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Home / frontfootball / 2022 College Football Power Rankings: Week 8
AP Photos/Wolf Sports Illustration

2022 College Football Power Rankings: Week 8


A crazy and memorable Saturday of college football saw four top-ten teams go down, including Alabama in a classic at Tennessee.

 

1. Georgia Bulldogs (7-0) | Last week: 1

Following the narrow victory over Missouri a few weeks ago, Georgia has rolled by a combined margin of 97-10 in wins against Auburn and Vanderbilt the past two games. The Dawgs just outgained Vandy, 579-150, and they now have a week to rest ahead of the Florida-Georgia rivalry on October 29.

 

2. Tennessee Volunteers (6-0) | Last week: 6 (+4)

Hendon Hooker and the Volunteers delivered one of the best wins in program history with the upset versus the Crimson Tide, and it was total pandemonium in the aftermath of the home victory. Jalin Hyatt caught all five touchdowns from Hooker, and Tennessee is obviously very difficult to stop offensively. There’s a case for the Vols to be ranked No. 1.

 

3. Michigan Wolverines (7-0) | Last week: 4 (+1)

Michigan looked to be in a battle against Penn State, but they ran away from the Big Ten opponent in the second half, starting with Donovan Edwards breaking a long touchdown run—followed by Blake Corum doing the same. Overall, Edwards (16/173/2) and Corum (28/166/2) and excellent defense helped the Wolverines to what turned into a 41-17 blowout.

 

4. Ohio State Buckeyes (6-0) | Last week: 3 (-1)

The Buckeyes had off, and an argument can be made that they should be ranked anywhere in the top three. For now, they get leaped by their biggest rival. Iowa is up this Saturday at home before a trip to Happy Valley.

 

5. Clemson Tigers (7-0) | Last week: 5

Clemson started slow and ended a bit slow, but they felt in total control for most of their 34-28 victory at Florida State. Myles Murphy recorded a couple of sacks, but the defense overall must get more consistent—especially when facing a tough Syracuse squad this week, likely their toughest remaining regular season opponent.

 

6. Alabama Crimson Tide (6-1) | Last week: 2 (-4)

 

 

If not for the very shaky pass interference call against Alabama at the end of the game (and one earlier in the second half that arguably should have clearly been called on Tennessee), things might be a lot different right now, with the Tide likely at No. 1 in the rankings. That said, the Crimson Tide are uncharacteristically committing way too many penalties this season, and it’s something Nick Saban knows must get solved. It was good to see a healthy Bryce Young playing at his usual high level in the shootout loss to the Vols.

 

7. UCLA Bruins (6-0) | Last week: 8 (+1)

The bye was a good one for UCLA, with USC losing to Utah and the overall craziness of the weekend moving the Bruins into the AP top ten for the first time since 2015. Also, the bye gave UCLA extra time to prepare for a big challenge on the road at Oregon, where College Gameday will be on Saturday.

 

8. TCU Horned Frogs (6-0) | Last week: NR

TCU overcame a 14-point deficit to eventually top fellow undefeated Oklahoma State in overtime, 43-40. Max Duggan (23/40, 286 yards, two touchdowns) took care of the ball, running back Kendre Miller (104 yards, two touchdowns) ran well, and receiver Quintin Johnston (8/180/1 in the win) is one of the best players in the nation. Sonny Dykes is doing a very good job with his team.

 

9. Ole Miss Rebels (7-0) | Last week: NR

The Rebels went with a super run-heavy approach while totally controlling their win over Auburn from start to finish. Ole Miss had 448 yards rushing, but their own run defense must get sorted out after Tank Bigsby and company did damage themselves on the ground. Next up is a trip to face LSU.

 

10. Oregon Ducks (5-1) | Last week: NR

Like UCLA, Oregon had off last week ahead of the massive Pac-12 matchup with their old friend Chip Kelly. Since the opening-season loss to Georgia, the Ducks have put up point totals of 70, 41, 44, 45, and 49. This Saturday might come down to which defense can make a play like a turnover or a big sack.