The First #WFPTop20

WFP Top 20.... first of 2015

1.      Ohio State (1-0) Win over Virginia Tech – This ranking should come as no surprise to anyone. Ohio State looked like world beaters in the second half against Virginia Tech. To be far, the Hokies had them on the ropes, but an early third quarter injury to VT starting QB Michael Brewer sealed the Hokies’ fate for the game and potentially the Coastal race. Ohio State shouldn’t lose a ballgame this year.

2.      BAMA (1-0) Win over Wisky – Bama’s defense looked as good as it has in about 5-6 years. Bama absolutely DOMINATED the trenches against a pretty good Wisconsin team. If the Tide can get the vertical passing game going…. Look out.

3.      TCU (1-0) Close win over the Gophers – Many folks are doggin the Horned Frogs after a narrow victory over a Minnesota team. The Gophers are not an also-ran that will win only 2 games this year. TCUs defense looked a bit better than last year’s bunch.

4.      Notre Dame (1-0) Obliterated Texas – I’ve been preaching all offseason about how this may be the best Notre Dame we’ve seen in quite some time. The Irish returned basically everyone except for a ball boy. Malik Zaire looked as good as advertised and the defense looked much improved. If Lord Purple Face can keep the team focused, this bunch will deserve CFP consideration.

5.      Baylor (1-0) Big Win over SMU – Baylor may have won the game but the SMU Bros won the day. 

6.      Southern Cal (1-0) Blasted Arkansas State – With all of the hoopla surrounding the SEC and the school from the state of Ohio, Southern Cal’s been under the radar for much of the off-season. The Trojans have as talented of an offense as anyone in the country and the defense looks like it may just be clicking in the Sark’s second year.

7.      Michigan State (1-0) Win over Directional Michigan – The Spartans are the only squad in the Big 10 that can give Ohio State a game.

8.      Auburn (1-0)  Win over Louisville – The Barners Defense looked about 1000x better than they this past year. The run game remains punishing but the passing attack remains a cause for concern. If J Johnson can connect with his receivers, SEC West defenses will have their hands full.

9.      Texas A&M (1-0) Curb stomped Arizona State – I’ve been convinced if the Aggies could get their defense to play half as well the offense, they’ll be in the shortlist to challenge Bama for the SEC West crown. Saturday night we saw a defense that looked downright dominant.

10.  UCLA (1-0) Win over UVA – Josh Rosen looks like he’s the real deal. For a team that returned basically everyone else, this should make for an interesting PAC 12 South Race.

11.  Georgia (1-0) Win over ULM – The Nick Chubb Frieght Train looked well-oiled Saturday but the verdict on the passing game remains to be seen. Georgia still remains the favorite for the SEC East.

12.  FSU (1-0) Win over Texas State – Florida State rolled in their first game without Jameis Winston at the helm since 2012. Everett Golson looks like he’s still learning some of the playbook but dazzled in portions in Saturdays night game. FSU remains a very young team, but based on talent alone, they’re still my pick for the ACC Atlantic.

13.  Georgia Tech (1-0) Obliterated Alcorn State – Paul Johnson and Company picked up where they left off, by frustrating an opposing defense with a vicious triple option attack. GT still has another tune up game before traveling to South Bend in a couple of weeks.

14.  Oregon (1-0) Win over Directional Washington – Oregon looked sloppy on defense against an offense that they have to defend in practice every day. If the defense fails to show up in East Lansing this upcoming weekend, Oregon  could get run out of town.

15.  LSU (0-0) – LSU got the benefit of the doubt and didn’t impress or disappoint this past weekend because Mother Nature won. I think this team has a punishing run game that will keep them in every game this year.

16.  Clemson (1-0) Win over Wofford – Sadly, a Mike Williams neck injury overshadowed a very impressive performance in the trenches for Clemson. Clemson continues to have as much talent as anyone in the Southeast. It’ll be interesting to see how Dabo can get all of the pieces to buy in.

17.  Ole Miss (1-0) SWAG KELLY – Ole Miss looked impressive in the opener, but with a trip to Bama in two weeks it’s worth noting they must not get caught looking past Fresno State next weekend. They also have a 300 lb fullback who runs like a gazelle and doubles as a defensive tackle named Robert Nkemdiche.

Robert Nkemdiche scored a 32-yard TD. On offense. pic.twitter.com/9U2odrV9bR

— SB Nation GIF (@SBNationGIF) September 5, 2015

18.  Arkansas (1-0) Big win over UTEP – Brandon Allen showed that there’s more to Bret’s offense in Hogville than just a punishing rushing attack. A date with Texas A&M three weeks from now looms as a pivotal match up to be considered among the best of the SEC West.

19.  Mizzou (1-0) – Never sleep on Matty Mauk, after all he’s got the SEC East crowns to prove it.

20.  The Smurfs (1-0)  Narrow Win over Washington – The Smurfs seem to be a dark horse candidate for the CFP. I don’t think they have any business being in consideration for it but can make a statement against BYU this upcoming Friday night.

OTHERS:

Oklahoma

Rocky Top

Wisky

Zona

Utah