http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDH5uzHdM5Y
Week five of the college football season was filled with intriguing matchups, particularly a huge contest in Madison between Wisconsin and Nebraska. The first meeting of top-10 teams in Madison since 1962 looked to have huge ramifications on both the Big Ten title and National Championship picture.
Under the lights of Camp Randall Stadium, Wisconsin looked a little uncomfortable at first, spotting the Cornhuskers an early 14-7 lead. Once the offense, led by Heisman contender Russell Wilson got going, the Badgers were impossible to contain. Wilson threw for 255 yards and two scores, and also ran for another, and running back Montee Ball poured in 151 yards on the ground and four touchdowns as the Badgers won impressively 48-17.
Across the country, more intriguing matchups took place. Alabama visited Florida at “The Swamp” in Gainesville, in an important SEC road test for the Crimson Tide. Running back Trent Richardson absolutely obliterated the Gators run defense, rushing for 181 yards and two scores, as the Tide rolled to a 38-10 victory.
After spotting Texas A&M a seemingly comfortable 35-17 lead, Arkansas and quarterback Tyler Wilson stormed back to an improbable 42-38 victory at Cowboys Stadium. Wilson threw for a whopping 510 yards and three touchdowns, as A&M got an early taste of what might be to come once they officially join the SEC next season.
Last season Texas was stunned by Iowa State 28-21, in the Cyclones first ever win over the Longhorns. This year proved to be a different story, as Texas completely dismantled ISU 37-14 in a warm up game for this week’s highly anticipated Red River Rivalry between UT and the Oklahoma Sooners.
As the regular season progresses and the nations elite begin to rise toward the top of the polls, it will be fascinating to see how the national title chase will shape up. Through five weeks, the battle for the top two spots looks to be between Alabama, LSU, Oklahoma and Wisconsin. Of course some upsets will occur in the coming months, but for now, these four elite programs look to be the cream of the crop in college football.
My Top 5:
1) LSU (5-0)
2) Alabama (5-0)
3) Oklahoma (4-0)
4) Wisconsin (5-0)
5) Clemson (5-0)
Biggest Surprise: Illinois’ ascension towards the elite of the Big Ten has been extremely surprising thus far. It is still early in the season, but after overcoming a 28-10 deficit against Northwestern, the Illini look to be serious contenders for a Big Ten title.
Biggest Disappointment: After winning the Rose Bowl last year against Wisconsin, TCU looked to be on the verge of greatness. They lost quarterback Andy Dalton to the NFL, but under head coach Gary Patterson, the Horned Frogs looked to be heading towards elite status. Not so fast. After last week’s 40-33 loss to Southern Methodist, TCU dropped out of the top-25, and they will be playing just to get into a bowl game this year.
Offensive Player of the Week: My offensive player of the week for the fifth week of the regular season is Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson. In overcoming a 35-17 deficit against Texas A&M, Wilson threw for 510 yards and three scores, as the Razorbacks were able to storm back to an improbable 42-38 victory.
Defensive Player of the Week: After winning the SEC Defensive Player of the Week award for the second consecutive week, Melvin Ingram is also my choice for the award. Ingram, a defensive end from South Carolina, recorded 11 total tackles, 3 ? sacks, and an interception.
Play of the Week: For the second consecutive week, Tyrann Mathieu had the play of the week in college football. Mathieu, a sophomore cornerback from LSU, is a making a strong case for Heisman consideration.