Joel Klatt isn’t messing around this college football season, not even one week in. His preseason No. 1, Oregon, just barely scraped by against Boise State, and now there’s a new top dog in his rankings after the season opener. While teams like Ohio State, Texas, Georgia, LSU, and Miami (Fla.) all made big statements with their wins, it’s what USC did that really has everyone talking.
USC’s Defense Just Proved Everyone Wrong
USC, over their first two games, totally enhanced Klatt’s view of what they can be this year. They were good upfront running the football, and quarterback Jayden Maiava is outstanding, even getting nicked up late against Fresno State. But the real shocker? Their defense ended up pitching a shutout against Fresno State! Remember, we were questioning what USC’s defense was going to be after they gave up some points in the fourth quarter of their opener after the game was already out of hand. You could tell that a shutout was a serious point of emphasis for the team and for coordinator Gary Patterson specifically in that second game. They played hard throughout, and they got it done. That kind of turnaround, man, it says everything about their grit early on.
Oklahoma Is Legit, But There’s One Huge Question
Oklahoma absolutely dominated UTEP, beating them 51-0. John Mateer threw three touchdowns, and Isaiah Sategna was electric, even scoring a punt return for a touchdown while being great on offense. Klatt loved what he saw, thinking they’ve got future NFL players all over and are an elite team. But he’s got one huge question: can they run the ball independently of John Mateer? They’re facing Michigan next, and as much as Michigan struggled, their defense was still pretty strong. That matchup is gonna be wild and should give us the answer to that run game question.
Indiana’s New QB Is Absolutely Balling Out
Josh Hoover stepping in at Indiana, replacing last season’s Heisman winner and national champion Fernando Mendoza, was a huge question mark. But a lot of us forgot that Mendoza didn’t start hot last year; one of his worst games was the opener against Old Dominion. It took him time. Hoover? Not so much! He was excellent right out of the gate, doing a ton of things well. He threw the ball on time, accurately, connecting with guys downfield. He even created plays out of the pocket, played on schedule, and put the ball on the money for yards after the catch. Klatt was incredibly impressed with Hoover, even if Indiana itself didn’t blow him away.
Man, this early season already has some massive storylines cooking. We’re about to see if Oklahoma’s run game can step up against Michigan’s tough defense. And you gotta wonder if Klatt’s new No. 1 team can hold onto that spot. Get ready, because these rankings are gonna be wild all year!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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