Alabama, Texas, or Ohio State atop the latest college football power rankings?
1. Alabama Crimson Tide (4-0) | Last week: 4 (+3)
While the matchup came in Tuscaloosa and was ultimately a close battle, Alabama showed a lot with the way they came out to build a 28-0 lead over Georgia. Quarterback Jalen Milroe is arguably the best player in the country right now, and Bama is nearly impossible to stop when he’s on with his ability to use his legs and throw the ball down the field with accuracy.
2. Texas Longhorns (5-0) | Last week: 2
A second consecutive start for Arch Manning at quarterback included Texas’ first-ever SEC win—so that’s a good trivia question answer to keep in mind. Manning was great, going 26/31 for 324 yards and two touchdowns while also adding 33 yards and another score on the ground. The Longhorns racked up 522 yards in the 35-13 win against Mississippi State.
3. Ohio State Buckeyes (4-0) | Last week: 3
The Ohio State defense felt they were better than they showed early versus Marshall a couple of Saturdays ago, and they had a strong showing at Michigan State, forcing three turnovers while allowing just seven points to the Big Ten rival. The Buckeyes are a big favorite when hosting Iowa this Saturday afternoon.
4. Georgia Bulldogs (3-1) | Last week: 1 (-3)
And as Alabama rises to No. 1, the Dawgs deserve a ton of credit for the way they battled back to not only make it a game but to put the Tide on the ropes. A non-pass-interference call on the late deep shot could have provided a different result, but overall Georgia has obvious championship DNA.
5. Tennessee Volunteers (4-0) | Last week: 6 (+1)
Tennessee moves up to No. 5 despite having the week off, as Ole Miss drops following their loss. The Rebels are a good warning sign that nothing can be taken for granted in the SEC. The Vols go to Arkansas this weekend.
6. Oregon Ducks (4-0) | Last week: 7 (+1)
Receiver Tez Johnson starred with 11 receptions for 121 yards and two touchdowns—one on a deep ball—as Oregon beat UCLA on the road, 34-13. Following a slow start by their standards, the Ducks have had a much better past two games. Their first Big Ten win is accomplished, but it came versus a former Pac-12 foe. Next up is Michigan State.
7. Missouri Tigers (4-0) | Last week: 8 (+1)
After the bye week, Missouri must go to College Station to face a Texas A&M team that’s won four straight since their opening season loss to Notre Dame.
8. Miami Hurricanes (5-0) | Last week: 9 (+1)
Miami stayed alive as an unbeaten in controversial fashion on Friday night, with a Hail Mary attempt by Virginia Tech that many felt should not have been overturned and ruled incomplete. Still, the 10-point comeback from the Hurricanes—in a game they racked up 508 yards of offense—was impressive. Getting off the field on third downs (9/14 allowed versus the Hokies) is an area to improve.
9. Penn State Nittany Lions (4-0) | Last week: 10 (+1)
In a battle of conference unbeatens, Penn State was excellent on defense while topping Illinois, 21-7. Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen both hit 100+ total yards with a touchdown each in the victory, and Allen’s score late in the fourth quarter basically iced the game for the Nittany Lions.
10. Michigan Wolverines (4-1) | Last week: NR
Clemson deserves a shoutout here for the way the offense has picked it up in a major way since the season opening loss to Georgia. However, Michigan is back in the top ten despite allowing 21 fourth-quarter points in the comeback effort by Minnesota. The Wolverines feel limited offensively, but they’ll look to win close games behind Kalel Mullings, Donovan Edwards, and the ground game.