Sep 30, 2023; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; LSU Tigers defensive linemen Jacobian Guillory (90) and defensive back Major Burns (8) tackle Mississippi Rebels running back Ulysses Bentley IV (24) during the second half at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.

The Farrell Five: Inexplicable Things, Undefeated Teams Needing Respect, Dangerous Offenses

Author:
Mike Farrell
Publish date:
Oct 2, 2023

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

Inexplicable things so far in college football

1. LSU defense

2. Pitt

3. Alex Grinch earning a paycheck

4. Washington State and Oregon State unwanted

5. Clemson’s regression

Breakdown: LSU has way too much talent to be this inept on defense, it makes zero sense. Pitt is as bad as they’ve been since the Walt Harris Big East days and that’s hard to do while somehow Lincoln Riley continues to employ DC Alex Grinch and we don’t know why. I’ve had a chance to watch the Beavers and Cougars this season and have felt the great home-field advantage they have and am puzzled why no one wants them aside from bad TV markets. They are great and fun programs. And finally, Clemson shouldn’t be this inept overall with that roster talent. 3-2 is kinda crazy.

Sep 30, 2023; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Phil Jurkovec (5) reacts after a play during the second quarter against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Lane Stadium.
© Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

Undefeated teams needing more respect

1. Kentucky

2. Missouri

3. Maryland

4. Louisville

5. Air Force

Breakdown: I had Kentucky in my pre-season top 25 and pretty high at No. 13 but no one else did while I don’t know anyone who expected Eli Drinkwitz and Mizzou to be undefeated. Mike Locksley is doing an amazing job, Jeff Brohm is a difference maker and Air Force has become the quiet feel-good story in Colorado.

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The most dangerous offenses

1. Washington

2. Oklahoma

3. Oregon

4. USC

5. Washington State

Breakdown: The Michael Penix-led offense with those receivers is far and away above everyone else. Oklahoma has surprised me although they haven’t played anyone and the rest of my top offenses are also in the PAC 12 which is kinda crazy to think about.