A look ahead in college football

Ohio State running back Curtis Samuel (4) fights off a tackle attempt from Rutgers' Tyreek Maddox-Williams in the second quarter.

By David Wharton

Oct. 2, 2016 4:50 PM PT

Three thoughts for the coming week of college football:

1. With Oklahoma defeating Texas Christian, Baylor seems like the Big 12 Conference’s only real playoff hope. The No. 13 Bears looked shaky escaping an upset loss to Iowa State and still have a tough road ahead.

2. The schedule favors Ohio State continuing its run at the playoffs. The No. 2 Buckeyes get Indiana on Saturday before a test at No. 11 Wisconsin. Michigan State and Michigan aren’t till late November.

3. San Diego State’s unexpected climb up the top 25 ended with an upset loss to South Alabama on Saturday. Now the 3-1 Aztecs look to rebound in a Mountain West Conference game against Nevada Las Vegas.

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David Wharton

David Wharton has filled an array of roles – covering the courts, entertainment, sports and the second Persian Gulf War – since starting as a Los Angeles Times intern in 1982. His work has been honored by organizations such as the Society for Features Journalism and Associated Press Sports Editors and has been anthologized in “Best American Sports Writing.” He has also been nominated for an Emmy and has written two books, including “Conquest,” an inside look at USC football during the Pete Carroll era.

A look ahead in college football

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