CFB Week No. 2: Results from key games for Alabama football fans

Four important games with CFB Playoff implications

Oklahoma 31 – Ohio State 16

As far as we know the Buckeyes loss did not send Urban Meyer to a hospital. No doubt, it pained him greatly nonetheless. A Sooner team, with Bob Stoops not on the sideline, had little trouble winning a big game.

After a tight first half during which Oklahoma made two turnovers, the Sooners dominated in the second half. Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley proved he handle his new gig. Sooner QB, Baker Mayfield played like a future Heisman trophy winner, going 27-35 for 385 yards and three touchdowns.

So far only two teams in the FBS have allowed more than 800 yards passing. Hawaii is last in the FBS in passing yards allowed at 914 yards. Ohio State has surrendered 806 yards through the air. The Buckeyes have played two games, the Rainbow Warriors have already played three.

USC 42 – Stanford 24

Trojan QB Sam Darnold passed for 316 yards on 21-26 accuracy. But it was the USC ground game that destroyed the Cardinal. The USC tandem of Ronald Jones II and Stephen Carr gained 235 yards on 34 carries. Total net rushing for the Trojans was 307 yards.

USC won playing Stanford-style physical football. The Trojans have a roster filled with speed but they are tough in the trenches as well. In the second half, USC gained 185 yards on the ground. Stanford could only manage 25 yards.

Clemson 14 – Auburn 6

Already in week two, the 2017 college football season took a pivot Saturday night in Death Valley. Four conclusions can be drawn from the Tiger-fest. Clemson is very good on defense and may have the best defensive line in college football. Clemson has a more than adequate replacement for DeShaun Watson. Freshman QB Kelly Bryant is already good, with the potential to become very good in 2017.

Auburn’s conclusions are no less clear. Jarrett Stidham and the Tigers’ offensive line were overrated. Stidham is no savior for the offensive woes of Auburn football. The last conclusion is no big surprise. Gus Malzahn is a one-trick pony. Without a fast-footed QB that can gash opposing defenses with his legs, Malzahn’s offense has no magic.

The Auburn defense is very good. The Auburn team could still have a big season but it will require major tweaks by offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey. A major tweak approach has two problems for Auburn. The schedule for offensive rebuilds is spring and early in fall camp. Week three of the season is late in a rebuild cycle. Plus, a rebuild will require Gus to get out of Lindsey’s way. And that is not likely to happen.

Georgia 20 – Notre Dame 19

Georgia won a big game for Kirby Smart. It may become less significant as the Irish continue to struggle in 2017. Kirby and Georgia’s fans see the road victory as a turning point for the program.

The game was dominated by defense and field goal kicking. True freshman QB, Jake Fromm was capable in his first college start. Fromm only threw for 141 yards but it was enough for the Bulldogs.

The Irish had no rushing attack against the Dawgs, managing a paltry 55 yards. Georgia linebacker, Lorenzo Carter terrorized the Irish with seven tackles, two fumble recoveries and a sack. The Bulldogs made it very hard on themselves, with 12 penalties for 127 yards.