College Football Rankings: ESPN shakes up Top 25 after Week 2
ESPN’s latest college football rankings are here and there were some shake ups in the top 25.
The cream of the crop got changed a little bit and there were some new schools welcomed to the rankings. It’s been quite the turnover in the first two weeks.
Let’s dive into ESPN’s updated college football top 25 rankings following Week 2.
1. Georgia
It should be no surprise Georgia topped ESPN’s power rankings after two weeks. This is simply the best team in college football.
The Bulldogs dismantled Clemson and Tennessee Tech back to back weeks. Carson Beck and Trevor Etienne firmly balance out the offense and the whole team gets a test this coming weekend against Kentucky.
2. Texas (+1)
The Longhorns moved up in ESPN’s rankings following the domination in Ann Arbor. Quinn Ewers was efficient, the run game was balanced and the defense made life miserable for the Wolverines.
Davis Warren fired two interceptions to the Longhorns’ defense and this game was out of reach before too long. This is firmly a national title contender.
3. Ohio State (-1)
Back to back blowouts to open the season for the Buckeyes. That was probably expected if we’re being perfectly honest.
ESPN’s rankings dropped Ohio State one spot this week likely only due to Texas’ win at Michigan. Otherwise, it was a complete performance in a 56-0 win over Western Michigan.
4. Ole Miss (+3)
Ole Miss moved up in ESPN’s rankings despite not being truly tested through two games. Still, the Rebels have been absolutely dominant in all facets of the game.
Jaxson Dart completed 24 straight passes and Henry Parrish Jr. had 165 yards and four touchdowns. So yeah, it was that kind of night in a 52-3 rout of Middle Tennessee.
5. Tennessee (+7)
Tennessee was expected to have a tight game against NC State. Yeah, that didn’t happen at all now did it?
Nico Iamaleava threw for 211 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 65 and another score. With the 51-10 win, Tennessee vaulted up big time in ESPN’s rankings. This team is for real.
6. Miami (+3)
The Hurricanes also moved up in ESPN’s rankings with another dominating win. It wasn’t a team from the SEC, it was Florida A&M, beating them down 56-9.
They were simply overmatched as Miami showed off Cam Ward and Xavier Restrepo. They’re quickly becoming one of the best duos in college football.
7. Alabama (-3)
Alabama got the win over South Florida, 42-16, but it was a little deceiving. The Crimson Tide dropped in ESPN’s rankings because at one point, it was a sloppy 21-16 lead before the explosive fourth quarter.
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The run game struggled a bit without tackle Kadyn Proctor in the game due to injury. However, there likely won’t be too much stock taken out of this game. Onto the next one.
8. USC (+5)
USC didn’t play down to the competition this weekend, beating Utah State 48-0 in a lopsided affair. ESPN rewarded the Trojans by putting them in the top 10 of the rankings.
Lincoln Riley might be unfair when it comes to coaching quarterbacks, compared to other coaches. They’re just so good. Miller Moss was solid again and the defense limited Utah State to 190 yards. Look out folks.
9. Penn State (-3)
The Nittany Lions nearly coughed one up against Bowling Green following a huge win at West Virginia to open the season. ESPN penalized them by dropping them three spots in the rankings.
The defense was the story in the 34-27 win Saturday. Penn State settled down and forced three punts and had two interceptions to mount a comeback.
10. Missouri (+1)
Welcome to the top 10 of ESPN’s rankings Missouri! Back to back shutouts highlight the Tigers’ schedule so far, albeit not against top tier competition.
Still, Brady Cook was solid but hasn’t really uncorked the ball yet to Luther Burden and Theo Wease Jr. Give it time though and you’ll see how fun this team is later in the year.
ESPN College Football Top 25 Rankings
11. Oregon (-3)
12. Utah (+3)
13. Oklahoma State (+3)
14. Kansas State (+3)
15. Michigan (-5)
16. Oklahoma (-1)
17. Arizona (+3)
18. Louisville (NR)
19. Clemson (+5)
20. LSU (-2)
21. Notre Dame (-16)
22. Nebraska (NR)
23. Iowa State (NR)
24. Memphis (NR)
25. Illinois (NR)
ESPN’s rankings, like others, will vary week to week. With four new teams in within the bottom half, it’ll be bonkers to see these after Week 3.