NCAA Football Rankings 2020: Predicting Week 11 Poll for Top 25 Teams
Nov 8, 2020
Notre Dame linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) and safety Shaun Crawford (20) celebrate after a third-quarter stop against the Clemson in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, in South Bend, Ind. (Matt Cashore/Pool Photo via AP)
For the first time in 2020, college football will have a new No. 1 team.
After No. 4 Notre Dame's nail-biting win over Trevor Lawrence-less Clemson late Saturday night, the Tigers won't occupy the top spot in the polls, though they are unlikely to drop far.
Waiting behind them will be Alabama (idle in Week 10), Ohio State, which easily dispatched Rutgers 49-27, and the Fighting Irish, who won their first game over a top-ranked team since 1993. The Crimson Tide, which garnered 29 first-place votes in the previous week's Associated Press college football poll, will almost assuredly ascend to the top spot, with the Irish and Buckeyes likely fighting for the No. 2 spot behind them.
But what about the rest of the Top 25? Let's break it down.
Projected Week 11 AP Top 25
1. Alabama
2. Ohio State
3. Notre Dame
4. Clemson
5. Florida
6. Cincinnati
7. Texas A&M
8. BYU
9. Indiana
10. Georgia
11. Oregon
12. Wisconsin
13. Miami
14. Coastal Carolina
15. Oklahoma State
16. Marshall
17. Oklahoma
18. Iowa State
19. USC
20. SMU
21. Auburn
22. Texas
23. Liberty
24. Northwestern
25. Louisiana
Rise of the Group of Five
With the Pac-12 and Big Ten delaying their starts, the Group of Five schools have taken full advantage. Seven schools outside of the Power Five made the previous AP Top 25 poll, and depending on how things fall Sunday, there could be again.
At the top of that list are Cincinnati and BYU, two teams who could finally break into the College Football Playoff. The Bearcats easily dispatched Houston 38-10 on Saturday, while the Cougars demolished No. 21 Boise State 51-17 in an offensive tour de force. Quarterback Zach Wilson has quietly made himself a legitimate Heisman contender, completing 75 percent of his passes while throwing 21 touchdowns and just two interceptions.
BYU has two remaining regular-season games, both of which they should be heavily favored in. Cincinnati, meanwhile, has four more chances—plus the AAC Championship Game—to make an impression on the College Football Playoff committee.
Gators Gobble Up Georgia
What was supposed to be the first of two premier matchups of top-10 teams Saturday night didn't end up being all that close. Florida, a three-point underdog, flexed its offensive muscle against Georgia, racking up 571 yards of offense en route to a 44-28 blowout of the Bulldogs.
Like the Wilson, Gators quarterback Kyle Trask has made a strong case for Heisman contention, and he only added to it by going 30-of-43 for 474 yards and four touchdowns Saturday.
In contrast, the Bulldogs' struggles under center have only gotten worse, with both Stetson Bennett and D'Wan Mathis having abysmal showings. Bennett, who left the game for a brief period after landing awkwardly on his shoulder, completed five of his 16 passes for 78 yards, while Mathis completed just four of his 13 attempts while throwing two interceptions.
There's been no word on the availability of USC transfer JT Daniels, though there don't seem to be any lingering effects from his ACL injury last season.
"Right now, we feel like the other two give us a better shot," Georgia head coach Kirby Smart told reporters after the game. "They have more of a body of work. I don't think, necessarily, that he has anything with his knee. He doesn't wear his brace anymore. He reps. He takes reps with the scout team and gives us a good look. He's still rolling and getting better in the offense."
Clemson's Trevor Lawrence to Return to Practice Monday, Dabo Swinney Says
Nov 8, 2020
Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence watches players warm up for an NCAA college football game between Clemson and Notre Dame on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, in South Bend, Ind. (Matt Cashore/Pool Photo via AP)
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinneytold reporters that quarterback Trevor Lawrence will return to practice on Monday and resume his role as the team's starter after testing positive for the coronavirus on October 28.
The announcement followed the No. 1 Tigers falling to No. 4 Notre Dame in double overtime, 47-40, at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday night.
Lawrence was spotted on the sidelines but was inactive for the contest.
In his place, Clemson turned to backup D.J. Uiagalelei, who more than held his own against one of the best teams in the nation. The freshman passed for 439 yards and two touchdowns and notched a rushing score in the first overtime.
The Fighting Irish were able to stop Uiagalelei from creating even more magic in double OT, sacking him twice before he tossed an incomplete pass followed by Clemson tight end Braden Galloway losing a fumble to end the game. While it's clear Uiagalelei is the future of the program, it appears this is still Lawrence's team for now.
A favorite to win the Heisman Trophy, Lawrence has already passed for 1,833 yards this season with 17 touchdowns and two interceptions, making the Tigers offense one of the most potent units in college football.
Fortunately, Lawrence will have some time to get back into his routine.
Clemson will be on a bye this upcoming week before traveling to Florida State for a Nov. 21 matchup with the 2-5 Seminoles.
Brian Kelly Addresses Fans Storming Field After Notre Dame's 2OT Win vs. Clemson
Nov 8, 2020
Fans storm the field after Notre Dame defeated the Clemson 47-40 in two overtimes in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, in South Bend, Ind. (Matt Cashore/Pool Photo via AP)
Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly attempted to prepare his team for the potential aftermath of a victory over No. 1 Clemson on Saturday, but it may not have worked.
After the Fighting Irish defeated the Tigers in double overtime, 47-40, the limited capacity crowd at Notre Dame Stadium rushed the field, creating a potentially dangerous situation in the middle of a pandemic as players were trying to get back into their locker rooms.
"I told our team at our walkthrough today, I said: 'I just want you to know when we win this thing, the fans are gonna storm the field," Kelly told reporters. "With COVID being as it is, we gotta get off the field and get to the tunnel."
Reporters at the stadium noted players hurried off the field as fans poured out of the stands.
Notre Dame Stadium is allowing just 20 percent of its total fan capacity to attend games due to the virus. That would amount to an attendance of 16,159 on Saturday.
According to the New York Times,the state of Indiana saw 4,648 new cases reported on Saturday with 36 new deaths from COVID-19. Notre Dame's own coronavirus dashboardreported17 new cases as of Friday with an estimated 220 cases active across campus.
That led to school president Father John Jenkins asking students to take caution over the next two weeks as the fall semester comes to a close.
"We must recognize that not wearing a mask or maintaining distance is now considerably more risky, with the rapid rise the virus, than it was even a few weeks ago,” Jenkinssaid.
D'Eriq King Totals 535 Yards, 5 TDs as No. 11 Miami Avoids NC State's Upset Bid
Nov 6, 2020
Miami quarterback D'Eriq King (1) runs past North Carolina State linebacker Isaiah Moore, obscured at left, during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Nov. 6, 2020, in Raleigh, N.C. (Ethan Hyman/The News & Observer via AP, Pool)
Miami quarterback D'Eriq King completed 31 of 41 passes for 430 yards and five touchdowns and added 15 carries for 105 rushing yards as the No. 11 Hurricanes stymied a valiant upset attempt from the NC State Wolfpack en route to a 44-41 road win at Carter-Finley Stadium on Friday.
A seesaw game ended in Miami's favor after King found Michael Harley for a 54-yard score to give the Hurricanes the lead with 2:43 remaining.
He also added this milestone, per the Associated Press' Tim Reynolds:
Miami's D'Eriq King is the first Power 5 quarterback since at least 2000 with 430 yards passing, 90 yards rushing, 5 TDs and 0 interceptions in a game.
D’Eriq King is a wizard. The long throw from the shadow of his own goal line was exceptional, and the read and execution vs. the blitz for the TD were just perfect.
King and the 6-1 Hurricanes, whose only loss was to the undefeated No. 1 Clemson Tigers, will now pay a visit to Virginia Tech on Nov. 14.
Louisville vs. Virginia Rescheduled Due to Cardinals' Positive COVID-19 Tests
Nov 4, 2020
The Papa John's Pizza logo hangs on one of the many signs on the outside of the University of Louisville's Cardinal Stadium, Tuesday, July 17, 2018, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)
Saturday's Atlantic Coast Conference game between Louisville and Virginia has been pushed back by a week because of positive tests and quarantining within the Cardinals program, according to a statement from the ACC.
The two teams are now scheduled to play Nov. 14.
Louisville announced that 10 players and five staff members tested positive, with five athletes and two staffers quarantining as a result of contact tracing. Louisville athletic director Vince Tyra told reporters that everyone affected is experiencing "mild or less symptoms."
Per ACC guidelines, players identified through contact tracing must spend 14 days in quarantine before they can return to the team, while players who return a positive test must quarantine for 10 days from when their symptoms start and must be recovered—without a fever, no fever-reducing medicines and improved respiratory symptoms—for one day before they return.
Cameron Teague Robinson of the Louisville Courier Journal reported that the Cardinals played last week's game against Virginia Tech with nine players sidelined because of "coronavirus-related issues," including eight defensive players. The Cardinals had five active defensive linemen in the 42-35 loss.
Louisville head coach Scott Satterfield said the team had discussed postponing the Virginia Tech game but decided to play after evaluating the number of players available:
"It comes down to 'Do you have enough players at a certain position?' And I've heard this from several schools throughout the country whenever games have been canceled. If you don't have enough players at a certain position, you can't play. Particularly, O-line and D-line are really those spots. You just can't go manufacture big guys to put in there. Either you have them, or you don't. So we looked at the numbers defensive line-wise to say 'Can we play?' and we had enough. We had five. And we said we'll go out and play. You just cross your fingers that nobody gets dinged out there during the game, and we're able to finish the game with all those guys, because then it becomes player safety. So we did not reach that number where we didn't think it was not safe for those guys to go play."
The ACC structured its 11-game season to span at least 13 weeks, with each team holding two dates open.
Trevor Lawrence to Act as Coach for Notre Dame Game, Says Clemson's Dabo Swinney
Nov 3, 2020
FILE - In this Jan. 13, 2020, file photo, Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence passes against LSU during the second half of a NCAA College Football Playoff national championship game, in New Orleans. Clemson is preseason No. 1 in The Associated Press Top 25, Monday, Aug. 24, 2020, a poll featuring nine Big Ten and Pac-12 teams that gives a glimpse at what’s already been taken from an uncertain college football fall by the pandemic. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)
Trevor Lawrence won't be cleared to play for Saturday's game against Notre Dame, but the Clemson quarterback will still help his team from the sidelines in South Bend, Indiana.
"He's an incredibly knowledgeable guy and he's been there, so he'll be able to bring a great presence to D.J. [Uiagalelei]," head coach Dabo Swinney said Tuesday, per David M. Hale of ESPN. "He's got a great mind and great eyes, so he's going to be Coach Lawrence."
Lawrence will have completed the mandatory 10-day isolation after testing positive for COVID-19 before Saturday's game, but he still has to go through testing to identify any symptoms of myocarditis. The school also has a "reacclimatization" period of two days before players can return to action.
Swinney had previously explained that Lawrence had remained active with the team even when isolated, perAndrea Adelsonof ESPN:
"He'll be in every meeting, we can Zoom him into practice, so he can stay engaged and make his comments and things like that to support those guys, and participate in traveling with us as well. Obviously can't play, but he can still make a contribution with his presence, his encouragement and his eyes, but he can be in every meeting, he can be in every practice."
Lawrence was unavailable for last week's game against Boston College, leaving freshman quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei to keep the undefeated season alive. Though the Tigers trailed 28-10 in the first half, Uiagalelei helped lead a comeback while finishing with 342 passing yards and two touchdowns, adding one score on the ground.
The young quarterback will have a tougher challenge Saturday against No. 4 Notre Dame, which has a defense that ranks fourth in the country with just 10.3 points allowed per game.
Having Lawrence on the sidelines, with 36 career games and a national title on his resume, could help provide a boost to the offense and keep the Tigers at No. 1 in the AP poll.
No. 1 Clemson Rallies Past Boston College 34-28 with Trevor Lawrence Sidelined
Oct 31, 2020
Clemson quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei (5) passes the ball during the first half an NCAA college football game against Boston College on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, in Clemson, S.C. (Josh Morgan/Pool Photo via AP)
With superstar quarterback Trevor Lawrence out because of a positive COVID-19 test, the No. 1 Clemson Tigers overcame an 18-point deficit to beat the unranked Boston College Eagles 34-28 at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina, on Saturday.
Freshman D.J. Uiagalelei got the start in place of Lawrence and kept the offense playing at a high level, as he accounted for threetouchdowns in the win, while running back Travis Etienne scored twiceas well.
Quarterback Phil Jurkovec led the way for Boston College with twotouchdown passes and helped the Eagles build a three-score lead in the first half, but they were unable to hang on in the second half.
With the win, Clemson improved to 7-0 overall and 6-0 in ACC play, while Boston College fell to 4-3 on the season with a 3-3 conference mark.
Notable Stats
D.J. Uiagalelei, QB, CLE: 30-of-41 for 342 YDS, 2 TD, 0 INT; 6 CAR for 25 YDS, 1 TD
Travis Etienne, RB, CLE: 20 CAR for 84 YDS, 1 TD; 7 REC for 140 YDS, 1 TD
Cornell Powell, WR, CLE: 11 REC for 105 YDS
Amari Rodgers, WR, CLE: 7 REC for 66 YDS, 1 TD
Phil Jurkovec, QB, BC: 12-of-24 for 204 YDS, 2 TD, 0 INT
Zay Flowers, WR, BC: 3 REC for 63 YDS, 1 TD
CJ Lewis, WR, BC: 5 REC for 66 YDS, 1 TD
Uiagalelei's Play Overshadows Clemson's 1st-Half Mistakes
Clemson had some issues Saturday in a tightly contested game against Boston College, but Uiagalelei was undoubtedly the Tigers' biggest bright spot.
The spotlight was firmly on Uiagalelei as Lawrence's replacement, but he largely rose to the occasion and played at a high level in his first collegiate start.
That was clear on Clemson's first drive of the game, as he drove the Tigers in for a touchdown after watching Jurkovec decimate the Clemson defense on BC's first drive.
The Eagles sent pressure in an effort to rattle Uiagalelei, but he recognized it and got the ball out quickly to running back Travis Etienne for a 35-yard touchdown:
Meet DJ Uiagalelei.
The true freshman tosses a touchdown in his first drive as a starter filling in for Trevor Lawrence. pic.twitter.com/Kjkh1qElkq
Etienne also set the career ACC rushing yardage record in the game and ran for a go-ahead score in the fourth quarter, but Saturday was more about his work as a pass-catcher and Uiagalelei's dual-threat play under center.
Although it was mostly good for Uiagalelei, a huge mistake in the second quarter left the Tigers with a big hole to dig out of. Clemson was trailing 14-7 and driving for a score near the BC goal line when the exchange between Uiagalelei and Etienne was fumbled, picked up by Brandon Sebastian and returned 97 yards for a Boston College touchdown:
Bryan Fischer of Athlon Sports broke down the play and determined that the fumble was on Uiagalelei since he ball placement on the handoff was too high:
That fumble is on D.J., young QB nearly puts the ball on Etienne’s chin strap pic.twitter.com/l0yKxlDNrR
As if being down 21-7 wasn't bad enough, the Eagles put the Tigers on their heels even more later in the quarter.
With the score sitting at 21-10, Boston College went on a nearly eight-minute touchdown drive that ended in a touchdown to make it 28-10, but the Eagles got some help from Boston College.
First an interception was negated by a somewhat questionable roughing the passer call. Then, Boston College lined up for a fake after initially looking like they were going to kick a field goal, and the Tigers jumped offside.
Mike Uva of WACH Fox was surprised at the mental mistakes Clemson made on defense and special teams on the drive:
Wow. What a great call by BC. Can’t remember the last time Clemson played this undisciplined on defense in a regular season game. @wachfox
It would have been easy for Uiagalelei and Co. to fold at that point, but the freshman led Clemson on a field-goal drive to end the half despite having only one minute on the clock and no timeouts.
That drive seemed to get the Tigers back in the game mentally, as they took control early in the second half with Uiagalelei scoring on a 30-yard quarterback keeper to shrink the deficit to eight:
He brought them even closer later in the quarter on an eight-yard touchdown pass to Rodgers, but an unsuccessful two-point conversion kept Boston College ahead by two.
The Tigers finally took the lead early in the fourth on a 17-yard touchdown run by Etienne, which spoke to Uiagalelei's ability to keep the team in the game even when everything was going wrong earlier in the contest.
David Ubben of The Athletic suggested that while Uiagalelei is a backup at Clemson, he could start for most teams in college football:
I'm scared to ask how many Power 5 teams D.J. Uiagalelei would start for today.
Uiagalelei will go back to the bench whenever Lawrence is cleared to return to action, but Clemson fans and college football observers got a glimpse Saturday of a player who could be the best quarterback in the nation next season and beyond.
Also, head coach Dabo Swinney now knows he has a backup who can win if he is without Lawrence at any other point this season.
Jurkovec Makes Big Plays vs. Clemson Defense Despite Loss
Jurkovec quietly entered Saturday's game as one of the top quarterbacks in the nation, ranking in the top 10 in completions, passing yardage and passing touchdowns, but he truly proved himself with some of the plays he made against Clemson.
It was clear from the first drive of the game that Jurkovec had confidence against a Clemson defense that was allowing just 13.5 points per game entering Saturday.
Jurkovec drove BC 74 yards on four plays in less than two minutes, culminating in an 11-yard touchdown pass to Zay Flowers in the face of pressure to give the Eagles a 7-0 lead:
After Clemson tied it, Jurkovec orchestrated another long scoring drive, as Boston College covered 75 yards in just 2:13 to go up 14-7 on a two-yard touchdown run by David Bailey.
Jurkovec then proved in the second quarter that he could milk the clock and possess the football for a long period of time as well. With the Eagles holding a 21-10 lead, Jurkovec manufactured a 15-play, 75-yard drive that lasted nearly eight minutes.
It ended with Jurkovec's second touchdown pass of the game with CJ Lewis making an acrobatic catch from 18 yards out to extend the lead to 28-10:
The drive left Clemson with no timeouts and only 1:02 remaining on the clock. The Tigers did manage a field goal entering halftime, but the long scoring drive gave Boston College a ton of momentum.
There was no shortage of praise for Jurkovec on social media after his performance, including some from former New England Patriots quarterback and current Patriots announcer Scott Zolak:
Justin Rowland of Rivals marveled at Jurkovec's transformation as well:
Truly amazing what Phil Jurkovec is doing. "Forgot how to throw" at Notre Dame a year ago. In one offseason without much spring ball he's become a stud.
Jurkovec and the Boston College offense did not move the ball in the second half like they did in the first, but the Eagles' inability to stop Clemson defensively in the second half was the biggest culprit in the loss.
It was unclear what the future held for Jurkovec after he transferred from Notre Dame to Boston College, but that decision seems to be paying dividends. Jurkovec has finally gotten the opportunity to play regularly, and he is taking advantage of it even though Boston College fell just short Saturday.
What's Next?
Clemson will hope to get Lawrence back for its next game on Saturday, Nov. 7, when it faces the No. 4 Notre Dame Fighting Irish on the road.
Meanwhile, Boston College will look to bounce back next week when it goes on the road to face the struggling Syracuse Orange on Saturday.
Watch ESPN's Joe Tessitore Make Touching Call as Son John Draws Clemson Offside
Oct 31, 2020
Baldwin, the Boston College Eagles mascot, dances on the field during a break in the second half of an NCAA college football game between Boston College and Richmond, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, in Boston. (AP Photo/Mary Schwalm)
In what might be the most heartwarming offside penalty in football history, ESPN announcer Joe Tessitore called play-by-play of his son, John Tessitore, getting Clemson to jump the line and secure a first down for Boston College.
Serving as the holder on a field-goal attempt, John Tessitore ran up to the line of scrimmage in the quarterback spot and got two Clemson players to jump offside on a 4th-and-2 play:
John Tessitore is a redshirt sophomore who serves as the Eagles punter, but his father noted during the broadcast that John "has played every position growing up." His past experience at quarterback may have helped get Clemson to believe that he was going to snap the ball.
It also had a huge impact on the drive. Boston College got a touchdown on the next play when Phil Jurkovec foundCJ Lewis from 18 yards to help the Eagles to a 28-10 lead late in the second quarter.
Trevor Lawrence Doing 'Great' After COVID-19 Test, Says Clemson's Dabo Swinney
Oct 31, 2020
Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence passes against LSU during the first half of a NCAA College Football Playoff national championship game Monday, Jan. 13, 2020, in New Orleans. Georgia Tech will play at home against the nation's top-ranked team for the first time in 40 years when No. 1 Clemson, let by the high-profile tandem of quarterback Trevor Lawrence and running back Travis Etienne, puts its perfect record on the line on Saturday, Oct. 17. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)
Two days after Trevor Lawrence confirmed he tested positive for COVID-19, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney provided an update on his star quarterback.
Appearing on ESPN's College Gameday (h/t Associated Press), Swinney said Lawrence is doing "great" as he remains in isolation.
In a Twitter post Thursday, Lawrence said that he was experiencing "relatively mild" symptoms and has been following the protocol put in place by Clemson and the ACC.
Per the ACC's official COVID-19 policy, any student-athlete who tests positive must isolate for at least 10 days. Lawrence's test was taken Wednesday, which required him to miss Saturday's game against Boston College.
With Lawrence unavailable this week, true freshman DJ Uiagalelei got the start at quarterback. He was the No. 1 pro-style quarterback and 10th-ranked prospect in the 2020 recruiting class, per 247Sports.
There has been no announcement regarding whether Lawrence will be able to return for Clemson's game against fourth-ranked Notre Dame on Nov. 7.
Clemson's Trevor Lawrence Says He Has 'Mild' Symptoms After COVID-19 Diagnosis
Oct 29, 2020
Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) runs the ball during their game against Syracuse at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. on Oct. 24, 2020. (Ken Ruinard/Pool Photo via AP)
Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who has tested positive for COVID-19, wrote that his symptoms are "relatively mild" in a statement released Thursday:
Clemson football head coach Dabo Swinney previously announced that Lawrence, who is currently isolating, had tested positive for COVID-19 and would not be available for the Tigers' home game against Boston College on Saturday.
Per Matt Fortuna of The Athletic, Lawrence's positive COVID-19 test occurred Wednesday, leading to a potentially interesting situation in two weekends:
Source to @TheAthleticCFB: Trevor Lawrence's positive COVID-19 test was yesterday, presenting an intriguing scenario for Nov. 7: If everything goes smoothly between now and then, could Lawrence fly separately to Notre Dame on the day of the game? https://t.co/tMQ9B7spux
Lawrence pilots a 6-0 Tigers team that ranks No. 1 in the Associated Press poll. Under his watch, Clemson has scored 37 or more points in each of its six games and 48.2 points on average.
The junior has thrown 17 touchdowns to just two interceptions while completing 70.7 percent of his passes for 1,833 yards. He's rushed for four scores as well.
Freshman D.J. Uiagalelei is Clemson'sbackup quarterback. Per247Sports' composite, the 6'5", 245-pound pro-style signal-caller ranked 10th overall among all class of 2020 prospects and first in his position group. He has completed 12 of 19 passes for 102 yards in addition to 32 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
