Monday morning takes: Florida State shows up; Venables has OU coached up; North Carolina is good; Texas sluggish……..

Florida State’s 2nd half dismantling of LSU Sunday nigh was impressive.  They will be in my Top Five for sure.  They will give Clemson, Miami, Fla. and North Carolina a run for the ACC title.  Speaking of North Carolina, Coach Mack Brown’s Tar Heels have one of the best defensive lines and it showed against South Carolina Saturday night.  The ACC was impressive this weekend.

Oklahoma seems to be ready to run a string of wins before their Cotton Bowl clash with Texas.  Sure, Arkansas State is not good, being kindly, but the Sooners did nothing to make the Nation worry after week one.  A better run game maybe but that will not be an issue.  The offense is deep in all areas.  The defense looked the part.  SMU is up next and the Ponies have to slow OU down or another blowout will take place.  More on this game later.

Oklahoma State wants to run the ball this year but that sure did not happen in a closer than expected 27-13 win over Central Arkansas.  The quarterback situation seems to still be too close to call but Head Coach Mike Gundy has to take a serious look in starting his son Gunner Gundy at Tempe next week against Arizona State. The Cowboys will be a slight favorite (-3 currently) but a slow start would almost guarantee a 4th quarter game and that could lead to an upset for OSU.  Arizona State will be ready and the Pokes must come out firing.

As with Texas, I was not impressed with them against a very substandard Rice Owls group.  Texas has to play much better if they hope to beat Alabama.  On this Monday, I say it will be close but the Horns want to win and not play close.  It will be a chore.  Prediction later but I do not expect Alabama to lose this one at home.  

My Early Top 10 going into this weekend (excuse me because Duke and  Clemson play Monday night)

1. Georgia

2. Alabama

3. Florida State

4. Clemson

5. Michigan

6. Texas

7. Washington

8. USC

9. Ohio State

10. Texas A&M

Feature photo: 

Redshirt senior wide receiver Drake Stoops during the game against Arkansas State on Sept. 2.  Audrey Quan/OU Daily