Despite an entertaining weekend of college football, the power rankings remain mostly chalk after two weeks. The only change is in the final spot, with one Pac-12 team (Washington) being swapped out for another.
1. Alabama (2-0) | Last week: 1
Alabama rolled over Arkansas State, with both Tua Tagovailoa and Jalen Hurts getting time at quarterback. There are rumors of Hurts potentially only appearing in four games this season and using it as a redshirt year, but for now the two-quarterback system is working fine for the Crimson Tide. This weekend against Ole Miss will be a tough test.
2. Clemson (2-0) | Last week: 2
The matchup with Jimbo Fisher and Texas A&M was one of the best of the young season, with Clemson holding on at Kyle Field, 28-26. The two-quarterback system is also working well for the Tigers, with Kelly Bryant and Trevor Lawrence both playing great football. Lawrence’s touchdown pass on his first throw on Saturday night was thrilling.
3. Georgia (2-0) | Last week: 3
South Carolina kept it relatively close in the prime afternoon CBS matchup for the first half, but Georgia pulled away with 21 points in the third quarter. The Bulldogs just have athletes all over the field, and much like Alabama and Clemson, they can simply overmatch teams.
4. Wisconsin (2-0) | Last week: 4
Sophomore running back Jonathan Taylor put up a career-high 253 rushing yards, while A.J. Taylor added 134 receiving yards, in Wisconsin’s 45-14 victory against New Mexico. Wisconsin will look to get to 3-0 as they face BYU this Saturday.
5. Ohio State (2-0) | Last week: 5
Ohio State’s offense is rolling, with point totals of 77 and 52 through two games against Oregon State and Big Ten opponent Rutgers. Things should get tougher at TCU this weekend, but the Buckeyes are double-digit favorites.
6. Auburn (2-0) | Last week: 6
After a blowout victory in a tune-up game against Alabama State, Auburn will look to defend home field as they host LSU in a huge September SEC matchup. No team would have a better two wins on their resume than Auburn if they can beat LSU.
7. Penn State (2-0) | Last week: 7
The first half was close, but Penn State exploded in the second half of their 51-6 blowout win against Pitt. After the Nittany Lions struggled defensively against Appalachian State to open the year, it was a good sign that they bounced back a week later. But the run defense and tackling must continue to progress.
8. Oklahoma (2-0) | Last week: 8
Kyler Murray is playing outstanding through two games as Oklahoma’s starter, and he totaled five touchdowns (three passing, two rushing) in a 49-21 win over UCLA. Unfortunately, star running back Rodney Anderson suffered a season-ending injury in the win, but the Sooners have a talented group of runners ready to step up.
9. LSU (2-0) | Last week: 9
Nick Brossette has quickly emerged as a potential Heisman candidate for LSU, as he’s eclipsed 125 rushing yards through each of the first two games this season. And Joe Burrow is playing well at quarterback. This Saturday’s game against Auburn is must-watch for college football fans.
10. Stanford (2-0) | Last week: NR
Stanford’s defense shut down USC’s offense, allowing just three points while intercepting freshman quarterback J.T. Daniels twice. He was limited by San Diego State in the opener, but senior Bryce Love got back on track with 136 yards and a touchdown against the Trojans. The Cardinal are a tough team to beat.
Stanford might be for real.
Stanford ND a couple weeks should be big
I think Stanford will roll them.
Auburn vs. LSU can’t wait.