Last week, we compared the Crimson Tide’s roster to what we thought could be its closest competitor — Clemson. We concluded that there was a fairly substantial gap between the two. This was confirmed again last night, as Dabo Swinney’s Tigers looked helpless in the secondary and overwhelmed along the offensive line in its loss to Notre Dame.
Even in victory, the Irish do not look the part of a competitor for Alabama, either. With a backup quarterback and no NFL prospects at wide receiver for Clemson, Notre Dame’s own defense got shredded for 40 points and 440 yards in the air.
Imagine what Mac Jones and company would do to the Irish.
Next up on the competitor’s list? Ohio State.
Here’s how are experts filled out their ballots this week.
Paul Shashy’s ballot:
1. Alabama
2. Ohio State
3. Notre Dame
4. Clemson
5. Florida
6. Cincinnati
7. Texas AM
8. Georgia
The lowdown: Notre Dame showed out this weekend, besting Clemson in an epic overtime game, and they remain a solid contender to be in the college football playoff. The primary SEC matchup was Georgia-Florida, and Florida showed that they are back to being a power player in the SEC and will most likely advance to the SEC championship vs. (hopefully) Alabama.
Zack Shaw’s ballot:
1. Alabama
2. Ohio State
3. Notre Dame
4. Clemson
5. Texas A&M
6. Florida
7. BYU
8. Oregon
The lowdown: What do we do with Clemson? Two weeks without their starting QB, who just happens to be the best in the country, and they have played two close games. Would they have won with Trevor Lawrence? We will never know. But, we do know that the SEC is shaking out with Alabama and Florida on an apparent crash course in the conference title game.
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