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Ohio State Football: Contender or pretender through September

By Blake Biscardi

LINCOLN, NE - SEPTEMBER 28: Quarterback Justin Fields #1 of the Ohio State Buckeyes hands off to running back J.K. Dobbins #2 in the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE - SEPTEMBER 28: Quarterback Justin Fields #1 of the Ohio State Buckeyes hands off to running back J.K. Dobbins #2 in the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /
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CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 28: Aaron Crawford #92 of the North Carolina Tar Heels wraps up Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Clemson Tigers during the second half of their game at Kenan Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Clemson won 21-20. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 28: Aaron Crawford #92 of the North Carolina Tar Heels wraps up Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Clemson Tigers during the second half of their game at Kenan Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Clemson won 21-20. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

No. 2:  Clemson Tigers 

The Tigers barely survived in Chapel-Hill on Saturday if it wasn’t for a triple option play all for the game winning 2-pt conversion. This year’s Clemson team kind of feels like Notre Dame from a year ago.

The Tigers won’t play anybody or have the resume, but will be undefeated and have to be selected to the final four.

I don’t think this team, as it stands right now, can win a National Title, although Dabo Swinney and company certainly possess the talent and coaching pedigree. QB Trevor Lawrence needs to snap out of his sophomore slump and return to true form in the Tigers wish to compete for a championship.

Turnovers have been an issue as has been protecting the quarterback. Those things have played a factor in making their opening games closer than they should’ve been.

Clemson can be extremely dangerous when everything is clicking, but unfortunately we haven’t seen it just yet. They will win the ACC easily so the Tigers are likely playoff bound unless they suffer a loss.

Contender

No. 1:  Alabama Crimson Tide

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The Crimson Tide and Tua Tagovailoa have dismantled their competition (using that term loosely) to open the year. Having the most talented group of receivers in the country have made their air raid attack elite. However, the Tide have seen early struggles on the ground running the football.

I don’t expect Nick Saban to allow that to last very long. Alabama is correctly ranked in the top spot through five weeks and will remain until a loss occurs.

The Crimson Tide is susceptible, but can anyone in the SEC actually manage to fully conquer the giant? The Iron Bowl may bring just that if Bo Nix continues to improve.

Contender

That is my evaluation of the CFP Picture through September with this being my final prediction.

1. Alabama vs 4. Oklahoma

2. Ohio State vs. 3. Clemson

Next. Big Ten Week 5 highlights and lowlights. dark

There you have it. Contenders and Pretenders through Week 5.

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