Danny Kanell releases Top 12 ranking following Week 7

Week 7 didn’t disappoint. After one of the most action-packed weekends yet of the 2024 campaign, CBS Sports’ Danny Kanell released his latest Top 12 rankings.

He had no shortage of jaw-dropping results to consider. On Saturday, seven teams ranked in the AP Top 25 either won in OT, by two points or by one point. Moreover, three ranked teams lost this past weekend.

With so many excellent teams to discuss, let’s dive into Kanell’s latest rankings.

1. Texas Longhorns

On Saturday, Texas asserted its dominance in the Red River Rivalry with a 34-3 blowout win over Oklahoma. It was Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers‘ first game back after missing two games due to an abdominal injury he suffered against UTSA.

After shaking off some early signs of rust, Ewers had a stellar performance, completing 20-of-his-29 passes for 199 yards and one touchdown while throwing one interception, as well. Now boasting wins over Oklahoma and Michigan, the Longhorns will square off against Georgia in Week 8.

2. Oregon Ducks

If there was any doubt whether Oregon belonged in the Big Ten, there isn’t anymore. On Saturday, the Ducks hosted a party in Autzen Stadium as they defeated Ohio State in stunning 32-31 fashion.

It was one of the best games of the year, with seven total lead changes occurring. Oregon head coach Dan Lanning left no stone unturned, pulling out trick plays and loopholes alike in the victory.

3. Penn State Nittany Lions

Penn State maintained its flawless record with a narrow 33-30 win over USC on Saturday. It was a comeback effort for the Nittany Lions, who trailed the Trojans 20-6 at halftime.

Penn State tight end Tyler Warren stole the show, amassing 17 catches for 224 yards and a touchdown. Warren’s 17 receptions tied the FBS single-game record. Penn State quarterback Drew Allar also had a career day, tallying 391 passing yards and two touchdowns.

4. Miami Hurricanes

Miami enjoyed a well-earned bye this week after jumpstarting its season with six straight wins. Most recently, Miami rallied from a 25-point deficit to defeat California in Week 6.

As usual, Miami QB Cam Ward was spectacular, racking up 437 passing yards and two TDs in the win compared to just one interception. As of this report, Ward boasts the second-most passing yards in the country and is tied for the most passing touchdowns.

5. BYU Cougars

BYU continues to turn heads this season, handily defeating Arizona 41-19 on Saturday. The team’s 6-0 record is the best start to a season at BYU since 2020. Further, it’s a complete turnaround from last season when the Cougars weren’t even bowl-eligible.

BYU’s defense was fantastic against Arizona, squeezing four turnovers out of the Wildcats, including three interceptions. It’s nothing new for the Cougars, who have 10 interceptions this season, tied for the fifth-most in the country.

6. Iowa State Cyclones

As the only other undefeated team left in the Big 12, Iowa State landed at No. 6 in Kanell’s rankings. On Saturday, the Cyclones picked up a pivotal 28-16 win against West Virginia, who was coming off a dominant Week 6 victory over Oklahoma State.

It’s the first time Oklahoma State has begun a season 6-0 since 1938. Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht completed 18-of-his-26 pass attempts in the win for 265 yards and a score. Meanwhile, running back Carson Hansen added 96 yards on the ground to the Cyclones’ winning effort.

7. Pittsburgh Panthers

Despite only improving to No. 20 in the AP Top 25 this week, Kanell believes Pittsburgh belongs among the top ranks of the college football landscape. Nobody is yet to prove otherwise. The Panthers are 6-0 this season after defeating California 15-17 on Saturday.

California had no answers for Pitt’s defense, which collected six sacks in the win. The Panthers needed each one, with their offense only recording 277 total yards in the win. For reference, Pittsburgh entered Saturday averaging over 500 yards per game.

8. Indiana Hoosiers

Pittsburgh isn’t the only surprise this season. Indiana is 6-0 for the first time since 1967. In the preseason media poll, Indiana was chosen to finish second from last in the Big Ten, only edging out Purdue. Instead, the Hoosiers are tied for first place in the conference standings.

Indiana didn’t play this week but secured a convincing 41-24 win over Northwestern in Week 6. Hoosiers QB Kurtis Rourke had an excellent performance, completing 25-of-33 passes for 380 yards and three touchdowns without throwing an interception.

9. Georgia Bulldogs

Georgia didn’t put any concerns about its defensive weaknesses to rest this week after defeating Mississippi State 41-31. MSU’s 31 points are the most they’ve scored this season against a Power Four opponent.

Nonetheless, it was important for Georgia to get a win under its belt after its lackluster performance against Alabama in Week 6. Quarterback Carson Beck particularly thrived, exploding for 459 passing yards and three touchdowns despite throwing two picks.

10. Clemson Tigers

Seven weeks into the season, Clemson looks like one of Miami’s only real threats for the ACC crown. On Saturday, the Tigers extended their win streak to five games, defeating Wake Forest 49-14.

Clemson QB Cade Klubnik pieced together another impressive performance, totaling 309 passing yards and three touchdowns in the win while throwing zero interceptions. Clemson’s defense was stout as well, holding Wake Forest to 271 yards and picking off the Demon Deacons twice.

11. Ohio State Buckeyes

Kanell was harsh on Ohio State for its 32-31 loss to Oregon but the Buckeyes’ season is far from over. Ohio State was seconds away from kicking in a game-winning field goal but missed the opportunity when quarterback Will Howard accidentally ran out the game clock.

Nonetheless, Ohio State’s performance was far from disappointing. The Buckeyes erupted for 467 total yards of offense, highlighted by freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith‘s 100 receiving yards.

12. SMU Mustangs

SMU is making waves in its debut campaign in the ACC. The Mustangs had a bye this week but fans haven’t forgotten their shocking 34-27 win over Louisville in Week 6, improving their ACC record to 2-0.

In the win, SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings was a two-headed monster, notching 281 yards through the air and 113 yards on the ground. SMU’s defense also held its own, recording three sacks and an interception against the Cardinals.