AP Poll Top 25 released after Week 9 of college football
The latest AP Poll top 25 rankings were released after Week 9 concluded and now there’s a clear look at some of the top teams.
There were some upsets so the top 25 definitely got a facelift as we get set to turn the calendar to November. Also, did we get a better look at the playoff teams?
Let’s dive into the latest AP Poll rankings after Week 9 of the regular season, following the latest shakeups.
1. Georgia
Georgia handled rival Florida in the world’s biggest outdoor cocktail party. Florida scored in the opening frame, but was shutout the rest of the way until the fourth quarter, losing 43-20.
Carson Beck looked good once again and Georgia has yet to be knocked off. Things are starting to heat up for the Bulldogs as the CFP gets closer.
2. Michigan
Michigan had the week off amid another NCAA investigation. It won’t really affect the Wolverines, yet. But it has to play out as the sign stealing allegations get whackier and whackier.
Jim Harbaugh and his crew dominate everyone they play on the field, that much is true. Strength of schedule? That could dampen their ranking at one point. But barring anything unforeseen, Michigan should be one of, if not the top team should it win out.
3. Ohio State
Ohio State saw the return of TreVeyon Henderson to its backfield and it couldn’t have gone better. He ran for 162 yards and a touchdown in the 24-10 victory in Madison.
The Buckeyes couldn’t run away from the Badgers, but they controlled the pace throughout. Despite two interceptions, Kyle McCord still threw for 226 yards and two scores. Everyone’s still gearing up for the game against Michigan. It’s projected to be an undefeated clash.
4. Florida State
Florida State rolled to a 41-16 win over Wake Forest, pretty much no contest. The Seminoles look like one of the best teams in the country at the moment.
Jordan Travis had another average day at the office, you know, 359 yards and three touchdowns. Keon Coleman reeled in seven catches for 66 yards and two touchdowns, including a one-hander in the end zone.
5. Washington
This is the second straight week Washington avoided a scare against a Pac-12 opponent. At least this time the Huskies put up points but it still came down to the wire on the road against Stanford.
Michael Penix Jr. threw for 369 yards, four touchdowns and one interception in the 42-33 win over the Cardinal. A late fourth down stop from the Huskies’ defense clinched the victory and allowed Washington to get a little breathing room.
6. Oregon (+2)
Welcome back to the forefront Oregon. A stifling defense and an explosive offense is a recipe for success and it worked against Utah, one of the tougher opponents on the schedule.
Utah’s depth was truly tested and it did not pass, even at home. The Ducks swarmed the Utes from the get-go and never looked back en route to a 35-6 victory to improve to 7-1.
7. Texas
Even without Quinn Ewers, Texas breathed a sigh of relief in its 35-6 win over BYU. Maalik Murphy was solid in his starting debut, throwing for 170 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Now it’s a question of how much longer will he have to perform before Ewers’ return?
Jonathan Brooks took some pressure off with 98 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Now at 7-1, Texas kept its CFP and Big 12 title hopes alive, while a rival came back down to Earth. It was a good weekend for the people in Austin.
8. Alabama (+1)
Alabama was off the weekend to get rested up for the LSU game at home this coming weekend. The Crimson Tide might as well be called silent assassins since we don’t talk about them as much this year. Something like that.
They steadily moved up week-to-week following that loss to Texas at home earlier this season. Nick Saban and company will just watch the chaos ensue around them.
9. Penn State (+1)
It wasn’t pretty, but Penn State got back in the win column with a 33-24 win over Indiana. It was tight until the Nittany Lions started to pull away late against the Hoosiers.
Drew Allar threw for 210 yards, three touchdowns and one interception while the run game picked it back up. Kaytron Allen had 81 yards while Nick Singleton found the end zone. But right now, Penn State is on the outside looking in within the Big Ten.
10. Oklahoma (-4)
The Sooners’ luck ran out this week after a close win over UCF. Kansas knocked them off from the ranks of the unbeaten and now there are questions of Oklahoma missing out on the top four.
Brent Venables and company dropped this one 38-33 despite a 21-17 lead at halftime. Giving up 12 fourth quarter points was not ideal. The College Football Playoff chances took a huge hit after this one.
Rest of AP Poll Top 25
11. Ole Miss (+1)
12. Notre Dame (+2)
13. LSU (+2)
14. Missouri (+2)
15. Louisville (+3)
16. Oregon State (-5)
17. Air Force (+2)
18. Utah (-5)
19. Tennessee (+2)
20. UCLA (+3)
21. Tulane (+1)
22. Kansas
23. James Madison (+2)
24. USC
25. Kansas State
Others receiving votes: Oklahoma St. 77, North Carolina 54, Liberty 47, Fresno St. 16, Miami 11, Arizona 6, Toledo 3, Rutgers 2.
So with another week in the books, the next time we look at this poll, it’ll be November. Hopefully that doesn’t scare you like Halloween.