Dan Mullen lists top five college football teams of Week 10
Another week, another slate of entertaining college football games. This week was no exception. On Monday, former Florida head coach Dan Mullen listed his top five teams from the past weekend.
Mullen’s list has no shortage of variety. From perennial powerhouses to military programs, Mullen left no stone unturned. Look below to see if your team made the ESPN analyst’s top five.
1. Army
Army silenced its fellow service program. On Saturday, the Black Knights stunned No. 17 Air Force in a 23-3 statement win. Air Force flew into the outing with an undefeated record, but it didn’t take long for Army to shoot down the Falcons.
In the win, Army squeezed an incredible six turnovers out of Air Force while committing zero. Quarterback Bryson Daily was particularly impressive, cranking out 170 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The Black Knights were 18.5-point underdogs heading into the matchup.
2. Oklahoma State
Oklahoma historically owns bragging rights in Bedlam. But, in the final meeting between the two programs for the foreseeable future, Oklahoma State stole the last laugh. On Saturday, the Cowboys reined in the Sooners 27-24 to hand them their second-straight loss.
The two programs will no longer annually meet in the regular season due to Oklahoma’s decision to join the SEC. Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy was proud his program landed the last punch.
“It’s a big deal. I mean, this is the last Bedlam,” Gundy said after the game. “All the Oklahoma State people have put up with a lot of crap for 100 years. They’ve had their butt kicked a bunch. Now they’re going to walk around and say we won the last game.”
3. Arizona
Arizona has quietly become a giant slayer. On Saturday, the Wildcats pounced on No. 19 UCLA to walk away with a 27-10 win, their third-straight triumph over a ranked opponent. Arizona can thank backup quarterback QB Noah Fifita for its landslide success.
Since Jayden de Laura went down earlier this season with injury, Fifita has been incredible. The standout freshman has completed 25+ passes in each of his last four outings while averaging 305 yards per game through the air. Now 6-3, the Wildcats are bowl-eligible for the first time in six years. Head coach Jedd Fisch couldn’t be happier.
“We’re bowling,” Fisch said. “That’s a great way to start this thing off. We’re excited about that. We’re excited about getting to that spot. Six wins is a big deal and for us to get there nine games into the season, really excited about that.
4. Alabama
Is any college football list truly complete without Alabama? The Crimson Tide picked up their seventh win in a row with a convincing 42-28 triumph over No. 13 LSU. Alabama QB Jalen Milroe was nothing short of spectacular in the win.
The redshirt sophomore exploded for 219 passing yards while also rushing for 155 yards and four touchdowns. Alabama’s defense was equally fantastic, holding LSU to nearly 20 points less than its season average. Head coach Nick Saban was proud of his team’s performance.
“Our guys fought. They competed. I’m really proud of them,” Saban said. “[That was] probably as close to a complete game as we played all year, and we needed to play a game like that.”
5. Clemson
Clemson sent a nation-wide reminder this past weekend: “We’re still here.” Despite a lackluster season, the Tigers took down No. 12 Notre Dame 31-23 on Saturday. In the win, backup running back Phil Mafah tallied a career-high 186 yards and two touchdowns.
Clemson never needed a win worse than it did last weekend. Days before the game, a fan riled up head coach Dabo Swinney by criticizing Clemson on a local radio show. Swinney fired back at the fan. The team’s energy was obviously heightened against the Fighting Irish.
“If Clemson’s a stock, you better buy all you freaking can,” Swinney said after the game. “Buy right now.”
Evidently, Mullen is investing. It won’t be the final time this season Mullen buys into a program. With three weeks left in the regular season, college football will produce plenty more stunning wins and jaw-dropping losses.