Three weeks into the college football season, the storylines are beginning to heat up across the nation.
Alabama and Clemson are holding rank at the top of the polls, the Tigers are coming off a big-time road win over Heisman winner Lamar Jackson and Louisville.
Ohio State is still lurking, but with quarterback concerns. Can the Buckeyes hold up with J.T. Barrett?
Here are three early storylines which have caught my attention:
Baker Mayfield Has That IT Factor
The IT factor is the label given to an athlete when we can’t think of anything better to come up with to describe them. Alright, that’s not exactly what it means, but in this case it works for me with Baker Mayfield of Oklahoma.
There’s just something about this guy, he’s all heart out on the field.
In a season where quarterback play has been a leading topic of conversation, Mayfield is making room for himself in a crowded room.
The senior quarterback has the number three ranked Sooners’ humming through the first part of their season schedule. This includes an upset road win over then number two ranked Ohio State. Mayfield was electric in that win over the Buckeyes, the team thrives off his passion he plays the game.
Of all the impressive passing numbers Mayfield’s posted through three games, there’s one specifically which jumps out to me. He’s 63 of 82 on the season with 10 touchdowns and no interceptions. You have to love a quarterback, with a gunslinger mentality, that doesn’t turn the football over.
USC Quarterback Sam Darnold (Image Credit: Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times)
Is USC the Team to Hate Again?
Hate is a strong word, hate to love might be more suited for the Trojans. They certainly have their swagger back.
This was a pretty easy conclusion for me to reach after fighting off sleep to stay up and watch USC hold off Texas in a 27-24 thriller which needed two overtimes to decide a winner.
What’s also obvious is this won’t be the last time this team’s in a nail-biter this season.
The Trojans have arguably the top quarterback in college football. Sam Darnold is good and he knows it. There’s a hint of arrogance to Darnold’s game which fits the USC swagger. He’s not afraid of the big moment and can make all the throws required to thrive under pressure. Darnold’s jump pass on the final drive of regulation made me almost jump out of bed in amazement.
When USC’s offense is rolling they’re extremely fun to watch move the ball down the field. But they have a living on a prayer quality to them which makes for must-see television, win or lose.
Can’t Help But Notice Penn State
Penn State has been through a lot to get back on the good side of the college football national spotlight.
Head coach James Franklin had the luxury of flying under the radar last season while getting laying the groundwork for the team. Well, that honeymoon’s over and opponents are well aware Penn State’s back and they’re for real.
There’s a blue-collar style to this team I really enjoy. The irony in that is this is an offense that can light up the scoreboard. Trace McSorley is the best quarterback in the Big Ten right now. Lead running back Saquon Barkley is as explosive as they come when it comes to the ground game.
A tough week four clash with Iowa is next on the schedule which should give more insight on where Franklin’s team truly fits in the championship picture. But there’s room at the top for the Nittany Lions.
