Another week and another example of why Alabama and Clemson both land in all of our writers’ picks week after week.
Despite Trevor Lawrence‘s first pick-six of his career, the Tigers rolled over Syracuse 47-21 to push their win streak against the ACC to 27. Lawrence threw for 289 yards and two touchdowns in the win, and Travis Etienne, who was questionable after a first-half injury, rushed for two fourth-quarter touchdowns to put the game away.
As for Alabama, the Crimson Tide once again put up big numbers on offense in a 48-17 win over Tennessee. Najee Harris ran for three touchdowns against the Volunteers, and Mac Jones continued putting up Joe Burrow-esque numbers with 389 yards passing. The Alabama offense did take a major hit as explosive receiver Jaylen Waddle broke his ankle on the opening kickoff and is out for the rest of the season.
Ohio State finally got a chance to prove its spot in the top four this week and promptly beat Nebraska 52-17 to begin its Big Ten season. Justin Fields immediately put himself in the Heisman conversation, completing 20-of-21 passes for 274 yards and two scores. The Buckeyes are back to being a unanimous pick from our writers following the big win.
The biggest shake-up this week in the picks came with Notre Dame overtaking Georgia for the four spot in most of the picks. The Irish traveled to Pittsburgh on Saturday and left with a 45-3 victory in a complete performance. Notre Dame hosts Clemson in two weeks.
Georgia remains on two lists and Oklahoma State gets a vote this week.
Andrea Adelson: 1. Alabama, 2. Clemson, 3. Ohio State, 4. Notre Dame
Kyle Bonagura: 1. Clemson, 2. Alabama, 3. Ohio State, 4. Notre Dame
Bill Connelly: 1. Alabama, 2. Clemson, 3. Ohio State, 4. Notre Dame
Heather Dinich: 1. Clemson, 2. Alabama, 3. Ohio State, 4. Notre Dame
David M. Hale: 1. Alabama 2. Clemson 3. Ohio State 4. Oklahoma State
Sam Khan Jr.: 1. Clemson, 2. Alabama, 3. Ohio State, 4. Georgia
Chris Low: 1. Alabama, 2. Clemson, 3. Ohio State, 4. Notre Dame
Harry Lyles Jr.: 1. Clemson, 2. Alabama, 3. Ohio State, 4. Notre Dame
Ivan Maisel: 1. Clemson, 2. Alabama, 3. Ohio State, 4. Notre Dame
Adam Rittenberg: 1. Alabama, 2. Clemson, 3. Ohio State, 4. Notre Dame
Alex Scarborough: 1. Clemson, 2. Alabama, 3. Ohio State, 4. Notre Dame
Mark Schlabach: 1. Alabama, 2. Clemson, 3. Ohio State, 4. Georgia
Tom VanHaaren: 1. Clemson, 2. Alabama, 3. Ohio State, 4. Notre Dame
Dave Wilson: 1. Clemson, 2. Alabama, 3. Ohio State, 4. Notre Dame
