USA Today Coaches Poll Top 25 released after Week 9 of college football

The latest USA Today Coaches Poll Top 25 is in after another banner week in college football and Week 9 did not disappoint.

We saw teams make big statements at this point of the regular season and saw some upsets along the way. That included another unbeaten falling from the ranks.

Let’s dive into the latest rankings from the USA Today Coaches Poll as Week 9 goes into the rearview mirror.

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.

Don’t worry about any close contest. The Bulldogs rolled through the Gators and were really in no danger. Carson Beck threw for 315 yards and two touchdowns.

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.

Jim Harbaugh and his crew dominate everyone they play, that much is true. Strength of schedule? Meh, that’s up for debate to see how truly good it is by season’s end.

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.

4. Florida State

No issues here for Florida State as the Seminoles rolled to a 41-16 win over Wake Forest to improve to 8-0. This is the coaches poll, but FSU is firmly in that CFP race.

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.

Michael Penix Jr. threw for 369 yards, four touchdowns and one interception in the 42-33 win. A late fourth down stop from the Huskies’ defense clinched the victory and allowed Washington to get a little breathing room.

6. Texas (+1)

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.

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.

7. 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.

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.

8. Alabama

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.

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.

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.

10. Ole Miss (+1)

Quietly, and we mean quietly, Ole Miss is 7-1 and creeping up the rankings. Yes, the Rebels beat SEC East bottom dweller Vanderbilt 33-7. But still, the only loss is to Alabama.

Jaxson Dart wasn’t overly impressive, but threw for 240 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Quinshon Judkins was a stud on the ground with 124 yards and two scores. Outside shot at the CFP?

Rest of Coaches Poll Top 25

11. Oklahoma (-5)
12. Notre Dame (+2)
13. LSU (+2)
14. Missouri (+2)
15. Louisville (+3)
16. Tennessee (+4)
17. Air Force (+2)
18. Utah (-5)
19. Oregon State (-7)
20. UCLA (+4)
21. Tulane (+2)
22. USC
23. Kansas (NR)
24. James Madison (+1)
25. North Carolina (-8)

Dropped out: No. 21 Duke

Others receiving votes: Kansas State 85; Oklahoma State 62; Fresno State 51; Miami (FL) 35; Duke 33; Iowa 20; Arizona 18; Liberty 15; SMU 6; Florida 3; UNLV 1; Toledo 1; Kentucky 1;

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.