There were no upsets during Week 3 that created upheaval in our Top 10. However there were enough close calls that we had to make minor adjustments.
Lions, Tigers, and Bears oh My
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Oklahoma jumped Clemson for the #3 spot this past week. The Tigers continued struggling to manufacture consistency on the offensive side. Strength of opponent is the reason Oklahoma leaped Clemson fractionally. Penn State moves up to #6 on the heels of an impressive home victory and cover over Auburn. Unfortunately for the Cincinnati Bearcats, a win at Indiana couldn’t save them from being leapfrogged by Florida for the last spot in our Top 10. Opponent matters.
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Familiarity breeds contempt
The teams making our overrated / underrated section are familiar rivals. I’m sure the two rabid fan-bases won’t take any umbrage for attaching labels in this week’s edition of our poll. We’ll discuss why the Fighting Irish might be without a pot of gold at the end of their rainbow whereas Michigan fans might have reason to believe (for now). Onto the main event.
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Bet the Board Top 10 Week 4:
1.) Alabama
2.) Georgia
3.) Oklahoma
4.) Clemson
5.) Ohio State
6.) Penn State
7.) Texas A&M
8.) Oregon
9.) Ole Miss
10.) Florida
Overrated: Notre Dame
The Fighting Irish are currently slotted as the 12th best team in college football. Despite an undefeated record, their statistical profile is less than impressive. The opening weekend victory over Florida State has officially lost its luster with the Seminoles desperately seeking an identity. Notre Dame is just a net +0.4 yards per play despite facing the aforementioned Florida State, Toledo, and Purdue to start the campaign.
Turnover train
They needed a +2 turnover margin to knock off the Boilermakers. Notre Dame was out-gained, generated 3 less first downs, and lost the time of possession battle by more than 8 minutes! A resume including an overtime win in Tallahassee, a last minute TD drive to beat Toledo, and a pedestrian performance at home vs. Purdue leaves a lot to be desired. Quarterback Jack Coan and his offensive line will be put to the test this weekend against Wisconsin. While it’s still early the betting market suggests a long day could be in store for the irish Saturday as they opened +3.5 but now find themselves +6.5.
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Underrated: Michigan
Wow! That’s the first word that pops into my head after three weeks of watching Wolverine football. Their 3-0 SU and 3-0 ATS by an average cover margin of 19.16 ppg is exactly the start Jim Harbaugh needed to create buzz among the Michigan fan base. Unlike the Irish, Michigan is a net +3.4 yards per play. That’s the exact type of dominance you’d expect to see from a perceived powerhouse taking on the likes of Western Michigan, Washington, and Northern Illinois.
Throw for show, run for dough
This Michigan team is POUNDING the rock, averaging 7.2 yards per carry and 350 yards per game. The group is led by running back Blake Corum. Corum is best described as a fire-hydrant of a back whose compact frame makes him extremely difficult to bring down providing the perfect complement to Hassan Haskins.
Don’t ignore the D
While the run offense has opened eyes, the defensive line performance is the real highlight for Michigan at the quarter poll. Michigan grades out a Top 12 defensive unit overall year to date. They held Northern Illinois pivot, Rocky Lombardi to just 46 yards passing and is a stat-line we’re unlikely to see the rest of the season. Despite the polls ranking Michigan fringe top 20 we have this team knocking on the door of our top 10.
