The playoff push has already kicked into high gear.
Three “Clash of the Titans” top 15 contests took place on Saturday and set the tone for the rest of the season.
Here’s why the victors are in great shape to play for the title.
(#13) AUBURN 6
(#3) CLEMSON 14
The defending champion Clemson Tigers won a slugfest against a rugged SEC team, solidifying their defensive fronts as one of the best in the country; they sacked Auburn 11 times.
Clemson also got much needed experience for new Quarterback Kelly Bryant. The passing game still needs work, but Clemson’s defense held Auburn’s high-powered offense to 117 total yards.
Clemson still has a few stiff challenges remaining on the season, but their defense has proved it’s still championship-caliber, and they have plenty of playmakers surrounding Bryant to help him get his sea legs.
Clemson Football on Twitter
That Clemson defense though… 😈 #ALLIN 🐅🐾 https://t.co/qJK9piAVcz
(#14) STANFORD 24
(#6) USC 42
Stanford has been the bully of the PAC-12 the past few seasons, so USC sent a message by carving up their defense with relative ease.
USC Quarterback Sam Darnold showed again why he’s a serious contender for both the Heisman Trophy and the first overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft.
Darnold has the “it” factor that can’t be taught. Before was inserted as the starter last year, Head Coach Clay Helton was on the hot seat and looked like a mistake hire. But Darnold has turned USC into one of the most potent offenses in the country, and with Stanford out of the way, it will be a while before they face a strong defense.
USC Trojans on Twitter
Check out the highlights of USC’s 42-24 win over Stanford! #FightOn https://t.co/DRwcjVphGO
(#5) OKLAHOMA 31
(#2) OHIO STATE* 16
Revenge is a dish best served cold.
Last year the Buckeyes went into Norman, OK and beat the Sooners easily, dancing on their field in the process.
Oklahoma’s star Quarterback Baker Mayfield didn’t forget.
After a slow start where Oklahoma shot itself in the foot, the Sooners exploded after halftime and cruised to a comfortable win.
The Buckeyes’ stadium, known as the Horseshoe, was eerily quiet in the 4th quarter as fans shambled toward the exits.
This is easily the most impressive win of the season, giving Oklahoma a great résumé builder for the playoffs, which they’ll need since the Big 12 is down in talent this year.
Bryan Fischer on Twitter
Baker Mayfield plants the OU flag in the Ohio State logo at midfield https://t.co/Ovas203PqP