Texas is Back, For Real This Time.
Texas has been the “has been” of college football since 2010, when Colt McCoy was slinging the rock and Mac Brown was coaching the team. Cut to 2018, when Todd Herman and Sam Ehlinger were destined to return the program to dominance. Safe to say that never worked out with Texas only finishing above seven wins once. Cut again to 2022, where the Longhorns had some moderate success, finishing 8-5. Quinn Ewers showed promise in 2022 but the doubts remained about his ability to win the big games. But cut to 2023 and Ewers dominated the Tide, throwing for over 300 yards while tossing 3 TDs and no picks. Xavier Worthy and Ja’Tavion Sanders showed why they are future NFL starters, while Adonai Mitchell showed out with two TD grabs. The defense also dominated, sacking Bama’s Jalen Milroe five times. If Texas can stay the course and win some moral crucial games, we could see them in the CFP.
Miami Will Finish in the Top 10
In 2022, Miami disappointed in the first year of the Mario Cristobal era. But so far so good in 2023. The Canes rolled over #23 Texas A&M 48-33; however, the final result doesn’t do justice to the momentum of the game. Tyler Van Dyke, who had a dismal year in 2022, threw for five TDs and over 300 yards. However, the running game was ineffective, with only 77 yards on the ground. But the defense was solid, and picked off A&M’s Connor Weigman twice. On the special teams end, Brashard Smith had a 98-yard kick return TD to help seal the deal. In the wide-open ACC, The U might be able to break through and challenge Florida State for the conference title.
Notre Dame Is Legit.
Last week I spoke on the Heisman chances of QB Sam Hartman. This week vs NC State his performance reinforced his chances. NC State isn’t ranked but is still a top-tier football program. Hartman threw for four TDs to three different receivers, while RB Audric Estime rushed for 134 yards and two TDs on only 14 carries. Tight end Holden Staes was a standout, catching 4 balls for 115 yards and two TDs. Notre Dame is definitely a more well-rounded team in 2023 as evidenced by Marcus Freeman’s defense picking off Brennan Armstrong three times. The Fighting Irish also held the Wolfpack to only 84 total rushing yards. Another advantage to ND is their strength of schedule, outside of matches with Ohio State and Duke, ND doesn’t face another ranked team for the entirety off the season. Could ND ride this wave into a CFP spot?
The Whistleblower’s Heisman Rankings
1. Caleb Williams: QB, USC
2. Sam Hartman: QB, Notre Dame
3. Quinn Ewers: QB, Texas
4. Shedeur Sanders: QB, Colorado
5. Travis Hunter: WR/DB, Colorado
