In what was considered a dead slate for Week 8 in College Football still played to the tune of this season effortlessly. We had close games, upsets, and teams not playing to how they should. All in all, this week proved that there is no such thing as slow weeks in College Football. As a result, there have been some shakeups in this week’s Top 25.
Check out last week’s edition of the College Football Top 25 here.
1. Georgia (7-0) (5-0 SEC)
Last week: BYE | This week: at Florida (4-3)
Let’s start off by saying that there were tons of byes for many teams, so it might be a little slow with some of these rankings. Georgia, obviously, will stay No. 1, looking to keep that spot in the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party next Saturday.
2. Alabama (7-1) (4-1 SEC)
Last week: vs Tennessee (W 52-24) | This week: BYE
Alabama’s been dominant since they got upset by Texas A&M. There may not be a team in the country besides Georgia that would beat them on a neutral field right now. Even though there are undefeated behind them, they’re still a great team.
3. Cincinnati (8-0) (4-0 American)
Last week: at Navy (W 27-20) | This week: at Tulane (1-6)
The Bearcats did in fact struggle this week. Is it a bit warranted because of the service academy effect? Maybe. However, this still had to be a bigger win at the end of the day. Hopefully, they’ll bounce back and boat race Tulane this week.
4. Ohio State (6-1) (4-0 Big 10)
Last week: at Indiana (W 54-7) | This week: vs Penn State (5-2)
C.J. Stroud has looked incredible since his return from injury a couple of weeks ago and the Buckeyes continue to roll after a shaky start to their season. They jump Oklahoma here because of the dominance they’ve had over the weaker opponents, and their strong ability to not play down to a team’s level.
5. Oklahoma (8-0) (5-0 Big 12)
Last week: at Kansas (W 35-23) | This week: vs Texas Tech (5-3)
Like Cincinnati, Oklahoma struggled with a much weaker opponent. They did win by two scores but the Sooners were actually losing at halftime and having a disappointing overall showing. On the other hand, this team continues to win, while figuring out their quarterback situation which is very impressive.
6. Michigan (7-0) (4-0 Big 10)
Last week: vs Northwestern (W 33-7) | This week: at Michigan State (7-0)
Michigan has been the most consistent in our rankings the last few weeks, sitting in the sixth spot for quite some time now. While it wasn’t a 47 point win like Ohio State’s game, Michigan handled Northwestern comfortably, as the entire college football world turns their attention to the big game in East Lansing this weekend.
7. Michigan State (7-0) (4-0 Big 10)
Last week: BYE | This week: vs Michigan (7-0)
Right behind their opponent this week is the Spartans. Michigan State should be well-rested off their bye, with much to consider as this will be the first time they go up against a top 50 defense in the nation. They’ll need to play their style of competitive football to get under Michigan’s skin and win the game.
8. Ole Miss (6-1) (3-1 SEC)
Last week: vs LSU (W 31-17) | This week: at Auburn (5-2)
This is where everything falls off a cliff. The top seven teams have shown they can be legit right now, and the rest of these are in a tier two position. That being said, Ole Miss is the best of this bunch and can flex big time if they can secure a win over highly ranked Auburn this weekend.
9. Oregon (6-1) (3-1 Pac 12)
Last week: at UCLA (W 34-31) | This week: vs Colorado (2-5)
Well, it’s official, Oregon is the Pac 12’s last hope for a playoff spot this year, and it’s very doubtful that they get it. The win at UCLA was nice to control the Pac 12 a bit better but it was still a close game against an unranked opponent. It should be a fun game this week against a very solid Colorado defense that needs an upset win.
10. Kentucky (6-1) (4-1 SEC)
Last week: BYE | This week: at Mississippi State (4-3)
Simply because of all the upsets, Kentucky jumps back into the top 10, even after a bye. They will now travel to Starkville and face what will be a very harsh environment, however, it should be a game they win by a handful unless Mike Leach’s squad can catch fire early.
11. Iowa (6-1) (3-1 Big 10)
Last week: BYE | This week: at Wisconsin (4-3)
Even on a bye, things could not have gone worse for Iowa. Their signature win, Penn State, looked horrible in a loss to Illinois and the team Iowa lost to, Purdue, lost to Wisconsin. Resumé wise, this team is not in a great spot, but they still control the Big 10 West and look to make a run at the title.
12. Notre Dame (6-1)
Last week: vs USC (W 31-16) | This week: vs North Carolina (4-3)
We saw another not so overly impressive win from Notre Dame last week. The team does shoot up this rank because of the other upsets around the nation. The Irish also lack a true top 15 team signature win and may get burned for it down the road.
13. Oklahoma State (6-1) (3-1 Big 12)
Last week: at Iowa State (L 21-24) | This week: vs Kansas (1-6)
We were really rooting for the Cowboys to get a win here but unfortunately, they fell short and the undefeated season has come to an end. They own the tiebreaker over Baylor, so there are massive implications for the Oklahoma game, but they have to not slip up anymore like they did last week.
14. Baylor (6-1) (3-1 Big 12)
Last week: BYE | This week: vs Texas (4-3)
Nothing to show for Baylor last week. They are still one of the most underrated teams in the country and have a legitimate shot at winning the Big 12. They’ll need to win games like the ones this week against Texas if they want to do this, however, to keep their momentum.
15. Wake Forest (7-0) (4-0 ACC)
Last week: at Army (W 70-56) | This week: vs Duke (3-4)
This score line looks like basketball and not a football game, but nonetheless, Wake Forest won in the game of the week. The offensive performance was exceptional, while the defense just showed everyone that they’re vulnerable. With the win, Wake Forest is the sole holder of first place in the ACC Atlantic division.
16. Texas A&M (6-2) (3-2 SEC)
Last week: vs South Carolina (W 44-14) | This week: BYE
Texas A&M continues to ride their hot streak after that Alabama upset that gets mentioned every time you discuss this team. It’s been impressive how well they’ve turned their season around, and have kept fighting even with their adversity.
17. Pittsburgh (6-1) (3-0 ACC)
Last week: at Clemson (W 27-17) | This week: vs Miami (3-4)
Pittsburgh proved themselves last week against Clemson. Many saw them losing this game but they took care of business and are real threats in the ACC.
18. Iowa State (5-2) (3-1 Big 12)
Last week: vs Oklahoma State (W 24-21) | This week: at West Virginia (3-4)
Iowa State is finally back in our rankings after serious success over the last few weeks. The ranked win vaults them all the way to 18 but we have to watch them from here on out because they did not impress the first time they were ranked.
19. SMU (7-0) (3-0 American)
Last week: vs Tulane (W 55-26) | This week: at Houston (6-1)
SMU stays undefeated with a blowout over Tulane. This has been one of the biggest surprise teams of the year and it’s great to see them keeping up their success. This week against Houston is a huge game and the Cougars are no joke, currently sitting at 6-1.
20. Auburn (5-2) (2-1 SEC)
Last week: BYE | This week: vs Ole Miss (6-1)
This is a team that has the most to prove this week. People have been doubting Auburn nonstop and they have a massive opportunity against a top 10 program in the country. A win would see them shoot up in the rankings but a loss could result in a serious stumble.
21. San Diego State (7-0) (3-0 MWC)
Last week: at Air Force (W 20-14) | This week: vs Fresno State (6-2)
San Diego State has had two close encounters the last two games they’ve played but have won them both. Each win was very impressive, especially last week against Air Force, who is probably the second-best team in the conference. It doesn’t get any easier, though, and the Aztecs will have to regroup for a game against Fresno State that could determine who plays in the conference championship
22. UTSA (8-0) (4-0 CUSA)
Last week: at LA Tech (W 45-16) | This week: BYE
Who would have thought that the best team in the UT school system is not based in Austin? The Roadrunners are dominating the C-USA competition but the road does get a little tougher with their huge game with UTEP in just two weeks.
23. Penn State (5-2) (2-2 Big 10)
Last week: vs Illinois (L 18-20 OT) | This week: at Ohio State (6-1)
Penn State had an absolute laugher of a game Saturday. The fact that they lost to an Illinois team that cannot score is absurd. This team needs to come together and bring some real fight to Columbus if they don’t want to just get blown out.
24. Houston (6-1) (4-0 American)
Last week: vs East Carolina (W 31-24 OT) | This week: vs SMU (7-0)
Houston pulled out all the stops to beat East Carolina but they did get the job done, marking their sixth straight win. The SMU game this week has the potential to be a game of the week candidate, with two electric offenses under the lights in Houston.
25. Coastal Carolina (6-1) (2-1 Sun Belt)
Last week: at Appalachian State (L 27-30) | This week: vs Troy (4-3)
Coastal had one shot at having a New Years Six Bowl and they completely blew it. Appalachian State is the best team they’ll play all year and they lost the game. They’ve still had a good enough season to stay ranked, but this loss was a terrible blow.
Outside looking in: Arkansas, BYU, Oregon State, Louisiana
New teams: Iowa State (18), Houston (24)
Dropped out: NC State, Utah
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