Do we agree with the College Football Playoff rankings first released last Tuesday?
1. Georgia Bulldogs (9-0) | Last week: 1
Missouri was a great test for Georgia, and the Bulldogs came away with a couple of key interceptions in a 30-21 victory. First-year starting quarterback Carson Beck seems to be getting more comfortable by the week, and a healthy Ladd McConkey has done plenty of damage for the Dawgs since he’s been on the field.
2. Michigan Wolverines (9-0) | Last week: 2
Despite the sign-stealing controversy intensifying, we’ll focus on the field where Michigan has been dominant on their way to a 9-0 start for the second consecutive season. The Wolverines got off to a quick 17-0 first quarter in the 41-13 win over Purdue, and Blake Corum scored three touchdowns in the victory.
3. Ohio State Buckeyes (9-0) | Last week: 3
They own a win at Notre Dame and against Penn State, but we were shocked to see Ohio State in the No. 1 position for the initial College Football Playoff rankings when released a week ago. Rutgers was giving OSU a fight last week, but a Jordan Hancock 93-yard pick-six was the turning point from the game and the Buckeyes didn’t look back after taking the second-half lead.
4. Florida State Seminoles (9-0) | Last week: 4
Top receivers Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson were out for the Seminoles, but Florida State overcame a slow start against two-win Pittsburgh and controlled the second half to remain undefeated. It’s been a wild college football season, and FSU certainly must be ready to play when hosting rival Miami for their final regular season conference matchup.
5. Oregon Ducks (8-1) | Last week: 5
Heisman hopeful Bo Nix totaled six touchdowns in Oregon’s 63-19 win versus Cal, and the Ducks offense is in a phenomenal rhythm heading into this weekend’s matchup with Caleb Williams and a reeling USC team. You’d think the Trojans will play freer and better than they have in recent weeks, so Oregon must be on their A-game.
6. Washington Huskies (9-0) | Last week: 6
The defensive performance by Washington was disappointing, but they did eventually make enough stops in the shootout victory at USC. Dillon Johnson exploded for 256 yards and four touchdowns on 26 carries for the Huskies.
7. Texas Longhorns (8-1) | Last week: 8 (+1)
There are some growing pains with Maalik Murphy at quarterback, and Texas was just 2/15 on third downs despite racking up 478 yards of offense in the intense overtime win against Kansas State. But a win is a win, and Texas’ defense made enough plays in key situations themselves—allowing just 2/14 on third downs—to improve to 8-1.
8. Alabama Crimson Tide (8-1) | Last week: 9 (+1)
With the way quarterback Jalen Milroe has looked since the Texas loss, there’s an easy case to be made for putting Alabama over the Longhorns—but we’re not going to do it quite yet after the Crimson Tide lost the head-to-head matchup at home. Milroe went off for 155 yards and four touchdowns on the ground to help Bama top rival LSU, and he’s playing more confidently with the increased rushing production.
9. Penn State Nittany Lions (8-1) | Last week: 10 (+1)
Penn State’s passing game has looked much better the past two outings since the poor performance in Columbus. Drew Allar threw four touchdowns to help the Nittany Lions drop 51 points at Maryland, and the defense held the Terrapins to -49 rushing yards.
10. Ole Miss Rebels (8-1) | Last week: NR
Don’t sleep on Louisville—their defense has allowed just three points the past two games—but Mississippi gets into the top ten following a close win against Texas A&M. Lane Kiffin’s offense had tremendous balance, with Jaxon Dart throwing for 387 yards and two touchdowns while running back Quinshon Judkins ran for 102 yards and three scores.