What we learned from NCAAF Week 5

The college football action was hot this past weekend, and we learned a few things. What we once thought was a two-team chase for the national championship just got a little more interesting and a new Heisman Trophy contender emerged.

Ohio State continues to flourish

At the start of the college football season, the overwhelming belief was that Alabama and Clemson would once again battle it out for the national title.

It was basically a forgone conclusion, but the Ohio State Buckeyes might be changing some minds.

Once again they went on the road and demolished Nebraska, 48-7. Their offense totaled 580 yards, but perhaps more impressive was the Ohio State defense, which held Nebraska to 231 total yards.

This is the second time Ohio State has gone on the road and not missed a beat. Thus proving that they can travel and win anywhere. They have key dates with Michigan State, Wisconsin, Penn State, and Michigan left. That is quite the gauntlet but nothing has stopped Ohio State yet.

Clemson struggles in victory

Back in August radio personality Colin Cowherd called Trevor Lawrence, "the next Andrew Luck," and the quarterback was the clear favorite to win the Heisman Trophy when the season began.

On Saturday, Clemson narrowly escaped a massive upset against North Carolina with a 21-20 victory, and something isn't quite right with Lawrence. He hasn't been terrible, but he hasn't been dynamic, either. Lawrence set the world on fire last season, with 24 touchdowns and just four interceptions, but this year he has only thrown eight touchdowns and has five interceptions. Clemson is still undefeated and Lawrence is still considered a great player, but Andrew Luck great? Easy national championship great?

Let's get back to reality. Clemson has an easy schedule and the odds are in its favor to reach the College Football Playoff. However, with the team performing the way it is now, there is no chance they can beat teams like Alabama, Ohio State or Georgia come January.

Oklahoma putting a "Hurts" on opposing defenses

They are singing John Mellencamp's "Hurts so good" in Oklahoma, as former Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts has rolled in his first year under Lincoln Riley. In just four games in an Oklahoma uniform. Hurts has thrown for 1,293 yards and 12 touchdowns, with just a single interception.

There isn't much doubt that Riley can develop a quarterback, after Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray went as No. 1 draft picks. This year Riley took Hurts, who was given up on by Nick Saban at Alabama, and made him a contender for the Heisman.

---

Another exciting week of college football lies ahead. Get a jump on the competition by checking out the early week lines at BetAmerica!