by Chris Asbrock
After a big first week, the college football season continues with a handful of big games and some with some big storylines. After the first week of the season, there is always going to be some overreactions so this is the week that a few of the teams that surprised, come back to earth. With the handful of big games this weeks, those will come with some questions. These are just some of the questions that will be answered before the end of the day.Â
1. Can Cincinnati continue domination over Miami in the Battle for the Victory Bell?
In the nations longest-running non-conference rivalry game, the Cincinnati Bearcats are looking to knock off the Miami Redhawks for the 14th straight year. Miami leads the overall series 59-57-7 and haven’t won in over a decade. Will that change today? The way both teams are coming into this game at historic Nippert Stadium after two different results. The Redhawks throttled Tennessee Tech, 48-17, while the Bearcats were completely embarrassed by Ohio State in Columbus, 42-0. The Bearcats are favored by 17.5 over their rivals from Oxford. If the Redhawks can rise up and knock off Cincinnati, the directions of each teams season will drastically change.
2. Can Clemson avoid the upset against the Cuse?
The Clemson Tigers look to be a team ready to capture another National Championship. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence is ready to add the Heisman Trophy to his trophy case. In the immediate future, there is one major hurdle in front of the Tigers, the Carrier Dome and the Syracuse Orange. Cuse Coach Dino Babers is ready to knock Clemson off their perch. Syracuse last defeated Clemson in 2017 and they could certainly do it again this week. The Tigers are favored by 27.5 coming into this game but having to play this game in what will be an insane environment in the Dome could be the great equalizer. Clemson Coach Dabo Sweeney will have the Tigers ready to go, knowing a loss could derail any chances of a chance at making the college football playoff.
The Kentucky Wildcats knocked off Florida for the first time in 31 games. Next up for the Wildcats, doing it twice in a row. Last year, Kentucky did the unthinkable in this rivalry, beating the Gators in The Swamp. Now, Kentucky looks to get their second win in a row over Florida for the first time since 1976-77 and have the advantage of having this game at home. Kentucky finished 10-3 last season and are on their way to another solid season. A victory over the 9th ranked Gators will help propel the Cats in that direction. Florida will be highly motivated after that loss last season at home. Kentucky must play their best because the Gators are eager to gain that advantage back in this series.
College Football Playoff Pairings:
2. Alabama vs 3. LSU
2. Alabama
3. LSU
4. Oklahoma
5. Georgia
6. Ohio State
7. Wisconsin
8. Notre Dame
9. Texas
10. Utah
The top 10 doesn’t see much movement but LSU does rocket up into the top 3 with their performance in the win over Texas. Texas doesn’t fall out of the top 10 even with the loss. The Michigan Wolverines are on the outside looking in after their close OT win over Army.
Heisman Trophy Watch:
1. Joe Burrow
2. Trevor Lawrence
3. Tua Tagovailoa
5. Rondale Moore
Cincinnati over Miami U
NC State over West Virginia
Upset: Iowa State over Iowa
Impact Sports Cincinnati 