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Much was made in the offseason about two high-profile programs trying to revamp their offenses.
On Saturday, Michigan's makeover looks like a mess and LSU's like a masterpiece.
The sixth-ranked Tigers won the game at No. 9 Texas, with Joe Burrow becoming the first LSU quarterback with a 400-yard passing game since Rohan Davey in the 2002 Sugar Bowl. Three Tigers Receivers had 100-yard receiving games.
LSU needed every bit of Burrow 's big night because of Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger practically matched him.
The Tigers brought in Joe Brady, a Saints assistant who turns 30 later this month, to a career that has gone downhill. He has turned Burrow from a gritty game manager into a possible NFL prospect.
It's early but LSU fans have to be giddy. You can not win national championships without playing a high-level passing offense in today's college football and the Tigers just might be a legitimate contender.
Then there is No. 7 Michigan, which went to double overtime with Army.
It was the second straight season the Cadets took a top-10 opponent to OT on the road and lost.
Unlike last year, when Oklahoma survived the Black Knights' brilliant game of keepaway, this seemed more an indictment of the Wolverines and whatever coach Jim Harbaugh is trying to do with that offense. Army only held the ball three more minutes in regulation and Michigan finished with 10 more offensive plays.
Josh Gattis, a highly respected young coach plucked from Alabama with no experience as a play-caller. Against an Army who is tough and well-coached, but has a strong position in the Wolverines averaged 4.5 yards per play. Michigan gives away three fumbles in the first half and was stopped on fourth-and-2 in the fourth quarter.
Instead of Michigan taking advantage of its athletes in the open field, the Wolverines were getting whooped up front. Shea Patterson, who is already ceding some time to Dylan McCaffrey.
"The entire football game we make mistakes offensively – penalties, and turnovers, and turnovers on downs," Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh said.
As if to emphasize Michigan's issues, Ohio State has had some of the most impressive performances of the day, beating Cincinnati 42-0 behind another stellar performance by quarterback Justin Fields.
Michigan was a popular pick to win the Big Ten and finally get over the Ohio State this year, with their rivalry game at the Big House on Thanksgiving weekend. Ryan Day, Ryan Boy, Ryan Ryan. That does not look like it's going to be much of an issue.
The wolverines in a couple weeks, but for now that gap between Michigan and Ohio State seems as wide as ever.
SAME AS IT EVER WAS
Not surprisingly, Clemson 's defense still looks good in the last NFL draft, including three in the first round. The Christian Wilkins-led Power Rangers are gone, but a new set of superheroes is already emerging. Against Texas A & M, No. 1 Clemson allowed only 4.2 yards per play and kept the Aggies out of the end zone until 6 seconds were left in the game.
End Xavier Thomas is the type of pass rusher who could develop into a first draft pick. Freshman defensive tackle Tyler Davis has already worked his way into the starting lineup and against A & M he has a few Aggies' offensive linemen on skates. Clemson and, of course, there is one constant: defensive coordinator Brent Venables. Clemson has raised $ 2 million per year, but the return on investment is still high for coach Dabo Swinney.
"The opposing teams are fortunate because they have to play Coach V ounce," Clemson co-offensive coordinator Jeff Scott said. "We have to play him year-round.
AROUND THE NATION
Another terrible week for the second-year coaching trio of Chip Kelly at UCLA, Scott Frost at Nebraska and Florida State's Willie Taggart, who is not scoring many points with a skeptical fan base by needing a missed extra point in overtime to beat Louisiana-Monroe . The Seminoles averted 0-2 for the first time since 1973 … There was some discussion in the offseason about which coaches had the most influence over Alabama's offense last year – Mike Locksley (head coach Maryland), Dan Enos (offensive coordinator Miami) and Gattis – scattered. Locksley's Maryland team has scored 142 points in two games after blitzing No. 21 Syracuse. … The Orange cost Syracuse has a chance to host ESPN's "College GameDay for the first time and took a bunch of luster out of next Saturday's prime-time game against Clemson. The 43-point beatdown by Maryland was the most missed match for the team since the Oklahoma beat No. 13 Texas A & M, 51-13 in 1999. … Syracuse's Ames, Iowa's good fortune. "GameDay" could be at Iowa State for the first time when the No. 25 Cyclones host No. 20 Iowa. If Iowa State stays ranked, it will be the first CyHawk match matching teams after 66 meetings dating to 1894. … Wisconsin has opened the season on a 110-0 run. Badgers star Jonathan Taylor has scored eight touchdowns in two games, including the first three TD receptions of his career. … USF's losing streak hit eight with a tough loss to Georgia Tech. The Bulls started last season Charlie Strong is in danger of losing his job. … Akron has a turnover pencil and it almost poked out an eye.
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Follow Ralph D. Russo at https://twitter.com/ralphDrussoAP and listen at https://podcastone.com/AP-Top-25-College-Football-Podcast
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