The first College Football Playoff rankings of the season release tonight, and our updated power rankings include rising unbeatens.
1. Oregon Ducks (9-0) | Last week: 1
A shoulder injury to star wide receiver Tez Johnson is a huge blow to the Ducks if it leads to a long-term absence, but they were powered by four rushing touchdowns in the 38-17 win over Michigan—and Traeshon Holden stepped up with six receptions for 149 yards. If Oregon can avoid an upset versus Maryland, Wisconsin, and Washington this month, they’ll be the clear No. 1 team in the nation ahead of conference championship week.
2. Ohio State Buckeyes (7-1) | Last week: 3 (+1)
Ohio State was dominant on defense in the road win over Penn State, and the rushing attack was able to ice the game following a goal-line stand as the makeshift offensive line gelled late. The only loss for the Buckeyes came in Eugene against No. 1-ranked Oregon for what was a controversial finish.
3. Georgia Bulldogs (7-1) | Last week: 2 (-1)
Carson Beck struggling (eight interceptions over the past three games) has Georgia looking very vulnerable, and he’ll need to get on track in a hurry with Ole Miss and Tennessee up next on the schedule. Defensively, we’ll see what Kirby Smart has in store for Lane Kiffin’s offense after Jaxson Dart threw for 515 yards and six touchdowns last week.
4. Texas Longhorns (7-1) | Last week: 4
Texas is coming off a bye week to recharge, and they’ll be challenged with four SEC games this month (vs. Florida, at Arkansas, vs. Kentucky, at Texas A&M); we’d like to see more of a focus on playing through the running backs to make things easier on Quinn Ewers.
5. Miami Hurricanes (9-0) | Last week: 6 (+1)
Duke gave the Hurricanes a battle on Saturday afternoon, but Cam Ward ended up being too much to handle as he threw for five touchdowns for the second time this season. Considering they have often needed some late magic to pull out a win, Miami can’t overlook a Georgia Tech team that is 3-0 at home this weekend.
6. Tennessee Volunteers (7-1) | Last week: 7 (+1)
Dylan Sampson continued a very underrated season with 27 carries for 142 yards and two touchdowns in the win over Kentucky, and it was yet another game where the Volunteers held their opponent to fewer than 20 points—which has been the case all year. After hosting Mississippi State on Saturday night, Tennessee will travel to Athens for a monster showdown versus Georgia.
7. Indiana Hoosiers (9-0) | Last week: 9 (+2)
Indiana proved they could play from behind with a 47-10 win after trailing 10-0 at the end of the first quarter versus Michigan State, and Kurtis Rourke returned from thumb surgery to throw for 263 yards and four touchdowns. The Hoosiers being eight-point favorites versus the defending champion Michigan Wolverines speaks to the job Curt Cignetti has done.
8. Penn State Nittany Lions (7-1) | Last week: 5 (-3)
The placement of Penn State in the initial CFP rankings will be intriguing, but they remain in very good shape for a playoff spot following the 20-13 loss to Ohio State. The question will continue to be if James Franklin can beat top competition, and there might not be a chance to prove it with Minnesota (6-3) being the only potential ranked opponent the rest of the way.
9. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (7-1) | Last week: 10 (+1)
Notre Dame benefitted from Clemson and Texas A&M both falling during the bye week, and the biggest test left for them will be a currently undefeated Army coming to South Bend on November 23.
10. BYU Cougars (8-0) | Last week: NR
BYU is also in a better spot coming out of the bye, as they are the final unbeaten in the Big 12 after Iowa State’s loss to Texas Tech. In a wide-open conference, the Cougars have a relatively easy schedule—but this weekend won’t be easy against a proud Utah team that has lost four games in a row.