There are several options for the final spot, but this week’s college football power rankings remain the same.
1. Georgia Bulldogs (3-0) | Last week: 1
South Carolina led 14-3 at halftime and made it a battle, but a dominant 21-0 second half by Georgia helped secure the SEC victory. Kirby Smart’s squad typically finds a way to grind down opponents and win games that are closer than expected.
2. Michigan Wolverines (3-0) | Last week: 2
J.J. McCarthy surprisingly threw three interceptions in Michigan’s win over Bowling Green, but it sounds like an experience he’ll grow from. Head coach Jim Harbaugh returns from his three-game suspension this Saturday, beginning with a home conference matchup against a 3-0 Rutgers team.
3. Texas Longhorns (3-0) | Last week: 3
There might have been a bit of a letdown early versus Wyoming, but Texas scored 21 points in the fourth quarter of their eventual 31-10 victory. Up next is a Big 12 showdown at Baylor. The Longhorns are now also up to No. 3 in the AP poll.
4. USC Trojans (3-0) | Last week: 4
USC was off last week, and they must come ready to play as heavy favorites at Arizona State. Crazy things can happen with the Pac-12 After Dark.
5. Florida State Seminoles (3-0) | Last week: 5
Florida state appeared to be in control early in the second half versus Boston College up 31-10, but the Eagles roared back to have an opportunity for a game-winning field goal drive late in the fourth quarter. The Seminoles defense came up huge with a turnover—and the offense was helped by a facemask call to ice the game. Quarterback Jordan Travis thankfully appears to be OK after injuring his arm in the win.
6. Ohio State Buckeyes (3-0) | Last week: 6
Ohio State’s offense—particularly quarterback Kyle McCord and his connection with stud receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.—showed great signs in the 63-10 win against Western Kentucky. After a slow start to the season by their standards in the first game-plus, the Buckeyes face a crucial test at Notre Dame this Saturday night.
7. Penn State Nittany Lions (3-0) | Last week: 7
Drew Allar completed under 50% of his passes, and the offense felt off, but Penn State’s talent—and four interceptions on defense—keyed a 30-13 win at an Illinois squad that played tough defense.
8. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (4-0) | Last week: 8
After four consecutive blowout wins to begin 2023, Notre Dame looks ready to compete with Ohio State this week. The duo of quarterback Sam Hartman and running back Audric Estime will look to bring a balanced attack on offense to help keep the game in control versus a talented opponent.
9. Washington Huskies (3-0) | Last week: 9
Veteran quarterback Michael Penix Jr. treated former Big Ten rival Michigan State like he has just about everyone, throwing for a ton of yardage (473) with four touchdowns on the road. The Huskies racked up 29 first downs on offense. On the other side of the ball, Zion Tupuola-Fetui recorded two sacks in the 41-7 rout.
10. Alabama Crimson Tide (2-1) | Last week: 10
Oregon is the most notable team that could’ve landed at No. 10 over struggling Alabama. Nick Saban gave it a shot with Tyler Buchner and Ty Simpson at quarterback, but they’re rolling with the athletic Jalen Milroe moving forward after Saban said he earned the job. The passing offense couldn’t get anything going in wet conditions at South Florida, but Milroe will at least bring more of a big-play threat with his deep ball. The Tide host 3-0 Ole Miss this week in what could be a bit of a litmus test.