Around CFB: Terps remain only 'Power 5' unbeaten but unranked

Eyebrows raised. Heads shook. Chuckles were made.

At least, those were the likely reactions to certain comments from fifth-year Maryland coach Mike Locksley last summer.

At Big Ten media days in Indianapolis, Locksley made what may be considered a surprising declaration.

“Our program is at a point finally where we can say we’re here to compete for Big Ten championships,” he said. “You haven’t heard me say that in the previous four times I’ve been in front of you guys, but I think now is the time.”

Whether there is any validity to Locksley’s comments remains to be seen. Certainly, there are doubters.

The Terps (5-0) are the only “Power 5” team to be unbeaten and unranked. They were relegated to being the first mentioned under “others receiving votes” in the most recent AP Poll despite winning every game by at least 18 points.

No. 2 Michigan is the only other team that has won all its games by such a wide margin. Also, quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa leads the Big Ten in passing yards and passing touchdowns.

Maryland leads the Big Ten in total offense and is second in the conference in turnover margin.

However, the Terps are doubted because of a weak schedule. That doubt is valid. The Terps’ best win was 31-9 over Michigan State (2-3). They’ve also beaten Indiana (2-3), Virginia (0-5), Charlotte (1-4) and FBS member Towson State (2-3).

They can remove all doubts if they can manage an upset victory at No. 4 Ohio State (4-0) on Saturday.

Beating ranked opponents isn’t easy for the Terps. Dating back to 2019, the Terps have lost their last 12 games against ranked teams.

And they’ve never beaten Ohio State.

Heisman Watch (If my ballot was due today)

1. Michael Penix, Washington, QB: For the first time this season, Penix did not throw a touchdown pass last week. However, he still completed 30-of-40 passes for 363 yards in a 31-24 victory over Arizona. Penix now leads the nation with 1,999 passing yards. He’s thrown 16 touchdown passes and two interceptions.

2. Caleb Williams, USC, QB: He’s making a strong bid to join Archie Griffin as the only two-time Heisman recipient. Last week Williams threw six touchdown passes in a 48-41 victory over Colorado. He completed 30-of-40 passes for 403 yards. Williams has now passed for 1,603 yards and 21 touchdowns. He’s also rushed for three TDs.

3. Jayden Daniels, LSU, QB: Daniels is behind Penix for second in the nation in total offense. Don’t blame him for a 55-49 loss to Ole Miss. He threw for 414 yards and four touchdowns. He also rushed for 99 yards and a TD. He almost led a game-winning drive but a final pass went off a receiver’s hands.

4. Shedeur Sanders, Colorado, QB: Sanders bounced back strong from a poor showing in a loss to Oregon two weeks ago. He passed for 371 yards and four touchdowns in a 48-41 loss to USC. He also rushed for 50 yards and a TD. Overall, Sanders has completed 74.8 percent of his passes for 1,781 yards and 15 touchdowns.

5. Jordan Travis, Florida State, QB: The Seminoles were idle last week. Travis has passed for 1,028 yards and 10 touchdowns. He’s also rushed for 94 yards and two TDs.

Predicted Playoff Participants

© Jake Crandall / USA TODAY NETWORK

Georgia narrowly escaped Auburn this past weekend 27-20.

1. Georgia: The Bulldogs look beatable, but they don’t get beat. The winning streak is now at 22.

2. Texas: The Longhorns are unbeaten with a win over Alabama. Who matches that resume?

3. Michigan: The unbeaten Wolverines are also untested. But they close the regular season with three opponents that are currently undefeated.

4. Oregon: The Ducks are the second-highest scoring team in the nation. They also rank eighth in scoring defense.

Games to Watch

No. 12 Oklahoma vs. No. 3 Texas: Battle of unbeaten teams. Don’t be surprised if the arch rivals meet again in the Big 12 championship game.

No. 23 LSU at No. 21 Missouri: You like points? You’ll love this one. Missouri can really throw the football. LSU really can’t play pass defense.

No. 20 Kentucky at No. 1 Georgia: Like defense? You’ll love this one. Both are undefeated. Both rank among the nation’s top 20 in scoring defense. Georgia appears vulnerable. Can Kentucky take advantage?

No. 11 Alabama vs. Texas A&M: Not a matchup of ranked teams, but should be. Sole possession of first place in the SEC West is at stake.

No. 10 Notre Dame at No. 25 Louisville: The Irish escaped a trip to Duke unscathed. A trip to Louisville could be dicey, too.