Lincoln Riley has still yet to find an adequate defense, especially up front, at USC

The Farrell 5: Issues for Contenders, Wasted QB Talent, CFB's Best Defenses

Author:
Mike Farrell
Publish date:
Oct 10, 2023

Everyone loves lists. The best this, the strongest that. Let’s apply that randomly to college football shall we?

Glaring issues for title contenders.

1. USC's front

2. Ohio State's OL

3. Washington's secondary

4. Florida State's rushing attack

5. Oregon's run defense

Breakdown:

USC continues to get bullied up front more often than not and it’s going to catch up to them. The Ohio State offensive line is not good at all and can’t consistently reach the second level while Washington is very susceptible to a strong passing attack. Even after Trey Benson’s 200-yard game, I am not sold on the 'Noles' running game yet, and the Ducks haven’t been tested at all upfront but the one team with a pulse, Texas Tech, pushed them around a bit.

Florida State Seminoles running back Trey Benson (3) makes his way down the field for a touchdown. The Florida State Seminoles defeated the Virginia Tech Hokies 39-17 at Doak Campbell Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023.
© Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat / USA TODAY NETWORK

Wasted QB talent last decade.

1. Justin Herbert, Oregon

2. Bryce Young, Alabama

3. Caleb Williams, USC

4. Lamar Jackson, Louisville

5. Patrick Mahomes, Texas Tech

Breakdown:

Herbert was an obvious talent who wasn’t utilized well at Oregon at all while Alabama didn’t win a natty with Young who is probably the best QB the storied franchise has had. Caleb Williams will fall victim to an awful defense this season as he did last year while Lamar Jackson was great but Louisville couldn’t put it together with the most dynamic QB since Michael Vick. Mahomes didn’t have the supporting cast at Tech but he’s so good you have to wonder if they should have won even more.

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The best defenses in college football.

1. Michigan

2. Penn State

3. Georgia

4. Utah

5. Alabama

Breakdown:

This Michigan team is nasty and dangerous and the defense is legit even though they haven’t played anyone. Penn State under Manny Diaz could be equally impressive while UGA is a tick behind their defenses of the last two years but not that far off. If Cam Rising were playing, Utah would be undefeated because of their defense and Alabama has played some good offenses and held up well.