By: Ryan Moreland (@ryanmoreland)
The best conference in the CFSL had an okay start to the season. The conference had a combined record of 3-3 in the opening week. However, two of their losses were by three points. Let’s look at the biggest stories this week.
Scarlet Comeback
Ohio State hosted Colorado this past week. The first half was all Colorado. The Buckeyes were doing their best to keep up, but the Buffaloes were on fire. Just after the start of the second half, Senior CB Ladarius Byrd took an interception back to the house to give Colorado a 21-point lead. It appeared that the Buckeyes were going to start their season with a loss.
Then something clicked. The Buckeye offense scored on six straight drives, totaling 38 points. The Buckeye defense made sure those 38 points were unanswered, as they didn’t allow a single point in the second half.
A trio of seniors led the charge. MLB Seth Berlin and DE Mike Diamond combined for 17 tackles, 8 TFLs, a forced fumble, and a pair of sacks. The Buckeyes held all-world HB Taylor James to 2.8 YPC.
On offense, it was Senior Ethan Flowers who dominated. He had 11 receptions for 147 yards and two touchdowns. That was the fifth most yards put up by any player in Week 1.
This comeback showed the reliance the Buckeyes possess. Big shoutout to AD Zach Davis and his team.
The Comeback That Never Was
There was a lot of anticipation for the match-up between Michigan and Auburn. These two powerhouses lived up to the hype. Both defenses were playing their best, but Auburn held a slight advantage heading into the final quarter of play. The score was 21-10.
Michigan started the 4th quarter with a four-yard touchdown run by Terrell Collins to cap off a 92-yard drive. The Wolverines were successful on their two-point try, to make it a 21 to 18 game.
Auburn responded right away with a touchdown of their own, courtesy of Jay Duke’s legs. Michigan needed to score quickly, which they did. On 3rd and 17, Windham Carter found Timothy Richardson over the middle for a 25-yard touchdown. with 2:31 on the clock, it was back to a 3-point game.
All that Michigan needed to do was come up with a stop and they had a chance. But Auburn’s rushing attack proved to be too much. The Tigers ran out the clock and Michigan suffered a loss to open the season.
The Wolverines played a great game against one of the best teams in the CFSL. They proved they will be a force to be reckoned with this season. That should make the loss sting less.
Return of the King
Last season Oregon’s Ryan Ralosky was the best HB in the CFSL. He put up 1,256 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground while leading the Ducks to the playoffs. There was a lot of speculation about whether he could keep that unbelievable pace up in his second season.
Well, that question has been answered. Ralosky had 24 carries for 158 yards and a touchdown. This included a 62-yarder that set up a walk-on touchdown.
The Ducks ultimately lost the game to Oklahoma 45-42, but Raloksy proved he is the name to beat once again in the CFSL. His 158 yards were the most of any HB in Week 1. I have a feeling he could go wire-to-wire with the rushing lead this season. Good luck to the CFSL’s best back.
Other Games
Penn State 38, Florida 26
The Gators put up a great fight, but JK Matthews and company proved too much. Matthews’s 4 TDs led the Nittany Lions past the Gators.
USC 44, West Virginia 10
Despite a slow start, USC was able to dominate the Mountaineers. AD Jacob Cobb notched a win over his former boss, Nate Murphy, and the Trojans began their title defense.
Texas A&M 22, Michigan State 10
The new-look Michigan State had many convinced they could be the upcoming team to watch. However, Week 1 was not what those folks expected. The Spartans start their season with a loss to the Aggies for the second straight season.
Week 2 Matchups
Texas at Penn State
6:30 P.M. CST on Monday on Twitch
This is a marquee matchup that pits two great teams against each other. Texas will be looking for redemption after a poor showing in the first week. Penn State could make a big statement by winning this game.
LSU at Michigan
8:30 P.M. CST on Monday on Twitch
Michigan will host LSU and Wolverines are hungry for a win. They should have the upper hand, but they can’t afford to overlook the Tigers.
USC at Kentucky
8:30 P.M. CST on Tuesday on Twitch
The Trojans will have a real test this coming week against the Wildcats. Kentucky looked great in their opener and has one of the most talented passing attacks in the CFSL. the USC secondary better be ready.
Ohio State at Georgia
6:30 P.M. CST on Wednesday on YouTube
This might be a YouTube game, but don’t let that fool you. This is a major game for both teams. Ohio State and Georgia are both looking to put pressure on the top teams in their conference and push themselves into the playoffs. The loser of this game could miss the playoffs later this season behind the winner.
Oregon at Alabama
8:30 P.M. CST on Wednesday on Twitch
The Ducks didn’t start their season the way they wanted, but unfortunately for them, it isn’t getting any easier. The Crimson Tide are stacked and look great this season. Oregon needs to play their best to get a win in this game.
Tennessee at Michigan State
8:30 P.M. CST on Thursday on YouTube
The Volunteers looked great in their first game and Michigan State struggled. The Spartans need to be ready. If they overlook Tennessee they will start their season 0-2.
