are worthy of a shot at the title if the Knights do not beat themselves.
UCFs big win wasnt the just huge news for the Sunshine State. Miami transferred to 2-0 by quickly dealing with Louisville in the only matchup of ranked teams this weekend. The U may not be “back”– but they have a roadway map for arriving. It includes a productive running video game, some added playmaking verve at quarterback from DEriq King and a defense that made many big plays versus a powerful Louisville offense.
With the state of Florida plainly figuring into this weeks Top 10, lets get to it. (Note: no one is ranked without not only playing at least one video game, but dipping into least one video game versus an FBS opponent. That suggests no Alabama, no Ohio State, no Oklahoma and no Cincinnati for now.).
TOP 10 … Teams.
1. Clemson (2-0).
Last game: Beat The Citadel 49-0 Saturday.
Next video game: Saturday vs. Virginia.
The Tigers have actually outscored their very first 2 challengers 76-0 in the first half. The backups havent been sharp against either Wake Forest or The Citadel, which might seem like small potatoes now but could be a bigger problem in the unavoidable event of injuries and/or COVID-related non-active players. Freshman defensive end Myles Murphy already has 4 takes on for loss, 2 sacks and a forced fumble.
2. Notre Dame (2-0).
Last video game: Beat South Florida 52-0.
Next video game: at Wake Forest Saturday.
South Floridas new coach is Jeff Scott, who came from Dabo Swinneys staff at Clemson. What he saw Saturday in Notre Dame Stadium looked familiar. “It seemed like I was playing Clemson out there the bulk of the game,” Scott informed the South Bend Tribune. “Just in gold helmets.” After a pedestrian performance in an opening win over Duke, the Fighting Irish were dominant against the Bulls.
3. Miami (2-0).
Last video game: Beat Louisville 47-34.
Next game: Saturday vs. Florida State.
The Hurricanes thoroughly controlled their early-season face-off video game at Louisville, the second straight season they have blown out the Cardinals. King has actually been an energy transfusion for Miami, but the Rhett Lashlee-coordinated offense likewise has actually done what his coach Gus Malzahn does so well– establish a proficient running game. Canes have run for more than 500 lawns in 2 video games.
4. UCF (1-0).
Last video game: Beat Georgia Tech 49-21.
Next game: at East Carolina Saturday.
The Knights have lots of playmakers: 6 gamers had double-digit runs Saturday, and 3 had receptions of 40 yards or more. Oklahoma transfer Jaylon Robinson is the most current big-play guy, racking up six catches for 105 yards in his first UCF game.
5. BYU (1-0).
Last game: Beat Navy 55-3 Sept. 7.
Next game: Saturday vs. Troy.
The Cougars are going to run out of quality challengers as this patchwork season goes along, and they lost a huge one when their video game Saturday against Army was delayed (and most likely canceled) due to BYU COVID issues. But when the Midshipmen rallied to beat Tulane, that made the Cougars season-opening annihilation of Navy even more remarkable.
6. Louisiana (2-0).
Last video game: Beat Georgia State 34-31 in overtime.
Next game: Saturday vs. Georgia Southern.
The Ragin Cajuns very first video game as a ranked group given that 1943 teetered on the edge of catastrophe most of the day. They were behind by two touchdowns for a good chunk of the game, however rallied to take the lead, then lost the lead, then won in OT. Sufficient to remain in the SI Top 10 at least another week.
7. Texas (1-0).
Last game: Beat UTEP 59-3 Sept. 12.
Next game: Saturday at Texas Tech.
Beating the brakes off UTEP does not amount to much, but it does technically examine the FBS box so the Longhorns make a ranking. Every subsequent game will be more difficult than that one.
8. North Carolina (1-0).
Last video game: Beat Syracuse 31-6.
Next video game: at Boston College Oct. 3.
The Tar Heels had a video game against Charlotte canceled Saturday due to 49ers COVID issues, leaving them with three weeks between games. North Carolina began slowly versus the Orange however then imposed their will in the fourth quarter. Syracuse looks like among the worst teams in the ACC, so the Heels will need to up their video game come October.
9. Marshall (2-0).
Last video game: Beat Appalachian State 17-7.
Next video game: at Western Kentucky Oct. 10.
The Thundering Herd was outstanding in knocking off a ranked Appalachian State team Saturday, holding the Mountaineers to one goal and creating 2 big takeaways. App States 96 rushing lawns was its least in 6 years, testament to the Herds defensive effort. Marshall quarterback Grant Wells was far less sharp against App State that in the opening thrashing of FCS Eastern Kentucky, however the freshman is 2-0 as a college starter.
10. Army (2-0).
Last game: Beat Louisiana-Monroe 37-7.
Next video game: at Cincinnati Saturday.
The Cadets lost a marquee game versus BYU however have another one dead ahead versus the Bearcats. Army has outscored its first 2 opponents– undoubtedly bad groups– by 72 points. Thats the programs greatest margin of success through two games because 1955, which is a long time ago.
Also thought about: Boston College, Pittsburgh, SMU.
