Alabama coach Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide carried the torch for the Southeastern Conference last week in the return of college football. It handled Southern California 52-6, behind the play of its defense, running back Damien Harris and true freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Harris, a sophomore, recorded a career game with 138 yards rushing on nine carries, while Hurts accounted for four total touchdowns (two passing, two rushing). Alabama’s defense forced three sacks and an interception, on top of limiting the Trojans’ offense to 194 total yards (64 rushing).
After being voted preseason No. 1 in both Associated Press and Coaches polls, the Crimson Tide remained atop the nation in the AP on Tuesday. Saban improved to 10-0 (2007, vacated) in season openers, but now his attention shifts to this week’s home opener against Western Kentucky.
Clemson, Florida State, Ohio State and Michigan all won last week. The quartet stacks up at Nos. 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively, behind Alabama. Houston stands at No. 6, after earning a victory against the Oklahoma Sooners. Listed below is the complete top 25 rankings for week two of college football.
1. Alabama
2. Clemson
3. Florida State
4. Ohio State
5. Michigan
6. Houston
7. Stanford
8. Washington
9. Georgia
10. Wisconsin
11. Texas
12. Michigan State
13. Louisville
14. Oklahoma
15. TCU
16. Iowa
17. Tennessee
18. Notre Dame
19. Mississippi
20. Texas A&M
21. LSU
22. Oklahoma State
23. Baylor
24. Oregon
25. Miami (FL)
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
