Week 3 was potentially the most exciting one yet in the college football world and there’s so much to uncover in our rankings this week. We are starting to get a much clearer picture of each team and things are starting to shape up as we get into these later fall months.
1. Alabama (3-0) (1-0 SEC)
Last week: at Florida (W 31-29) | This week: vs Southern Miss (1-2)
Alabama went up against all of the Swamp and managed to hold off the Gators in what was the game of the week Saturday. For now, the Tide remains the number 1 team in the country, but the gap between them and Georgia has never been tighter.
2. Georgia (3-0) (1-0 SEC)
Last week: vs South Carolina (W 40-13) | This week: at Vanderbilt (1-2)
Georgia beat up on a really bad South Carolina team this week, and as we mentioned, is now heavily pushing for that number one spot. As of now, these two teams are the only ones I really trust will make the playoffs.
T3. Iowa (3-0) (1-0 Big 10)
Last week: vs Kent State (W 30-7) | This week: vs Colorado State (1-2)
Iowa has just been super impressive so far and has taken care of all the business they have had to. The scoreline against Kent State was not too impressive but they are most likely just coming off the high from the Iowa State game. The only question with this team is if they can sustain the success but only time will tell.
T3. Oregon (3-0) (0-0 Pac 12)
Last week: vs Stony Brook (W 48-7) | This week: vs Arizona (0-3)
The Ducks just keep rolling. Honestly, the most important thing for Oregon’s resume this week was Fresno State’s win over UCLA, which has boosted Oregon even more. Talking about sustainability with this team, they have a really easy schedule, however, one loss and it could all be over.
5. Penn State (3-0) (1-0 Big 10)
Last week: vs Auburn (W 28-20) | This week: vs Villanova (3-0)
Penn State has proved itself once again. In the whiteout game against Auburn this week, they beat their second quality opponent in a matter of weeks and are the clear leader of the Big 10 right now. After this Villanova game, we’ll see what they’re truly made of with Indiana and Iowa waiting in the wings.
6. Oklahoma (3-0) (0-0 Big 12)
Last week: vs Nebraska (W 23-16) | This week: vs West Virginia (2-1)
I’ve close to seen enough with this Sooners team. They are wildly inconsistent against any team that has any semblance of talent. They need to get better if they want to beat the Iowa State’s of the conference, and they will but for now, they drop a bit.
7. Cincinnati (3-0) (0-0 American)
Last week: at Indiana (W 38-24) | This week: at Notre Dame (3-0)
Cincinnati pulled away from a good Indiana team in a hostile environment and proved why they’re still up there with the best. Unfortunately for them, some teams just had more impressive weeks so they remain at the 7 spot. The matchup with Notre Dame this week will give us so many answers to both of these teams as well.
8. Ole Miss (3-0) (0-0 SEC)
Last week: vs Tulane (W 61-21) | This week: BYE
No, this is not a drill, Ole Miss is insanely good. Matt Corral broke several records with his seven total touchdown performances Saturday and the team is buzzing. October 2nd in Tuscaloosa cannot come soon enough for us fans who can be expecting a potential game of the year.
9. Florida (2-1) (0-1 SEC)
Last week: vs Florida (L 29-31) | This week: vs Tennessee (2-1)
It’s amazing how Florida’s best performance by far came in a loss. The Gators looked more complete than ever and the offense should start clicking a lot better now. As it’s looking now, the October 30th game against Georgia will have massive implications on the SEC and college football.
10. Michigan State (3-0) (1-0 Big 10)
Last week: at Miami (W 38-17) | This week: vs Nebraska (2-2)
This is the week’s hottest take but the Spartans are looking legit. They are running the ball like crazy and showing some good flashes through the air. Their defense as well has been outstanding. We’ll see how long Michigan State can keep it up but they have looked really good so far.
11. Texas A&M (3-0) (0-0 SEC)
Last week: vs New Mexico (W 34-0) | This week: at Arkansas (3-0)
The Aggies handled New Mexico in shutout ball this week. There’s not really much to this game as all eyes look towards Arkansas in Week 4. They do fall a bit because of how some others have played but with a win against Arkansas, they’ll get right back in the mix.
12. Michigan (3-0) (0-0 Big 10)
Last week: vs Northern Illinois (W 63-10) | This week: vs Rutgers (3-0)
Michigan’s play against Northern Illinois just confirmed they have a top rushing attack in the country. The passing game was a lot better as well and the question marks on defense have been close to erased. With Rutgers on the horizon, Michigan will get the chance to make a statement against a good football team.
13. Clemson (2-1) (1-0 ACC)
This week: vs Georgia Tech (W 14-8) | This week: at NC State (2-1)
The Tigers have barely looked like a top 15 program this season, which is obviously extremely rare. The defense, however, is looking like a top-three unit in the country, so this season really rests on the offense’s shoulders. Needing a game-winning touchdown against Georgia Tech is wildly concerning and time is running out for this team to make some moves.
14. Arkansas (3-0) (0-0 SEC)
This week: vs Georgia Southern (W 45-10) | This week: vs Texas A&M (3-0)
Arkansas didn’t fall asleep after their big win against Texas. They played a nice complete game which was great preparation for Texas A&M this week. This is a must-watch game in an environment that will be thrilling for any fan of the sport.
15. Ohio State (2-1) (1-0 Big 10)
Last week: vs Tusla (W 41-20) | This week: vs Akron (1-2)
Ohio State is just not getting it done. The scoreline here is a little bit flattering for how they actually played against a really bad Tulsa team. They’ve got to figure out how to not get torched in the secondary and on the offensive side of the ball, how to move it through the air. It seems like a really tough task for the Buckeyes right now, who are behind three Big 10 teams in our rankings for the first time in forever.
16. BYU (3-0)
Last week: vs Arizona State (W 27-17) | This week: vs South Florida (1-2)
BYU has been super impressive in the post-Zach Wilson era. The win against Arizona State just proved that they can compete with the best they will play. The big question is, can they stay consistent enough against teams like Boise State, Baylor, and USC to reach a New Year’s Six Bowl?
17. Iowa State (2-1) (0-0 Big 12)
Last week: at UNLV(W 48-3) | This week: at Baylor (3-0)
Iowa State finally stuck in and completely dominated a team, something they have not done yet this year. It was great to see them perform this way, but they still do fall from their past week’s performances and the play of some other teams.
18. Fresno State (3-1) (0-0 MWC)
Last week: at UCLA (W 40-37) | This week: vs UNLV (1-2)
Another team right in the mix for a New Year’s Six Bowl is also one of the biggest surprises this year in Fresno State. The Bulldogs were immediately put on our map in Week 1 after almost upsetting Oregon on the road. Now, at the time we thought Oregon wasn’t as good as they actually were so that loss is so much more impressive for Fresno State. Last week’s upset of UCLA just shows this team can beat everybody in their conference.
19. Coastal Carolina (3-0) (0-0 Sun Belt)
Last week: at Buffalo (W 28-25) | This week: vs UMASS (0-3)
Coastal Carolina went up against a semi-better opponent right now and they showed some struggles. Look, teams can struggle some weeks but the Chanticleers are almost the last ranked team that can afford close wins. The reason for this being is the schedule is just so bad. Overall, however, this is a team that can bounce back and is right in the mix with Fresno, Cincinnati, and BYU for the NY6 bid.
20. Notre Dame (3-0)
Last week: vs Purdue (W 27-13) | This week: at Wisconsin (2-1)
The Irish finally did not need a game-winning score to defeat a team. That being said, they still haven’t given us anything close to feeling comfortable even ranking them. This week’s Wisconsin game will just say it all for each of these programs and it’ll be fun to watch.
21. UCLA (2-1) (0-0 Pac 12)
Last week: vs Fresno State (L 37-40) | This week: at Stanford (2-1)
Well, UCLA did lose this week but that shouldn’t erase everything they’ve done so far this year. The Bruins are still a very dangerous team, especially in a weak Pac 12, and they can shoot up in these rankings within no time.
22. Wisconsin (1-1) (0-1 Big 10)
Last week: BYE | This week: vs Notre Dame (3-0)
The Badgers didn’t play this week after easily beating Eastern Michigan in Week 2. Now, we all look towards next Saturday’s matchup with Notre Dame. We’ll see a hard-fought, most likely defensive battle that will be close the whole game.
23. TCU (2-0) (0-0 Big 12)
Last week: BYE | This week: vs SMU (3-0)
Again, not much to talk about because of the bye last week but watch out for this SMU game. The Mustangs are sneaky good and could end up with the upset in hostile territory.
24. North Carolina (2-1) (1-1 ACC)
Last week: vs Virginia (W 59-39) | This week: at Georgia Tech (1-2)
North Carolina’s offense is finally off and running after that abysmal first game against Virginia Tech. They’ve now dropped 59 points in back-to-back games and will go into this Georgia Tech game with more on their minds.
25. Kansas State (3-0) (0-0 Big 12)
Last week: vs Nevada (W 38-17) | This week: at Oklahoma State (3-0)
Choosing this 25 spot was actually very tricky but Kansas State has shown the most potential so far. This Oklahoma State game will be essential towards our picture of this team. If they can win it, they’ll go into a huge meet-up with Oklahoma with upset on their minds.
Outside looking in: Oklahoma State, Rutgers, UTSA, Texas, Liberty
New Teams: Michigan State (10), BYU (16), Fresno State (18), Kansas State (25)
Dropped out: Virginia Tech, Arizona State, Auburn, Boston College
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