AP Poll Top 25 released after Week 3 of college football

With Week 3 of college football in the books, it’s time to take a look at the latest AP Poll going as we wrap up the first third of the regular season.

There wasn’t too much chaos this past weekend, but some of the top teams really established themselves as, well, top teams. It’s still early, but they’re starting to separate from the pack.

With that, here’s this week’s top 25, per the Associated Press poll, after Week 3.

1. Georgia

So with that 24-14 win over South Carolina, does Georgia have kinks in its armor? Maybe, but the Bulldogs still got out the weekend with another win and the top spot in the rankings.

Carson Beck didn’t throw a touchdown, but tossed for 269 yards and no interceptions. That’s when Daijun Edwards took over with 20 carries for 118 yards and a score. Next up, UAB at home before playing at Auburn.

2. Michigan

Michigan didn’t waste time with this one, mostly. Another win without Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines are ready to turn it up a notch against Rutgers with their head coach’s impending return.

However, JJ McCarthy wasn’t his best, throwing for 143 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions. Gotta get that cleaned up before Big Ten play. Blake Corum is still a beast, running 12 times for 101 yards and two scores.

3. Texas (+1)

It took a little bit, but Texas ended up taking down Wyoming 31-10 to remain undefeated. There was an expected drop off after the Alabama win. Seriously, there’s an emotional high there.

Scoring 21 points in the fourth quarter put this one away after Texas led Wyoming just 10-7 at the halftime break. Ewers finished 11-of-21 passing for 131 yards and two touchdowns, and ran for another score while Jonathon Brooks led the way on the ground with 21 carries for 164 yards.

4. Florida State (-1)

That was close huh? The Seminoles avoided a scare up north as Boston College pushed FSU to the limit and Mike Norvell’s crew escaped with a 31-29 win. Just two weeks into putting this team near the top of college football, Florida State nearly coughed it up.

Jordan Travis got banged up at one point but did finish the game and played decently well all things considered. He had 212 yards and two touchdowns while also running for 38 on the ground. They’ll have to clean it up after this one though.

5. USC

With a week off, USC could just sit back and watch potential chaos ensue, but there are still clear cut teams at the top of the Pac-12. Until they’re knocked off, the Trojans are No. 1 out west.

USC returns to action next Saturday for a road date with Arizona State, followed by a trip to Boulder for Colorado. It should be an interesting stretch coming up for Lincoln Riley’s crew.

6. Ohio State

Ohio State got a 63-10 win over Western Kentucky and while it’s not the most impressive opponent, this is exactly what the team needed before a ranked matchup. Both sides of the ball clicked.

Kyle McCord let it fly for 318 yards and three touchdowns and the running game saw a resurgent day for TreVeyon Henderson, who ran 88 times and two touchdowns. Now, Ohio State heads to Notre Dame for an anticipated top-10 showdown in South Bend.

7. Penn State

Penn State started a little slow against Illinois on the road, but it was no problem. The defense was immaculate, forcing four interceptions of Luke Altmyer and was the biggest reason for victory. Drew Allar was decent, but not what you would want going into the meat of the season after this weekend.

Yes, all eyes are on Michigan and Ohio State, but it looks like the Nittany Lions mean business after a 30-13 win over a Big Ten foe. Next up though, is an intriguing contest in Happy Valley. Iowa comes to town for a primetime showdown.

8. Washington

Wow, the Huskies ran away with this one on the road in East Lansing. Michael Penix Jr. led a 41-7 romp of the Michigan State Spartans Saturday.

We all know the off-the-field problems with Michigan State, but still, Washington bulldozed the Spartans Saturday. This Huskies team looks really scary as long as Penix Jr. stays healthy this year.

9. Notre Dame

Notre Dame pulled away from Central Michigan to win 41-17 and improved to 4-0. The offense just can’t miss right now with Sam Hartman at the controls.

Notre Dame has Ohio State coming to town next weekend and that’ll be the big one to see which team is for real in the meat of the season. But with the way this offense operates, it’ll be tough for the Buckeyes to slow them down.

10. Oregon (+3)

Oregon has Colorado coming to town next week and let’s be honest, that’s all most people care about when it comes to the Ducks. But don’t let that fool you, Oregon is a firm favorite in that contest.

But before that, Oregon looks darn good and like a legitimate challenger for the Pac-12 title, the final one as it is, before moving to the Big Ten. Bo Nix threw for 247 yards and three touchdowns and Ty Thompson got some time as well, throwing for 102 yards and one touchdown.

Rest of Coaches Poll Top 25

11. Utah (+1)
12. LSU (+2)
13. Alabama (-3)
14. Oregon State (+2)
15. Ole Miss (+2)
16. Oklahoma (+3)
17. North Carolina (+3)
18. Duke (+3)
19. Colorado (-1)
20. Miami (+2)
21. Washington State (+2)
22. UCLA (+2)
23. Tennessee (-12)
24. Iowa (+1)
25. Florida (NR)

What does next week hold in store? Well, Week 3 was a warmup and Week 4 will be the main event with many ranked matchups, so hold on tight because these rankings could be drastically different in seven days.

Others receiving votes: Clemson 76, Missouri 72, Kansas St. 54, TCU 21, Fresno St. 17, Kansas 15, Tulane 13, Kentucky 10, Maryland 4, BYU 3, Wisconsin 2, Syracuse 2, Louisville 1, Auburn 1.