There don’t appear to be many headlining college football matchups this Saturday, but as we saw last week, everyone needs to be on upset alert as two new teams make the top ten in our updated power rankings.
1. Georgia Bulldogs (2-0) | Last week: 1
Georgia faced an FCS opponent last week with Tennessee Tech being no match for them, but it was our first look at the loaded trio of Trevor Etienne (five carries for 78 yards), Branson Robinson (three carries for 22 yards and a touchdown), and Nate Frazier (six carries for 28 yards). Also, Carson Beck tied the school record with five passing touchdowns, and now the SEC schedule begins with a battle versus Kentucky on Saturday night.
2. Texas Longhorns (2-0) | Last week: 3 (+1)
There seems to be a clear top three through two weeks of college football action, and Texas moves up a spot after knocking off the defending champion Wolverines in Ann Arbor, 31-12. Quinn Ewers seems to have total command of the offense both in and out of structure, so they’ll look to keep stacking strong performances leading up to the October 19 matchup versus Georgia.
3. Ohio State Buckeyes (2-0) | Last week: 2 (-1)
The game-breaking talent on Ohio State’s offense has been on full display to begin 2024, and the stars in a 56-0 win over Western Michigan were again Quinshon Judkins (nine carries for 108 yards and two touchdowns) and freshman sensation Jeremiah Smith (5/119/1). This certainly feels like the year where Ryan Day can beat Michigan take control of the Big Ten.
4. Alabama Crimson Tide (2-0) | Last week: 4
Although the final score might say otherwise with Alabama eventually pulling away to win, 42-16, the Crimson Tide were given a battle from South Florida for the second year in a row—but the adversity is something that should help moving forward. The Tide cannot look past Wisconsin this Saturday at noon with a bye week after that to prepare for a huge showdown versus Georgia.
5. Ole Miss Rebels (2-0) | Last week: 6 (+1)
Jaxson Dart began the win over Middle Tennessee with an unbelievable 24 consecutive completions, and Ole Miss is operating at an extremely high level to begin the season. The defense shouldn’t go overlooked either, but their stoutness versus the run will be tested against Wake Forest and star running back Demond Claiborne this weekend.
6. Tennessee Volunteers (2-0) | Last week: NR
The Volunteers vault up the rankings after a 51-10 domination versus previously ranked NC State in primetime, and the combination of quarterback Nico Iamaleava (despite two interceptions) and running back Dylan Sampson has proven to be among the best in college football. Tennessee is another SEC squad that has an improved defense compared to a season ago based on the first two games.
7. Missouri Tigers (2-0) | Last week: 10 (+3)
Sticking with the SEC—which looks as loaded as ever following conference realignment—Missouri has coasted to a couple of victories so far this season, but they now have a big test versus No. 24 Boston College coming to town as Bill O’Brien’s squad has started hot. We’d expect superstar wideout Luther Burden III to explode on Saturday following a couple of modest outings.
8. Oregon Ducks (2-0) | Last week: 5 (-3)
The Ducks have stumbled down the power rankings despite a 2-0 start, as they were given a fight from Idaho in the opener before Boise State pushed them in a 37-34 finish. The concern is that Oregon has been challenged despite Dillon Gabriel completing 84.3% of his passes and taking care of the ball, and the next two weeks won’t be easy for trips to face tough Oregon State and UCLA teams.
9. Penn State Nittany Lions (2-0) | Last week: 8 (-1)
Penn State won over a ton of believers after handling West Virginia in the opener, but they followed it up by nearly getting upset by Bowling Green in the home opener as Drew Allar wasn’t at his best (13/20 for 204 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception). Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen both clearing 100 rushing yards is a good sign, though, and the Nittany Lions have two big-time backs to carry them when needed.
10. Miami Florida (2-0) | Last week: NR
Cam Ward has been lights out to begin his Miami career, and the Hurricanes are favorites in the ACC based largely on how well he’s played. The combination of Ward, running back Damien Martinez, and wide receiver Xavier Restrepo gives Miami a terrific offensive trio, and Tennessee transfer Tyler Baron (3.0 sacks last week) has been a difference-maker on defense.