Joel Klatt views the Ohio State Buckeyes and Indiana Hoosiers through a different lens from the TAMU Aggies -- viewing the former two undefeated Big Ten powers as more complete than the latter SEC unbeaten.
Klatt believes the Buckeyes and Hoosiers are on a collision course to meet in the Big Ten Championship Game from Indianapolis this December. And while the Aggies are complete in Klatt's view, they are not as complete as OSU and IU.
"Ohio State, which defeated Penn State 38-14, and Indiana are on a collision course for the Big Ten championship game. Those are your two best teams in the country. All due respect to Texas A&M, which is right there as well, but man, the complete nature of Indiana and Ohio State is pretty significant, and they stand out to me." Klatt wrote.
"That offensive line is going to win the Joe Moore Award. That's going to be your best offensive line in the country. I mean, there are no holes with Indiana, and they've been battling some injuries now. Linebacker Aiden Fisher didn't play, wide receiver Elijah Sarratt was battling a hamstring at some point on Saturday at Maryland — he's a very good player, All-American-caliber player. If they're healthy, that's going to be a tough team to beat.
"Texas A&M is a complete football team, that's clearly a top-three football team. I love what QB Marcel Reed has done. They've won in several different ways; can't wait to watch them down the stretch."
TAMU may not be in this discussion by the end of November
The Aggies look like a near-lock to make the College Football Playoff if they can avoid three losses down the stretch. But avoiding any losses looks difficult for a team that's on the road against two ranked rivals in the Missouri Tigers and Texas Longhorns, and facing the ultimate trap game: a matchup against the Mike Shula-less South Carolina Gamecocks.
By the end of November, we're probably not including TAMU in these discussions with Ohio State and Indiana. The Buckeyes have TTUN as a test, but the Hoosiers don't face any opponents they won't be double-digit favorites against.
The cream will rise to the top. Of this bunch, only OSU has ever reached the zenith in this sport since 1939. But IU at least looks like they belong right behind them.
The jury is out on the Aggies. Especially this one-man jury, with the SEC on ABC and Klatt broadcasting on FOX.