Week 2 Polls: Dawgs Jump to #2

This Week’s Polls

AP Poll

1. Alabama

2. Georgia

3. Ohio State

4. Oklahoma

5. Texas A&M

6. Clemson

7. Cincinnati

8. Notre Dame

9. Iowa State

10. Iowa

11. Penn State

12. Oregon

13. Florida

14. USC

15. Texas

16. UCLA

17. Coastal Carolina

18. Wisconsin

19. Virginia Tech

20. Ole Miss

21. Utah

22. Miami

23. Arizona State

24. North Carolina

25. Auburn

Coaches Poll

1. Alabama

2. Georgia

3. Ohio State

4. Oklahoma

5. Texas A&M

6. Clemson

7. Notre Dame

8. Cincinnati

9. Florida

10. Iowa State

11. Oregon

12. Iowa

13. Penn State

14. USC

15. Texas

16. UCLA

17. Wisconsin

18. Utah

19. Coastal Carolina

20. Ole Miss

21. Virginia Tech

22. North Carolina

23. Oklahoma State

24. Miami

25. Arizona State

Georgia Overview

While I assume those reading this have heard the news, the Dawgs did indeed come out on top in Charlotte against Clemson, winning 10-3 behind one of the most dominant defensive performances of the Kirby Smart era.

Despite lingering concerns about the offense, the voters jumped Georgia to the #2 ranking in both the AP and Coaches Polls. This is likely the correct spot for the Bulldogs, as it rewards a team for beating what was the #3 team in the country, though keeps UGA behind an impressive looking Alabama squad.

Up next, the Dawgs journey back to Athens to play the UAB Blazers in what will be a difficult game against the reigning Conference USA champions. The line opened at -29 and has already dropped to -24.5.

Coach Smart was correct in his postgame interview – we are playing a very good opponent. He was also correct in his statement, “You’re either elite, or you’re not”. If the Dawgs are elite, we will win this game at home by 3+ touchdowns.

Movers

Fell Out: #16 LSU, #17 Indiana, #20 Washington, #23 Louisiana

Newcomers: #16 UCLA, #19 Virginia Tech, #20 Ole Miss, #25 Auburn

Overrated

#8 Notre Dame. While the Fighting Irish held on to win in overtime against Florida State, the defense is a major concern. Under new defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman, the Irish gave up big play after big play against an inferior, albeit improved, Seminole offense. With games against #8 Cincinnati and #18 Wisconsin around the corner, Notre Dame must figure things out on defense if they hope to return to the College Football Playoff.

Underrated

#16 UCLA. I could look foolish in a month or two by saying this, but I think UCLA is the class of the Pac-12 this season. It’s admittedly a low bar for the conference, but the Bruins seem to finally be clicking on offense under fourth year coach Chip Kelly. Michigan transfer running back Zach Charbonnet has found a new gear in Hollywood, and I’m very intrigued to see what the Bruins do against Fresno State in some out-of-conference Pac-12 After Dark action this weekend.

This Week’s Top 25 Matchups

#12 Oregon at #3 Ohio State

#10 Iowa at #9 Iowa State

Upset Alert

Overall, it’s a weaker slate of games in Week 2 than what we had in Week 1. Therefore, we’re going to go outside the Top 25 for an upset alert. The Pitt-Tennessee game opened as a pick’em, however, the line has since moved to Pitt -3 ½. The Vols aren’t that great, but on the other hand Pitt always gives off extreme Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde vibes. The Vols prevail at home over Pitt, sending that awful shade of orange crowd into a frenzy thinking they’re SEC East contenders.

GO DAWGS!!!