Chris ‘The Bear’ Fallica’s High 10 Faculty Soccer Rankings: Week 4 Version

A wild weekend of video games in some circumstances solidified opinions of sure groups and in others, modified them.

Right here’s my weekly snapshot of how I’d rank my prime 10 groups if I had an AP vote. I’m positive everybody will agree and rejoice within the truth I would not have one. With out additional suspense, onto the rankings.

There actually isn’t a lot separating Ohio State from Texas (who I’ve seventh) and that ought to make for a enjoyable, topsy-turvy season the place we actually shouldn’t be too stunned at any outcomes amongst ranked groups. The Buckeyes had been torpid towards an over-matched opponent this weekend however nonetheless get full marks due to the protection and the win over Texas—regardless of the coin-flip nature of it. An odd week to maneuver them to No. 1 for positive, however all the outcomes ought to drive voters to re-examine every thing. Ryan Day’s squad is off this week earlier than hitting the street for 3 of the following 4. 

There’s going to be loads of rat poison this week in South Florida because the Canes annihilated USF, who was the nationwide darling coming into the week—and simply MIGHT be essentially the most full group within the nation. Carson Beck missed 5 passes on the day with one approaching a tipped ball and the opposite coming when he was hit as he threw. If he’s not the Heisman front-runner or within the prime two proper now, you’re doing this all flawed. Rueben Bain has been unblockable up to now. Florida will head to Miami as a harmful underdog this week with their season teetering on the brink after one other embarrassing offensive efficiency at LSU. DJ Lagway has now thrown six INTs in 82 passes vs FBS groups this yr.

I had LSU No. 1 the final two weeks however made slightly adjustment this week. The Clemson win clearly has misplaced some luster. It is nonetheless an excellent win although, approaching the street in that ambiance. However extra worrisome is the LSU offense. They’ve actually struggled within the pink zone and Garrett Nussmeier has simply seemed slightly off. Regardless of getting 5 presents from DJ Lagway Saturday night time, they might solely handle 20 factors. The protection seems improbable although, and performed all however three performs Saturday night time with out Whit Weeks. The Tigers will get a breather this week earlier than a visit to Ole Miss. 

Kirby Good even stated it publish sport, Georgia didn’t need to win that sport in Knoxville Saturday—however give his guys credit score for not giving up after which taking it in OT. Whereas it is Georgia’s greatest win of the season, I believe there are inquiries to be requested concerning the secondary after getting shredded at instances by Joey Aguilar. However on the flip aspect, Gunnar Stockton answered a ton of questions as as to whether or not he actually was THE GUY. He went 23-of-31 for 304 yards with a TD-INT ratio of 2-0 in his first SEC street begin. Not too shabby. The Bulldogs have per week off to get that offensive line wholesome after which get a go to from resurgent Alabama. 

We realized nothing this previous week from the Geese. They went on the street, took care of enterprise in a sleepy, early kick. They’ve the Civil Struggle this week after which a visit to State Faculty the place we’ll be taught an entire lot extra about each groups. 

Did A&M get away with a clear-as-day maintain/deal with on the game-winning TD? Sure. Did they get extraordinarily fortunate the Notre Dame holder dropped the snap on the PAT, conserving the rating 40-34? Sure. However give the Aggies credit score. They got here again from a number of double-digit deficits, racked up 488 yards and overcame 13 penalties. Marcel Reed and Mario Craver are a scary duo and get a well-deserved week off earlier than returning house to get an Auburn group that is coming off a tricky sport in Norman.

This web page could include affiliate hyperlinks to authorized sports activities betting companions. In the event you join or place a wager, FOX Sports activities could also be compensated. Learn extra about Sports activities Betting on FOX Sports activities.

Rightly or wrongly, Texas goes to be considered as a disappointment up to now due to the pedestrian QB play it has gotten from Arch Manning. The expectations that individuals within the nationwide media and faculty soccer world had been inserting on Arch had been ridiculous. What shouldn’t go unnoticed is how good the Longhorns protection has been, and that may give them an opportunity to beat anybody.  

That win over Bama seems an entire lot higher at this time because the Tide have seemingly righted the ship. The Noles have one other layup this week vs. Kent State earlier than a harmful Friday night time journey to face Virginia. 

The Sooners stated, “Bear, take your flat spot at Temple and shove it you realize the place.” OU went out and took care of an over-matched opponent from the beginning—one thing different groups this weekend didn’t—and left little doubt. OU welcomes previous good friend Jackson Arnold and a harmful Auburn Tiger squad to Norman this week, as their run of ranked convention opponents begins. 

The one motive anybody is rating Penn State within the prime 5 proper now could be as a result of they thought the Nittany Lions could be that good within the preseason. They’ve have executed little to reside as much as these expectations up to now. James Franklin’s squad performed round with their meals the final two weeks with FIU and Villanova, one thing most groups above them haven’t executed. And it isn’t like they’ve a terrific win to fall again on at this level. Ending drives will probably be an enormous focus for Penn State through the off week, as one of many two video games this season that form Penn State’s narrative comes subsequent—Oregon in State Faculty at night time on the twenty seventh for the White Out. 

Chris “The Bear” Fallica has coated sports activities for practically three many years. Whereas faculty soccer has been his focus, he additionally enjoys the NFL, Soccer, Golf, Tennis, MLB, NHL and Horse Racing, with an “occasional” wager on such occasions. Chris lately received the inaugural Circa Soccer Invitational and completed within the High 10 of the Golden Nugget Soccer Contest. He is a multiple-time qualifier for the NHC Handicapping Championship. Keep in mind, “The much less you wager, the extra you lose if you win!” Observe him on Twitter @chrisfallica.

Need nice tales delivered proper to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports activities account, and comply with leagues, groups and gamers to obtain a personalised e-newsletter day by day!

Get extra from the Faculty Soccer Observe your favorites to get details about video games, information and extra