How high does Texas rise in this week’s college football power rankings?
1. Georgia Bulldogs (2-0) | Last week: 1
Three different players intercepted a pass for the Bulldogs defense in their comfortable win against Ball State. After coasting the first two games, the back-to-back national champions begin their SEC schedule with South Carolina this weekend.
2. Michigan Wolverines (2-0) | Last week: 2
Star running back Blake Corum looks healthy and ran for three touchdowns last week, and J.J. McCarthy appears to have taken the next step with efficient showings through two 2023 contests. Jim Harbaugh worked the chains at his son’s youth football game last Saturday, and he’s out one more game before Big Ten play begins.
3. Texas Longhorns (2-0) | Last week: NR
Texas beat Alabama in Tuscaloosa in emphatic fashion, really looking like—or at least playing like—the better team from start to finish. The two interceptions by the Longhorns defense were massive, and quarterback Quinn Ewers was fantastic in connecting with Adonai Mitchell and Xavier Worthy for his three touchdown tosses. Texas deserves this jump into the top three.
4. USC Trojans (3-0) | Last week: 4
USC didn’t have trouble dismantling Stanford, and the Trojans have scored 56+ points in each of their first three outings this year. They’ll now get a week off ahead of their road debut versus Arizona State—with No. 18 Colorado on deck.
5. Florida State Seminoles (2-0) | Last week: 6 (+1)
We probably should’ve had Florida State in the top-five last week over Ohio State, but we’ll remedy that this week. FSU is up to No. 3 in the AP poll following Alabama’s loss, but we’re keeping them behind Texas—with a more impressive victory over an SEC opponent—and USC for now.
6. Ohio State Buckeyes (2-0) | Last week: 5 (-1)
The positive signs Kyle McCord showed late in the season opener carried over to a 35-7 win against Youngstown State, which included Marvin Harrison Jr. (seven receptions, 180 yards, two touchdowns) looking like the player we were all looking forward to seeing this season. The Buckeyes will look to build more momentum against Western Kentucky this Saturday.
7. Penn State Nittany Lions (2-0) | Last week: 7
Penn State was totally dominant in their 63-7 win against Delaware, outgaining their opponent by a 541-140 margin while racking up 34 first downs with a 42:22 time of possession. At running back, Nick Singleton scored three times while Kaytron Allen ran for over 100 yards.
8. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (3-0) | Last week: 8
Sam Hartman threw four touchdowns and Austin Estime broke a long touchdown run in Notre Dame’s 45-24 victory at NC State. The defense did give up 50% of their third downs to the Wolfpack, but head coach Marcus Freeman must be thrilled with how his team has played to this point.
9. Washington Huskies (2-0) | Last week: 10 (+1)
Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and Washington lit it up in two home non-conference games to begin their season. This Saturday at a Michigan State team that just suspended head coach Mel Tucker is a very interesting matchup. Penix faced the Spartans during his time with Indiana.
10. Alabama Crimson Tide (1-1) | Last week: 3 (-7)
Texas played a great game, but Alabama also didn’t look quite like themselves on Saturday night. The deep balls and scrambles were working, but Jalen Milroe had some trouble finding a rhythm overall. The outing could be something that makes the Crimson Tide better in the long run, and South Florida could have a rough day ahead as their next opponent this week.