Sixteen college football teams enter this week’s games unbeaten. Clemson, going 15-0, was the only undefeated NCAAA Division I football team last fall. Alabama, Notre Dame and Central Florida entered the bowl season undefeated last season, but all fell.
This year Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, LSU, Oklahoma, Ohio State, Florida, Wisconsin, Penn State, Boise State, Wake Forest, SMU, Baylor, Memphis, Minnesota and Appalachian State are all perfect.
Going undefeated is not easy. Alabama’s last undefeated team was in 2009, Georgia in 1980, LSU in 1958 and Florida way back in 1911. Other undefeated teams of interest were Oklahoma (2000), Ohio State (2012), Wisconsin (1912), Penn State (1994), Boise State (2009). Also add to this list Laurel native Bobby Collins’ SMU team of 1982.
PRETENDER OR CONTENDER?
The College Football Playoffs might have three openings for this year’s playoff. So often in college football the rich get richer, especially when it comes to a playoff spot. I assume, as of today, Clemson will be in this year’s playoffs, as they have been in the past several years.
Clemson’s schedule almost guarantees them an undefeated season. Their toughest remaining tests are Florida State, Wake Forest and South Carolina. Alabama has been in the CFP seven times while Florida, LSU and Auburn have been in twice over the last two decades. Georgia made its second appearance last year.
So the question is who the final CFP teams are. Many believe the three teams joining Clemson in the Final 4 will be among Alabama, LSU, Florida, Penn State, Georgia, Oklahoma or Wisconsin. Conference play will weed out the pretenders from the contender.s Let’s sit back and let the real games begin.
REBELS IMPRESSIVE
Ole Miss won its second conference game of the young season with an impressive score of 31-6 over Vanderbilt. Many Rebels fans can only see 413 rushing yards as the reason for the win, but the defense stepped up big time.
The offense, led by quarterback John Rhys Plumlees and running backs Scottie Phillips, Jerrion Ealy and Snoop Conner, played keep away as they controlled the clock. The defensive line led by Benito Jones (4 tackles, 2.5 for losses and one sack) put pressure on the Vandy offense all night long. The visitors could muster only 62 yards on the ground.
The linebacker play, led by Lakia Henry with 15 tackles, was much improved. The defensive backs held the Commodores in check all night. The Rebels are now 3-3 as they travel to Missouri this Saturday night. If the Rebs win, they might have a shot to go bowling in December.
ODDS & ENDS
— Mississippi Valley, Millsaps, and Alcorn were all winners while Mississippi College, Delta State, Belhaven and Jackson State all fell.
— Former Ole Miss linebacker Patrick Willis had his No. 49 jersey retired this past Saturday in Oxford as he was honored by the College Football Hall of Fame and National Football Foundation.
— Wesley Walls, another former great for the Rebels, was inducted into the Carolina Panthers Hall of Honor. Walls was a five time pro bowler in his seven seasons with the Panthers. He played tight end in the NFL for 14 seasons.
— Former Ole Miss baseball player Mickey Callaway was fired as manager of the New York Mets after only two seasons.
Dale McKee is a native of Waynesboro and has been writing sports in Mississippi since 1973. His column appears in several weekly papers throughout the state. You may contact him at ddmckee18@yahoo.com
