Kirk Herbstreit reveals his early top-four, next two out
ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit has released his early top six teams in college football following an eventful first two weeks of the season. Herbstreit’s rankings closely mirror the latest AP Top 25 Poll, as his top five is exactly the same as the top five in the AP Poll.
“Early top 4 for me are based on combination of talent/potential and results from first 2 weeks,” Herbstreit tweeted on Sunday.
Herbstreit’s rankings: The top four
1. Alabama Crimson Tide: Alabama has proven in the first two weeks that there will be no drop off offensively despite losing great amounts of talent. Quarterback Bryce Young has looked like a star so far, and Alabama has scored at least 44 points in each of the first two games of the year. Alabama defeated Miami 44-13 in week one and beat Mercer 48-14 on Saturday. The Crimson Tide is ranked No. 1 and received 60 of 63 first place votes in the latest AP Poll.
2. Georgia Bulldogs: Georgia’s season has already been eventful, but they come in ranked at No. 2 for Herbstreit, as well as in the AP Poll. The Bulldogs also received three first place votes. In week one, Georgia’s stout defense dominated Clemson in a top five matchup. The Bulldogs won over the Tigers 10-3 behind a pick six. On Saturday, Georgia dominated UAB 56-7. Georgia was without starting quarterback JT Daniels, but Stetson Bennett came in and delivered a solid performance. UAB’s only points came off of a pick six, and Georgia’s defense hasn’t allowed an offensive touchdown through two games.
3. Oklahoma Sooners: Oklahoma was supposed to begin the season on the road, but Hurricane Ida forced the Sooners’ game against Tulane to be played in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma narrowly avoided the upset, defeating the Green Wave 40-35. On Saturday, Oklahoma dominated Western Carolina, winning 76-0. The Sooners had 624 total yards of offense in the game, and it is no surprise to see them ranked highly in the polls and in Herbstreit’s rankings.
4. Oregon Ducks: Oregon narrowly beat Fresno State in Week One, 31-24. Not many people had Ohio State on upset alert in week two, but Oregon came in and dominated offensively, defeating the Buckeyes 35-28. Running back CJ Verdell amassed 190 total yards and three touchdowns in the game, and Oregon saw a major leap in the Polls following its offensive dominance over Ohio State.
Herbstreit’s next two teams:
5. Iowa Hawkeyes: Iowa has two impressive wins under its belt through week two. On opening weekend, Iowa completely dominated Indiana with a 34-6 victory. On Saturday, Iowa played great defense in a top ten matchup against Iowa State. The Hawkeyes won the game 27-17 to improve to 2-0 and rise in the polls and Herbstreit’s rankings.
6. Cincinnati Bearcats: The Bearcats are the highest Group of 5 school for both Herbstreit and in the polls. Herbstreit has Cincinnati sixth, while they sit at No. 8 in the AP Poll. In week one, Cincinnati won 49-14 over Miami (Ohio). On Saturday, Cincinnati overcame a slow start and ultimately won 42-7 over Murray State.