Colorado Has Multiple Heisman Candidates.
Colorado showed out in Coach Prime’s FBS debut, defeating #17 TCU 45-42. Colorado’s stars shined brightly in the matchup, including one on both sides of the ball. Travis Hunter played both receiver and defensive back and made a HUGE impact. Hunter had 11 receptions for 119 yards in offense, while notching two pass deflections and one interception. Shedeur Sanders showed that his play would translate to the FBS as well, throwing for over 500 yards and racking up 4 touchdowns. Freshman running back Dylan Edwards was a revelation, scoring three touchdowns, two of which were over 70 yards. The Buffs seem to have a trio of superstars, but time will tell if any of the three can continue their dominance into voting season.
Ohio State Has a QB Problem.
Replacing CJ Stroud was never going be easy, but Ohio State doesn’t seem to have a plan at QB. Kyle McCord got the start over Devin Brown, and the results were mixed at best. The Buckeyes beat Indiana 23-3, but McCord was sloppy and uncomfortable at times. The stats reflect the performance, 20/33 with 239 yards and one interceptions, no touchdowns for McCord. The rushing attack and a stout defense lead the Buckeyes to victory. Will Ryan Day stick with the talented but struggling McCord, or will we see Devon Brown down the stretch?
Sam Hartman Will Lead Notre Dame to the CFP.
Notre Dame hasn’t had a QB who moved the needle since the Brady Quinn era in the early 2000s. Despite their defensive prowess over the years the offense has been lacking of late. Enter Sam Hartman out of Wake Forest. Hartman sat out 2022 with a medical condition, and shortly after transferred to ND. He has been dominant in Week 0 and Week 1, Hartman has 8 total touchdowns in two games with over 700 yards combined. Hartman did a great job of spreading the rock as well, with three touchdowns to three different receivers. The Irish finally have a balanced attack, but they will need to face tougher competition than Navy and Tennessee State. Hartman has shown that he can step up in big games before. But can he do it in South Bend?
Iowa Has an Offense?
2022 was a tale of two cities for the Hawkeyes: an elite defense and an absolutely horrid offense. Iowa averaged 15 points per game last year, which was last in the Big Ten by far. But that seems to be changing in 2023. Cade McNamara was never exceptional for Michigan but is a very solid game manager. He did well enough for Iowa to secure a win, throwing for 194 yards and two touchdowns. It isn’t an eye-popping performance , but for Iowa it might as well have been a school-record. Iowa won’t be a world-beater in 2023, but could play spoiler to the blue bloods in the Big Ten.
