2020 College Football Week 9 Summary
Halloween, a time of surprise and unpredictability; perhaps a fitting way of describing week
nine of the 2020 college football season. With the news of star quarterback Trevor Lawrence unable to participate after testing positive for COVID-19, all of us got the sense that anything could happen. In all, we received the most entertaining week of football this season.
What Did We Learn In Week 9
For Clemson fans who wondered how life would be like after Trevor Lawrence, we all received a glimpse of it with true freshman D.J. Uiagalelei. By all accounts, the future looked promising after his performance against Boston College. After a disastrous first half, which included a fumble that was returned for 99 yards by the Eagles, Clemson shut them out in the second half. It was a crazy contest, but these are the types of games that great teams are capable of winning. Clemson 7-0, Boston College 4-2
After an impressive debut last week, Jim Harbaugh's Michigan Wolverines had few answers to Michigan State's defense; meanwhile, Spartans quarterback Rocky Lombardi led the way with three touchdowns as they came away with this year's Paul Bunyan Trophy. Michigan State 1-1, Michigan 0-1
Bad news Michigan fans, not only is Ohio State good, they are looking nearly impossible to beat. Buckeyes quarterback Justin Field continues to add impressive performances to his Heisman resume. Is is becoming clear that without linebacker Micah Parsons and running back Journey Brown, Penn State is simply not what they used to be. Ohio State 2-0, Penn State 2-0
All we can about Maryland versus Minnesota is wow! From watching this contest, one could have easily mistaken them as teams from the Big 12; all offense, little to no defense. The running back on both sides were excellent, yet the story of this game was Terrapins quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa and his breakout performance. Maryland 1-1, Minnesota 0-2
Games like the one involving Texas and Oklahoma State, serves a reminder why the game of college football is so great. In a closely-contested match against two talented teams, we firstly learned that linebacker Joseph Ossai and receiver Tylan Wallace are ready for the NFL. Secondly, we learned that no matter how good a Big 12 defensive unit may seem, it is still the Big 12; meaning that many points will be scored. In the end, the Longhorns prevailed in overtime and came away with their biggest win of the season up to this point. Texas 4-2, Oklahoma 4-1
Remember when Kj Costello and Mississippi State were the talk of college football after beating LSU? To say the least, they have been a disaster ever since and it did not get any better against Alabama. Alabama 6-0, Mississippi State 1-4
Unfortunately for Texas Tech, they got caught up in a storm; a storm called Spencer Rattler and the Oklahoma offense. Oklahoma 4-2, Texas Tech 2-4
For Georgia Tech, their only highlight again Notre Dame, was a fumble that was taken 97 yards for a touchdown. Aside from this moment, the Yellow Jackets had nothing else to offer against the Irish. Notre Dame 6-0, Georgia Tech 2-5
So, Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder accounted for five touchdowns (three passing, two rushing). At this point, it would be unacceptable not to place him among the top players at his position. Memphis 3-2, Cincinnati 5-0
Say whatever you want about the level of competition Coastal Carolina has faced so far this season. The fact is, they have dominated each team they have played; Saturday was no exception against Georgia State. Coastal Carolina 6-0, Georgia State 2-5
West Virginia is one of the few teams whose record is not necessarily a reflection of their performance on the field. This week, they dominated Kansas State with their ground attack and on defense, resulting a big, upset victory. West Virginia 4-2, Kansas State 4-2
In keeping with the Halloween theme, LSU's performance against Auburn was nothing short of a horror show. In essence, the Tigers are no where near close to that historic team from 2019. LSU 2-3, Auburn 4-2
Week 9 Honor Roll
Matt Corral - Ole Miss
Taulia Tagovailoa - Maryland
Jake Funk - Maryland
Ricky White - Michigan State
Tommy Togiai - Ohio State
Tylan Wallace - Oklahoma State
Spencer Sanders - Oklahoma State
Travis Etienne Jr. - Clemson
Desmond Ridder - Cincinnati
D.J. Uiagalelei - Clemson
Mohamed Ibrahim - Minnesota
Justin Rice - Arkansas State
Xazavian Valladay - Wyoming
Jaylen Joyner - Florida Atlantic
Joseph Ossai - Texas
Otis Anderson - UCF
Ulysses Bentley IV - SMU
Chance Campbell - Maryland