College Football’s Top 25 after 10 weeks

#14 Mississippi State

With three losses within the SEC, the Bulldogs have eliminated themselves, which is not a shame when you play in the same division as the best team in the country. However, they have made some noise recently and could continue doing so.

Their defense is tied for second in the nation allowing just 12.3 points per game and they have given fewer touchdowns than anybody with nine apiece. While they lost against the top three teams on their schedule – Kentucky, Florida and LSU – they also picked up a quality win over Texas A&M two weeks ago, which was ranked 16th in the nation when they faced them.

Mississippi State averages a ridiculous 6.04 yards per carry and QB Nick Fitzgerald is on pace for another 1000-yard rushing season, while being ranked second in the nation in time of possession. Their passing attack is ranked 115th out of 130 in yards per game, but they win with defense and running the ball down the opponent’s throat, while not turning it over.

Outside of maybe Clemson they have the best duo of defensive linemen in Montez Sweat and Jeffery Simmons, combining for 23 tackles for loss and completely wrecking opposing gameplans. They are a big reason the Bulldog defense is holding opponents to under 30 percent on third downs.

Overall this MSU team is outscoring opponents by about two touchdowns and a field goal. What put their name back on the map was that 28-13 victory over Texas A&M and this week they have a chance to really make some noise as they face number one Alabama. I doubt that they will have any chance against the Crimson Tide, but they are not beating themselves and I want to see if their defense can at least slow down Tua.

#15 Penn State

The Nittany Lions’ dream of somehow winning the Big 10 were wiped out when Michigan obliterated them 42-7 on Saturday. The Wolverines are clearly a better team and they let their opponents feel it big time, but that doesn’t mean that Penn State can’t play.

Their two other losses came at the hands of the Buckeyes, who were number four in the country at that point, by one point and Michigan State who threw a game-winning touchdown pass with under 20 seconds left. Even after last weekend, they are still ranked seventh by the Football Power Index and there are some numbers beyond that, which back it up.

Prior to last Saturday when they were blown out by Michigan they had not surrendered 30 points since the season-opener against a feisty Appalachian State team and on offense they have converted 30 of their 37 red zone possessions into touchdowns. Quarterback Trace McSorley is a born winner and absolute baller.

He has willed his team to victories in the past with late drives down the field and if you think you can play man-coverage against him, he will break your neck when he takes off. Just ask the Buckeyes, who saw him rush for 175 yards against their defense.

Their featured back Miles Sanders is doing all he can to beat Saquon Barkley’s records in the weight room and on the field. He is closing in on 1000 yards from scrimmage on over six yards per touch. Their defense might be somewhat average in the major statistics, but they have come up with some big stops or turnovers late as well.

They have had a tough schedule, but I wouldn’t want to face them, because they have a great college quarterback and an excellent head coach in James Franklin.