A football season is an unfolding story. In the summer Clemson was a trendy pick for the national championship, based on a senior quarterback and lots of returning talent. The Tigers are 1-3 and in the ACC, Miami and Florida State have taken their place.
Every year some plots fizzle and others gather energy. Suddenly the Big Ten looks harder and way more daunting than it did in Fall Camp. USC and Washington have emerged with potent offenses. Indiana looks like a juggernaut. Even at Rutgers, quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis has thrown for 288 yards a game.
Thanks in part to the portal there is more balance and competition in the top half of the conference, and there are fewer easy outs on the schedule.